JP2010012608A - Adaptor for ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use an ink cartridge as a common component regardless of the cartridge information. <P>SOLUTION: An adapter 27 is provided with a bridge portion 189. Cartridge information about an ink cartridge 25 which is mounted in a case 280 at a cartridge mounting portion 276 together with the adapter 27 is held in the bridge portion 189. The bridge portion 189 of the adapter 27 has a geometry which depends on the cartridge information. However, the ink cartridge 25 is a common component regardless of the cartridge information. In other words, the ink cartridge 25 can be used as a common component by using the adapter 27. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an adapter for an ink cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a cartridge mounting portion in which an ink cartridge is mounted.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as “recording apparatus”) that records an image on recording paper (recording medium) using ink is widely known. The recording apparatus includes an inkjet recording head. The recording head selectively ejects ink supplied to the recording head from the nozzles toward the recording paper. Thereby, an image is recorded on the recording paper. The recording apparatus includes a cartridge mounting unit in which ink cartridges of a plurality of colors are mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The ink cartridge is detachably provided on the cartridge mounting portion. By inserting the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion, the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, and the ink in the ink cartridge can be supplied to the recording head.

  Some of the recording apparatuses are provided with a function of acquiring cartridge information (for example, ink type and ink remaining amount) regarding the ink cartridge from the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting unit. For example, in Patent Document 2, the types and characteristics of the ink in the ink cartridge can be classified by changing the position of each flag of the flag member provided in the ink cartridge along the moving direction of the carriage. A possible recording device is disclosed. Further, as an example of the ink cartridge, Patent Document 3 discloses an ink cartridge that holds ink cartridge type information. The above function is realized by an optical sensor provided in the cartridge mounting portion optically detecting a detected portion provided in the ink cartridge and reading information held in the detected portion. Because such a function is provided, for example, when the ink amount is less than a predetermined amount or when the mounting position of the ink cartridge is different, this is displayed or the ink from the ink cartridge is displayed. The supply can be stopped.

JP 2007-144811 A JP-A-3-213349 JP-A-2005-28614

  However, when a method of reading cartridge information held in the detected portion by the optical sensor is used, the configuration of the detected portion is different if the cartridge information is different, and thus it is necessary to manufacture an ink cartridge for each cartridge information. For example, if the cartridge information is ink color information, an ink cartridge must be manufactured for each ink color. Further, if the cartridge information is information indicating the destination of the ink cartridge, such as domestic specifications or overseas specifications, the ink cartridge must be manufactured for each destination. That is, there is a problem that the ink cartridge cannot be used as a common component because the configuration of the detected part is different if the cartridge information is different.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an adapter for an ink cartridge capable of realizing common use of ink cartridges.

(1) The present invention is configured as an adapter for an ink cartridge that is detachable in a cartridge mounting portion in which the ink cartridge is mounted. The adapter is provided in the adapter main body and the adapter main body, and holds information on the ink cartridge mounted on the cartridge mounting portion together with the adapter main body, and the adapter main body is disposed at a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting portion. A blocking unit that enters the optical path of the optical sensor provided in the cartridge mounting unit and blocks the light.

  A cartridge mounting unit is mounted on the recording apparatus. The recording apparatus has a function of acquiring cartridge information relating to the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting unit. The cartridge information includes type information such as ink color and initial ink amount in the ink cartridge, the remaining amount of ink, the presence or absence of the ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion, and the like. Furthermore, information indicating the destination, such as domestic specifications or overseas specifications, also corresponds to cartridge information. The optical sensor is used as an application for realizing the above functions.

  The adapter of the present invention has a blocking unit that holds cartridge information. When the blocking unit enters the optical path of the optical sensor and the light is blocked, the recording apparatus acquires cartridge information based on the variation in the amount of light received when the light is blocked, and based on the cartridge information Various controls are performed such as stopping the supply of ink from the ink cartridge, stopping the operation of the entire printer, and displaying an error message. If there is an adapter configured in this way, it is not necessary to configure the ink cartridge to be different for each cartridge information. Therefore, even if the cartridge information is different, the ink cartridge can be shared.

(2) The adapter main body has an operation portion extending from the adapter main body in the first direction.

  Thus, the operator can easily attach the adapter to the cartridge mounting portion by operating the operation portion.

(3) The adapter body has an elastic member disposed between the adapter body and the first wall constituting the cartridge mounting portion in a state where the adapter body is disposed at the predetermined position.

  When the adapter of the present invention is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion, the elastic member is compressed. Therefore, the adapter can be easily taken out by the elastic force of the elastic member.

(4) The cartridge mounting portion has a needle-like member. The ink cartridge has an ink supply part that protrudes in a direction away from the wall surface that constitutes the ink cartridge and supplies the ink stored inside to the outside. In this case, the adapter main body includes a storage unit that can store at least a part of the ink cartridge that can be mounted on the cartridge mounting unit, and the ink supply unit when at least a part of the ink cartridge is stored in the storage unit. And a first opening for guiding the needle-like member.

(5) The cartridge mounting portion has a rod-shaped member. The ink cartridge protrudes in a direction away from the wall surface constituting the ink cartridge, and has an air communication portion for communicating an internal air layer with the air. In this case, it is preferable that the adapter main body has a second opening that guides the rod-shaped member to the atmosphere communication portion when at least a part of the ink cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

(6) The cartridge mounting unit includes a first optical sensor used for determining the type of the ink cartridge and a second optical sensor used for determining the presence or absence of the ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting unit. . In this case, it is preferable that the adapter main body includes a first blocking unit that enters the optical path of the first optical sensor and a second blocking unit that enters the optical path of the second optical sensor.

(7) The ink cartridge is provided in an ink chamber in which ink is accommodated and swingable in the ink chamber. When the ink in the ink chamber exceeds a predetermined amount, the first end is the first in the ink chamber. An arm member disposed at a second position where the first end is separated from the first position when the amount of ink in the ink chamber is less than a predetermined amount; and at least an outer wall of the ink cartridge, A light transmitting portion capable of transmitting light from the outside toward the first position. The first optical sensor detects an operation of the first end of the arm member through the light transmitting portion in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. In this case, it is preferable that the first blocking portion is disposed at a position corresponding to the light transmitting portion in a state where the adapter main body is disposed at a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting portion.

