CN102350880B

CN102350880B - Ink cartridge, set of ink cartridges, and ink cartridge determination system

Info

Publication number: CN102350880B
Application number: CN201110291071.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 服部信吾; 中村宙健
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-28
Filing date: 2007-12-20
Publication date: 2014-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-20
Also published as: CN102350879B; CN101954795A; MY149814A; CN102350880A; AU2008235816A1; NZ579005A; AU2008230343B2; CN102001229B; CN101885272B; AU2008235816B2; CN102001229A; CN102350879A; AU2008230343A1; RU2407644C1; AU2008235817A1; CA2679913C; CA2679914A1; WO2008123479A1; CN101954795B; WO2008123480A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an ink cartridge, a set of ink cartridges, and an ink cartridge determination system. The ink cartridge includes a first signal blocking portion configured to selectively prevent a first signal from passing therethrough or to alter a path of the first signal. The ink cartridge also includes a second signal blocking portion configured to selectively prevent a second signal from passing therethrough or to alter a path of the second signal. The second signal blocking portion has a thickness determinative of whether the second signal blocking portion prevents the second signal from passing therethrough or alters the path of the second signal at a time that the first signal blocking portion initially prevents the first signal from passing therethrough or alters the path of the first signal.

Description

Print cartridge, print cartridge group and ink cartridge determination systems

Divisional application explanation

The application be the applying date be December 20, application number in 2007 be 200710159947.7 and denomination of invention be the divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application of " print cartridge, print cartridge group and ink cartridge determination systems ".

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to print cartridge, print cartridge group and ink cartridge determination systems.

Background technology

For example ink jet recording device of known recording equipment comprises that ink jet print head and known print cartridge are mounted to the mounting portion on it.In the time that known print cartridge is mounted to mounting portion, known recording equipment is configured to distribute ink from multiple nozzles, with document image on paper.

Another kind of known recording equipment comprises the balladeur train that is configured to hold another kind of known print cartridge.This known recording equipment is configured to determine toner cartridge type by detecting the light intensity being reflected by print cartridge.In the time of balladeur train and print cartridge motion, measure catoptrical intensity by the sensor of recording equipment, and according to this intensity, determine toner cartridge type.This known recording equipment has for example been described in US2005/0024454 A1.

Also have another kind of known recording equipment to comprise the mounting portion separating with balladeur train, and this known recording equipment is configured to determine the type of another kind of known print cartridge in the time that print cartridge is mounted to mounting portion.Specifically, in the time that print cartridge is mounted to mounting portion, recording equipment detect print cartridge signal stop portions existence or do not exist, and according to the existence of signal stop portions or there is not definite toner cartridge type.This known recording equipment has for example been described in US2005/0195225 A1.But in this known recording equipment, print cartridge is mounted to the speed of mounting portion by each user may be different and different along with user, thereby recording equipment can obtain different definite results for different user.For example, if the speed that print cartridge is mounted to mounting portion by user is greater than predetermined speed, if or user start that print cartridge is inserted in mounting portion, then in print cartridge is finally inserted into mounting portion completely before partial demolition print cartridge, sensor may detect inaccurate information.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, need to overcome print cartridge, print cartridge group and the ink cartridge determination systems of these and other shortcoming of prior art.Technological merit of the present invention is, the structure of print cartridge allows recording equipment to determine exactly the information relevant to print cartridge, and the speed that print cartridge is mounted to printer with user is irrelevant, and need not consider user whether start that print cartridge is inserted in printer, then in print cartridge is finally inserted into printer completely before partial demolition print cartridge.

According to embodiment of the present invention, print cartridge comprises: first signal stop portions, and this first signal stop portions is configured to optionally prevent that first signal from passing the path of first signal stop portions or change first signal; With secondary signal stop portions, this secondary signal stop portions is configured to optionally to prevent that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal.And secondary signal stop portions has following thickness, in the time that first signal stop portions starts to stop or changes the path of first signal, this thickness determines whether secondary signal stop portions stops or change the path of secondary signal.

According to embodiment of the present invention, provide the print cartridge group that comprises the first print cartridge and the second print cartridge.The secondary signal stop portions of the first print cartridge has following thickness, this thickness is configured in the time that first signal stop portions starts to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal, prevents that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal.The secondary signal stop portions of the second print cartridge has following thickness, this thickness is configured in the time that first signal stop portions starts to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal, does not prevent that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal.

