JP2007160564A - Liquid container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out indication at a position where a user can easily see by obviating the need of electric wires that may possibly degrade the user's visibility or operability in a construction that a notice in relation to a condition of an ink tank such as a residual quantity of ink is provided by a light emitting section such as an LED. <P>SOLUTION: The light emitting section (101) is separated from an indicator section (122) for indicating information by projecting a light, and a light guide section (121) for optically coupling them to each other is provided to this liquid container. As a result, it is unnecessary to provide electric wires on the ink tank and it is possible to place the light source and the indicator section to optimum positions, respectively, and then it is possible to secure freedom of placing the indicator section at a position where a user has good visibility. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid storage container, and more particularly, to a liquid storage container used in a configuration in which notification regarding the state of the liquid storage container, such as the remaining amount of ink in an ink tank used in ink jet recording, is performed by light emitting means such as an LED. is there.

  In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras and the like, applications in which a digital camera and a printer as a recording apparatus are directly connected without using a personal computer (PC) (non-PC recording. Particularly, a form in which a digital camera is directly connected) Is sometimes called "camera direct printing"). Further, a card type information storage medium, which is an information storage medium detachably used in a digital camera, is directly attached to a printer for data transfer and printing (non-PC recording. Particularly called “card direct printing”) .) Is also increasing. In addition, so-called multi-function printers having a copying function that integrates a printer and a scanner without using a PC and also have the direct printing function described above are rapidly spreading in the market.

  In an inkjet printer, for example, the user may want to know information regarding the state of each ink tank, such as the ink tank mounting state and the ink remaining amount, or it may be desirable for the user to recognize the information. For example, if the user knows that the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank is low, by replacing the ink tank with a new ink tank in advance before starting recording, the recording medium is wasted due to an insufficient amount of ink during recording. This is because it is possible to prevent a situation in which recording becomes substantially impossible due to the situation.

  Conventionally, such information is transferred to a PC connected to a printer and displayed on a PC monitor to notify the user. On the other hand, when performing non-PC recording, it is conceivable that a display is provided in the printer body to display such information. However, providing a display not only increases costs and increases the size of the printer, but also affects the design of the printer and so on, so providing a display is not always preferable. Moreover, even if a display is provided, the user may not be able to grasp the state of the ink tank clearly at a glance by visually recognizing it.

  Conventionally, a configuration using a display element such as an LED is known as a configuration for notifying the user of the state of the ink tank. Patent Document 1 describes that two LEDs are provided in an ink tank integrated with a recording head, and these LEDs are lit according to the remaining ink level in two stages. More specifically, means for counting the number of energizations of the ink-jet head in an ink cartridge in which the ink-jet head and the ink tank are integrated, means for storing the count value, and when the accumulated value of the count value reaches the near-end determination value A near-end display LED that illuminates and an ink end LED that illuminates when the ink end determination value is reached are employed to inform the user of the state of the ink tank.

  Similarly, Patent Document 2 describes that an ink tank or a carriage on which the ink tank is mounted is provided with a lamp that lights up in accordance with the remaining amount of ink. Further, this document also discloses that each of the four ink tanks used in the recording apparatus is provided with the lamp.

On the other hand, due to the demand for higher image quality, lighter colors such as light magenta and light cyan have been used for the conventional four colors (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan), and red and green. The use of so-called special color inks such as blue has also been proposed. In such a case, 7 to 9 ink tanks are individually mounted on the ink jet printer. At that time, a mechanism for preventing the ink tank from being mounted at the wrong mounting position is required. In Patent Document 3, when the ink tank is mounted on the carriage, the shape of the engagement between the carriage mounting portion and the ink tank is different for each ink tank, so that the ink tank is mounted at an incorrect position. A configuration that prevents this is disclosed.
JP-A-4-275156 JP 2002-301829 A JP 2001-253087 A

  Patent Document 1 described above describes a configuration of an ink cartridge in which a display LED is attached to a printed circuit board (PC board) for electrical communication with a printer main body. However, in such a configuration, in order to arrange the LED at a position that is easy for the user to visually recognize, it is necessary to arrange the PC board at the same time, and the PC board is also provided with an electrical connection portion that performs electrical communication with the printer body. Since this is necessary, there is a problem that the degree of freedom of these arrangements is restricted. Although it is conceivable to provide a PC board having a large area to cover the preferred arrangement position of the electrical connection portion and the preferred arrangement position of the LED, the cost increases accordingly. Further, when the configuration described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a printer capable of mounting a plurality of independent ink tanks for each color, the ink tank mounting configuration with respect to the printer is limited, so that the substantial volume of the ink tank is reduced. There is a need to increase the size of the printer.

  On the other hand, in the ink tank described in Patent Document 2, there is a disclosure that the ink warning lamp is provided in a place where the user can easily recognize it, but a preferred configuration for supplying power and signals to the ink warning lamp is disclosed. Absent. From FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, it can be suggested that a conductor connecting the ink jet recording apparatus and the ink warning lamp is provided. However, the number of conductors corresponding to the number of ink warning lamps is required, and the wiring is complicated. Not only is the cost high, but there is a risk that the visibility of the lamp may be hindered by the wiring and its connecting portion. Further, FIGS. 6 and 7 of Patent Document 2 disclose a configuration in which an ink warning lamp is provided on a fixed lever that is a movable member operated to fix an ink tank on a carriage on which the ink tank is mounted. However, in such a case, the arrangement of the conductive wires is further complicated, the cost is increased, and the operability when attaching and detaching the ink tank may be reduced.

  These problems become more conspicuous because it is preferable to limit the display position that can be visually observed by the user to the operation unit or its vicinity when the ink tank is attached / detached with the recent miniaturization and multi-function of the printer. . In particular, since the display position is more limited in a multifunction printer in which a scanner is mounted on the upper part of the printer, there is a further demand for both visibility and operability.

  In addition, the display can be used not only for visual observation by the user but also for necessary control performed by the apparatus main body, and the present inventors also recognize the following problems in relation to this. did.

  Even when the ink tank is provided with a lamp as described in Patent Document 2 described above, when the main body side control unit identifies an ink tank that is recognized as having a low ink remaining amount, Ink tanks to be signaled for lamp lighting, etc. based on such recognition must be identified. For example, when the ink tank is mounted at the wrong position, there is a possibility that the ink tank in which the ink has not run out is erroneously displayed as no ink remaining. Therefore, in the light emission control of the indicator such as a lamp, it is necessary to specify the mounting position of the mounted ink tank as a precondition.

  As a configuration for specifying the mounting position of the ink tank, there is a configuration in which the mutual shape in which the mounting portion and the ink tank are engaged differs depending on the mounting position, as in Patent Document 3. However, in this case, in particular, it is necessary to manufacture an ink tank having a different shape for each color or type of ink, and in the situation where the number of ink colors or the number of ink tanks tends to increase as described above, the manufacturing efficiency is increased. And disadvantageous in terms of cost.

  Therefore, it is possible to individually control the light emission of LEDs or the like for a plurality of ink tanks, and to specify the position where the ink tank is mounted based on the output state of the light receiver fixed in the printer. In such a configuration, the LED of the ink tank has two functions: a function of emitting light to notify the user of the state, and a function of emitting light toward the light receiver to specify the mounting position of the ink tank. Will have.

  Here, since the user may view the display section of the ink tank in the printer from various directions depending on the arrangement of the printer, it is desirable to irradiate light as widely as possible. On the other hand, since the photoreceiver disposed in the printer is fixed in the printer, the positional relationship with the display unit of the ink tank at the time of detection is substantially determined. For this reason, it is desirable that the display unit irradiates the narrowest possible range within the mounting accuracy with which the light receiver is fixed to the printer, thereby increasing the density of the light amount and ensuring the light amount toward the light receiver stably. That is, the display unit is required to conflict with each other in order to satisfy the two functions.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to make a notification regarding the state of a liquid storage container with good visibility without compromising the user's operability with a simple configuration and low cost. To do.

  Another object of the present invention is to achieve both user visibility and stabilization of the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.

  Therefore, the present invention is a liquid storage container for storing a liquid used in an ink jet recording apparatus, a light emitting unit, a contact for receiving a signal for driving the light emitting unit from the ink jet recording apparatus, A light guide unit for guiding light from the light emitting unit to a display unit for displaying information by emitting light from the light emitting unit is provided.

  Here, the light guide part may have a part that bends the optical axis toward the display part. For example, this part is opposite to an end part of the light guide part that receives light from the light emitting part. It can be set as the inclined surface formed in the edge part of the side.

  In addition, the light guide unit includes a portion that emits light as the display unit. For example, this portion intersects a portion extending in a predetermined direction and a portion extending in a direction different from the direction. And have a combined shape. The inkjet recording apparatus includes means for relatively scanning the liquid storage container and a light receiving unit capable of receiving light emitted from the display unit, and the predetermined direction is the scanning direction. it can.