(8) Further, the present invention provides an adapter for an ink cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a cartridge mounting portion in which an ink cartridge is mounted. The adapter main body is provided in the adapter main body, and the adapter main body is provided in the cartridge mounting portion. And a blocking portion that enters the optical path of the optical sensor provided in the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is disposed at a predetermined position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to make an ink cartridge a common component regardless of cartridge information.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The following embodiments are merely examples in which the present invention is embodied, and the embodiments can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

<< First Embodiment >>
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Outline of Recording Device 250]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of the configuration and operation of an ink jet recording apparatus 250 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal mechanism of the recording apparatus 250.

  The recording apparatus 250 records a color image or a monochrome image on a recording sheet using a plurality of colors of ink, for example, four colors of ink of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (Bk). Is. As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 250 includes a paper feeding device 252, a transport device 253, a recording unit 254, and a cartridge mounting unit 276 (an example of the cartridge mounting unit of the present invention). The ink cartridge 25 (an example of the ink cartridge of the present invention) is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 276.

  A paper feed tray 257 is provided on the bottom surface of the recording apparatus 250. The recording paper loaded on the paper feed tray 257 is fed to the transport path 259 by the paper feed device 252 and then transported by the transport roller pair 261 and the transport roller pair 262 of the transport device 253.

  The recording sheet fed to the conveyance path 259 is conveyed toward the platen 264 by the conveyance roller pair 261. Above the platen 264, a carriage 266 that can reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. A recording head 272 is mounted on the carriage 266, and ink is selectively ejected from the recording head 272 toward the recording paper passing over the platen 264, thereby forming an image on the recording paper. Then, the recording sheet that has passed through the platen 264 is discharged to a discharge tray 258 provided on the most downstream side of the transport path 259 by the transport roller pair 262.

  The cartridge mounting portion 276 has four cases 280 corresponding to each color. The ink cartridge 25 is configured to be detachable from the cartridge mounting portion 276, that is, the corresponding case 280. The ink cartridge 25 contains ink inside. The ink cartridge 25 serves as an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 272. When the ink cartridge 25 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 276, ink can be supplied from the ink chamber 100 (an example of the ink chamber of the present invention) inside the ink cartridge 25 to the recording head 272 through the ink tube 278.

  In the present embodiment, the case 280 is configured such that the adapter 27 (an example of an adapter for an ink cartridge of the present invention, see FIG. 4) can be inserted, and the adapter 27 can be disposed in the back in the insertion direction. Yes. The adapter 27 will be described later.

[Ink cartridge 25]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the ink cartridge 25. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink cartridge 25 is configured as a substantially hexahedron having a flat shape. Specifically, the ink cartridge 25 is thin in the width direction (the direction of the arrow 31), and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the height direction (the direction of the arrow 32) and the depth direction (the direction of the arrow 33) are longer than the width direction 31. Is formed. The ink cartridge 25 is in the state shown in FIG. 2, that is, the lower surface in the drawing is the bottom wall, and the upper surface in the drawing is the upper wall, and the arrow with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 276 of the recording apparatus 250 It is inserted in a direction indicated by 30 (hereinafter referred to as “insertion direction 30”). In the present embodiment, in the ink cartridge 25, the front surface in the insertion direction 30 is the front wall 41, the rear surface in the insertion direction 30 is the rear wall 42, the vertically upper surface is the upper wall 43, and the vertically lower surface. The side surface is a lower wall 44. Further, two surfaces that are adjacent to the front wall 41, the rear wall 42, the upper wall 43, and the lower wall 44 and that face each other are referred to as a left side wall 45 and a right side wall 46, respectively. Here, when viewed from the front wall 41, the left side is the left side wall 45 and the right side is the right side wall 46. In the present embodiment, the pair of left side wall 45 and right side wall 46 has a maximum area in the ink cartridge 25.

  3A is a front view of the ink cartridge 25, and FIG. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the ink cartridge 25 is roughly divided into a frame 50, a film 60, an atmospheric communication portion 80 (an example of the atmospheric communication portion of the present invention), and an ink supply portion 90 (an ink supply of the present invention). Part), a detected part 140 (an example of a light transmission part of the present invention), a detected part 145, and an arm 70 (an example of an arm member of the present invention).

  The frame 50 is a member constituting the casing of the ink cartridge 25, and forms the four walls 41 to 44 of the ink cartridge 25. The frame 50 is made of a translucent transparent or translucent resin material. Examples of the resin material include polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The frame 50 is obtained by injection molding a resin material. Note that the frame 50 may be made of any material as long as at least the detected portion 140 has light transmission.

  The frame 50 has a structure having high rigidity in order to hold the outer shape of the ink cartridge 25 without being deformed even when a pressing force is applied from the outside. Specifically, the frame 50 is formed in an annular shape along the front wall 41, the upper wall 43, the rear wall 42, and the lower wall 44 that define the ink chamber 100 so that the ink chamber 100 is formed inside. ing.

  By forming the frame 50 in an annular shape, openings are formed on both side surfaces of the frame 50. A film 60 made of a transparent resin is attached to the edge of the opening by a known heat welding method. The opening of the frame 50 is closed by the film 60. As a result, the space surrounded by the frame 50 and the film 60 is partitioned as the ink chamber 100. Ink is stored in the ink chamber 100 thus partitioned. In this embodiment, the ink chamber 100 is formed by the frame 50 and the filter 60. However, for example, the ink chamber 100 can be formed inside the frame 50 by forming the frame 50 itself in a rectangular parallelepiped container shape. . Further, in order to reinforce both side walls 45 and 46 of the ink cartridge 25 and improve its rigidity, a resin cover (not shown) that covers the ink cartridge 25 from both side walls 45 and 46 may be provided. Good.

