JP2012000852A - Ink supply device, recording device, and ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device by which an ink residual amount can be accurately determined on the basis of a residual amount detector for an ink cartridge.SOLUTION: The ink cartridge 30 includes: a residual amount detector 33 in which a light transmission state varies on the basis of change of an ink amount stored in an ink chamber 36; a first projection 45 provided at a front side and an upper end side of an installation direction 56; a second projection 46 provided at a front side and a lower end side of the installation direction 56; and a detected piece 49 disposed at a front side of the installation direction 56 and between the first projection 45 and the second projection 46. A cartridge installing unit 110 includes optical sensors 114, 116, 117 and a controller 90 for executing determination of the kind of the ink cartridge 30 based on an output signal of the optical sensors 114, 116, 117 and then determining an ink residual amount in the ink chamber 36 based on a detection signal of the residual amount detector 33.

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink supply device in which an ink cartridge is mounted in a cartridge mounting portion, a recording apparatus including the ink supply device, and an ink cartridge.

  In a so-called tube supply type image recording apparatus, an ink cartridge is disposed outside a carriage on which a recording head is mounted. The ink cartridge and the recording head are connected via a tube. For example, the ink cartridge is mounted in a horizontal direction through an opening on a cartridge mounting portion having an opening on the front of the apparatus main body (see Patent Document 1). The cartridge mounting unit detachably accommodates the ink cartridge. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, an ink path from the ink cartridge to the recording head is formed. Ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head through the ink passage.

  There is a case where a remaining amount detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge is provided, and a sensor for detecting the remaining amount detection unit of the ink cartridge is provided in the cartridge mounting unit (Patent Document 2). .

JP 2009-1332098 A JP 2007-15393 A

  As the remaining amount detection unit of the ink cartridge, a detection element whose posture changes according to the change in the remaining amount of ink is provided inside or outside the ink chamber, or the remaining amount according to the change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber It is known that a configuration in which the amount of ink in the detection unit changes is provided. With such a configuration, the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit changes, and the change is detected by the optical sensor.

  In the process in which the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, acceleration in the mounting direction acts on the ink cartridge, or vertical movement due to rattling occurs. As a result, an unintended posture change of the detected element occurs in the remaining amount detection unit, ink is bubbled, or ink adheres to the inner wall of the remaining amount detection unit. For these reasons, immediately after the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, there may occur a state in which the translucent state of the remaining amount detecting portion does not correspond to the change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber. When the remaining amount detection unit in such a state is detected and the remaining ink amount is determined, it is determined that there is no ink remaining even though the ink chamber has sufficient ink remaining, Although there is almost no ink remaining, an erroneous determination that it is determined that there is a remaining amount of ink may occur.

  In addition, the cartridge mounting portion may be provided with a biasing member such as a spring for biasing the mounted ink cartridge in the removal direction in order to facilitate the removal of the ink cartridge. The mounted ink cartridge is held in the mounted position by being engaged with the lock member while receiving a biasing force from such a biasing member. In the ink cartridge that is held in the mounting position while receiving the urging force in this way, a rotational moment is likely to be generated due to the arrangement of the location that receives the urging force or the location that is engaged. Therefore, it is desirable that the determination as to whether or not the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion is stably performed regardless of the looseness of the posture of the ink cartridge due to the rotational moment described above.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of accurately determining the remaining amount of ink based on the remaining amount detection unit of the ink cartridge, or accurately determining mounting of the ink cartridge. An object of the present invention is to provide at least one of means capable of

  The present invention relates to an ink supply device (100) including a cartridge mounting portion (110) into which the ink cartridge (30) can be mounted by inserting the ink cartridge (30) in the mounting direction (56). The ink cartridge (30) can receive the ink stored in the ink chamber (36) and the ink stored in the ink chamber (36). A remaining amount detecting portion (33) whose translucent state changes based on the change, and a first cover provided on the upper end side in front of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting orientation to the cartridge mounting portion (110). A detection unit (45), a second detected portion (46) provided on the front side of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture and on the lower end side, and a front side of the mounting direction (56) in the mounting posture. And a third detected part (49) disposed between the first detected part (45) and the second detected part (46). The cartridge mounting part (110) detects the first detected part (45) and outputs a first sensor (116) for outputting first detection information, and the second detected part (46). Based on the detection of the second sensor (117) that outputs the second detection information, and based on the detection of the third detected portion (49), the third detection information is output, and the above A third sensor (114) for detecting a light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit (33) and outputting fourth detection information based on the light transmission state; the first detection information; the second detection information; After executing the first process relating to the determination of the ink cartridge (30) based on the third detection information, the second process for determining the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber (36) based on the fourth detection information. Control means (90) to be executed.

  Since the control means (90) executes the second process after executing the first process, an acceleration in the mounting direction (56) acts on the ink cartridge (30), and vertical movement due to rattling occurs. Even if the translucent state of the remaining amount detecting unit (33) mounted on the cartridge mounting unit (110) does not correspond to the change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber (36), the first While the process is being performed, the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit (33) can return to the original state according to the change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber (36).

  The present invention provides a first optical sensor (116) provided at the upper end of the end of the case (101) with one opening (112) and a second optical sensor (at the lower end of the end of the case (101) ( 117), and a third optical sensor (114) provided between the first optical sensor (116) and the second optical sensor (117), and a cartridge mounting portion on which the ink cartridge (30) is mounted. The present invention relates to a recording apparatus (10) comprising (110). The ink cartridge (30) is provided in an ink chamber (36) in which ink is stored, and a first upper end provided on the front side of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture mounted on the cartridge mounting section (110). A first detected portion on the front side of the detected portion (45), a second detected portion (46) provided at the lower end on the front side of the mounting direction (56), and the mounting direction (56); Is provided between the portion (45) and the second detected portion (46), and the ink stored in the ink chamber (36) can flow in and is stored in the ink chamber (36). A remaining amount detection unit (33) in which the translucent state changes based on a change in ink amount, and a front side of the mounting direction (56) from the remaining amount detection unit (33), the first detected unit ( 45) and the third detected portion (46) provided between the second detected portion (46) and the second detected portion (46). In the mounting process in which the knowledge unit (49) and the ink cartridge (30) are mounted on the cartridge mounting unit (110), the first optical sensor (116) detects the first detected portion (45). The second optical sensor (117) detects the second detected part (46), and the third optical sensor (114) detects the third detected part (49), and the mounting process The first detected part (45) and the second detected part (46) by any one of the first optical sensor (116), the second optical sensor (117), and the three optical sensor (114). ) Or the control means (90) that does not detect the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit (33) based on any detection signal based on the detection of the third detected unit (49). , With .

  Regardless of the detection signal based on the detection of the first detected part (45), the second detected part (46) or the third detected part (49), the control means (90) Since the detection of the light transmission state of the amount detection unit (33) is not executed, acceleration in the mounting direction (56) acts on the ink cartridge (30), or vertical movement due to rattling occurs, and the cartridge mounting unit. Immediately after being mounted on (110), the light-transmitting remaining amount detection unit (33) that does not correspond to the change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber (36) is not detected.

  The present invention is provided between the front surface (40) and the rear surface (42) arranged opposite to the mounting direction (56) and the opposite direction (55), and an ink chamber (36) for storing ink. And a first light blocking portion (45) provided at the upper end portion on the front surface (40) side of the mounting direction (56) and a second light portion provided at the lower end portion on the front surface (40) side of the mounting direction (56). The light blocking part (46) is provided between the first light blocking part (45) and the second light blocking part (46) on the front surface (40) side in the mounting direction (56). A remaining amount detecting portion (33) whose light transmission state changes based on a change in the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber (36), and a front surface (56) from the remaining amount detecting portion (33) in the mounting direction (56) ( 40) side, a third light blocking section (45) provided between the first light blocking section (45) and the second light blocking section (46). 9), wherein the remaining amount detecting unit (33) includes the first light blocking unit (45), the second light blocking unit (46), and the third light blocking unit (33). It is arranged on the rear surface (42) side of the mounting direction (56) from the light blocking portion (49).