  The liquid storage container stores ink as the liquid, and the present invention resides in an ink jet recording apparatus capable of performing recording using the liquid storage container as an ink supply source.

  According to the present invention, the light source and the display unit are separated, and a light guide unit that performs optical connection between the two is provided in the liquid storage container. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a configuration in which the light emitting source and the display unit are individually arranged at the optimum positions without the need for wiring. In addition, it is possible to secure the degree of freedom of arrangement of the display unit at a position where the user visibility is good, and the user can easily view the light emission state to obtain predetermined information related to the liquid storage container. It becomes possible to recognize.

  In addition, the light emission direction can be controlled by bending the optical axis, for example, by reflecting the light on the inclined surface provided in the light guide, and the light is preferably guided to the display unit arranged at an appropriate position. It becomes possible.

  Further, the display unit has a shape that emits light and has a shape in which a portion extending in a predetermined direction and a portion extending in a direction different from the direction intersect and combined. It is possible to achieve both visibility and stabilization of the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.

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

1. 1. First Embodiment 1.1 Description of First Embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3)
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C are a side view, a front view, and a bottom view, respectively, of an ink tank that is a liquid storage container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the front surface of the ink tank refers to a surface that enables operations (such as attachment / detachment operations) and provision of information to the user (emission of light from a display unit described later) by facing the user. .

  In FIG. 1, an ink tank 1 of the present embodiment has a support member 3 supported at the lower part on the front side. The support member 3 is formed of a resin integrally with the exterior of the ink tank 1 and is configured to be displaceable around the supported portion when performing a mounting operation to a tank holder, which will be described later. On the back side and the front side of the ink tank 1, a first engaging portion 5 and a second engaging portion 6 (in this example, integrated with the support member 3) that can engage with a locking portion on the tank holder side, respectively. These are engaged, and the mounting state of the ink tank 1 to the tank holder is ensured. The operation at the time of mounting will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  An ink supply port 7 is provided on the bottom surface of the ink tank 1 to supply ink in combination with an ink introduction port of a recording head, which will be described later, when the ink tank 1 is attached to the tank holder. A base is provided on the bottom surface side of the support portion of the support member 3 at a portion where the bottom surface and the front surface intersect. Although the shape of the substrate may be a chip shape or a plate shape, the substrate 100 will be described below.

  With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A to 3D, the configuration and functions of the main part of the present embodiment will be described. Here, FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic side views for explaining the outline of the functions of the light guide unit and the like arranged in the ink tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the main parts thereof. Enlarged views and FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side view and a front view, respectively, showing an example of the control board 100 attached to the ink tank according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 3C and 3D are a side view and a front view showing another example of the control board 100.

  First, as shown in FIG. 2A, an ink tank is provided to the first locking portion 155 and the second locking portion 156 of the holder 150 integrated with the recording head unit 105 including the recording head 105 ′. When the first engaging portion 5 and the second engaging portion 6 are engaged, the ink tank 1 is mounted on the holder 150 and fixed. At this time, a contact (hereinafter referred to as a connector) 152 provided on the holder 150 and an electrode pad 102 as a contact provided on the surface of the ink tank located toward the outside of the substrate 100 (FIG. 3 ( b)) are in contact with each other and electrical connection becomes possible.

  The interior of the ink tank 1 is divided into an ink storage chamber 11 located on the front side and a negative pressure generating member storage chamber (not shown) located on the back side and communicating with the ink supply port 7. It is connected. While the ink I is stored in the ink storage chamber 11 as it is, the negative pressure generating member storage chamber has an ink absorber such as a sponge or a fiber assembly impregnated and held therein (hereinafter referred to as a porous member for convenience). ) Is provided. This porous member is sufficient to balance the holding force of the meniscus formed in the ink discharge nozzle portion of the print head and prevent ink leakage from the ink discharge portion, and enables the ink discharge operation of the print head. This is for generating an appropriate negative pressure within a certain range.

  The internal configuration of the ink tank 1 is not limited to the form divided into such a porous member storage chamber and a storage chamber for storing ink as they are. For example, the porous member may be filled in substantially the entire interior space of the ink tank. Also, instead of using a porous member as the negative pressure generating means, ink is directly filled into a bag-shaped member formed of an elastic material such as rubber that generates tension in the direction of expanding the volume, and this bag-shaped member A negative pressure may be applied to the ink inside by the generated tension. Furthermore, at least a part of the ink storage space is formed of a flexible member, and only ink is stored in the space, and a negative pressure is generated by applying a spring force to the flexible member. It may be a thing.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a light emitting unit 101 that generates visible light, such as an LED, is provided on the surface of the substrate 100 that is located toward the inside of the ink tank 1, and a control that controls the light emitting unit. The control element 103 controls light emission of the light emitting unit 101 by an electrical signal supplied from the connector 152 via the pad 102.

  3A and 3B show a state in which the control element 103 is mounted on the substrate 100 and then covered with a protective sealant. Also, when a memory element that stores information such as the color of ink stored in the ink tank and the ink remaining amount is mounted, it can be mounted at the same position and covered with a sealant. . Further, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, a control element 104 in a package form may be mounted. According to this configuration, since the light emitting element and the control element can be simultaneously mounted on the substrate, the manufacturing process can be simplified.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a light guide part 121 for guiding light is erected from a portion facing the light emitting part 101 at a distance from the front side wall surface of the ink tank exterior. The front end portion is a display portion 122 that is preferably provided for visual observation by the user. Here, in order to suppress the attenuation of the amount of light when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 is projected onto the light guide unit 121, the substrate 100 is arranged such that the light emitting unit 101 faces the vicinity of the light incident surface 123 of the light guide unit 121. (FIG. 2B).

  Thus, by separating the light emitting unit and the display unit and providing the ink tank 101 with the light guide unit 121 that performs optical connection between the two, the power supply unit and the signal transmission / reception unit that impair visibility and operability are provided. A configuration in which the light emitting unit 101 and the display unit 122 are individually arranged at optimum positions without requiring wiring or the like can be obtained at low cost. Thereby, the freedom degree of arrangement | positioning of the display part 122 to a position with favorable user visibility can be ensured, and a user recognizes the predetermined | prescribed information which concerns on the ink tank 1 by visually observing the light emission state. It becomes possible to do. In addition, if the light guide unit 121 is formed integrally with the exterior of the ink tank 1, the manufacturing cost is not significantly increased.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the light guide unit 121 is disposed so that a space having an air layer is interposed between the front wall of the ink tank exterior forming the ink storage chamber 11. Although it is conceivable to integrate the light guide part with the front wall of the ink tank exterior, that is, the front wall of the ink tank exterior may also be used as the light guide part. Thus, light can be efficiently guided to the display unit 122. This point will be described.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the light guide unit 121 is integral with the exterior of the ink storage chamber 11, but is independent from the front wall. That is, in the configuration of the present embodiment, an air layer exists between the light guide unit 121 and the ink storage chamber 11. Note that the exterior of the ink tank is formed of polypropylene. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, if the light guide unit 121 is integrally molded with the exterior of the ink storage chamber 11, the material is also polypropylene.

  In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 enters the light guide unit 121 from the light incident surface 123 which is the end surface of the light guide unit 121, and the light guide unit It passes through 121 and reaches a display unit 122 that displays light to the user. Since the light emitting unit 101 employs visible light as described above and is diffused light, it has a plurality of light beams as indicated by arrows A1 to A3.

Here, regarding the light guide part 121 of the embodiment, it is assumed that the refractive index of polypropylene is 1.49 (= n1). Also, since the refractive index of air is 1.00 (= n2), the critical refraction angle from polypropylene to air in this example is Snell's law. N1 · sin θ1 = n2 · sin θ2
Therefore, it becomes about 43 °.

  Therefore, a light beam having an incident angle θ of 43 ° or more at point (i) in FIG. 2B is totally reflected at the interface between polypropylene (light guide portion 121) and air, as indicated by arrows A1 and A3. The light reaches the display unit 122 while repeating total reflection in the light guide unit 121. In addition, light rays having an incident angle θ1 of 43 ° or less are transmitted to the air and do not reach the display unit 122.

  The predetermined information of the ink tank (liquid storage container) 1 described above refers to whether or not the ink tank 1 is mounted (that is, whether or not the mounting is complete) and whether or not the mounting position is appropriate (corresponding to the ink color). Whether or not it is correctly installed at a predetermined mounting position on the holder), and whether or not there is a remaining amount of ink (whether or not a sufficient amount of ink remains). Such information can be presented by (blinking).