  A detected portion 140 is formed on the front wall 41 of the frame 50. The detected portion 140 is for optically detecting the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 100. The detected part 140 is formed integrally with the frame 50. Therefore, the detected part 140 is made of the same material as that of the frame 50, that is, a transparent or translucent resin material having optical transparency. Therefore, the detected part 140 can transmit light from the outside. Note that the detected portion 140 is irradiated with light by an optical sensor 230 (see FIG. 5) provided in the recording apparatus 250. The optical sensor 230 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element. In the present embodiment, when the light emitted from the light emitting element is applied to the side wall 140B of the detected portion 140 and the light is transmitted through the side wall 140B, the light is received by the light receiving element disposed on the opposite side. .

  The detected portion 140 is provided so as to project away from the front wall 41 in the vicinity of the middle stage of the front wall 41 of the ink cartridge 25. As shown in the figure, the detected portion 140 is partitioned by five substantially rectangular wall surfaces, and the inside is formed in a substantially box shape having a hollow shape. Specifically, the detected portion 140 includes a rectangular front wall 140A that is parallel to the front wall 41 and spaced apart from the front wall 41 by a predetermined distance, and a width direction of the front wall 140A. It is partitioned by a pair of side walls 140B including two sides, an upper wall 140C including the upper side of the front wall 140B, and a lower wall 140D (see FIG. 2) including the lower side of the front wall 140A. Note that the width of the front wall 140A (the dimension in the direction of arrow 31 in FIG. 3) is smaller than the width of the front wall 41.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, a space 142 surrounded by a front wall 140A, a side wall 140B, an upper wall 140C, and a lower wall 140D is formed in the detected portion 140. The space 142 continues to the ink chamber 100.

  An arm 70 is swingably provided in the ink chamber 100. The arm 70 is a member that can be displaced according to the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 100. An indicator portion 72 that enters the space 142 is provided at one end of the arm 70. A float portion 73 is provided at the other end of the arm 70. A shaft 66 is provided between the indicator portion 72 and the float portion 73. The shaft 66 is supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the frame 50. Thereby, the arm 70 can be rotated in the ink chamber 100.

  The arm 70 is made of a light shielding resin material. The arm 70 is obtained, for example, by injection molding a resin material. Examples of the resin material include nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate, polyolefin, and an acrylic resin to which carbon black is added. The arm 70 should just be comprised so that the light radiate | emitted from the light emitting element of the optical sensor 230 (refer FIG. 5) at least can be blocked (for example, intercepted or reflected). That is, the entire arm 70 does not necessarily have light shielding properties.

  For example, the float portion 73 is formed in a hollow shape and plays a role of a buoyancy body having buoyancy with respect to ink. Therefore, the float part 73 is displaced up and down according to the position of the ink liquid level. As a result, the arm 70 rotates about the shaft 66 according to the displacement of the float portion 73. As the arm 70 rotates, the indicator portion 72 of the arm 70 moves up and down.

  When a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 100, in the space 142, the indicator portion 72 is in the first position in contact with the lower wall 140D (the posture indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3B). Placed in. On the other hand, when the ink is consumed and becomes less than the predetermined amount, the float portion 73 descends, the indicator portion 72 moves away from the lower wall 140D, and moves upward to come into a second position where it contacts the upper wall 140C (FIG. 3 ( B) in a posture indicated by a broken line). Since the arm 70 operates as described above, the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 is determined by detecting the presence or absence of the indicator unit 72 in the space 142 by the optical sensor 230 (see FIG. 5) from the outside of the detected unit 140. Whether there is a certain amount can be detected.

  The detected portion 145 is disposed on the upper wall 43 of the ink cartridge 25. The detected portion 145 is used for detecting the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 25 in the cartridge mounting portion 276. The detected portion 145 is a portion that enters the optical path 236 (see FIG. 5) of the optical sensor 235 provided in the cartridge mounting portion 276 in the process in which the ink cartridge 25 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 276. The detected portion 145 is made of a material in which a color material is mixed into a resin so as not to transmit light. The detected portion 145 is configured as a flat rib extending on the upper wall 43 and extending in the insertion direction 30. When the ink cartridge 25 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 276, the detected portion 145 enters the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235 and blocks the optical path 236.

  An air communication part 80 is provided on the upper part of the ink cartridge 25. The atmospheric communication part 80 is provided above the front wall 41 of the frame 50, in other words, above the detected part 140. The air communication unit 80 includes a communication hole 81 for communicating the air layer in the ink chamber 100 and the outside of the ink cartridge 25, a cap 85, and a valve for closing or opening the communication hole 81. The cap 85 is provided on the front wall 41 as an accessory part of the ink cartridge 25. The cap 85 is provided on the front wall 41 so as to cover the communication hole 81 from the outside. Therefore, the cap 85 protrudes in a direction away from the front wall 41. As the valve, a valve mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-144811) and other known valve mechanisms can be applied. This valve closes the communication hole 81 when no external force is applied. In FIG. 3B, the detailed configuration of the valve is omitted, and only the rod-shaped pin 84 (one component of the valve) exposed to the outside from the ink chamber 100 is shown. The valve is configured such that when the pin 84 is pressed against the ink chamber 100, the valve is operated to open the communication hole 81.

  An ink supply unit 90 is provided below the ink cartridge 25. The ink supply unit 90 is provided below the front wall 41 of the ink cartridge 25, in other words, below the detected unit 140. The ink supply unit 90 includes a supply hole 91 for leading the ink in the ink chamber 100 to the outside, a cap 95, and a valve for closing or opening the supply hole 91. The cap 95 is provided on the front wall 41 as an accessory part of the ink cartridge 25. The cap 95 is provided on the front wall 41 so as to cover the supply hole 91 from the outside. Therefore, the cap 95 protrudes in a direction away from the front wall 41. As the valve, a well-known valve mechanism can be applied in the same manner as the valve of the atmospheric communication portion 80. This valve closes the supply hole 91 when no external force is applied. In FIG. 3B, the detailed structure of the valve is omitted. When an ink needle 285 (see FIG. 5; an example of a needle-like member of the present invention) described later is inserted into the supply hole 91, the recording head 272 (see FIG. 1) passes through the supply hole 91 and the ink needle 285 from the ink chamber 100. ) Can be supplied with ink.