  The first light blocking part (45), the second light blocking part (46) and the third light blocking part (49) of the ink cartridge (30) are arranged on the front surface (40) side of the mounting direction (56), Since the remaining amount detection unit (33) is disposed on the rear surface (42) side of the mounting direction (56), the detection of each unit is performed efficiently.

  The first detected part or the first light blocking part (45), the second detected part or the second light blocking part (46), and the third detected part or the third light blocking part (49) are not necessarily provided. The light does not need to be completely blocked, and the light is attenuated or reflected so that the amount of light received by the optical sensor can be kept below a predetermined threshold. Block it. Further, the first detected part or first light blocking part (45), the second detected part or second light blocking part (46), and the third detected part or third light blocking part (49) are not necessarily It is not necessary to block the light of the optical sensor directly, and the light may be blocked indirectly by changing the posture of another light blocking member.

  According to the present invention, since the second process is executed after the first process is executed, the determination of the ink remaining amount based on the remaining amount detection unit (33) of the ink cartridge (30) is accurately performed.

  Further, in the ink cartridge (30), the first detected portion (45) and the second detected portion are on the front side and the upper side and the lower side in the mounting direction (56) in the mounting posture to the cartridge mounting portion (110). Since (46) is provided, it is possible to accurately determine the mounting of the ink cartridge (30) even if the ink cartridge is struck against the cartridge mounting portion (110).

  Further, the control means (90) is based on any detection signal based on the detection of the first detected part (45), the second detected part (46) or the third detected part (49). Since the detection of the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit (33) is not executed, the remaining amount detection unit (33) is not detected immediately after being mounted on the cartridge mounting unit (110), and the remaining amount of ink is reduced. Detection of the remaining amount detection unit (33) in an incompatible state can be avoided.

  Further, the first light blocking portion (45), the second light blocking portion (46), and the third light blocking portion (49) that can be detected in the ink cartridge (30) are on the front surface (40) side of the mounting direction (56). Since the remaining amount detection part (33) is arranged on the rear surface (42) side in the mounting direction (56), each part of the ink cartridge (30) can be efficiently detected by the optical sensor. In an embodiment described later, the ink attached to the inner wall of the remaining amount detection unit (33) is moved below the ink chamber (36) after the ink cartridge (30) is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit (110). Since the remaining amount is detected after a sufficient time has passed for the flow to flow down, it is assumed that the ink cartridge (30) in which the ink remaining amount in the ink chamber (36) is relatively small is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion (110). In addition, accurate remaining amount detection is performed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal structure of a printer 10 including an ink supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal configuration of the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the cartridge mounting unit 110. FIG. 5 is a front view of the cartridge mounting unit 110. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 90. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110 showing a state immediately after the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110 showing a state where the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 is detected. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110 showing a state where the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and the rib 138 of the slide member 135 is detected. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110 showing a state in which the ink cartridge 30 having the long second protrusion 46 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 is detected. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110 showing a state in which the ink cartridge 30 having a long dimension of the detected element 49 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 and the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 is detected. FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117. FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example in which the present invention is embodied, and it is needless to say that the embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Overview of Printer 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 records an image by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto a recording sheet based on an ink jet recording method. The printer 10 includes an ink supply device 100. The ink supply device 100 is provided with a cartridge mounting portion 110. The ink cartridge 30 can be mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. The cartridge mounting portion 110 is provided with an opening 112 whose one surface is open to the outside. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into or removed from the cartridge mounting part 110 through the opening 112. The printer 10 corresponds to a recording device.

  The ink cartridge 30 stores ink that can be used by the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 and the recording head 21 are connected by the ink tube 20 in a state where the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110. The recording head 21 is provided with a sub tank 28. The sub tank 28 temporarily stores the ink supplied through the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 selectively ejects the ink supplied from the sub tank 28 from the nozzles 29 by the ink jet recording method. The recording head 21 corresponds to a recording unit.

  The recording paper fed from the paper feed tray 15 to the transport path 24 by the paper feed roller 23 is transported onto the platen 26 by the transport roller pair 25. The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto a recording sheet that passes over the platen 26. Thereby, an image is recorded on the recording paper. The recording sheet that has passed through the platen 26 is discharged by a discharge roller pair 22 to a discharge tray 16 provided on the most downstream side of the transport path 24.

[Ink cartridge 30]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ink cartridge 30 is a container for storing ink. A space formed inside the ink cartridge 30 is an ink chamber 36 for storing ink. The ink chamber 36 may be a space formed by the main body 31 forming the appearance of the ink cartridge 30, or may be a space formed by a member different from the main body 31.

  2 and 3, the ink cartridge 30 is indicated by an arrow 50 with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 110 with the lower surface in the drawing as the bottom surface and the upper surface in the drawing as the top surface. Is inserted / removed along the direction (hereinafter referred to as “insertion / removal direction 50”). That is, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 along the insertion / extraction direction 50 and is removed from the cartridge mounting unit 110 along the insertion / extraction direction 50. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110 while standing. This standing state corresponds to the mounting posture. The direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110 is the mounting direction 56, and the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is extracted is the removal direction 55. Further, the height direction 52 in the standing state corresponds to the direction of gravity.

  The ink cartridge 30 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 31. The main body 31 is thin in the width direction 51, and has a flat shape in which the height direction 52 and the depth direction 53 are larger than the width direction 51. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the front wall 40 is the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 is the rear wall 42. The front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 face each other in the insertion / extraction direction 50. The front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 are a pair of side walls that extend in the insertion / removal direction 50, an upper wall that connects the side walls to the front wall 40 and the rear wall 42 and extends from the upper end of the front wall 40 toward the upper end of the rear wall 42. 39, and a lower wall 41 extending from the lower end of the front wall 40 toward the lower end of the rear wall 42, respectively. The insertion / extraction direction 50 is parallel to the depth direction 53. The front wall 40 corresponds to the front surface, and the rear wall 42 corresponds to the rear surface.

  A remaining amount detection unit 33 is provided near the center of the front wall 40 of the main body 31 in the height direction 52. The remaining amount detection unit 33 is disposed on the rear side of the mounting direction 56 from the tip of the mounting direction 56 of the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45, the front end of the mounting direction 56 of the second protrusion 46, and the detected element 49, which will be described later. ing. The remaining amount detection unit 33 has a box shape with one opening so as to communicate with the ink chamber 36. Further, the remaining amount detection unit 33 includes a pair of walls made of a translucent resin that transmits light emitted from the optical sensor 114 (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the space between the pair of walls of the remaining amount detection unit 33 is hollow. An indicator 62 of the sensor arm 60 is inserted into the hollow portion of the remaining amount detector 33. The sensor arm 60 is provided with an indicator portion 62 and a float portion 63 on both ends of a rod-shaped arm main body 61, respectively. In the ink chamber 36, the sensor arm 60 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 64 extending along the width direction 51. The sensor arm 60 corresponds to the amount of ink remaining in the ink chamber 36, and the indicator unit 62 is positioned in a lower position in the gravity direction of the remaining amount detection unit 33, and the indicator unit 62 is the gravity of the remaining amount detection unit 33. The posture can be changed to a higher posture located on the upper side in the direction. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state in which the indicator unit 62 is in the lower posture.