According to embodiment of the present invention, ink cartridge determination systems comprises: print cartridge or print cartridge group; And recording equipment, this recording equipment comprises the box mounting portion that is configured to install print cartridge; First sensor, this first sensor is arranged in box mounting portion, and comprises the first signal receiving element that is configured to launch the first signal radiated element of first signal and is configured to receive first signal; The second sensor, this second sensor is arranged in box mounting portion, and comprises the secondary signal receiving element that is configured to launch the secondary signal radiated element of secondary signal and is configured to receive secondary signal; And determiner.First signal stop portions is configured at least during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion, optionally prevent that first signal from passing the path of first signal stop portions or change first signal.Be different from following intensity in the intensity that prevents the first signal that first signal is received by first signal receiving element when passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal by first signal stop portions, in the intensity that does not prevent the first signal that first signal is received by first signal receiving element when passing first signal stop portions or not changing the path of first signal by first signal stop portions.Secondary signal stop portions is configured to optionally to prevent during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal.Be different from following intensity in the intensity that prevents the secondary signal that secondary signal is received by secondary signal receiving element when passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal by secondary signal stop portions, in the intensity that does not prevent the secondary signal that secondary signal is received by secondary signal receiving element when passing secondary signal stop portions or not changing the path of secondary signal by secondary signal stop portions.Determiner is configured to during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion in the time that the intensity of the first signal being received by first signal receiving element starts to change, and determines the information relevant to print cartridge according to the intensity of the secondary signal being received by secondary signal receiving element.

Adopt these structures, determine exactly the information relevant to print cartridge.

By the explanation of the preferred embodiment referring to accompanying drawing, the other objects, features and advantages of embodiment of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Brief description of the drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, satisfied demand and object of the present invention, feature and advantage thus, referring now to the following explanation providing by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is the cross-sectional illustraton of model of recording equipment according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are the perspective view of print cartridge according to embodiments of the present invention, and wherein movable link is respectively in the second place and primary importance.

Fig. 2 (c) and 2 (d) are the perspective view of print cartridge according to another embodiment of the invention, and wherein movable link is respectively in the second place and primary importance.

Fig. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are respectively the side view of the print cartridge of Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b).

Fig. 3 (c) and 3 (d) are respectively the side view of the print cartridge of Fig. 2 (c) and 2 (d).

Fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are front surface perspective view and the rear surface perspective view of the toner cartridge main body of Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b).

Fig. 5 is the side view of the main body of Fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

The sectional elevation of Fig. 6 for cutting open along the VI-VI line of Fig. 4 (a).

Fig. 7 is that front surface sectional elevation is amplified in the part of the main body of Fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

The sectional elevation of Fig. 8 for cutting open along the VIII-VIII line of Fig. 2 (a).

The sectional elevation of Fig. 9 for cutting open along the IX-IX line of Fig. 2 (b).

Figure 10 (a) and 10 (b) are respectively the amplification sectional elevation of the upper and lower of the main body of Fig. 4 (a) and 4 (b).

Figure 11 (a) and 11 (b) are respectively perspective view and the side view of movable link according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is the vertical sectional elevation of the box mounting portion of recording equipment according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 13 is the sectional elevation that is mounted to the print cartridge of the box mounting portion of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is the sectional elevation that is mounted to the print cartridge of the box mounting portion of Figure 12, wherein the check lock lever of recording equipment in an open position in.

Figure 15 is the sectional elevation that is mounted to the print cartridge of the box mounting portion of Figure 12, wherein the check lock lever of recording equipment in the closed position in.

Figure 16 is the block diagram of the master controller of recording equipment according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 17 (a) and 17 (b) are respectively the exemplary sequential chart from the first optical pickocff of recording equipment and the sensor signal of the second optical pickocff output in the time that the first print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion.

Figure 17 (c) and 17 (d) are respectively the exemplary sequential chart from the first optical pickocff of recording equipment and the sensor signal of the second optical pickocff output in the time that the second print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion.

Figure 18 is the flow chart of the program carried out by the master controller of recording equipment according to embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 19 is the perspective view of the packing arrangement of the print cartridge that comprises Fig. 2 (a) of being enclosed in packaging element and 2 (b) of another embodiment according to the present invention.

Figure 20 is the sectional elevation of the print cartridge that is mounted to box mounting portion according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 21 is the sectional elevation from the print cartridge of the box mounting portion ejection of Figure 20.