[Adapter 27]
Next, the configuration of the adapter 27 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the adapter 27 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The adapter 27 is inserted into the case 280 of the cartridge mounting portion 276, and the optical sensor 230 (an example of the optical sensor of the present invention, an example of the first optical sensor) and the optical sensor 235 (of the present invention) provided in the cartridge mounting portion 276. This is used to realize a function of performing a predetermined process based on an output signal of an example of an optical sensor or a second optical sensor. The functions described above include cartridge information relating to the ink cartridge 25 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 276 (type information such as ink color and initial ink amount in the ink cartridge, remaining amount of ink, presence / absence of an ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting portion) , Domestic information or destination information such as overseas specifications). Such functions are well known and are described in detail in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-213349), Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-28614), and the like, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the adapter 27 includes a main body 36 (an example of an adapter main body of the present invention), a detected portion 186 (an example of a blocking unit of the present invention, an example of a second blocking unit) serving as a light irradiation surface, It has a notch 187, an opening 177 (an example of the second opening of the present invention), an opening 178 (an example of the first opening of the present invention), and an operation unit 169 (an example of the operation unit of the present invention).

  The main body 36 is formed in a box shape in which at least one surface that can accommodate a front portion (hereinafter referred to as “front portion”) 28 in the insertion direction 30 in the ink cartridge 25 is opened. Here, the front portion 28 is a portion closer to the front wall 41 than the surface indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The front part 28 is a part of the ink cartridge 25, and the front wall 41 of the ink cartridge 25 and each accessory part (atmospheric communication part 80, detected part 140, ink supply part 90) provided on the front wall 41. Including. In the present embodiment, the main body 36 is described as accommodating a part of the ink cartridge 25 (the front portion 28). However, the main body 36 is configured to accommodate the entire ink cartridge 25. Also good. Further, the main body 36 is not necessarily limited to one that houses at least a part of the ink cartridge 25. That is, the main body 36 may be configured not to accommodate the ink cartridge 25.

  The main body 36 is configured as a substantially hexahedron having a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the front portion 28. Specifically, the main body 36 includes a front wall 162 that faces the front wall of the front portion 28 (the front wall 41 of the ink cartridge 25), an upper wall 163 that faces the upper wall of the front portion 28, and the front portion 28. A lower wall 164 facing the lower wall, and a left side wall 165 and a right side wall 166 facing both side walls of the front portion 28 are provided. The internal space surrounded by the walls 162 to 166 is a housing space (an example of the housing portion of the present invention) that houses the front portion 28. The main body 36 has an opening 159. The opening 159 is formed on a side surface facing the front wall 162. The opening 159 is formed by an upper wall 163, a lower wall 164, and both side walls 165, 166. When the front portion 28 of the ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the accommodation space of the adapter 27 from the opening 159, the front portion 28 is accommodated in the accommodation space formed inside the main body 36.

  The upper wall 163, the left side wall 165, the right side wall 166, and the lower wall 164 extend from the front wall 162 in the direction of the arrow 33 of the ink cartridge 25 and cover the four side walls of the front portion 28. Therefore, when the front portion 28 of the ink cartridge 25 is accommodated in the accommodating space of the main body 36, the inner surface of each wall of the main body 36 becomes a guide surface that guides the front portion 28 in the accommodating direction. As a result, the ink cartridge 25 can smoothly enter the housing space of the main body 36.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the notch 187 is formed near the middle of the front wall 162. The notch 187 forms an opening (notch 190) for exposing the detected portion 140 to the outside of the main body 36 when the front portion 28 of the ink cartridge 25 is accommodated in the accommodating space of the main body 36. Therefore, the notch 187 is formed in a position, size, and shape corresponding to the front wall 140A and the side wall 140B of the detected portion 140. Specifically, the notch 187 is formed by cutting the side wall 165 and the side wall 166 into a rectangular shape from the front wall 162 side to the rear in the insertion direction 30.

  The detected portion 186 disposed on the upper wall 163 of the main body 36 is for determining whether or not the adapter 27 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 276. This is a part that enters the optical path 236 (see FIG. 5) of the optical sensor 235 provided in the cartridge mounting part 276 in the process of inserting the adapter 27 into the cartridge mounting part 276. The detected portion 186 is made of a material in which a color material is mixed into a resin so as not to transmit light. When the adapter 27 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 276 and the main body 36 is disposed at a predetermined position (for example, at the back of the case 280), the detected portion 186 enters the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235 and blocks the optical path 236. . The optical sensor 235 is connected to a control unit (not shown). This control unit determines that the adapter 27 has been inserted into the case 280 of the cartridge mounting unit 276 when the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the optical sensor 235 fluctuates and becomes lower than a predetermined value. The insertion detection unit 186 includes two flat ribs 192 and 193 that are erected on the upper wall 163 and extend in the insertion direction 30. A gap 194 is formed between the rib 192 and the rib 193. A portion of the upper wall 163 corresponding to the gap 194 is formed with a slit 195 cut out from the edge of the opening 159.

  The main body 36 is provided with a bridge portion 189 (an example of the blocking portion of the present invention, an example of a first blocking portion) that bridges the notch 187 in the vertical direction on the front wall 162 side. The bridge portion 189 is configured by a flat plate member. The bridge portion 189 and the notch 187 form a notch portion 190 that is a rectangular opening in a side view. The bridge portion 189 is made of a material in which a color material is mixed into a resin so as not to transmit light. In the process of inserting the adapter 27 into the cartridge mounting portion 276, the bridge portion 189 crosses the optical path 231 (see FIG. 5) of the optical sensor 230, and changes the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the optical sensor 230. When the main body 36 of the adapter 27 is disposed at a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting portion 276, the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 230 are disposed so as to face the notch 190. When light is emitted from the light emitting element in this state, the light passes through the notch 190.