  In a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110, the remaining amount detection unit 33 is configured to transmit a predetermined amount or more of infrared light with respect to the optical sensor 114 provided in the cartridge mounting unit 110. The amount detection unit 33 changes to a state in which infrared light is shielded or attenuated below a predetermined amount. If the indicator unit 62 is in the upper position, the remaining amount detection unit 33 transmits infrared light, and if the indicator unit 62 is in the lower position, the remaining amount detection unit 33 blocks or attenuates infrared light. It is determined that the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber 36 has become less than a predetermined amount according to the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit 33.

  Note that the remaining amount detection unit 33 may not include the sensor arm 60. As will be described later, in the optical sensor 114, the light emitting element 118 and the light receiving element 119 are opposed to each other in the horizontal direction. The light emitted from the light emitting element 118 is received by the light receiving element 119. The infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 118 is blocked or attenuated when there is ink in the remaining amount detection unit 33, and is emitted from the light emitting element 118 when there is no ink in the remaining amount detection unit 33. Infrared light may be transmitted. Further, in a state where there is ink in the remaining amount detection unit 33, the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 118 is reflected so as not to reach the light receiving element 119, and in a state where there is no ink in the remaining amount detection unit 33, The infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 118 may be reflected so as to reach the light receiving element 119.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an opening 34 that penetrates the front wall 40 in the depth direction 53 is formed above the remaining amount detection unit 33 in the front wall 40 of the main body 31, and in the insertion / extraction direction 50 from the opening 34. An air communication port 32 is provided on the rear wall 42 side. The atmosphere communication port 32 is a through hole that penetrates the wall forming the ink chamber 36 in the depth direction 53. The air layer of the ink chamber 36 and the atmosphere can be communicated with each other via the atmosphere communication port 32.

  The atmospheric communication port 32 is configured to be opened and closed by an atmospheric communication valve 80. When the atmosphere communication port 32 is opened, the air pressure in the ink chamber 36 maintained at a negative pressure becomes the external pressure. The atmosphere communication port 32 is not necessarily provided on the front wall 40 side, and the arrangement is not limited as long as the inside and the outside of the ink chamber 36 communicate with each other. Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is used in a state in which the inside of the ink chamber 36 is maintained at a negative pressure, the air communication port 32 is not necessarily provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an ink supply unit 37 is provided below the remaining amount detection unit 33 on the front wall 40 of the main body 31. The ink supply unit 37 has a cylindrical outer shape, and protrudes outward along the insertion / extraction direction 50 from the front wall 40. An ink supply port 71 is formed at the protruding end of the ink supply unit 37. An ink flow path 38 extending from the ink supply port 71 through the internal space of the ink supply unit 37 in the insertion / removal direction 50 to the ink chamber 36 is formed. The ink supply port 71 is configured to be opened and closed by an ink supply valve 70. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink needle 122 (see FIG. 6) provided in the cartridge mounting portion 110 is inserted into the ink supply port 71 and the ink supply valve 70 is opened. As a result, the ink flows out from the ink chamber 36 through the ink flow path 38 to the ink needle 122 provided in the cartridge mounting portion 110.

  The ink supply port 71 is not necessarily limited to a configuration that can be opened and closed by the ink supply valve 70. For example, the ink supply port 71 is closed with a film or the like, and the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. The ink supply port 71 may be opened by the ink needle 122 breaking through the film.

  An engaged portion 43 is formed near the center of the upper wall 39 of the main body 31 in the depth direction 53. The engaged portion 43 is a protrusion having a flat surface extending in the width direction 51 and the height direction 52 of the ink cartridge 30. A lock lever 145 described later is engaged with the engaged portion 43 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110. The engaged portion 43 receives a biasing force that pushes the ink cartridge 30 in the removal direction 55.

  The main body 31 is provided with a first protrusion 45 and a second protrusion 46. The first protrusion 45 is provided on the upper end of the front wall 40 of the main body 31 so as to extend away from the ink chamber 36 along the depth direction 53 from the front wall 40. The width of the first protrusion 45 is the same as the width of the front wall 40. The first protrusion 45 protrudes from the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 56. The tip of the first protrusion 45 protrudes from the ink supply port 71, which is the tip of the ink supply unit 37, to the front side in the insertion direction 56. The first protrusion 45 has the same width as the width of the front wall 40, but may be a plate having a width narrower than the width of the front wall 40. A groove 47 extending in the depth direction 53 is formed at the center of the first protrusion 45 in the width direction 51. The groove 47 opens upward in the height direction 52 at the first protrusion 45. The cross-sectional shape along the height direction 52 of the groove 47 is concave. Further, the tip of the groove 47 in the direction away from the ink chamber 36 is opened.

  In the inner space of the groove 47, a rib 48 extending in the height direction 52 and the depth direction 53 is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the groove 47 in the width direction 51. The rib 48 is erected upward from the bottom surface of the groove 47. Both side surfaces of the rib 48 in the width direction 51 are opposed to and parallel to the pair of side surfaces facing the width direction 51 in the groove 48. The rib 48 blocks or attenuates light traveling in the width direction 51 and can be detected by the optical sensor 116. The dimension by which the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 protrudes from the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 56 is changed according to the type of the ink cartridge 30. The type of the ink cartridge 30 includes a difference in ink color and components, a difference in the amount of ink initially stored in the ink chamber 36, and the like. The rib 48 corresponds to a first detected part and a first light blocking part. The first protrusion 45 corresponds to the first protrusion.

  The second protrusion 46 is provided at the lower end of the front wall 40 of the main body 31. Therefore, the second protrusion 46 is disposed below the ink supply unit 37. The width of the second protrusion 46 is the same as the width of the front wall 40. The second protrusion 46 protrudes from the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 56. The tip of the second protrusion 46 protrudes from the ink supply port 71, which is the tip of the ink supply unit 37, to the front side in the insertion direction 56. The dimension by which the second protrusion 46 projects from the front wall 40 in the insertion direction 56 is changed according to the type of the ink cartridge 30. The type of the ink cartridge 30 includes a difference in ink color and components, a difference in the amount of ink initially stored in the ink chamber 36, and the like. The second protrusion 46 corresponds to a second detected part, a second light blocking part, and a second protruding part.

  Infrared light traveling in the width direction 51 on the front wall 40 of the main body 31 between the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 in the height direction 52 and in front of the mounting direction 56 of the remaining amount detection unit 33. A detected element 49 for attenuating or blocking is provided. The detected element 49 has substantially the same width as the remaining amount detection unit 33 in the width direction 51. This width is a dimension that can enter between the light emitting element 118 and the light receiving element 119 (see FIG. 4) of the optical sensor 114.

  A space is formed in the insertion / removal direction 50 between the detected element 49 and the remaining amount detection unit 33. This space allows infrared light traveling in the width direction 51 to pass through without being attenuated to less than a predetermined amount. The dimension along the insertion / extraction direction 50 of the detected element 49 is changed according to the type of the ink cartridge 30. The type of the ink cartridge 30 includes a difference in ink color and components, a difference in the amount of ink initially stored in the ink chamber 36, and the like. The detected element 49 corresponds to a third detected part and a third light blocking part.