1.2 Modification (FIGS. 4 to 8)
The above-described configuration is merely an example, and appropriate modifications can be made as long as the light emitting unit 101 can also be used to present predetermined information regarding the ink tank 1 to the recording apparatus and the user. This section describes some of them.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic side view for explaining a modification of the first embodiment. In this example, the light guide 121 ′ is integrated with the front wall forming the ink storage chamber 11. In this example, the amount of light reaching the display unit 122 is reduced as compared with the first embodiment in which a space is provided between the light guide unit 121 and the ink storage chamber 11 described above. On the other hand, it is effective in that the ink tank can be made compact or the ink storage efficiency can be improved.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic side view for explaining another modification of the first embodiment. In this example, the light guide unit 121 is formed of a separate member from the exterior of the ink tank 1 and then assembled together. In this embodiment, a more appropriate material can be selected for the material of each member. For example, as the material of the light guide unit 121, a material having a high refractive index capable of guiding light emitted from the light emitting unit more efficiently, that is, a polycarbonate or acrylic having a large difference from the refractive index with air is selected. On the other hand, as the material for the exterior of the ink tank 1, for example, polypropylene or the like that has a high suppression effect on the evaporation of the ink I contained therein can be selected. In addition, since both can be formed of different materials, the material of the ink tank 1 does not need to be limited to a transparent material, and can be appropriately selected.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic side view for explaining another modification of the first embodiment. In this example, the shape of the display unit 122 located at the tip of the light guide unit 121 is made into a substantially hemispherical shape, and the surface is roughened so that light is preferably scattered. In this embodiment, since the light beam guided by the light guide unit 121 is diffused by the display unit, the amount of light is attenuated, but light can be emitted from a display unit at a wide angle. Thereby, the angle (range) which a user can visually recognize becomes wide, and visibility improves further.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic side views for explaining still another modification of the first embodiment. In this example, the light guide unit 121, the support member 3, and the portion to which the substrate 100 is attached are integrated into a single member 131, and the member 131 is separate from the member that forms the exterior of the ink tank 1. ing. In this way, as in the example of FIG. 5, it is possible to select a material suitable for each of the member that forms the exterior of the ink tank and the member that forms the light guide. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the member 131 to which the substrate 100 is attached is separable. By doing so, after all the ink I in the ink tank 1 is used up, a new one is created. The member 131 can be attached to a new ink tank and reused. Thereby, since the board | substrate 100 and the light emission part 101 which are comparatively expensive components can be reused, it becomes possible to contribute to reduction in running cost.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic side views for explaining a further modification of the first embodiment. In this example, the light guide unit 121 and the part to which the substrate 100 is attached are formed as an integral member 131 ′, and the member 131 ′ forms the exterior of the ink tank 1 and the member that forms the support member 3. It is a separate body. By doing in this way, the selectivity of material improves like the example of FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the member 131 ′ in which the light guide unit 121 and the pasting part of the substrate 100 are integrated can be separated and reused.

  In the first embodiment and the modified example, an air layer is provided between the ink storage chamber 11 and the light guide unit 121 to suppress attenuation of light incident from the light emitting unit 101 and to improve visibility. The object can also be achieved by inserting another member between the ink storage chamber 11 and the light guide unit 121.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic side view for explaining another modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a low refractive index member 108 having a refractive index lower than that of the light guide unit 121 is provided between the light guide unit 121 and the front side wall surface of the ink storage chamber 11 that stores the ink I. In addition, the light guide unit 121 of the present example is formed separately from the ink tank 1 and is made of polycarbonate having excellent light transmittance. The low refractive index member 108 is formed using polytetrafluoroethylene.

  Here, the refractive index of polycarbonate is 1.59, and the refractive index of polytetrafluoroethylene is 1.35. Therefore, since the critical refraction angle from the polycarbonate to the polytetrafluoroethylene is about 58 ° according to the Snell's law described above, the light rays emitted from the light emitting unit 101 are displayed with the incident angle of 58 ° to 90 °. The unit 122 is reached.

  In this example, instead of the low refractive index member 108, a reflective member formed of metal or the like may be employed. In the example using the difference in refractive index between the different types of resins as described above, light other than the total reflection condition is transmitted, and the total light amount is attenuated to some extent. Light incident from the surface 123 and reaching the reflecting member can be substantially completely reflected. This makes it possible to guide light more efficiently and improve visibility.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic side view for explaining still another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In this example, there is no low-refractive-index member 108 or the like as shown in FIG. 9 between the light guide unit 121 and the front side wall surface of the ink storage chamber 11 that stores the ink I. ing. However, in this example, the ink storage chamber 11 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene as in the low refractive index member 108 of FIG. 9, and the light guide 121 is made of polycarbonate. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 can be efficiently guided to the display unit 122 as in the example of FIG.

  Even in the various modified examples as described above, the light emitting unit and the display unit are separated, and the light guide unit 121 that performs optical connection therebetween is provided in the ink tank 101, thereby hindering visibility and operability between the two. Thus, it is possible to obtain a configuration in which the light emitting unit 142 and the display unit 122 are individually arranged at optimum positions without requiring power supply wiring and signal transmission / reception wiring. Accordingly, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the display unit 122 at a position where the user visibility is good can be secured, and the user can easily observe the light emission state to thereby obtain predetermined information related to the ink tank 1. Can be recognized.

  In addition, the modification of 1st Embodiment is not restricted to the above. Appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described examples, the light guide portion is formed of resin, and light is guided using the difference in refractive index between air or different materials, but an optical fiber composed of a core and a clad is used. You may apply. Moreover, you may employ | adopt the hollow member (stainless steel pipe etc.) which has an inner surface which reflects light instead of making a light guide part a solid member.

  Moreover, it is also possible to combine suitably embodiment mentioned above and its modification. For example, the processing of the surface of the display unit 122 described with reference to FIG. 6 can be applied to the first embodiment or other modifications.

  The same applies to a second embodiment, a third embodiment, or modifications thereof described later.

1.3 Ink tank mounting part (FIGS. 11 to 13)
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a recording head unit in which the ink tank according to the first embodiment is configured to be detachable. FIGS. 12A to 12C are views when the ink tank is attached to the recording head unit. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement. Note that the mounting portion described here can also be applied to each embodiment or modification described below.

  The recording head unit 105 generally includes a holder 150 that detachably holds a plurality (four in the figure) of ink tanks and a recording head 105 ′ (not shown in FIG. 11) disposed on the bottom side. . By mounting the ink tank on the holder 150, the ink introduction port 107 on the recording head side located at the bottom of the holder and the ink supply port 7 on the ink tank side are coupled to form an ink communication path therebetween.

  As the recording head 105 ′, an electrothermal conversion element is provided in a liquid path constituting a nozzle, and thermal energy is applied to the ink by applying an electric pulse serving as a recording signal to the ink, and the phase change of the ink at that time What uses the pressure at the time of the foaming (boiling) produced for ink discharge can be used. Then, contact is made between an electrical contact portion (not shown) for signal transmission provided on a carriage 205, which will be described later, and an electrical contact portion 157 on the recording head unit 105 side, and the recording head 105 ′ is connected via the wiring portion 158. The recording signal is transmitted to the electrothermal transducer driving circuit. A wiring part 159 extending from the electrical contact part 157 to the connector 152 is also extended.

  When the ink tank 1 is mounted on the recording head unit 105, the ink tank 1 is handled above the holder 150 (FIG. 12A), and the protruding first engaging portion 5 provided on the back side of the ink tank. Is placed on the bottom surface of the holder in a state of being inserted through a through-hole-shaped first locking portion 155 provided on the back side of the holder (FIG. 12B). In this state, when the upper end on the front side of the ink tank 1 is pushed down as indicated by an arrow P, the ink tank 1 moves in the direction of the arrow R with the engaging portions of the first engaging portion 5 and the first locking portion 155 as pivot points. It turns and the front side of the ink tank is displaced downward. In this process, while the side surface of the second engagement portion 6 provided on the support member 3 on the front side of the ink tank is pushed by the second locking portion 156 provided on the front side of the holder, the support member 3 also moves in the direction of the arrow Q. It will be displaced to.

  When the upper surface of the second engaging portion 6 reaches below the second engaging portion 156, the support member 3 is displaced in the Q ′ direction by its own elastic force, and the second engaging portion 6 becomes the second engaging portion. Locked by 156. In this state (FIG. 12C), the second locking portion 156 elastically biases the ink tank 1 in the horizontal direction via the support member 3, and the back surface of the ink tank 1 contacts the back surface of the holder 150. Touch. Further, the upward displacement of the ink tank 1 is suppressed by the first locking portion 155 engaged with the first engaging portion 5 and the second locking portion 156 engaged with the second engaging portion 6. This is a state where the ink tank 1 is completely installed, and at this time, the ink supply port 7 and the ink introduction port 107, the pad 102, and the connector 152 are joined.