  The cartridge information of the ink cartridge 25 can be acquired based on the amount of received light that varies as the bridge unit 189 crosses the optical path 231. For example, when the thickness of the bridge portion 189, that is, the dimension in the depth direction (the direction of the arrow 33) is varied for each cartridge information, the time for the bridge portion 189 to block light is different. This blocking time can be calculated by continuously measuring the amount of light received by the light receiving element of the optical sensor 230 by a control unit (not shown) and measuring the time of the portion where the light receiving level is low. If the thickness of the bridge portion 189 of the adapter 27 corresponding to the black ink cartridge is large and the thickness of the bridge portion 189 of the adapter 27 corresponding to the color ink cartridge is small, the black ink adapter 27 is mounted. If this is done, the blocking time is longer. Therefore, it is possible to identify whether the adapter 27 is for black ink or color ink by determining whether the blocking time is longer or shorter than a preset threshold value. In this sense, it can be said that the bridge unit 189 holds cartridge information.

  An opening 177 is provided in the upper part of the front wall 162. The opening 177 communicates with the accommodation space inside the main body 36. The opening 177 is formed at a position corresponding to the atmosphere communication portion 80. The opening 177 is formed in a size that allows the pressing portion 216 (see FIG. 5, an example of the rod-shaped member of the present invention) provided in the cartridge mounting portion 276 to be inserted. When the adapter 27 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 276, the pressing portion 216 is inserted through the opening 177.

  An opening 178 is provided in the lower portion of the front wall 162. The opening 178 is formed at a position corresponding to the ink supply unit 90. The opening 178 is formed in a size that allows the cap 95 of the ink supply unit 90 to be inserted. When the adapter 27 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 276, the ink needle 285 (see FIG. 5) is inserted through the opening 178.

  The operation unit 169 is provided in the lower part of the main body 36. The operation unit 169 is used to insert the adapter 27 into the case 280 of the cartridge mounting unit 176 and to remove the adapter 27 from the case 280.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the operation unit 169 is a rectangular bar-shaped member having a rectangular cross section. The width of the operation unit 169 is set to be smaller than the width of the main body 36 of the adapter 27. The operation unit 169 extends in a direction (corresponding to the first direction of the present invention) from the bottom wall 164 toward the opening 284 (see FIG. 5) in a state where the main body 36 is disposed at a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting unit 176. Has been. A handle 170 is provided at the extended end of the operation unit 169, that is, the end on the opening 284 side. The handle 170 is a part held by an operator's finger. In the present embodiment, the handle 170 is disposed at a position outside the opening 284 of the case 280 with the main body 36 of the adapter 27 disposed at a predetermined position of the case 280. That is, the length of the operation unit 169 in the longitudinal direction is set such that the handle 170 is disposed outside the case 280 in a state where the main body 36 is disposed at a predetermined position of the case 280.

  The handle 170 is formed higher in the height direction 32 than the body 171 at the tip of the body 171 of the operation unit 169. Specifically, the handle 170 has an upper surface flush with the upper surface of the body 171 of the operation unit 169, and the lower surface of the handle 170 is positioned below the lower surface of the body 171 of the operation unit 169. A step 173 is formed between the body 171 and the body 171. The step 173 contacts the end 289 (see FIG. 5) on the opening 284 side of the bottom surface 288 of the case 280 when the main body 36 of the adapter 27 is disposed at a predetermined position of the case 280. It should be noted that the thickness, width, length, etc. of the handle 170 and the body 171 of the operation unit 169 can be arbitrarily determined according to the size of the case 280, the ease of holding the handle 170, the required rigidity of the body 171, and the like. It is an element to be determined. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 169 is used, but a flat bar member, a round bar, or the like may be used instead of the operation unit 169. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 169 extends from the bottom wall 164 in a predetermined direction, but the base end of the operation unit 169 is not limited to the bottom wall 164. For example, the operation unit 169 may be extended from the side walls 165, 166 or the upper wall 163, and in this case, the mounting position where the tip of the operation unit 169 is in contact with the side portion or the upper portion of the cartridge 276, respectively. Is provided.

[Cartridge mounting portion 276]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the cartridge mounting portion 276 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the cartridge mounting portion 276.

  The cartridge mounting portion 276 is configured by arranging four cases 280 corresponding to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black in parallel.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the case 280 includes a case main body 281 and a lock lever 283. A housing chamber 282 is formed in the case main body 281. The storage chamber 282 is formed so that the ink cartridge 25 and the adapter 27 can be inserted therethrough. An opening 284 is provided on the front surface of the case main body 281. The ink cartridge 25 and the adapter 27 are inserted into the storage chamber 282 through the opening 284. When the ink cartridge 25 is mounted in the storage chamber 282, ink can be supplied from the ink cartridge 25 to the recording head 272. In the present embodiment, the adapter 27 is inserted into the storage chamber 282 from the opening 284 and disposed in the back of the storage chamber 282.

  An optical sensor 230 and an optical sensor 235 are provided on the back side of the storage chamber 282. In the present embodiment, a transmissive photo interrupter having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is used as the optical sensors 230 and 235. The light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. The optical sensors 230 and 235 are connected to a main control unit (not shown), and an electric signal output from the light receiving element in response to light from the light emitting element is output to the main control unit.

  The optical sensor 230 is provided on the wall surface 286 (an example of the first wall of the present invention) on the opposite side of the opening 284 among the wall surfaces constituting the case body 281. The optical sensor 230 is used for detecting whether or not the amount of ink in the ink cartridge 25 has reached a predetermined amount. An optical path 231 of light emitted from the light emitting element is formed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 230. The optical path 231 extends in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. The main control unit determines whether or not the remaining amount of ink has reached a predetermined amount based on the output signal (light reception amount) of the optical sensor 230 in a state where the detected portion 140 of the ink cartridge 25 is inserted in the optical path 231. To do. The determination result is output to a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or an indicator lamp provided in the recording apparatus 250.

  The optical sensor 235 is provided in the vicinity of the wall surface 286 of the wall surface 287 constituting the upper surface of the case body 281. The optical sensor 235 is used as an application for detecting the presence or absence of the ink cartridge 25 in the cartridge mounting portion 276. An optical path 236 (an optical path extending in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 5) is formed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 235. The main control unit determines whether or not the ink cartridge 25 is present based on the output signal (light reception amount) of the optical sensor 235 in a state where the detected portion 145 of the ink cartridge 25 is inserted in the optical path 236. Such a determination result is output to the display means.