  The first protrusion 45, the second protrusion 46, and the detected element 49 are all protruded in the mounting direction 56 from the remaining amount detection unit 33. That is, in the ink cartridge 30, the first protrusion 45, the second protrusion 46, and the detected element 49 are disposed on the front side of the mounting direction 56, and the remaining amount detection unit 33 is disposed on the rear side of the mounting direction 56. . The remaining amount detection unit 33 and the ink supply port 71 are both disposed between the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 in the height direction 52.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a guided portion 35 extending in the depth direction 53 is provided on the upper wall 39 of the main body 31. The guided portion 35 is configured by a rib or a protruding piece protruding upward from the upper wall 39. The distance between the pair of side surfaces facing the width direction 51 in the guided portion 35 is shorter than the distance between the pair of side surfaces facing the width direction 51 in the main body 31. That is, the dimension of the guided portion 35 in the width direction 51 is smaller than the dimension of the main body 31 in the width direction 51.

  A guided portion 44 extending in the depth direction 53 is provided on the lower wall 41 of the main body 31. The guided portion 44 is configured by a rib or a protruding piece protruding downward from the lower wall 41. The distance between the pair of side surfaces facing the width direction 51 in the guided portion 44 is shorter than the distance between the pair of side surfaces facing the width direction 51 in the main body 31. That is, the dimension of the guided portion 44 in the width direction 51 is smaller than the dimension of the main body 31 in the width direction 51. The guided portions 35 and 44 are inserted into a guide groove 115 described later and moved when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 110.

[Ink supply apparatus 100]
As shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply device 100 is provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 supplies ink to the recording head 21 provided in the printer 10. The ink supply device 100 includes a cartridge mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted. FIG. 1 shows a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110.

[Cartridge mounting part 110]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the case 101 forming the housing of the cartridge mounting unit 110 has an opening 112 on the front side of the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the case 101 through the opening 112. In the ink cartridge 30, the guided portion 35 is inserted into a guide groove 115 provided on the top surface that defines the top of the internal space of the case 101, and the bottom surface of the case 101 defines the bottom of the internal space. The guided portion 44 is inserted into the provided guide groove 115 and guided in the insertion / removal direction 50. The case 101 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30 corresponding to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors.

  The case 101 is provided with three plates 102 that partition the internal space into four spaces that are long in the vertical direction. The ink cartridge 30 is accommodated in each space partitioned by the plate 102. The plate 102 is provided on the back side opposite to the opening 112 in the case 101.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a connection portion 103 is provided at the lower portion of the end surface of the case 101. The connection portion 103 is disposed at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 37 of each ink cartridge 30 attached to the case 101 on the final surface. In the present embodiment, four connection portions 103 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be accommodated in the case 101.

  The connection unit 103 includes an ink needle 122 and a holding unit 121. The ink needle 122 is made of a tubular resin needle. The ink needle 122 is connected to the ink tube 20 on the outer surface side that forms the front and back surfaces of the case 101. Each ink tube 20 drawn out from each ink needle 122 to the back side is pulled upward on the back side of the case 101 and then extended to the recording head 21 of the printer 10 so that ink can flow.

  The holding part 121 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An ink needle 122 is disposed at the center of the holding part 121. As shown in FIG. 6, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110, the ink supply unit 37 is inserted inside the cylinder of the holding unit 121. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the ink supply unit 37 is in close contact with the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the holding unit 121. As a result, the ink supply unit 37 is inserted into the holding unit 121 at a predetermined interval. When the ink supply unit 37 is inserted into the holding unit 121, the ink needle 122 is inserted into the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply unit 37. As a result, the ink stored in the ink chamber 36 can flow out. The ink that has flowed out of the ink chamber 36 flows into the ink needle 122. The ink needle 122 corresponds to an ink introduction tube.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sensor unit 104 is provided on the end surface of the case 101 above the connection portion 103 in the gravity direction. The sensor unit 104 includes a substrate 113 and an optical sensor 114. The sensor unit 104 is configured by mounting the optical sensor 114 on the substrate 113. The sensor unit 104 is provided with four optical sensors 114. These four optical sensors 114 correspond to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be accommodated in the case 101. The four optical sensors 114 are arranged in a row in the width direction of the case 101 (matching the width direction 51) between the plates 102.

  Each optical sensor 114 includes a light emitting element 118 such as an LED and a light receiving element 119 such as a phototransistor. Each of the light emitting element 118 and the light receiving element 119 is surrounded by a casing. The outer shape of the optical sensor 114 formed by this housing is a horseshoe shape. The light emitting element 118 can emit infrared light in one direction from the housing. The light receiving element can receive infrared light irradiated from one direction to the housing. Such a light emitting element 118 and a light receiving element 119 are arranged to face each other at a predetermined interval in a horseshoe-shaped housing. In the space between the light emitting element 118 and the light receiving element 119, the remaining amount detection unit 33 and the detected element 49 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter. When the remaining amount detection unit 33 or the detected element 49 enters the optical path of the optical sensor 114, the optical sensor 114 can detect a change in the light transmission state by the remaining amount detection unit 33 or the detected element 49. This optical sensor 114 corresponds to a third sensor or a third optical sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a sensor unit 105 is provided at the back of the top surface of the case 101. The sensor unit 105 includes a substrate 115 and an optical sensor 116. The sensor unit 105 is configured by mounting the optical sensor 116 on the substrate 115. The sensor unit 105 is provided with four optical sensors 116. These four optical sensors 116 correspond to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be accommodated in the case 101. The four optical sensors 116 are arranged in a row in the width direction of the case 101 (matching the width direction 51) between the plates 102.

  When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the case 101, the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 enters the optical path of the optical sensor 116. By detecting a change in the signal of the optical sensor 116 at this time, the mounting state of the ink cartridge 30 can be determined. Since the optical sensor 116 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element like the optical sensor 114, the detailed description of the optical sensor 116 is omitted here. The optical sensor 116 corresponds to the first sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the slide member 135 is disposed in a space 130 formed on the lower end side of the back part of the cartridge mounting part 110. In the present embodiment, four slide members 135 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be accommodated in the case 101. The space 130 is continuous with the internal space of the cartridge mounting unit 110. The slide member 135 is supported so as to be slidable along the insertion / removal direction 50 by a support rod 133 extending along the insertion / removal direction 50 in the space 130. The slide member 135 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. A rib 136 extending along the insertion / extraction direction 50 is provided at the upper end of the slide member 135. The slide member 135 is disposed in the insertion path of the second protrusion 46 of the ink cartridge 30 and can contact the second protrusion 46. The slide member 135 corresponds to a moving member.

  A coil spring 139 is provided in the space 130. The coil spring 139 elastically biases the ink cartridge 30 toward the opening 112, that is, in a direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is extracted from the cartridge mounting portion 110, that is, toward the opening 112. The coil spring 139 is externally fitted to the support rod 133 extending in the insertion / extraction direction 50 in the space 130 and is interposed between the end wall 131 defining the end of the space 130 and the slide member 135. . When the coil spring 139 has a natural length, that is, when no external force is applied to the slide member 135, the slide member 135 is disposed at a predetermined position (first position, see FIG. 8) on the opening 112 side. In the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the second protrusion 46 of the ink cartridge 30 contacts the slide member 135, and the slide member 135 is pressed toward the end wall 131 of the space 130. Thereby, the coil spring 139 is contracted and the slide member 135 is slid to the position on the end wall 131 side (second position, see FIG. 6). The contracted coil spring 139 urges the ink cartridge 30 toward the removal direction 55 via the slide member 135.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor unit 107 is provided on the end surface of the case 101, below the connecting portion 103 in the gravity direction and above the slide member 135 in the gravity direction. The sensor unit 104 includes a substrate 111 and an optical sensor 117. The sensor unit 107 is configured by mounting the optical sensor 117 on the substrate 111. The sensor unit 107 is provided with four optical sensors 117. These four optical sensors 117 correspond to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be accommodated in the case 101. In other words, the four optical sensors 117 correspond to the four slide members 135. The four photosensors 117 are arranged in a line in the width direction of the case 101 (matching the width direction 51) above the space 130.