Detailed description of the invention

Embodiment of the present invention and feature and technological merit use identical label for the identical appropriate section in each accompanying drawing by being appreciated that with reference to Fig. 1-2 1.

With reference to Fig. 1, recording equipment 250 is according to embodiments of the present invention described.This recording equipment 250 comprises paper carrier 252, conveying device 253, record cell 254 and box mounting portion 276.Sheet feed tray 257 is located at the bottom place of recording equipment 250, and by paper carrier 252 by be positioned at multiple paper on sheet feed tray 257 a sheet by a sheet be fed to passage 259.

Conveying device 253 is arranged in this passage 259, and comprises first pair of conveying roller 261 and second pair of conveying roller 262.First pair of conveying roller 261 is positioned at the upstream side of record cell 254 along defeated paper direction, and second pair of conveying roller 262 is positioned at downstream along defeated paper direction.

The paper that is fed to passage 259 is carried towards pressing plate 264 by first pair of conveying roller 261, and record cell 254 is positioned at the top of pressing plate 264.Just passing through document image on the paper above pressing plate 264 by record cell 254, and then paper is being discharged on the ADF dish 258 in the downstream that is positioned at passage 259 by second pair of conveying roller 262.

Record cell 254 comprises balladeur train 266 and is mounted to the record head 272 of this balladeur train 266.Record head 272 comprises sub-container 268 and a control panel 270, and has the multiple nozzles 274 that are formed on wherein.Balladeur train 266 is supported slidably by supporting track, and is configured to slide along the direction vertical with the paper of Fig. 1.Sub-container 268 is configured to store the ink of nozzle 274 to be supplied to.When to control panel 270 supply image signal, according to this picture signal, ink is discharged towards paper from nozzle 274.Recording equipment 250 comprises the master controller 200 (shown in Figure 16) for controlling recording equipment 250, and a control panel 270 is exported and be supplied to picture signal from master controller 200.

Print cartridge 10 is configured to be mounted to box mounting portion 276.Box mounting portion 276 comprises multiple shells 280, and each shell is configured to hold therein corresponding print cartridge 10.For example, box mounting portion 276 comprises four shells 280, and each shell 280 is corresponding to the print cartridge of ink that includes different colours.Print cartridge 10 is configured to be mounted to box mounting portion 276 and removes from box mounting portion 276.Print cartridge 10 comprises main body 20, and this main body 20 comprises the ink chamber 100 that is configured to store therein ink, and ink is supplied to record head 272 from ink chamber 100 via ink barrel 278.

In embodiments of the invention, two different print cartridges can have different ink capacities, or can store the ink of different amounts, and can store the ink of same color, for example black ink.For example, the first print cartridge 10 and the second print cartridge 10 ' there is the ink of different ink capacities or the different amounts of storage, and the ink of storage same color.And recording equipment 250 is configured so that print cartridge 10 and 10 ' the be mounted to same enclosure 280 of box mounting portion 276.Recording equipment 250 is configured to determine which kind of print cartridge is mounted to shell 280.

With reference to Fig. 2 (a), 2 (b), 3 (a), 3 (b) and 4-10 (b), print cartridge 10 has flat hexahedral shape substantially.The print cartridge width being represented by arrow 31 is shorter, and the each width that is greater than print cartridge 10 of the degree of depth of the height of the print cartridge 10 being represented by arrow 32 and the print cartridge 10 that represented by arrow 33.

Print cartridge 10 comprises shell, movable link 21, cover component 22 and at least one helical spring of for example main body 20, for example a pair of helical spring 23 and 24.Main body 20 comprises the ink chamber 100 for storing ink.Movable link 21 and cover component 22 are enclosed in main body 20 wherein.Main body 20, movable link 21 and cover component 22 is each is formed by resin material, such as nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene etc. with and combination.

Print cartridge 10 is inserted in recording equipment under upright state along the direction being represented by arrow 30.The anterior 20a of main body is surrounded by movable link 21, and the rear portion 20b of main body 20 is surrounded by cover component 22.Therefore, in this embodiment of the present invention, anterior 20a is protected by movable link 21, and rear portion 20b is protected by cover component 22.