  An ink needle 285 that can be connected to the supply hole 91 is provided below the wall surface 286 in the direction of gravity. The ink needle 285 is a tubular member that protrudes from the inner surface of the wall surface 286 toward the storage chamber 282. The ink needle 285 passes through the wall surface 286 and reaches from the inner surface of the storage chamber 282 to the back surface of the case main body 281. An ink tube 278 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the tip of the ink needle 285 exposed on the back surface of the case body 281. The ink needle 285 is provided at a position corresponding to the supply hole 91. When the ink cartridge 25 is accommodated in the case 280, the ink needle 285 is inserted into the supply hole 91. Thereby, the supply hole 91 and the ink needle 285 are connected, and the ink in the ink chamber 100 can be supplied to the outside through the ink needle 285 from the supply hole 91.

  A rod-shaped pressing portion 216 is provided on the upper surface of the wall surface 286 in the gravity direction. The pressing portion 216 is disposed on the wall surface 286 at a position corresponding to the atmosphere communication portion 80 of the ink cartridge 25. The pressing portion 216 is a protrusion-like member that protrudes from the wall surface 286 to the accommodation chamber 282 side. The pressing portion 216 is inserted into the opening 177 (see FIG. 5) in the process in which the adapter 27 is accommodated in the accommodating chamber 282, and the pin 84 is inserted in the process in which the ink cartridge 25 is accommodated following the adapter 27. Push into the ink chamber 100 side.

  The lock lever 283 is for opening and closing the opening 284 and for surely positioning the ink cartridge 25 in the storage chamber 282. The lock lever 283 is supported so as to be rotatable about a shaft 290 provided at the upper edge of the opening 284. The lock lever 283 is provided with an operation unit 293 and a claw 294. The operation unit 293 is provided on the rotating end side of the outer surface 297 of the lock lever 283. Further, the claw 294 is provided at the rotation end of the lock lever 283. A through hole 295 is formed in the lower part of the operation unit 293. As shown in FIG. 9, when the lock lever 283 is closed with respect to the opening 284, the handle 170 arranged outside enters the through hole 295. A groove 299 that engages with the claw 294 of the lock lever 283 is provided. A groove 299 that engages with a claw 294 provided on the lock lever 283 is provided at the lower edge of the opening 284.

  Hereinafter, the operation of inserting the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 into the case 280 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 13 are schematic cross-sectional views showing how the adapter 27 or the ink cartridge 25 is inserted into and removed from the case 280. FIG.

  The adapter 27 is disposed at a predetermined position in the case 280 in a state where the ink cartridge 25 is not attached to the case 280. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the operator inserts the main body 36 into the accommodation chamber 282 from the front wall 162 side through the opening 284 while holding the handle 170, and further inserts the handle 170 in the insertion direction 30. Push into. When the front wall 162 of the main body 36 contacts the wall surface 286 of the storage chamber 182, the arrangement of the adapter 27 in the case 280 is completed. In the state where the adapter 27 is inserted and the main body 36 is disposed at the back of the case 280 as shown in FIG. 7, the handle 170 is exposed to the outside through the opening 284.

  In a state where the adapter 27 is disposed in the back of the storage chamber 282, the detected portion 186 of the adapter 27 enters the optical path 236 of the optical sensor 235. At this time, if the optical sensor 235 is normal, the optical path 236 is blocked, so that a predetermined display is made on the display means of the recording apparatus 250. Therefore, the operator confirms the presence or absence of this display. Thus, it is possible to check whether the optical sensor 235 operates normally.

  In addition, the bridge portion 189 crosses the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230 in the process in which the adapter 27 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 282. At this time, since the optical path 231 is temporarily interrupted, a predetermined display is made on the display means of the recording apparatus 250. Therefore, the operator confirms the presence or absence of this display, so that the optical sensor 230 is normally operated. You can check if it works.

  When the adapter 27 is taken out, as shown in FIG. 8, when an operator pulls the handle 170 of the operation unit 169 with a finger and pulls out the operation unit 169 backward (right side in FIG. 8) in the insertion direction 30. The adapter 27 moves outside the opening 284. Thereby, the adapter 27 is easily taken out.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the storage chamber 282 in a state where the adapter 27 is disposed at the back of the storage chamber 282. The ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the storage chamber 282 from the front wall 41 side of the ink cartridge 25 through the opening 284. At this time, the ink cartridge 25 is inserted in the insertion direction 30 so as to slide on the upper surface of the body 171 of the operation unit 169. Then, when the ink cartridge 25 is pushed in the insertion direction 30 in the storage chamber 282, the front portion 28 of the ink cartridge 25 is guided to the upper surface of the body portion 171 as shown in FIG. It is accommodated in the accommodating space in the adapter 27 from the opening 159.

  In the process of moving the ink cartridge 25 forward in the insertion direction 30, the detected portion 145 of the ink cartridge 25 is disposed in the gap 194 through the slit 195. Further, the pressing portion 216 is inserted through the opening 177 and presses the pin 84 toward the ink chamber 100. As a result, the valve of the atmosphere communication unit 80 is opened, and the ink chamber 100 communicates with the outside. When the ink cartridge 25 further moves in the insertion direction 30, the cap 95 of the ink supply unit 90 is exposed to the outside of the front wall 162 of the main body 36 from the opening 178. Then, the ink needle 285 is inserted into the supply hole 91 so that the ink in the ink chamber 100 can be supplied to the outside. When the ink cartridge 25 is further inserted in the insertion direction and moved to the mounting position, the detected part 140 is exposed from the notch 190 and the detected part 140 enters the optical path 231 of the optical sensor 230. Then, the light emitted from the light emitting element of the optical sensor 230 passes through the optical path 231, passes through the notch 190, and is irradiated on the side wall 140 </ b> B of the detected part 140. When light passes through the space 142 inside the detected portion 140, the light is received by the light receiving element disposed on the opposite side. Of course, when the light is blocked by the indicator unit 72 (see FIG. 3B), the light does not reach the light receiving element.