  Compared to the operation of “lever”, in the process of the mounting operation as shown in FIG. 12B, the engaging portion of the first engaging portion 5 and the first locking portion 155 is a fulcrum, and the front side of the ink tank 1 is It will be a key point. The connecting portion of the ink supply port 7 and the ink introduction port 107 becomes an action point, which is located between the force point and the fulcrum, preferably near the fulcrum. Therefore, the ink supply port 7 is pressed against the ink introduction port 107 with a large force as the ink tank 1 rotates. In general, a relatively flexible elastic member such as a filter, an absorber, or a packing is disposed at the joint between the two for the purpose of ensuring ink communication and preventing ink leakage.

  Therefore, it is preferable in view of the arrangement purpose to adopt the arrangement and mounting operation as in this example and to elastically deform these members with a relatively large force. When the mounting operation is completed, the ink tank 1 is prevented from being lifted by the first locking portion 155 engaged with the first engaging portion 5 and the second locking portion 156 engaged with the second engaging portion 6. Therefore, since the restoration of the elastic members is suppressed, the members are held in an appropriately elastically deformed state.

  On the other hand, the pad 102 and the connector 152 as contacts are conductive members having relatively high rigidity such as metal, and good electrical connectivity should be ensured between them. On the other hand, abutting them with an excessive force is not preferable from the viewpoint of damage prevention and durability. In this example, first, the contact force is preferably made small by arranging them in a part as far as possible from the fulcrum, that is, in the vicinity of the front of the ink tank.

  In the present embodiment, the substrate 100 is disposed on a slope connecting the both surfaces at a portion where both the bottom surface and the front surface of the ink tank 1 intersect. Here, considering the balance of force only at the contact portion in a state where the pad 102 is in contact with the connector 152 immediately before the completion of mounting, the connector 152 is balanced with the mounting force acting downward in the vertical direction. The reaction force exerted on (vertical upward force) is a component of actual contact pressure between the connector 152 and the pad 102 (force in the direction perpendicular to the slope). Therefore, when the user depresses the ink tank toward the mounting completion position, the increase in the ink tank mounting force for electrical connection between the board and the connector is small, and the operability for the user may be significantly reduced. Absent.

  Further, when the ink tank 1 is pressed toward the mounting completion position (the position where the first engagement portion 5 and the first engagement portion 155 and the second engagement portion 6 and the second engagement portion 156 engage), The pressing force also generates a component force in a direction parallel to the plane of the substrate 100 (a force that causes the pad 102 to slide on the connector 152). Therefore, it is possible to obtain a mounting completion state in which good electrical connectivity between the two is ensured. Further, in this state, since the electrical connection portion is located at a high position from the bottom surface of the ink tank, there is very little possibility that leaked ink is transmitted.

  That is, the configuration and arrangement of the electrical connection portion as in this example is appropriate considering various points such as the magnitude of the ink tank mounting force, securing the electrical contact state, and protection from leaked ink. To get.

  The configuration of the attachment portion of the ink tank according to the first embodiment or the modification of the present invention is not limited to that shown in FIG.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another configuration example of a recording head unit that receives a supply of ink from an ink tank and executes a recording operation, and a carriage incorporating the same. FIG. It is a perspective view.

  The recording head unit 405 according to this example is different from the holder 150 as in the above example that fixes and holds the entire ink tank, as shown in FIG. 13A, a holder portion corresponding to the front side of the ink tank, and It does not have the 2nd latching | locking part and connector etc. which were arrange | positioned. Others are substantially the same as the above example. The ink introduction port 107 connected to the ink supply port 7 is provided on the bottom surface, the first locking portion 155 is provided on the back side, and the signal transmission is provided on the back surface. It has an electrical contact (not shown).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13B, the carriage 415 movable along the shaft 417 is connected to a lever 419 for mounting and fixing the recording head unit 405 and a recording head side electrical contact portion. In addition to the electrical contact portion 418, a holder portion corresponding to the configuration on the front side of the ink tank is provided. That is, the second locking portion 156, the connector 152, and the wiring portion 159 to the connector are disposed on the carriage side.

  In this configuration, if the recording head unit 405 is mounted on the carriage 415 as shown in FIG. 13B, the entire ink tank mounting portion is configured. That is, through the mounting operation similar to that in FIG. 12, the ink supply port 7 and the ink introduction port 107 are joined and the pad 102 and the connector 152 are connected to complete the mounting operation.

1.4 Recording device (FIGS. 14 to 15)
FIG. 14 is a view showing the appearance of the ink jet printer 200 that performs recording with the ink tank described above being installed, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which the main body cover 201 shown in FIG. 14 is opened. Note that the recording apparatus described here can also be applied to each embodiment or modification described below.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the printer 200 of this embodiment includes a main body cover 201 and other parts of the printer, such as a mechanism in which a carriage on which a recording head and an ink tank are mounted moves for scanning. A printer main body covered with a case portion, a paper discharge tray 203 provided on the front and back sides of the printer main body, and an automatic paper feeder (ASF) 202 are provided. An operation unit 213 including a display for displaying the status of the printer in both the closed state and the open state of the main body cover, a power switch, and a reset switch is provided.

  In the state in which the main body cover 201 is opened, as shown in FIG. 15, the user indicates the recording head unit 105 and the ink tanks 1K, 1Y, 1M, and 1C (hereinafter, these ink tanks are indicated by the same reference numeral “1”). It is possible to see the range of movement of the carriage 205 on which the carriage 205 is mounted and its surroundings. Actually, when the main body cover 201 is opened, a sequence in which the carriage 205 automatically moves to a substantially central position (hereinafter also referred to as “tank replacement position”) shown in FIG. Each ink tank can be exchanged.

  In the printer of this embodiment, the recording head unit 105 is provided with a recording head (not shown) in the form of a chip corresponding to each color ink. Scanning is performed, and recording is performed by ejecting ink onto the recording medium during this scanning. That is, the carriage 205 is slidably engaged with the guide shaft 207 extending in the moving direction, and can be moved as described above by the carriage motor and its transmission mechanism. In each of the recording heads corresponding to K, Y, M, and C inks, ink is ejected based on ejection data sent from the control circuit on the main body side via the flexible cable 206. Further, a paper feed mechanism such as a paper feed roller and a paper discharge roller is provided, and a recording medium (not shown) fed from the automatic paper feeder 202 can be conveyed to the paper discharge tray 203. The carriage 205 is detachably mounted with a recording head unit 105 integrally provided with an ink tank holder, and each ink tank 1 is detachably mounted on the recording head unit 105.

  During the recording operation, the recording head is scanned by the above movement, and ink is ejected from the respective recording heads to the recording medium during that time to correspond to the ejection port array range (direction orthogonal to the recording head main scanning direction) in the recording head. In addition to recording in the effective width area, recording is performed sequentially on the recording medium by feeding a predetermined amount of paper of the width or less by the paper feed mechanism between this scan and the next scan. Go. Further, at the end of the moving range of the recording head by the carriage movement described above, a discharge recovery unit such as a cap that covers the surface of each recording head on which the discharge port is provided is provided. As a result, the recording head moves to a position where the recovery unit is provided at predetermined time intervals, and performs recovery processing such as preliminary ejection.

  As described above, the recording head unit 105 having the tank holder portion of each ink tank 1 is provided with a connector corresponding to each ink tank, and each connector is provided in the ink tank 1 to which the ink tank 1 is attached. In contact with the pad on the substrate. Thereby, it is possible to control lighting or blinking of each light emitting unit 101 according to a predetermined sequence executed by the recording apparatus. This makes it possible to notify information related to the state of the ink tank.

  Specifically, at the tank replacement position, when the ink remaining amount of each ink tank 1 is low, the light emitting unit 101 of the corresponding ink tank 1 is turned on or blinked, whereby the light guide unit 121 and This can be used for visual inspection by the user via the display unit 122. Further, as another example of control such as lighting of the light emitting unit, when the ink tank 1 is correctly mounted at the correct position at the tank replacement position, the light emitting unit 101 of the tank is turned on, thereby the light guide unit. It can also be provided to the user's eyes via 121 and the display unit 122. These controls are executed by sending control data (control signals) from the control circuit on the main body side to the respective ink tanks via the flexible cable 206 in the same manner as the control of ink ejection of the recording head.

  Further, in the carriage movement range, a light receiving unit 210 having a light receiving element can be provided in the vicinity of the end opposite to the position where the recovery unit is provided. Accordingly, when the display unit 122 of each ink tank 1 passes through the light receiving unit as the carriage 205 moves, the light emitting unit 101 emits light, and the light is received through the light guide unit 121 and the display unit 122. The light can be received by the part. Based on the position of the carriage 205 when the light is received, it is possible to detect whether each ink tank 1 in the carriage 205 is mounted, whether it is mounted at the correct position, and the like. That is, the display unit 122 can be used not only for visual observation by the user but also for detection operation and control executed by the recording apparatus. A more preferable configuration for achieving both of these will be described in the third embodiment.