  When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the case 101, the slide member 135 is slid toward the end wall 131 of the space 130, and the rib 136 enters the optical path (detected position) of the optical sensor 117. Can be detected. Since the optical sensor 117 includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element as in the optical sensor 114, a detailed description of the optical sensor 117 is omitted here. The optical sensor 117 corresponds to a second sensor and a second optical sensor.

  In the cartridge mounting unit 110, the detected positions of the optical sensors 116 and 117 are both arranged on the back side of the ink needle 122 in the mounting direction 56, that is, on the front side of the mounting direction 56 from the tip of the ink needle 122. Has been.

  The case 101 is provided with a lock lever 145. The lock lever 145 is for maintaining the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110 in the mounted state against the urging force of the coil spring 139. The lock lever 145 is provided above the opening 112 of the case 101. In the present embodiment, four lock levers 145 are provided corresponding to the four ink cartridges 30 that can be attached to the case 101.

  The entire lock lever 145 is formed in an arm shape. A support shaft 147 is provided near the center of the lock lever 145. The support shaft 147 is supported by the case 101. Accordingly, the lock lever 145 is supported on the upper side of the opening 112 of the case 101 so as to be rotatable about the support shaft 147. The lock lever 145 is roughly divided into an operation unit 149 and an engagement unit 146. The operation unit 149 protrudes outward from the opening 112 of the case 101. The operation unit 149 is a part that receives an operation for rotating the lock lever 145. The engaging portion 146 enters the case 101. The engaging portion 146 can be engaged with the engaged portion 43 of the ink cartridge 30. When the engaging portion 146 is engaged with the engaged portion 43, the ink cartridge 30 biased by the coil spring 139 is maintained in the mounted state with respect to the case 101. The rotation position (see FIG. 6) of the lock lever 145 at which the engaging portion 146 can engage with the engaged portion 43 is referred to as a lock position (first posture), and the engaging portion 146 is engaged. The position that does not engage with the portion 43 (see FIG. 8) is referred to as the unlock position (second attitude). The lock lever 145 corresponds to a lock member.

  A coil spring 148 is attached to the lock lever 145. The lock lever 145 is biased toward the lock position by the coil spring 148. When the operation unit 149 is pushed downward with respect to the lock lever 145 in the lock position, the lock lever 145 is rotated from the lock position to the unlock position.

[Control unit 90]
Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the control unit 90 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 90 controls the overall operation of the printer 10. The control unit 90 is configured as a microcomputer mainly including a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, an EEPROM 94, and an ASIC 95.

  The ROM 92 stores a program for the CPU 91 to control various operations of the printer 10, a program for executing determination processing described later, and the like. The RAM 93 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, and the like used when the CPU 91 executes the program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 94 stores settings, flags, and the like that should be retained even after the power is turned off. For example, data (lookup data) indicating a correspondence relationship between the combination of the output signals of the detection object 49 and the rib 138 of the slide member 135 and the type of the ink cartridge 30 is stored.

  Optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 are connected to the ASIC 95. Although not shown in FIG. 7, a drive circuit that drives each roller such as the paper feed roller 23 and the conveyance roller pair 25, an input unit for inputting an image recording instruction to the printer 10, and the printer 10 A display unit for displaying information on the device is also connected.

  The optical sensors 114, 116, 117 output an analog electric signal (voltage signal or current signal) corresponding to the intensity of light received by the light receiving element. The control unit 90 monitors the electrical signals output from the respective optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 at a predetermined timing, and when the level (voltage value or current value) of the electrical signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, the HI level. The signal is determined to be a LOW level signal when it is less than a predetermined threshold. In the present embodiment, the output signal when light is blocked or attenuated at each detected position of each of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 is determined as a LOW level signal, and the output signal when not blocked or attenuated is output. It is determined as an HI level signal. A signal output when the optical sensor 114 detects the detected element 49 corresponds to third detection information, and a signal output when the optical sensor 114 detects and outputs the remaining amount detection unit 33 corresponds to fourth detection information. . Further, the signal output by the optical sensor 116 detecting and outputting the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 corresponds to the first detection information, and the signal output by the optical sensor 117 detecting and outputting the rib 136 of the slide member 135 is the second. Corresponds to detection information.

[Installation operation of ink cartridge 30]
The operation of mounting the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge mounting unit 110 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  Although not shown in the drawing, the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is closed by an openable / closable cover provided on the housing of the printer 10. When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted, this cover is opened. The opening / closing of the cover is detected by a sensor. Based on the detection signal of this sensor, the control unit 90 can detect that the cover has been opened. The control unit 90 performs control so that light is emitted from the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 using the opening of the cover as a trigger.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted in the insertion direction 56 with respect to the cartridge mounting portion 110, first, the ink cartridge 30 is inclined forward in the insertion direction 56 formed at the tip of the insertion direction 56 of the guided portion 35. The guide surface to be brought into contact with the engaging portion 146 of the lock lever 145. When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the engaging portion 146 of the lock lever 145 rides on the guided portion 35. As a result, the lock lever 145 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 8 and moves from the lock position to the unlock position.

  When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting part 110, the detected element 49 passes through the detected position of the optical sensor 114 as shown in FIG. At this time, the remaining amount detection unit 33 has not reached the detected position of the optical sensor 114. As shown in FIG. 13, after the optical sensor 114 detects the detected element 49 and before the remaining amount detection unit 33 reaches the detection position of the optical sensor 114, the output signal of the optical sensor 114 is the HI level signal. Becomes a LOW level signal and again becomes an HI level signal. The control unit 90 monitors the change in the output signal of the optical sensor 114, and detects that the detected element 49 has been detected on the condition that the output signal of the optical sensor 114 has changed from the LOW level signal to the HI level signal. Stores the indicated flag.

  When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 enters the detected position of the optical sensor 116 as shown in FIG. When the optical sensor 116 detects the rib 48, the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal (timing T1 in FIG. 13A). The control unit 90 monitors the change in the output signal of the optical sensor 116 and detects the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 based on the output signal being a LOW signal.

  The control unit 90 generates a trigger signal on condition that the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal. Based on this trigger signal, the output signals of the optical sensors 114 and 117 are determined.

  In the process in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the second protrusion 46 contacts the slide member 135. When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the slide member positioned at the first position (see FIG. 8) moves toward the second position against the biasing force of the coil spring 139, that is, The pressure is pushed toward the end wall 131 of the space 130. As a result, the rib 136 of the slide member 135 approaches the detected position of the optical sensor 117.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the ink cartridge 30, when the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal (timing T1), that is, when the trigger signal is generated, The rib 136 of the slide member 135 does not reach the detected position of the optical sensor 117. Therefore, the output signal of the optical sensor 117 is an HI level signal (timing T1 in FIG. 13A).

  The control unit 90 stores the output signals of the optical sensors 114 and 117 when the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal (timing T1).

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the rib 136 of the slide member 135 reaches the detected position of the optical sensor 117. As a result, the output signal of the optical sensor 117 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal. The control unit 90 detects the rib 136 of the slide member 135 based on the output signal of the optical sensor 117 being a LOW level signal.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting unit 110 and the ink cartridge 30 reaches the mounting position of the cartridge mounting unit 110, the remaining amount detection unit 33 detects the detected position of the optical sensor 114. To reach. Further, the ink needle 122 is inserted into the ink supply port 71 of the ink supply unit 37 and the ink supply port 71 is opened. In this mounted state, the ink stored in the ink chamber 33 can be supplied to the ink tube 20 through the ink needle 122.