  When the ink cartridge 25 is in the mounting position in the storage chamber 282 (see FIG. 10), the lock lever 283 is rotated in the direction to close the opening 284 and the lock lever 283 is completely closed with respect to the opening 284. As shown in FIG. 11, the claw 294 is fitted in the groove 299. At the same time, the handle 170 exposed from the opening 284 is inserted into the through hole 295. As a result, the lock lever 283 is locked with respect to the opening 284 and the opening 284 is closed by the lock lever 283. At this time, the rear wall 42 of the ink cartridge 25 is in contact with the inner surface 296 of the lock lever 283, and the state where the ink cartridge 25 is pressed in the insertion direction 30 with an appropriate force is maintained.

  When the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are removed from the case 280, as shown in FIG. 12, the engagement between the claws 294 and the groove 299 is released, the lock lever 283 is pulled up, and the opening 284 is opened. Grips the handle 170 of the operation unit 169 with a finger, and pulls out the operation unit 169 rearward in the insertion direction 30 (right side in FIG. 12). Then, the adapter 27 moves to the outside of the opening 284 together with the ink cartridge 25 while maintaining the state where the front portion 28 of the ink cartridge 25 is accommodated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the ink cartridge 25 is exposed to the outside of the case 280 from the opening 284 while being placed on the upper surface of the body portion 171 of the operation unit 169, and the operator together with the adapter 27 is exposed to the ink cartridge 25. Can be easily removed from the case 280.

[Effects of Embodiment]
As described above, in this embodiment, the ink cartridge 25 is configured as the common component regardless of the cartridge information because the adapter 27 includes the detected portion 186 and the bridge portion 189 that hold the cartridge information. Can do.

  In addition, since the adapter 27 is provided with the accommodation space and the openings 177 and 178, the ink cartridge 25 can be mounted in the case 280 while the adapter 27 is disposed in the case 280. When the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are attached to the case 280, when the operator holds the handle 170 and pulls out the operation unit 169 toward the opening 284, the ink cartridge 25 can be moved together with the adapter 27. The ink cartridge 25 can be moved outside the case 280 to a position where it can be easily taken out. Thereby, the operator can easily take out the ink cartridge 25 from the case 280 together with the adapter 27.

  In the present embodiment, when the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are attached to the case 280, the front portion 28 of the ink cartridge 25 is accommodated in the accommodation space of the adapter 27 in the case 280. For this reason, when the operation unit 169 is operated, the ink cartridge 25 is held by the adapter 27 and moves reliably and stably with the adapter 27 toward the opening 284.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that the adapter 107 shown in FIG. 16 is mounted on the case 280 of the cartridge mounting portion 276. In the second embodiment, the configuration other than the adapter 107 such as the cartridge mounting portion 276 and the ink cartridge 25 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. Accordingly, only the configuration of the adapter 107 will be described here, and the description of each configuration will be omitted by attaching the reference numerals assigned to the respective components of the first embodiment for the other configurations.

[Adapter 107]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the adapter 107 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the adapter 107 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a vertical cross-sectional structure of the adapter 107.

  The adapter 107 is different from the adapter 27 of the first embodiment described above in that the adapter 107 is provided with coil springs 109 and 110 (an example of the elastic member of the present invention).

  The coil springs 109 and 110 are provided on the front surface of the front wall 162 of the adapter 107. Specifically, the coil spring 109 is provided above the opening 177 in the gravity direction, and the coil spring 110 is provided below the opening 178 in the gravity direction. In the front wall 162, a spring accommodating chamber 112 that functions as a spring receiver is formed above the opening 177, and a spring accommodating chamber 113 that functions as a spring receiver is formed below the opening 178. The spring accommodating chambers 112 and 113 are substantially cylindrical holes drilled from the front surface of the front wall 162 to the inside of the adapter 107. The coil spring 109 is accommodated in the spring accommodating chamber 112, and the coil spring 110 is accommodated in the spring accommodating chamber 113. One end of each of the coil springs 109 and 110 is fixed at the bottom of the spring accommodating chambers 112 and 113. The coil springs 109 and 110 protrude from the front wall 162 to the outside in a state where no force is applied.

  Hereinafter, the operation of attaching and detaching the adapter 107 and the ink cartridge 25 to the case 280 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIGS. 16 to 18 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a process in which the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are attached to and detached from the case 280.

  First, the adapter 107 is inserted to the back of the accommodation chamber 282 of the case 280. When the adapter 27 reaches the back of the storage chamber 282, the coil springs 109 and 110 come into contact with the wall surface 286. When the adapter 107 is pushed in the insertion direction 30 against the elastic force (spring force) of the coil springs 109 and 110 in this state, the coil springs 109 and 110 are compressed and the adapter 107 moves in the insertion direction 30. When the force that presses the adapter 107 in the insertion direction 30 is loosened, the adapter 107 is returned to the rear of the insertion direction 30, that is, toward the opening 284 side by the elastic force of the coil springs 109 and 110.

  After the adapter 107 is inserted into the storage chamber 282, the ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the storage chamber 282 (see FIG. 16). In this state, when the lock lever 283 is rotated in a direction to close the opening 284, the inner surface 296 contacts the rear wall 42 of the ink cartridge 25 and presses the ink cartridge 25 in the insertion direction 30. Then, the adapter 107 is pressed in the insertion direction 30 by the ink cartridge 25. At this time, since the coil springs 109 and 110 are pressed while being in contact with the wall surface 286, the coil springs 109 and 110 are compressed against the elastic force. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the adapter 107 moves in the insertion direction 30, the detected part 186 enters the optical path 236, and the detected part 140 enters the optical path 231. Further, the pin 84 of the atmosphere communication unit 80 is pushed in by the pressing unit 216, and the ink needle 285 is connected to the ink supply unit 90.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the lock lever 283 is completely closed with respect to the opening 284 and the claw 294 is fitted in the groove 299, the lock lever 283 is locked with respect to the opening 284 and the opening 284. Is closed by the lock lever 283. At this time, the rear wall 42 of the ink cartridge 10 receives the elastic force of the coil springs 109 and 110 and is kept pressed by the inner surface 296 of the lock lever 283 with an appropriate force.