Movable link 21 is configured to slide along the depth direction being represented by arrow 33 with respect to main body 20.Movable link 21 is configured to move with respect to main body 20.Specifically, movable link 21 is configured to move between primary importance and the second place, this primary importance is as Fig. 2 (b) with as shown in the of 9, wherein movable link 21 is in its front surface 41 from main body position farthest, this second place is as Fig. 2 (a) with as shown in the of 8, wherein movable link 21 in it from the nearest position of front surface 41.At movable link 21, during in primary importance place, at least a portion of movable link 21 is farther from front surface 41 compared with ink guide part 90.In one embodiment, in the time the power of pre-sizing of biasing force that is greater than helical spring 23 and 24 being applied to movable link 21 and movable link 21 moves to the second place from primary importance thus, the bar 84 of induction part 80 contacts movable link 21, and pushed by movable link 21, and ink guide part 90 appears to extend to movable link 21 outsides from movable link 21 inside.In the time removing the power of pre-sizing from movable link 21 and movable link 21 moves to primary importance from the second place subsequently thus, bar 84 separates with movable link 21, and ink guide part 90 turns back to movable link 21 inside.Whole movable link 21 is configured to substantially move along first direction with respect to main body 20 in the time of helical spring 23 and 24 expansion simultaneously, and whole movable link 21 is configured to substantially move along the second direction contrary with first direction in the time that helical spring 23 and 24 shrinks simultaneously.Each direction in propagation direction and the shrinkage direction of each direction in first direction and second direction and helical spring 23 and 24 is substantially parallel.In another embodiment being discussed in more detail below and illustrate at Fig. 2 (c), 2 (d), 3 (c) and 3 (d), opening 180 ' can be adjacent with induction part 80 and the antetheca 161 that runs through movable link 21 with induction part 80 form with aiming at, thereby the parts of printer can apply power to bar 84, instead of movable link 21 applies power to bar 84.

Main body 20 has flat hexahedral shape substantially.In the time that print cartridge 10 is mounted to the mounting portion of recording equipment, main body 20 is in vertical state.Main body 20 comprises front surface 41, rear surface 42, end face 43 and bottom surface 44.Main body 20 also comprises a pair of side 45 and 46 respect to one another, and side 45 is eachly connected with front surface 41, rear surface 42, end face 43 and bottom surface 44 with 46.Each surface area of side 45 and 46 is greater than each surface area of front surface 41, rear surface 42, end face 43 and bottom surface 44.

Main body 20 comprises framework 50, arm 70, induction part 80 and ink guide part 90.And, side 45 or side 46 or both comprise film, for example light transmission film.Specifically, this film is soldered to framework 50, makes framework 50 by diaphragm seal, to limit therein ink chamber 100.Framework 50 is formed by light-transmissive resin material, i.e. transparent or semitransparent resin material, and for example polyacetal resin, nylon, polyethylene or polypropylene and its combination, thus allow light to pass, and framework 50 forms by injection molding.Framework 50 has enough rigidity, thereby the shape of framework 50 can not change along the expansion of helical spring 23 and 24 and shrinkage direction in the time of helical spring 23 and 24 expansions and contraction.

Framework 50 comprises periphery wall 51 and multiple inwall 52.Inwall 52 is positioned at periphery wall 51.Periphery wall 51 and inwall 52 are one, and define framework 50.Periphery wall 51 and inwall 52 extend to the right flank 46 of main body 20 from left surface 45.Periphery wall 51 has the annular shape of extending along front surface 41, end face 43, rear surface 42 and bottom surface 44, and in formation space, inside.Therefore, on the left surface 45 of framework 50, formed opening 57a, and be formed with opening 57b on right flank 46.

This film is soldered to respectively the side 45 and 46 of framework 50 by ultrasonic bonding, and opening 57a and opening 57b cover by corresponding film, thus by periphery wall 51 and film around space form ink chamber 100.Alternatively, described film can save, and framework 50 can have parallelepiped container shape, thereby framework 50 defines ink chamber 100 therein.

Inwall 52 be positioned at by periphery wall 51 around space, and described film is soldered to the outer edge part of inwall 52 in 45 and 46 sides of side.Therefore, prevented that film is lax.And in the time that movable link 21 and cover component 22 are out of shape towards main body 20, the distortion of movable link 21 and cover component 22 is limited by inwall 52.Therefore, prevented the damage to main body 20 and film.