  When the ink cartridge 30 reaches the mounting position, the engaged portion 43 passes through the engaging portion 146 of the lock lever 145 in the insertion direction 56. As a result, the engaging portion 146 of the lock lever 145 is not supported by the guided portion 35, so that the lock lever 145 rotates clockwise in FIG. 10 and the engaging portion 146 engages with the engaged portion 43. . Due to the engagement between the engaging portion 146 and the engaged portion 43, the ink cartridge 30 is held at the mounting position against the urging force received from the slide member 135 in the removal direction 55. Thereby, the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting portion 110 is completed.

  When the ink cartridge 30 reaches the mounting position, the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 of the ink cartridge 30, the remaining amount detection unit 33, and the rib 138 of the slide member 135 are all of the optical sensors 114, 116, 117. The vehicle enters the detected position (timing T2 in FIGS. 13 and 14). Therefore, if the sensor arm 60 is in the lower position, the output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 are all LOW level signals.

  On the condition that the control unit 90 has detected the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 and the rib 139 of the slide member 135, that is, on the condition that the output signals of the optical sensors 116 and 117 are both LOW signals. The type of the ink cartridge 30 is determined. This type of determination is made based on the presence or absence of a flag and the output signal of the optical sensor 117 when the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal (timing T1).

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes when the ink cartridge 30 has a short dimension along the insertion / extraction direction 50 of the detected element 49 (timing). Before T1, the signal changes from the LOW level signal to the HI level signal (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). Based on this, the controller 90 stores a flag. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, if the ink cartridge 30 has a long dimension along the insertion / extraction direction 50 of the detected element 49, the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes (timing T <b> 1), and then the LOW level signal Changes to the HI level signal. At this time, no flag is stored in the control unit 90 (see FIGS. 14A and 14B).

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, if the ink cartridge 30 has a short dimension in which the second protrusion 46 protrudes in the insertion direction 56, the output of the optical sensor 117 when the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes (timing T1). The output signal is an HI level signal (see FIGS. 13A and 14B). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, if the ink cartridge 30 has a short dimension in which the second protrusion 46 protrudes in the insertion direction 56, the output of the optical sensor 117 when the output signal of the optical sensor 116 changes (timing T1). The output signal is a LOW level signal (see FIGS. 13B and 14A).

  The type of the ink cartridge 30 corresponds to the presence / absence of the flag and the output signal of the optical sensor 117, and is stored in the control unit 90 as lookup data. In the ink cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 9, the output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 are as shown in FIG. 13A, and the flag is stored at the timing T1, so the control unit 90 It is determined that the ink cartridge 30 stores the color ink. Further, since the output signal of the optical sensor 117 is the HI level signal, the control unit 90 determines that the initial ink amount stored in the ink chamber 36 is the normal amount of the ink cartridge 30.

  In the ink cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 11, the output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 are as shown in FIG. 13B, and the flag is stored at the timing T <b> 1. It is determined that the ink cartridge 30 stores the color ink. Further, since the output signal of the optical sensor 117 is the HI level signal, the control unit 90 determines that the initial ink amount stored in the ink chamber 36 is the large-capacity ink cartridge 30.

  Note that whether the ink cartridge 30 has a normal capacity or a large capacity is a relative concept. Further, the amount of ink that can be stored in the ink chamber 36 may be different by changing the size in the width direction 51 of the ink cartridge 30, or the same size and the same capacity in the width direction 51. A normal capacity and a large capacity may be set by changing the amount of ink initially filled in the ink cartridge 30 having the ink chamber 36.

  In the ink cartridge 30 shown in FIG. 12, the output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 are as shown in FIG. 14A, and no flag is stored at the timing T1, so the control unit 90 It is determined that the ink cartridge 30 stores black ink. Further, since the output signal of the optical sensor 117 is the LOW level signal, the control unit 90 determines that the initial ink amount stored in the ink chamber 36 is the ink cartridge 30 having a normal capacity.

  Further, if the output signal of each of the optical sensors 114, 116, 117 is the ink cartridge 30 as shown in FIG. 14B, no flag is stored at the timing T1, so the control unit 90 performs black ink. Is determined as the stored ink cartridge 30. Further, since the output signal of the optical sensor 117 is the HI level signal, the control unit 90 determines that the initial ink amount stored in the ink chamber 36 is the large-capacity ink cartridge 30. Such determination of the type of the ink cartridge 30 corresponds to the first process.

  As described above, if the determination of the type of the ink cartridge 30 is the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30, the position of the cartridge mounting portion 110 where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted is the position of the color ink. It is determined whether or not there is. For example, when the control unit 90 determines that the ink cartridge 30 mounted at the position of the cartridge mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 that stores the color ink is to be mounted stores the black ink, No. 90 performs error notification that the ink cartridge 30 is not mounted at an appropriate position. When the control unit 90 determines that the type of the ink cartridge 30 to be mounted is determined in advance, the control unit 90 permits the image recording operation of the printer 10.

As described above, if the determination of the type of the ink cartridge 30 is the capacity of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30, the initial capacity of the ink cartridge 30 installed in the cartridge mounting unit 110 is the normal capacity. The control unit 90 selectively sets the amount (count number) of ink droplets that can be ejected from the recording head 21 by the ink cartridge 30 depending on whether the capacity is large.
The

  As described above, the mounting of the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110 is completed. In the mounting process, the control unit 90 uses the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 to detect the detection target 49 and the remaining parts. Detection of the translucent state of the remaining amount detection unit 33 (second processing) based on an output signal obtained when any of the amount detection unit 33, the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45, and the rib 136 of the slide member 135 is detected. Do not execute. That is, the control unit 90 does not detect the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit 33 immediately after the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. The detection of the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit 33 means that the remaining amount detection unit 33 does not determine the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit 33 based on the output signal of the optical sensor 114. Even if light is emitted from 114 to the remaining amount detection unit 33 and the optical sensor 114 outputs a signal, it is interpreted as including a state in which the control unit 90 does not make any determination based on the output signal. Is done.

[Determination of remaining amount of ink cartridge 30]
Hereinafter, the remaining amount determination of the ink cartridge 30 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when light is emitted from the light emitting element 118 of the optical sensor 114 with the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 110, the light is irradiated to the remaining amount detection unit 33. . In a state where the ink chamber 36 is filled with a predetermined amount or more of ink, the light irradiated to the remaining amount detection unit 33 is blocked by the indicator unit 62 of the sensor arm 60. When the ink in the ink chamber 36 becomes less than a predetermined amount, the sensor arm 60 rotates and the light irradiated to the remaining amount detection unit 33 is not blocked by the indicator unit 62 of the sensor arm 60. That is, the posture of the sensor arm 60 changes depending on the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 36, and the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit 33 changes due to the change in posture of the sensor arm 60. The amount of light received by the light receiving element 119 differs depending on whether or not the light emitted from the light emitting element 118 is blocked by the indicator unit 62. Due to this difference, the light receiving element 119 outputs different electrical signals. That is, when the light emitted to the remaining amount detection unit 33 is blocked by the indicator unit 62 of the sensor arm 60, the optical sensor 114 outputs a LOW level signal, and the light emitted to the remaining amount detection unit 33. Is not blocked by the indicator unit 62 of the sensor arm 60, the optical sensor 114 outputs an HI level signal. The controller 90 determines whether or not the amount of ink in the ink chamber 102 is less than a predetermined amount based on the difference in electrical signals output from the optical sensor 114. This remaining amount determination corresponds to the second process.