2. Second Embodiment (FIGS. 16 to 20)
In the above-described first embodiment and various modifications thereof, the display unit 122 is arranged on the upper end portion of the light guide unit 121 erected from the immediate vicinity of the light emitting unit 101. However, the display unit may be arranged at a position that is more easily viewed by the user. In this section, some of the embodiments for that purpose will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to corresponding portions of the respective components configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic side view for explaining the outline of the function of the light guide unit 321 disposed in the ink tank according to the embodiment. In this example, the light guide unit 321 that guides light from the light emitting unit 101 to the display unit 322 and makes the user recognize the light causes air to intervene between the front side wall surface of the ink storage chamber 11 that stores the ink I. In addition, the display unit 322 has a shape in which the vicinity of the tip thereof is curved so that the display unit 322 faces obliquely upward to the right in the drawing.

  With this configuration, as in the first embodiment, light can be guided to the display unit 322 while suppressing attenuation of light incident from the light emitting unit 101. Furthermore, since the light guide unit 321 is curved so that the display unit 322 faces obliquely upward to the right in the drawing, the visibility of the user can be further improved.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic side view showing a modification of the configuration of FIG. In this example, the light guide 321 has a curved shape, but its height is made lower than that in FIG. 16, and the end surface 310 of the operation member 3 </ b> M, which is the part operated by the user, particularly the user. It faces the back side. In the support member 3 of this example, at least the operation portion 3M is formed of a light transmissive member.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 17, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 is guided to the end surface 310 by the light guide unit 321, and is irradiated to the operation unit 3 </ b> M therefrom. Thereby, the operation part 3M of the support member 3 formed of the light transmissive member emits light. That is, in the case of this example, the operation unit 3M functions as a display unit for use by the user.

  In addition to the same effects as the first embodiment described above, this example also prompts the user to replace the ink tank, for example, because the operation unit 3M, which is a part operated by the user, emits light. In this case, the user can intuitively recognize the target ink tank and intuitively recognize the ink tank attachment / detachment operation portion (operation unit). In addition, in order to make it easier to visually recognize the light emission state of the operation unit 3M, a portion that scatters an appropriate amount of light may be added to the operation unit 3M.

  As described above, the bending of the optical axis for arranging the display unit at a preferable position is not necessarily limited to the form in which the light guide unit is curved. Examples thereof will be described below.

  18A, 18B, and 18C are a side view, a front view, and a bottom view, respectively, of an ink tank that is a liquid storage container according to another example of the second embodiment of the present invention. The standing portion is the same as that in each of the above examples, but the light guide portion 450 of this example is substantially upright without having a curved shape. An inclined surface 451 is formed at the upper end portion. The position of the inclined surface 451 is on the back surface side of the operation portion 3M of the support member 3, and the portion facing the back surface of the operation portion 3M is high and the portion facing the front surface of the ink storage chamber 11 is low. . Air is interposed between the light guide unit 450 and the front side wall surface of the ink tank 1. In addition, when the light guide unit 450 is integrally formed with the exterior of the ink tank 1, the whole may be formed of a light transmissive member.

  19A and 19B, the configuration and function of the light guide unit 450 of this example will be described. Here, FIG. 4A is a schematic side view for explaining the outline of the function of the light guide unit 450 of this example, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a main part thereof.

  As shown in these drawings, the light guide unit 450 is erected from a position where the bottom surface side end surface faces the light emitting unit 101. Therefore, when the light emitting unit 101 emits light, the light is guided from the bottom surface side end surface of the light guide unit 450 to the inclined surface 451 at the upper end, reflected by the inclined surface 451, and irradiated to the operation unit 3M. That is, also in the configuration of this example, similarly to the example of FIG. 17, the light of the light emitting unit 101 disposed on the bottom surface side of the ink tank 1 is guided to the operation unit 3M via the light guide unit 450, thereby allowing the user to operate It is possible to recognize predetermined information related to the ink tank 1 by viewing the portion 3M.

  A preferable positional relationship among the light guide unit 450, the inclined surface 451, and the light emitting unit 101 is as follows. That is, in order for the light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 to be guided to the inclined surface 451 by the light guide unit 450, the light emitting unit 101 faces the bottom surface side end surface of the light guide unit 450 and the optical axis 456 of the light guide unit 450. It is desirable from the viewpoint of guiding more light to be disposed on the projection plane of the cross section with respect to.

Further, in order to allow the light reflected by the inclined surface 451 to smoothly reach the operation unit 3M, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 451 with respect to the optical axis 456 is critical so that the light guided by the light guide unit 450 is totally reflected. It is desirable to set it above the corner. For example, when the light guide 450 formed integrally with the ink tank 1 is made of polypropylene and has a refractive index of 1.49, since the refractive index of air is 1, the total reflection condition is based on Snell's law. ,
1.49 sin θ = 1
sin θ = 1 / 1.49
θ ≒ 43 °
It becomes. That is, the inclination angle (= incident angle) θ with respect to the optical axis may be set to 43 ° or more. In this example, the inclination angle is set to 45 ° so that the total reflection condition is satisfied. Thereby, the light guided by the light guide unit 450 is totally reflected by the inclined surface 451 and is irradiated to the operation unit 3M, so that the visibility of the user is improved.

  20A and 20B are a side view and a front view of an ink tank according to a modification of the configuration shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C. In this example, the light guide unit 450 is configured by a member different from the ink tank 1. According to this configuration, it is possible to configure the ink tank 1 and the light guide unit 450 with suitable materials. Here, for example, when the ink tank 1 is not composed of a light transmissive member, an opening 32 is provided in a part of the operation unit 3M, and reflected light from the inclined surface 451 of the light guide unit 450 can be visually observed through the opening 32. What is necessary is just to comprise.

  In the example of FIG. 18 or FIG. 20, the angle of the inclined surface with respect to the optical axis guided by the light guide unit 450 (incident angle) and the angle reflected to the operation unit 3M (reflection angle) are the same. What is necessary is just to set, and it can set suitably in the range which satisfy | fills a total reflection condition according to the material etc. to be used.

  Moreover, in order to reflect light efficiently, an inclined surface may be comprised with a high refractive index member or a highly reflective member, for example, metal foil etc. may be affixed.

  Furthermore, instead of causing the operation unit 3M of the support member to function as a display unit, the light guide unit 450 is extended to a position higher than the operation unit as in FIG. The front position may be the display unit.

3. 3rd Embodiment (FIGS. 21-29)
Since the user may view the display unit of the ink tank in the printer from various directions depending on the arrangement of the printer or the like, it is desirable that the display unit emit light over a wide range as much as possible. On the other hand, the display unit is used not only for visual observation by the user, but also for ink tank detection operation and control executed by the recording apparatus. For this purpose, the light receiving unit as shown in FIG. 210 is provided.

  For example, when the carriage 205 is scanned with respect to the light receiving unit 210, each mounted ink tank or its display unit passes while sequentially facing the light receiving unit 210. In the process, it is possible to detect whether or not the ink tanks of the respective colors are attached to the parts that should be originally attached. That is, at a timing when a certain ink tank faces the light receiving portion 210, the light emitting portion of the ink tank storing the color ink that should be at the facing position is caused to emit light, and light is emitted from the display portion. If the light receiving unit 210 receives light at this time, it can be recognized that the ink tank is attached to the correct part, and if it does not receive light, it can be recognized that it is attached to the wrong part. In the latter case, for example, the recording operation is not permitted, the user is prompted to open the main body cover 201, and the light emitting unit or the display unit of the ink tank related to the erroneous mounting is flashed, thereby prompting the user to redo the mounting. be able to. This causes inconvenience that color reproduction is distorted due to erroneous mounting of the ink tank, and display is not performed for an ink tank having no remaining ink, but is displayed for an ink tank having a remaining amount. This prevents inconvenience.

  The light receiving unit 210 used for detection and control of such an ink tank is fixedly disposed in the apparatus with respect to the ink tank that is mounted on the carriage and scanned, so that the display of the ink tank is performed during the detection operation. The positional relationship with the part is constant. Therefore, unlike the case where the display unit is visually observed by the user, the light intensity is increased by emitting light in the narrowest possible range within the mounting accuracy when the light receiving unit is fixed to the recording apparatus. Therefore, it is required to stably secure the amount of light toward the light receiving unit.

  That is, the display unit is required to conflict with each other in order to satisfy the two functions. Therefore, in this section, examples of configurations that can achieve both user visibility and stabilization of the amount of light received by the light receiving unit will be described.

  21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are a side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a front view, respectively, of an ink tank that is a liquid container according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is. In these drawings, reference numeral 550 denotes a light guide portion (also referred to as a light guide rib) used in this example, and the bottom side end face is erected from a position facing the light emitting portion 101 as in the above examples. Yes.

  The shape and function of the light guide member of this example will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 (a), 22 (b) and FIG.