In the rear surface 42 of framework 50, be formed with and lead China ink mouth 150.Lead China ink mouth 150 and have the cylindrical hole being substantially formed on wherein, extend towards ink chamber 100 from rear surface 42 in this hole, and lead the internal fluid communication of China ink mouth 150 and ink chamber 100.Leading China ink mouthfuls 150 is configured in the time manufacturing print cartridge 10 to be led China ink mouthfuls 150 ink is imported to ink chamber 100 inside by this.After ink chamber 100 is full of ink, in China ink mouthfuls 150, closes this and lead China ink mouthfuls 150 by stopper being arranged on lead.

Light transmission part 140 is positioned at front surface 41 places of framework 50, and extends from ink chamber 100.By this light transmission part 140 with optical mode or visual means detection of stored the quantity of ink in ink chamber.Light transmission part 140 becomes one with framework 50, and is formed by the material identical with framework 50, and for example light transmission part 140 is formed by light-transmissive resin material, to allow light therefrom to pass.

Light transmission part 140 is outwards outstanding along the direction contrary with ink chamber 100 from the middle body of the front surface 41 of main body 20.Light transmission part 140 is separated by five rectangular wall, and has the box-formed shape of hollow substantially.For example, light transmission part 140 is separated by antetheca 140a, pair of sidewalls 140b, roof 140c and diapire 140d.Antetheca 140a is parallel to front surface 41 and extends, and separates preset distance with front surface 41.That oppose side wall 140b is connected to front surface 41 and antetheca 140a, and roof 140c is connected to the top of antetheca 140a and sidewall 140b, and diapire 140d is connected to the bottom of antetheca 140a and sidewall 140b.And the width of antetheca 140a is less than the width of front surface 41.

Light transmission part 140 is configured to be clipped between the light-emitting component (not shown) and light receiving element (not shown) of the optical pickocff (not shown) that is mounted to recording equipment, such as photo interrupter of this optical pickocff.The light being sent by light-emitting component passes sidewall 140b, and is received by light receiving element.

Light transmission part 140 has the inner space 142 being formed on wherein, and this inner space 142 is limited by antetheca 140a, sidewall 140b, roof 140c and diapire 140d.There is no wall between inner space 142 and ink chamber 100, and inner space 142 is configured to and the internal fluid communication of ink chamber 100.The signal stop portions 72 of arm 70 is configured to optionally enter inner space 142 and shift out from this inner space 142 according to the quantity of ink in ink chamber 100.

Arm 70 is used for the quantity of ink of detection of stored in ink chamber 100.Arm 70 comprises the signal stop portions 72 that is positioned at its one end place and the float part 73 that is positioned at its other end place.Arm 70 is supported on the rib 74 vertically extending from the lateral center of periphery wall 51 pivotly.The proportion of float part 73 is less than the ink proportion being stored in ink chamber 100.Float part 73 has the hollow bulb being formed on wherein, and swims on liquid, thus float part 73 move up and down according to the quantity of ink in ink chamber 100, and arm 70 is according to the motion of float part 73 and pivotable.Rib 74 is positioned at periphery wall 51 places near the bight of front surface 41 and bottom surface 44.With reference to Fig. 6, rib 74 comprises and is configured to the support section 77 of support arm 70 pivotly.

With reference to Fig. 4 (a)-6, when arm 70 is configured such that the proper ink that stores q.s in ink chamber 100, signal stop portions 72 is arranged in inner space 142.For example, signal stop portions 72 contacts the diapire 140d of light transmission part 140, so that signal stop portions 72 is maintained in the inner space 142 of light transmission part.And in the time that the quantity of ink in ink chamber 100 is less than predetermined quantity of ink, float part 73 moves downward, and inner space 142 is left in 72 motions of signal stop portions.Therefore, whether be positioned at inner space 142 by monitor signal stop portions 72, detect the ink that whether still remains q.s in ink chamber 100.For example, use the optical pickocff of for example photo interrupter to carry out monitor signal stop portions 72 and whether be positioned at inner space.

With reference to Fig. 7, induction part 80 comprises the cylinder valve storage chamber 55 in the front surface 41 that is formed on 140 tops, light transmission part.This valve storage chamber 55 is opened to the outside of main body 20 at its 82 places, end.Valve storage chamber 55 extends along the depth direction of main body 20, and in the internal fluid communication of its another end and ink chamber 100.