  When removing the ink cartridge 25 from the case 280, the engagement of the claw 294 and the groove 299 is released from the locked state shown in FIG. 18, and the lock lever 283 is pulled upward to open the opening 284. At this time, the ink cartridge 25 is pushed out in the insertion direction 30 together with the adapter 107 by the elastic force of the coil springs 109 and 110. As a result, the ink cartridge 25 is exposed to the outside from the opening 284, so that the operator can easily take out the ink cartridge 25 from the case 280.

  In the present embodiment, the coil springs 109 and 110 are provided on the front wall 162, but the number of coil springs, the elastic coefficient, and the like can be appropriately changed according to the required elastic force. Although the coil springs 109 and 110 are used as the elastic members, various spring members such as leaf springs can be applied instead of the coil springs 109 and 110. In addition, any member having elasticity such as rubber instead of the spring member can be applied.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the adapters 27 and 107 are first inserted into the case 280, and then the ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the case 280. The adapters 27 and 107 may be attached to the front portion 28, and the adapters 27 and 107 and the ink cartridge 25 may be inserted into the case 280 in an integrated state.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the detected unit 186 is used to determine whether or not the adapter 27 is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 276. The number of penetrating vertical slits corresponding to each piece of information is provided, and the amount of light received by the light receiving element varies when light passes or is blocked by the vertical slits. It is also possible to determine which cartridge information corresponds to the adapter 27 based on the amount of light received by the light receiving element at this time. In this case, it can be said that the detected part 186 holds cartridge information. The width and number of the vertical slits can be arbitrarily set according to the cartridge information.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the operation unit 169 is provided in the adapters 25 and 107. However, the operation unit 169 is for facilitating removal of the adapters 27 and 107. Arbitrary configuration. Therefore, the operation unit 169 is not necessarily provided in the adapters 27 and 107.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal mechanism of the recording apparatus 250. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the ink cartridge 25. 3A and 3B are schematic views schematically showing the front and vertical cross sections of the ink cartridge 25. FIG. 3A is a front view, and FIG. 3B is a vertical cross section. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the adapter 27 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the cartridge mounting portion 276. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how the adapter 27 is inserted into the case 280. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the adapter 27 is disposed at a predetermined position of the case 280. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how the adapter 27 is removed from the case 280. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing how the ink cartridge 25 is inserted into the case 280. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are attached to the case 280. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the lock lever 283 is locked with respect to the opening 284. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are removed from the case 280. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the ink cartridge 25 is exposed from the case 280. FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the adapter 107 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing a vertical cross-sectional structure of the adapter 107. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process in which the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are attached to and detached from the case 280, and shows a state where the lock lever 283 is opened and the opening 284 is opened. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process in which the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are attached to and detached from the case 280, and shows a state where the lock lever 283 is in contact with the ink cartridge 25. FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process in which the adapter 27 and the ink cartridge 25 are attached to and detached from the case 280, and shows a state where the lock lever 283 is locked with respect to the opening 284.

Explanation of symbols

25... Ink cartridges 27 and 107... Adapter 28... Front portion 50... Frame 70... Arm 80. ... Supply hole 100 ... Ink chambers 109, 110 ... Coil springs 112,113 ... Spring housing chamber 140 ... Detected part 145 ... Detected part 162 ... Front wall 169 ... Operation unit 170 ... handle 171 ... body 173 ... step 177 ... opening 178 ... opening 186 ... detected part 250 ... recording device 276 ... cartridge mounting part 280 ... Case 284 ... Opening

Claims (8)

An adapter for an ink cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a cartridge mounting portion on which the ink cartridge is mounted,
An adapter body;
Provided in the adapter main body, holds information related to the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting portion together with the adapter main body, and is provided in the cartridge mounting portion when the adapter main body is disposed at a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting portion. An ink cartridge adapter comprising: a blocking unit that blocks light by entering an optical path of the optical sensor.   The adapter for an ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the adapter main body includes an operation unit extending in a first direction from the adapter main body.   The said adapter main body has an elastic member arrange | positioned between the 1st wall which comprises the said cartridge mounting part, and the said adapter main body in the state which this adapter main body has been arrange | positioned in the said predetermined position. Adapter for ink cartridges. The cartridge mounting portion has a needle-like member,
The ink cartridge protrudes in a direction away from the wall surface constituting the ink cartridge, and has an ink supply part for supplying the ink stored inside to the outside.
The adapter body includes a storage portion that can store at least a part of an ink cartridge that can be mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, and the needle in the ink supply portion when at least a portion of the ink cartridge is stored in the storage portion. The adapter for an ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first opening for guiding the shaped member. The cartridge mounting portion has a rod-shaped member,
The ink cartridge protrudes in a direction away from the wall surface constituting the ink cartridge, and has an air communication portion for communicating an internal air layer with the atmosphere,
5. The adapter for an ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the adapter body has a second opening that guides the rod-shaped member to the atmosphere communication portion when at least a part of the ink cartridge is accommodated in the accommodation portion. The cartridge mounting unit includes a first optical sensor used for determining the type of the ink cartridge, and a second optical sensor used for determining the presence or absence of the ink cartridge in the cartridge mounting unit,
6. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the adapter main body includes a first blocking portion that enters the optical path of the first optical sensor and a second blocking portion that enters the optical path of the second optical sensor. Adapter. The ink cartridge is
An ink chamber for containing ink;
When the ink in the ink chamber is swingable, the first end is disposed at a first position in the ink chamber when the ink in the ink chamber is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, and when the ink in the ink chamber is less than the predetermined amount An arm member disposed at a second position where the first end is separated from the first position;
A light transmissive portion provided on the outer wall of the ink cartridge and capable of transmitting light from the outside toward at least the first position;
The first optical sensor detects an operation of the first end of the arm member through the light transmitting portion in a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
The ink cartridge for an ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the first blocking section is disposed at a position corresponding to the light transmission section in a state where the adapter main body is disposed at a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting section. adapter. An adapter for an ink cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a cartridge mounting portion on which the ink cartridge is mounted,
An adapter body;
A blocking unit that is provided in the adapter main body, and enters the optical path of the optical sensor provided in the cartridge mounting unit when the adapter main body is disposed at a predetermined position of the cartridge mounting unit. Adapter for ink cartridge.

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