  FIG. 22A is a schematic view of the state in which a plurality of ink tanks 1 shown in FIGS. 21A to 21D are mounted on the recording apparatus as viewed from above, and in particular, a cyan tank 1C, a magenta tank 1M, and a yellow tank. This is focused on 1Y. Each ink tank is juxtaposed in the width direction of the ink tank, that is, in the moving direction (scanning direction) of the holder 150 or the carriage 205. FIG. 22B shows a state in which the ink tank group faces the lower side of the light receiving unit 210 (see FIG. 15) disposed in the printer by the movement of the carriage. The light guide unit 550 includes a part (part B) extending in the scanning direction (left and right direction on the paper surface; x direction) and a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction from the center part (see FIG. And a portion extending in the vertical direction (y direction) (portion A) has a substantially T-shape. That is, the light guide portion of this example is in the form of a prism having a substantially T-shaped cross section.

  FIG. 23 is a side view of the ink tank 1 described with reference to FIG. 22A. Light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 enters the light guide unit 550 and is guided as indicated by arrows as in the above examples. The inside of the light part 550 is guided, reaches the light guide part upper end part 552 as a display part, and shows a state in which the light is emitted from there. In this example, the light emitting unit 101 is arranged at a position facing the intersection of the part A and the part B constituting the substantially T shape at the bottom side end of the light guide unit 550, and emitted from the light emitting unit 101. The light is guided to part A and part B of the light guide 550.

  Here, the relative positional relationship between the light receiving unit 210 fixed in the recording apparatus and the ink tank may change due to the mounting tolerance at the time of mounting. That is, in FIG. 22B, a deviation may occur between the carriage scanning direction (x direction), the direction perpendicular to the carriage scanning direction (y direction), and the direction orthogonal to the drawing (hereinafter, z direction). However, in this example, it is possible to correctly perform the ink tank detection operation for determining whether the ink tank is attached or not and whether the attachment position is appropriate or not, while allowing the deviation in each direction depending on the shape of the light guide unit 550. Yes.

  First, since the shift in the z direction affects the change in the distance from the upper end 552, which is a display unit, to the light receiving unit 210, the detection intensity of the light emitted from the upper end 552 changes. However, by setting an appropriate threshold value so as to allow a change in the amount of light within a tolerance range, the displacement of the light receiving unit 210 in the z direction can be allowed and the ink tank detection operation can be performed correctly.

  Further, the deviation in the x direction is allowed by causing the light emitting unit 101 of the ink tank 1 to emit light and continuously receiving the light emitted from the upper end 552 by the light receiving unit 210 while scanning the carriage. Even if there is a shift in the light receiving portion in the x direction, the ink tank detection operation can be performed correctly if light emission or light reception is performed within a range commensurate with the shift. Further, since the amount of received light change curve of the light receiving unit 210 has a maximum value (peak value) due to the presence of the portion A, by knowing the detection time point, the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 101 for the subsequent detection operation can be determined. It is also possible to adjust and correct the deviation in the x direction.

  Furthermore, if the length of the portion A in the y direction is equal to or larger than the attachment position tolerance range of the light receiving unit 210 in the y direction, light from the upper end 552 can be received. As a result, displacement of the light receiving unit 210 in the y direction is allowed, and the ink tank detection operation can be performed correctly. Note that the shorter the length of the portion A, the higher the density of light emitted from the end of the light guide unit 550 and the greater the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 210. Ink tank detection operation can be performed. Therefore, the length of the portion A can be appropriately designed based on the mounting position tolerance of the light receiving unit 210 and the preferable amount of light received by the light receiving unit 210.

  On the other hand, as described above, the light guide upper end 552 serving as a display is provided to the user's eyes by turning on or blinking, for example, when the ink in the ink tank is low. Therefore, it is desirable to take a wide light emission region so that the user can visually recognize from various positions and angles. Therefore, by appropriately designing the size and shape of the portion B in addition to the portion A whose size and shape are mainly set to be preferable for the detection operation of the light receiving unit, it is possible to ensure a sufficient spread of the light emission region. it can. That is, the upper end portion 552 of the light guide 550 extends in the width direction of the ink tank 1 and can emit light widely in the width direction. Thereby, the area which a user can visually recognize is widened, and visibility can be ensured.

  In this example, the light guide portion is in the form of a prism having a substantially T-shaped cross section. However, a shape and size that can obtain preferable light emission at the upper end portion 552 that is a display portion is realized. If there is, the shape of the light guide part up to the upper end part 552 can be determined as appropriate. Also, the upper end portion may have a shape other than a substantially T-shape.

  The shape of the light guide unit 560 in FIG. 24 is a shape (B shape) extending in parallel with the scanning direction (left and right direction on the paper surface; x direction) and the vertical direction (up and down direction on the paper surface) as viewed from above (the vertical direction on the paper surface). It has a substantially cross shape in which shapes (A shape) extending in the y direction) are combined. Also in this shape, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the displacement in the y direction is the length of the shape (A shape) in which the light guide unit 560 extends perpendicular to the scanning direction (vertical direction on the paper surface). If there is a length equal to or greater than the attachment position tolerance range of the light receiving unit in the y direction, light can be received from the end of the light guide unit 560 within that range. As a result, the displacement of the light receiving unit 210 in the y direction is allowed and the position of the ink tank can be detected.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a state in which a plurality of ink tanks 1 adopting a light guide unit 560 having a shape different from the above example is mounted at least at the upper end 562, as viewed from above, and in particular, a cyan tank 1C, a magenta tank 1M, This is focused on the yellow tank 1Y. Further, the drawing shows a state where the light receiving portion is positioned on the upper end portion of the ink tank 1M for magenta ink.

  Here, the light guide portion 560 or the upper end portion 562 of the present example includes an arc-shaped portion (portion B) extending in the scanning direction (left and right direction on the paper; x direction) when viewed from above (the direction orthogonal to the drawing). , And a portion (portion A) extending in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction (vertical direction in the figure; y direction) from the central portion thereof has a substantially Y shape. Even with such a shape, as in the above example, the displacement of the light receiving unit 210 in the x, y, and z directions is allowed, and the detection operation of the ink tank 1 can be performed correctly. In addition, the dimensions and the like of each part can be appropriately determined in the same manner as in the above example in consideration of the operation of the light receiving unit and the visibility of the user.

  In the above-described third embodiment and various modifications thereof, the display unit is arranged on the upper end surface of the light guide unit that stands upright from the light emitting unit 101. However, as in the second embodiment, the display unit may be arranged at another position, and an example thereof will be described below.

  FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, and 26D are a side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a front view, respectively, of an ink tank that is a modification of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27A is a schematic view of the state in which a plurality of ink tanks 1 shown in FIGS. 26A to 26D are mounted on the printing apparatus as viewed from the front, and in particular, a cyan tank 1C, a magenta tank 1M, This is focused on the yellow tank 1Y. FIG. 27B shows a state in which the light receiving portion is located facing the display portion of the ink tank 1M for magenta ink in the arrangement of FIG. Further, FIG. 28 is a side view of the ink tank 1 for explaining the function of the light guide unit of this example.

  The shape of the light guide unit 580 in this example is the same as that in FIG. 22 when viewed from above, and is approximately T in which a portion B extending in the scanning direction and a portion extending in the direction perpendicular thereto are combined. It has a letter shape (FIG. 26B). Further, the light guide 580 of this example is provided with an inclined surface 582 similar to that of the example of FIG. 18, and a shape in which the light guide 580 is cut by the inclined surface 582 in FIG. 27A can be desired. . The shape is a combination of a portion E that extends in the scanning direction (x direction) when viewed from the front direction and a portion D that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction (vertical direction in FIG. 27A; z direction). It appears as an approximately T-shape.

  In FIG. 28, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 101 is incident on the light guide unit 580, guided inside the light guide unit 580 and reflected by the inclined surface 582 as indicated by an arrow 511, and from the front side of the ink tank. A state in which light is emitted forward (to the right in FIG. 28) is shown. Here, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 582 is preferably set to a critical angle or more so as to totally reflect the light guided by the light guide 580, as described above. For example, the light guide 580 is made of polypropylene. If so, the angle can be 45 °. Alternatively, in order to reflect light efficiently, the inclined surface may be composed of a high refractive index member or a high reflectance member. For example, a metal foil or the like may be attached to the inclined surface 582.

  In the case of this example, the light receiving unit 210 is arranged to receive the emitted light not in the upper direction (z direction) but in the front direction (y direction). Even in this case, as described above, the light receiving unit 210 may be displaced in the x, y, and z directions. However, in this example as well, it is possible to correctly perform the ink tank detection operation for determining whether the ink tank is attached or not and whether the attachment position is appropriate or not, while allowing the deviation in each direction depending on the shape of the light guide unit 580. is there.