  The controller 90 determines the remaining amount of the ink cartridge 30 by using a signal other than the output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 generated during the mounting process of the ink cartridge 30 described above as a trigger. Further, the control unit 90 determines the remaining amount on the condition that the optical sensors 116 and 117 detect the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 and the rib 138 of the slide member 135. Whether or not the optical sensors 116 and 117 detect the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 and the rib 138 of the slide member 135 may be determined when the trigger is generated.

  As a trigger for determining the remaining amount of the ink cartridge 30, for example, a cover for accessing the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting unit 110 is provided in the printer 10, and a sensor for detecting opening and closing of the cover is provided. If there is, the control unit 90 determines the remaining amount of the ink cartridge 30 when the cover is closed based on the output signal of the sensor.

  Further, the electrical signal as a trigger for the control unit 90 to determine the remaining amount of the ink cartridge 30 may be generated at the timing when the printer 10 finishes image recording for one page of recording paper. Further, when the cleaning operation of the recording head 21 is completed, when the outlet of the printer 10 is connected, when the power switch of the printer 10 is turned on, when the printer 10 in the sleep state returns to the operating state, etc. In addition, an electrical signal serving as a trigger may be generated. The outlet and switch of the printer 10 correspond to other parts of the printer 10 other than the ink cartridge 30, and a program of the control unit 90 that generates a trigger signal based on an operation on the other part is used as the trigger signal generating means. Equivalent to.

[Operational effects of this embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, after the control unit 90 executes processing related to the type determination of the ink cartridge 30 based on the output signals of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 generated in the mounting process, the optical sensor generated in the mounting process. Since the remaining ink amount is determined without being based on the output signals 114, 116, and 117, the ink is attached to the inner space of the remaining amount detector 33 or the sensor arm 60 is moved to the ink chamber 36 by bubbles. Even if the rotation state is not based on the remaining amount of ink, the translucency state of the remaining amount detection unit 33 remains until the remaining amount determination is performed after the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. The original state can be restored in accordance with the change in the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber 36. Further, since the trigger signal for determining the remaining amount can be output in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110 and the ink cartridge 30 is stationary, the remaining amount detection unit 33 of the ink cartridge 30 after mounting. However, there is no possibility of returning to a state that does not correspond to the change in the ink remaining amount in the ink chamber 36. Thereby, the determination of the remaining amount of ink based on the remaining amount detection unit 33 of the ink cartridge 30 is accurately performed.

  In the ink cartridge 30, the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 are provided on the front side and the upper side and the lower side of the mounting direction 56 in the mounting posture to the cartridge mounting unit 110, respectively. Even if the ink cartridge 30 rattles 110, the mounting of the ink cartridge is accurately determined.

  Further, since the control unit 90 does not detect the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection unit 33 using the output signal of any one of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 as a trigger, the control unit 90 is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 110. Immediately after that, the remaining amount detection unit 33 is not detected, and detection of the remaining amount detection unit in a state not corresponding to the remaining amount of ink can be avoided.

  In addition, the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45, the second protrusion 46, and the detected element 49 that can be detected in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 are arranged on the front side of the mounting direction 56, and are detected after the ink cartridge 30 is mounted. Since the remaining amount detection unit 33 that can be performed is arranged on the rear side of the mounting direction 56, each unit of the ink cartridge 30 can be efficiently detected by the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117.

  Further, since the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 protrude from the ink supply port 71 in the mounting direction 56, when the ink cartridge 30 falls on the floor or collides with another member, the ink supply port Another member is inserted into 71 and the ink supply port 71 is opened to prevent ink leakage. Similarly, the ink supply port 71 is prevented from being damaged.

  Further, since the remaining amount detection unit 33, the ink supply port 71, the first projection 45, the second projection 46, and the detection target 49 are arranged on the front wall 40 of the ink cartridge 30, the cartridge mounting unit 110 and the ink are detected. Each member required for cooperation with the cartridge 30 is collected on the front side of the mounting direction 56.

  Further, in the ink supply apparatus 100 including the cartridge mounting unit 110 in which the ink cartridge 30 can be mounted by inserting the ink cartridge 30 in the mounting direction 56, the ink cartridge 30 is in a mounting posture with respect to the cartridge mounting unit 110. A first protrusion 45 (first detected portion) provided on the front side and the upper end side of the mounting direction 56 and a second protrusion 46 (first step) provided on the front side and the lower side of the mounting direction 56 in the mounting posture. 2 detected parts), and a detected element 49 (third detected part) disposed between the first protrusion 45 and the second protrusion 46 on the front side of the mounting direction 56 in the mounting posture. The cartridge mounting unit 110 outputs an electrical signal (first detection information) based on the detection of the first protrusion 45 during the mounting process of the ink cartridge 30. On the basis of the detection of the second protrusion 46 during the mounting process of the ink cartridge 30, the optical sensor 117 that outputs an electrical signal (second detection information), and the detection target in the mounting process of the ink cartridge 30. The optical sensor 114 that outputs an electrical signal (third detection information) based on the passage of the child 49 and the determination of the type of the ink cartridge 30 based on the electrical signal output from each of the optical sensors 114, 116, and 117 And the control unit 90 (control means) for executing the above-mentioned, the four types of ink cartridges 30 can be determined by the three optical sensors.

  Specifically, based on the electrical signals output from the optical sensors 114 and 117, triggered by the detection of the first protrusion 45 by the optical sensor 116 in the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting unit 110. The type of the ink cartridge 30 is determined. When the optical sensor 114 detects that the detected element 49 has passed before the optical sensor 116 detects the first protrusion 45, the optical sensor 114 outputs an output from the HI level signal to the LOW level signal. Change has occurred. The type determination of the two types of ink cartridges 30 is performed based on whether or not the output of the light sensor 114 changes. In addition, when the optical sensor 116 detects the first protrusion 45, the HI level signal or the LOW level signal is selected from the optical sensor 117 depending on whether the optical sensor 117 detects the rib 138 of the slide member 135 or not. Is output automatically. Therefore, two types of ink cartridges 30 are further determined based on the output of the optical sensor 117. In this manner, the type determination of the four types of ink cartridges 30 is realized in the process of mounting the ink cartridges 30 on the cartridge mounting unit 110.

[Modification]
In this embodiment, the movement of the slide member 135 provided on the case 101 is detected by the optical sensor 117. However, the second protrusion 46 of the ink cartridge 30 is directly provided without the slide member 135 being provided. Alternatively, the light sensor 117 may detect the light.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the trigger for determining the type of the ink cartridge 30 is based on the detection of the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45, but the detection of the detection element 49 triggers the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45. And the detection state of the rib 138 of the slide member 135, the type of the ink cartridge 30 may be determined, and the detection of the rib 48 of the first protrusion 45 and the detection target using the detection of the rib 138 of the slide member 135 as a trigger. The type of the ink cartridge 30 may be determined based on the detection state with the child 49.