  Here, the deviation in the y direction corresponds to the deviation in the z direction in the above example and affects the change in the distance from the light emission position to the light receiving unit 210, but is appropriate to allow the change in the light quantity within the tolerance range. This is allowed by setting a threshold value, and the ink tank detection operation can be performed correctly.

  Further, the deviation in the x direction is the same as the deviation in the x direction in the above example. The light emitting unit 101 of the ink tank 1 emits light, and the irradiation light of the upper end 552 is continuously emitted by the light receiving unit 210 while scanning the carriage. Allowed by receiving light.

  Further, the shift in the z direction corresponds to the shift in the y direction in the above example. Therefore, if the length in the z direction of the portion D when viewed from the front direction is equal to or larger than the attachment position tolerance range of the light receiving unit 210 in the z direction, light from the upper end 582 can be received and The deviation of the light receiving unit 210 is allowed, and the ink tank detection operation can be performed correctly.

  In addition, it is the same as that of the above-mentioned example that the dimension, shape, etc. of each part D and E can be defined so that it may become favorable for operation | movement of a light-receiving part and a user's visibility.

  Further, instead of using this portion as a display unit so that light is emitted from the front position above the light guide unit 580, the inclined surface 582 is behind the operation unit 3M of the support member 3 as shown in FIG. The operation unit 3M may function as a display unit as in the example of FIG. Alternatively, as in the example of FIG. 20, an opening may be provided in a part of the operation unit 3M so that the reflected light from the inclined surface 582 of the light guide unit 580 can be viewed through the opening.

4). Fourth Embodiment (FIGS. 30 and 32)
It is highly desirable that the user can accurately identify the ink tank that emits light from the display unit. Here, if the amount of emitted light is too small, visual recognition itself becomes difficult. On the other hand, if the amount of emitted light is too large, misidentification is likely to occur between adjacent ink tanks, which may make it difficult to accurately identify the ink tank. The same applies to the light receiving unit, and there is a possibility that light from an adjacent ink tank may be received instead of the ink tank of interest.

  Therefore, it is desirable to adopt a configuration in which the light emitted from the display unit preferably reaches both the user and the light receiving unit, and the configuration for that will be described below.

  FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an ink tank that is a liquid container according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 31A and 31B each show an example of a control board 100 attached to the ink tank. It is a side view and a front view. 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D are a side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a front view, respectively, of the ink tank of FIG. FIGS. 32E and 32F are a top view and a front view of the ink tank, respectively, with the lid member removed.

  This example has basically the same configuration as that shown in FIG. That is, the light guide part 580 having a substantially T-shaped cross section and the inclined surface 582 is erected from a portion facing the light emitting part 101, and is located on the upper front surface thereof (parts D and E in FIG. 27). This portion is used as the display portion 585 so that light is emitted from the corresponding portion). In this example, the emission light limiting member 21 is provided so as to face the display portion 585 and have a predetermined opening 21A and cover the peripheral portion of the display portion 585 to restrict the emission of light. Further, as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, on the surface of the substrate 100 located toward the inner side of the ink tank 2, a light emitting unit 101 that generates visible light typified by an LED and the like is provided. A resistor 104R that adjusts the current flowing to the light emitting unit, a control element 103 that controls the light emitting unit, and a capacitor 104C that stabilizes the voltage applied to the control element are provided. The control element 103 controls the light emission of the light emitting unit 101 by an electrical signal supplied via 102. Here, in FIG. 2B, the control element 103 has a form in which the control element 103 is covered with a protective sealant. However, in this embodiment, the control element 103 has a package form covered with, for example, a resin. ing. The resin package has a function of protecting the control element 103 as in the case of the sealant, but can be appropriately selected as long as it has an equivalent function. Similarly to FIG. 2B, a memory element for storing information such as ink color and ink remaining amount may be included in the package.

  Also, what is denoted by reference numeral 2 in FIG. 30 is a lid member that is attached to the upper surface of the ink tank 1 to cover the inside thereof and has an atmosphere communication port 20 that communicates the inside with the atmosphere. In this example, the outgoing light limiting member 21 may be formed of, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer so as to be fused and integrated with the lid member 2. Since the thermoplastic elastomer is a transparent material, it is colored in order to further reduce the emission of light from the peripheral portion, stabilize the light receiving operation at the light receiving unit 210 and improve the visibility of the user. It is also good. Alternatively, a material other than an elastomer can be used, or it can be integrally molded as the same material as the lid member 2. Here, if the lid member 2 is formed of a transparent member, light may be generated by providing an uneven shape on at least one surface of the front and back of the portion forming the outgoing light limiting member 21 or by performing a blasting process. May be limited.

  The configuration and function of the main part of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIGS. 33A and 33B are a schematic side view and a front view for explaining the outline of functions of the light guide unit and the like arranged in the ink tank of FIG. 30, and FIG. 33 (a), FIG. 33 (d) and FIG. 33 (e) are respectively a front view and a schematic side enlarged view showing an example of a comparative example of the ink tank according to the fourth embodiment. is there.

  As in the first embodiment, in the present embodiment, when the light guide 580 is formed of polypropylene having a refractive index of 1.49, light rays having an incident angle of 43 ° or more are transmitted within the light guide 580. Total reflection is repeated at the interface between polypropylene (light guide 580) and air, and reaches the display 585. On the other hand, a light beam having an incident angle of 43 ° or less does not reach the display unit 585 as shown by an arrow A4, and is transmitted to the air on the way. Since the light emitting unit 101 employs visible light and is diffused light, the incident angle at the interface between polypropylene and air varies, and the light guide unit 580 can be displayed from other locations than the display unit 585. A smaller amount of light is emitted.

  As shown in FIG. 33 (c), in this embodiment, the support member operation unit 3M is knurled. Further, in FIG. 33 (e), which is a comparative example, the support member operation unit 3M is not processed by knurling or the like, and is configured by a single curved surface. Since the exterior of the ink tank 1, the support member 3, and the light guide unit 580 are integrally configured, the light emitted from a place other than the display unit 585 of the light guide unit 580 described above is used as the exterior and support member 3. Re-enter, pass through the interior, and re-emerge to the outside (air). The arrows shown in FIGS. 33 (c) and 33 (e) indicate light rays incident on and re-emitted from the support member operation unit 3M. In the present embodiment (FIG. 33 (c)), the light once incident on the support member operation unit 3M is subjected to two total reflections (θ = 45 °) on the surface on which the knurling process is performed, and the incident side. Is emitted. On the other hand, in the comparative example (FIG. 33 (e), since the knurling process is not performed as described above, the incident angle is about 0 °, and the light is transmitted without being totally reflected. ), The curved surface is knurled, and the incident angle does not satisfy the total reflection condition (43 ° or more) on all surfaces. As shown in the figure, the incident light is not completely horizontal as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 33B and 33D, in the comparative example, the shape of the light guide unit 580 is projected onto the support member operation unit 3M (586), and the contrast with the display unit 585 is weakened. However, in this embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the support member operation unit 3M is suppressed, the contrast with the display unit 585 is kept strong, and the user's visibility is ensured. it can.

  According to the present embodiment, by appropriately limiting the emission of light from the display unit, it is possible to obtain a light amount that is preferable for both improving the visibility of the user and stabilizing the operation of the light receiving unit. In addition, the form of the light guide is not limited to the above, and may have a shape other than that shown in FIG. In addition, the display unit may be formed on the upper end surface of the light guide unit.

5. Others The basic idea of the present invention can be applied to an ink tank having no light emitting portion as in the above-described examples.

  FIGS. 34A to 34D are a front view, a partially broken side view, a bottom view, and a rear view, respectively, showing an example of an ink tank according to the embodiment. Here, the recording head 502 disposed on the bottom side of the ink tank 501 is electrically connected to a wiring portion 503 made of TAB or the like, and the electrical contact portion 504 of the wiring portion 503 on the back side of the ink tank 501. And is connected to the carriage-side electrical contact of the printer. A concave portion is provided on the front side of the ink tank 501, and a light guide portion 505 is provided. On the printer side, a light source 511 such as an LED is disposed at a position close to the incident surface 506 on the bottom surface side of the light guide unit 505 when the ink tank 501 is mounted. On the other hand, an inclined surface 507 is provided at an end of the light guide 505 on the top surface side, and a display unit 508 formed of a film or the like is provided so as to cover the inclined surface 507.

  The identification information of the ink tank 501 is held inside the recording head 502. When the ink tank 501 is attached to the printer, the identification information is read to the printer side via the wiring unit 503, and in the printer, Corresponding to the identification information of the ink tank 501, information relating to the ink tank is stored, and light emission control of the light source 511 is performed based on the stored information.

  Accordingly, light emitted from the light source enters the light guide 505 from the incident surface 506 and is guided from the bottom surface side to the top surface side. The light guided to the inclined surface 507 is reflected by the inclined surface 507 to the front side and irradiated to the display unit 508 disposed on the front side of the ink tank 501 so that the user can visually recognize the light. It becomes.

  In such a form, for example, when the ink in a certain ink tank runs out, the light guide unit incident surface 506 of the ink tank is set to face the light source 511, and the light source 511 emits light, thereby causing the display unit 508 to emit light. Notification can be performed via

  As described above, the present invention can also be applied to a configuration using an ink tank that is inseparably attached to a recording head. This is because even in such a configuration, if the mounting position is different, data of different colors may be received, or a desired recording quality may not be obtained because the order of color overlap is different from the design.

  Further, according to the present invention, an ink tank is attached to a fixed portion of the recording apparatus separately from the recording head mounted on the carriage, and the fixed ink tank and the recording head are connected via a flexible tube to supply ink. In the configuration employing the continuous supply method using the supply tube, any of the light guides described above can be applied to the fixed ink tank. In this case, for example, the fixed ink tank can be disposed in the scanning range of the carriage, and a light receiving unit used for detection or control on the apparatus side can be provided on the carriage.

  Further, such a configuration is not only based on a continuous supply method using a tube, but also includes a storage unit that stores a relatively small amount of ink in the recording head, and stores a relatively large amount of ink in the storage unit. It can also be applied to a system (intermittent supply system) in which a supply system is configured so that ink is intermittently supplied at an appropriate timing from a supply source (a fixed ink tank similar to the above). . As the mode, the ink supply system with the fixed ink tank is spatially connected only when ink is filled in the intermediate tank, or the communication structure is a valve or the like while adopting the tube communication structure. The tank may be configured so as to be fluidly insulated and connected between the two tanks by appropriately opening and closing.

  In addition, in each of the above-described examples, the embodiment using the ink tanks for each color of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black has been described. However, the color tone (color and density) or the number of ink tanks used is not limited to this. Of course. Further, in addition to those inks, a form using light color ink or special color inks such as red, green, and blue may be used. In particular, the greater the number of ink tanks, the more likely misinstallation occurs, and the ease of visibility and operability at the time of attachment / detachment is likely to be hindered by the wiring and its connecting parts. It can be said that it becomes. Although various embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that in the present invention, the above-described various embodiments can be appropriately combined.

(A), (b), and (c) are a side view, a front view, and a bottom view of the ink tank according to the first embodiment of the present invention, respectively. (A) And (b) is a typical side view for demonstrating the outline of functions, such as a light guide part arrange | positioned at the ink tank which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and its principal part enlarged view. (A) and (b) are a side view and a front view, respectively, showing an example of a control board attached to the ink tank according to the first embodiment, and (c) and (d) are other parts of the control board, respectively. It is the side view and front view which show the example. It is a typical side view for explaining the modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a typical side view for explaining other modifications of a 1st embodiment. It is a typical side view for explaining other modifications of a 1st embodiment. (A) And (b) is a typical side view for demonstrating the further modification of 1st Embodiment. (A) And (b) is a typical side view for demonstrating the further modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a typical side view for explaining another modification of a 1st embodiment. It is a typical side view for explaining another modification of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a recording head unit in which an ink tank according to the first embodiment is configured to be detachable. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of mounting | wearing a recording head unit with an ink tank. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another configuration example of a recording head unit that receives a supply of ink from an ink tank and executes a recording operation and a carriage incorporating the recording head unit, and FIG. . 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an ink jet printer that mounts an ink tank and performs recording. FIG. It is a perspective view which removes the main body cover and shows the recording device of FIG. It is a typical side view for demonstrating the outline of the function of the light guide part arrange | positioned at the ink tank which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a typical side view which shows the modification of FIG. (A), (b) and (c) are a side view, a front view and a bottom view of an ink tank which is a liquid storage container according to another example of the second embodiment of the present invention, respectively. (A) is a typical side view for explaining the outline of the function of the light guide part of FIG. 18 (a), and (b) is the principal part enlarged view. (A) And (b) is the side view and front view of the ink tank which concern on the modification of the structure of Fig.18 (a)-(c). (A), (b), (c) and (d) are a side view, a top view, a bottom view and a front view, respectively, of an ink tank which is a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment of the present invention. . (A) is a schematic view of a state in which a plurality of ink tanks 1 shown in FIGS. 21 (a) to (d) are mounted on the recording apparatus, as viewed from the top surface. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the state which opposes the downward direction of the light-receiving part distribute | arranged to. It is a typical side view for demonstrating the function of the light guide part of the ink tank demonstrated in Fig.22 (a). It is a typical top view for explaining other examples of the shape of a light guide part. It is a schematic top view for demonstrating the further another example of the shape of a light guide part. (A), (b), (c), and (d) are a side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a side view of an ink tank that is a modification of the embodiment shown in FIGS. It is a front view. (A) is a schematic view of a state in which a plurality of ink tanks 1 shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to (d) are mounted on the printing apparatus, as viewed from the front. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the state which opposes the light-receiving part distribute | arranged to FIG. It is a typical side view for demonstrating the mode of the light ray after light injects into the light guide part shown to Fig.26 (a), and is radiate | emitted. FIG. 27 is a schematic side view showing a modification of the ink tank shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the ink tank which is a liquid storage container which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (b) is the side view and front view which respectively show an example of the control board 100 attached to the ink tank of FIG. (A), (b), (c), and (d) are a side view, a top view, a bottom view, and a front view, respectively, of the ink tank of FIG. 30, and (e) and (f) are lid members, respectively. FIG. 2 is a top view and a front view of an ink tank shown with the detachment taken. (A) And (b) is a typical side view and a front view for explaining an outline of functions of a light guide unit and the like disposed in the ink tank of FIG. 30, and (c) is an enlarged view of a main part of (a). FIGS. 4D and 4E are an enlarged view of a main part of a front view and a schematic side view according to a comparative example of the configuration of FIG. (A), (b), (c) and (d) are respectively a front view, a partially broken side view, a bottom view and a rear view showing an example of an ink tank according to another embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1K, 1C, 1M, 1Y, 501 Ink tank 2 Lid member 3 Support member 3M Support member operation part 5 1st engagement part 6 2nd engagement part 7 Ink supply port 100 Board | substrate 101,601 Light emission part (LED)
104C Capacitor 104R Resistor 102 Pad (Contact terminal)
103 Control element (control unit)
105 Recording head unit 105 ′ Recording head 107 Ink introduction port 121, 321, 450, 550, 560, 580 Light guide unit 122, 322, 585 Display unit 150 Holder 152 Connector 155 First locking unit 156 Second locking unit 157 Electrical contact part 158, 159 Wiring part 201 Main body cover 206 Flexible cable 209 Encoder scale 210 Light receiving part

Claims (16)

  A liquid storage container for storing a liquid used in an ink jet recording apparatus, a light emitting part, a contact for receiving a signal for driving the light emitting part from the ink jet recording apparatus, and emitting light of the light emitting part A liquid storage container comprising a light guide unit for guiding light from the light emitting unit to a display unit for displaying information.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the light guide unit is disposed so as to form a space between the storage unit for storing the liquid and the light guide unit.   A member made of a material having a lower refractive index than the material forming the light guide unit or a reflection member that reflects light is interposed between the storage unit for storing the liquid and the light guide unit. The liquid container according to claim 1.   The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light guide portion is integrally formed with the storage portion by a transparent resin.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the light guide unit is detachably integrated with the storage unit.   6. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the light guide part has a part that bends the optical axis toward the display part.   The liquid container according to claim 6, wherein the portion that bends the optical axis is a curved portion of the light guide portion.   The portion for bending the optical axis is an inclined surface formed at an end opposite to an end of the light guide that receives light from the light emitting unit. Liquid storage container.   The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein the light guide unit includes a portion that emits light as the display unit.   The operation unit that accepts the mounting operation of the liquid storage container to the ink jet recording apparatus is located between the light emitting unit and the display unit in a direction in which light is emitted from the display unit, and has a plurality of different inclinations. The liquid container according to claim 9, further comprising a surface.   The said display part is provided in the said operation part, The said light guide part has a part which irradiates light to the said display part provided in the said operation part, The Claim 1 thru | or 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. The liquid container described.   The said light guide part has the shape which crossed and combined the part extended in a predetermined direction, and the part extended in the direction different from this direction, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 10 characterized by the above-mentioned. Liquid storage container according to crab.   The liquid container according to claim 11, wherein the light emitting portion can emit light facing the intersecting portion.   The inkjet recording apparatus includes means for relatively scanning the liquid storage container and a light receiving unit capable of receiving light emitted from the display unit, and the predetermined direction is the scanning direction. The liquid container according to claim 11.   The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein ink is stored as the liquid.   An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a light receiving portion that can face the display portion, and capable of recording using the liquid container according to claim 14 as an ink supply source.

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