10: Printer (recording device)
30 ... Ink cartridge 33 ... Remaining amount detection part 36 ... Ink chamber 43 ... Engaged part 45 ... First protrusion (first protrusion)
46 ... 2nd protrusion (2nd to-be-detected part, 2nd protrusion part, 2nd light shielding part)
48... Rib (first detected part, first light blocking part)
49... Detected child (third detected portion, third light blocking portion)
71: Ink supply port 90 ... Control unit (trigger signal output means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Ink supply apparatus 110 ... Cartridge mounting part 114 ... Optical sensor (3rd sensor, 3rd optical sensor)
116... Optical sensor (first sensor, first optical sensor)
117... Optical sensor (second sensor, second optical sensor)
122 ... Ink needle (ink introduction tube)
135 ... Slide member (moving member)
145 ... Lock lever (lock member)
148 ... Coil spring (biasing member)

Claims (15)

An ink supply device (100) including a cartridge mounting portion (110) into which the ink cartridge (30) can be mounted by inserting the ink cartridge (30) into the mounting direction (56),
The ink cartridge (30)
An ink chamber (36) for storing ink;
A remaining amount detection unit (33) in which the ink stored in the ink chamber (36) can flow and the translucent state changes based on a change in the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber (36);
A first detected portion (45) provided on the front side and on the upper end side of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture to the cartridge mounting portion (110);
A second detected portion (46) provided on the front side and the lower end side of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture;
A third detected portion (49) disposed between the first detected portion (45) and the second detected portion (46) on the front side of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture; Comprising
The cartridge mounting part (110) is
A first sensor (116) that outputs first detection information based on the detection of the first detected portion (45);
A second sensor (117) for outputting second detection information based on the detection of the second detected portion (46);
Based on the detection of the third detected portion (49), the third detection information is output, the light transmission state of the remaining amount detection portion (33) is detected, and the 3rd sensor (114) which outputs 4 detection information,
After executing the first process relating to the determination of the ink cartridge (30) based on the first detection information, the second detection information, and the third detection information, the ink chamber (36) based on the fourth detection information. And an ink supply device (100) comprising a control means (90) for executing a second process of determining the remaining amount of ink. The apparatus further includes trigger signal output means (90) for outputting a trigger signal based on a user operation on the other part of the device (100) other than the ink cartridge (30).
The control means (90) is based on the trigger signal on the condition that the first detected part and the second detected part are detected based on the first detection information and the second detection information. The ink supply device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second process is executed.   The first process includes the second detection information and the third detection information when the first detection information is output in the process of mounting the ink cartridge (30) to the cartridge mounting unit (100). The ink supply device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ink cartridge is identified based on the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge (30) further includes an ink supply port (71) that is disposed on the front side of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture and supplies the ink stored in the ink chamber (36) to the outside. ,
The first detected portion (45) is a first protruding portion (45) protruding from the ink supply port (71) in the mounting direction (56),
The ink according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second detected portion (46) is a second protruding portion (46) protruding in the mounting direction (56) from the ink supply port (71). Supply device (100).   The said 1st protrusion part (45) and the said 2nd protrusion part (46) are what protruded in the said mounting direction (56) rather than the said residual amount detection part (33). An ink supply device (100) according to claim 1.   The second sensor (117) contacts the second detected part (46) in the process in which the ink cartridge (30) is attached to the cartridge attaching part (110), and thereby the first sensor from the first position. The second detection information is output by detecting a moving member (135) that can move to a second position separated from the position toward the mounting direction (56) of the ink cartridge (30). Item 6. The ink supply device (100) according to any one of Items 1 to 5.   The ink according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ink supply port (71) is disposed between the first detected portion (45) and the second detected portion (46). Supply device (100). The cartridge mounting part (110) is
A biasing member (139) for biasing the ink cartridge (30) in the opposite direction (55) to the mounting direction (56);
A first posture in which the mounted ink cartridge (30) is prevented from moving in the opposite direction (55) against the urging of the urging member (139); and the ink cartridge 30 is moved in the opposite direction ( 55. The ink supply device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a lock member (145) whose posture is changed to a second posture that enables movement to 55).   The lock member (145) is engaged with an engaged portion (43) provided on an upper surface (39) in a gravitational direction (52) of the ink cartridge (30) in a mounted state. The ink supply device (100) according to claim 8. A first optical sensor (116) provided at the upper end of the end of the case (101) with one opening (112), a second optical sensor (117) provided at the lower end of the end of the case (101), A cartridge mounting portion (110) having an ink cartridge (30); and a third optical sensor (114) provided between the first optical sensor (116) and the second optical sensor (117). A recording device (10) comprising:
The ink cartridge (30)
An ink chamber (36) for storing ink;
A first detected portion (45) provided at the upper end on the front side of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture mounted on the cartridge mounting portion (110);
A second detected portion (46) provided at the lower end on the front side of the mounting orientation (56);
The front side of the mounting direction (56) is provided between the first detected part (45) and the second detected part (46) and is stored in the ink chamber (36). A remaining amount detector (33) that is capable of inflowing ink, and whose light transmission state changes based on a change in the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber (36);
A third object provided in front of the attachment direction (56) from the remaining amount detection part (33) and provided between the first detection part (45) and the second detection part (46). A detection unit (49);
In the mounting process in which the ink cartridge (30) is mounted on the cartridge mounting section (110), the first optical sensor (116) detects the first detected section (45), and the second optical sensor ( 117), the second detected part (46) is detected, and the third optical sensor (114) detects the third detected part (49),
In the mounting process, the first detected part (45) and the second detected object are detected by any one of the first optical sensor (116), the second optical sensor (117), or the three optical sensor (114). Control means that does not detect the translucent state of the remaining amount detection unit (33) based on any detection signal based on the detection of the unit (46) or the third detected unit (49). 90). The apparatus further includes trigger signal output means (90) for outputting a trigger signal based on a user operation on the other part of the device (10) other than the ink cartridge (30).
In the control means (90), the first detected part (45) and the second detected part (46) are detected by the first optical sensor (116) and the second optical sensor (117). The recording apparatus (10) according to claim 10, wherein the second process is executed based on the trigger signal on the condition of The ink cartridge (30) further includes an ink supply port (71) that is disposed in front of the mounting orientation (56) in the mounting posture and supplies the ink stored in the ink chamber (36) to the outside. And
All of the first detected part (45), the second detected part (46), and the third detected part (49) are arranged in front of the mounting direction (56) from the ink supply port (71). Are arranged respectively,
The cartridge mounting part (110) extends along the mounting direction (56) and has an ink introduction pipe (122) inserted into the ink supply port (71).
Both the detected positions of the first optical sensor (116) and the second optical sensor (117) are in the mounting direction from the rear end of the mounting direction (56) in the ink introduction tube (122). The recording apparatus (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the recording apparatus (10) is disposed on the front side of (56).   The second optical sensor (117) contacts the second detected part (46) in the process in which the ink cartridge (30) is attached to the cartridge attaching part (110), and the second optical sensor (117) is moved from the first position. The moving member (135) that can move to a second position separated from the first position toward the mounting direction (56) of the ink cartridge (30) is detected. Recording device (10).   14. The recording according to claim 10, wherein the ink supply port (71) is disposed between the first detected part (45) and the second detected part (46). Device (10). An ink chamber (36) that is provided between the front surface (40) and a rear surface (42) that is disposed opposite to the mounting direction (56) and the opposite direction (55);
A first light blocking portion (45) provided at an upper end portion on the front surface (40) side of the mounting direction (56);
A second light blocking section (46) provided at the lower end of the mounting direction (56) on the front surface (40) side;
The front surface (40) side of the mounting direction (56) is provided between the first light blocking portion (45) and the second light blocking portion (46), and is disposed in the ink chamber (36). A remaining amount detector (33) in which the translucent state changes based on a change in the amount of stored ink;
Provided between the first light blocking unit (45) and the second light blocking unit (46) on the front surface (40) side in the mounting direction (56) from the remaining amount detecting unit (33). A third light blocking part (49), and an ink cartridge (30) comprising:
The remaining amount detection unit (33) includes a rear surface (42) of the mounting direction (56) from the first light blocking unit (45), the second light blocking unit (46), and the third light blocking unit (49). ) Side ink cartridge (30).

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