Induction part 80 also comprises the valve system that extends to the passage of the inside of ink chamber 100 from the end 82 of valve storage chamber 55 for optionally opening and closing.For example, induction part 80 comprises valve element 87, spring 86, containment member 83 and block 85.Valve element 87 is configured to the depth direction along main body 20 in valve storage chamber 55 and slides.Valve element 87 comprises and covers 88 and bar 84.Block 85 is mounted in the outer rim of end 82 of valve storage chamber 55, thereby containment member 83 is clipped between them.Block 85 and containment member 83 have the through hole through its formation.While being mounted to the outer rim of end 82, form blow vent 81 by this through hole, and the inside and outside of valve storage chamber 55 is communicated with at block 85 and containment member 83 via blow vent 81 fluids.Bar 84 is inserted in blow vent 81, and the diameter of bar 84 is less than the diameter of blow vent 81, thereby forms the gap that allows Air Flow between bar 84 and the inwall of blow vent 81.Bar 84 is outwards given prominence to by blow vent 81 from covering 88 central authorities.

In the time that valve element 87 slides in valve storage chamber 55, lid 88 slides between the positions of lid 88 contact containment members 83 and lid 88 and the position that separates of containment member 83.In the time of lid 88 contact containment member 83, blow vent 81 is closed, and in the time that lid 88 separates with containment member 83, blow vent 81 is opened.

In valve storage chamber 55, spring 86, along direction pushing or the bias valve element 87 of closing the outside passage that extends to valve storage chamber 55 from the inside of valve storage chamber 55, makes thus to cover member 88 and contacts containment member 83.In the time that bar 84 is pressed to valve storage chamber 55, the lid 88 of valve element 87 overcomes the pushing force of spring 86 and separates with containment member 83.Therefore, the outside passage that extends to valve storage chamber 55 from the inside of valve storage chamber 55 is opened, and has set up the connection via induction part 80 between the inside of ink chamber 100 and the outside of main body 20.Flow to via induction part 80 by air and flow out ink chamber 100, the internal pressure of ink chamber 100 equates with ambient pressure.

With reference to Fig. 7, ink guide part 90 comprises the cylinder valve storage chamber 54 in the front surface 41 that is formed on 140 belows, light transmission part, and valve storage chamber 54 is opened to main body outside at its 92 places, end.Valve storage chamber 54 extends along the depth direction of main body 20, and in the internal fluid communication of its other end place and ink chamber 100.

Ink guide part 90 also comprises the valve system that extends to the ink channel of the inside of ink chamber 100 from the end 92 of valve storage chamber 54 for optionally opening and closing.Ink guide part 90 comprises valve element 97, spring 96, containment member 93 and block 95.

Block 95 is mounted to the outer rim of the end 92 of valve storage chamber 54, thereby containment member 93 is clipped between them.Block 95 and containment member 93 have the through hole through its formation.While being mounted to the outer rim of end 92 of valve storage chamber 54, form ink supply port 91 by this through hole, and ink supply port 91 makes the inside and outside connection of valve storage chamber 54 at block 95 and containment member 93.In the time that print cartridge 10 is mounted to box mounting portion 276, pipe is inserted in ink supply port 91.

In valve storage chamber 54, spring 96, along direction pushing or the bias valve element 97 of closing ink channel, makes valve element 97 contact containment member 93, and has prevented the connection between the inside of ink chamber 100 and the outside of main body 20.In pipe is inserted into ink supply port 91 time, pipe pushing valve element 97, and valve element 97 overcomes the pushing force of spring 96 and separates with containment member 93, and ink supply port 91 is opened.Therefore, set up the connection via ink guide part 90 between the inside of ink chamber 100 and the outside of main body 20, and by pipe by the ink feed in ink chamber 100 to recording equipment 250.

In the end face 43 of framework 50, be formed with recessed portion 59, and be formed with recessed portion 60 in the bottom surface 44 of framework 50.In the time of the rear portion 20b by cover component 22 main body covered 20, recessed portion 59 and 60 respectively be formed on outstanding on the inner surface of cover component 22 and be with 210 and 211 to engage (shown in Figure 8).Give prominence to and be with 210 to be assembled to recessed portion 59, and give prominence to and be with 211 to be assembled to recessed portion 60, thereby provide firm joint between rear portion 20b and cover component 22.

With reference to Fig. 6, spring storage chamber 110 is formed in the front surface 41 of valve storage chamber 55 tops, and spring storage chamber 111 is formed in the front surface 41 of valve storage chamber 54 belows.The substantially cylindrical chamber of spring storage chamber 110 and 111 for extending towards ink chamber 100 from front surface 41, thus at least the rear portion of spring storage chamber 110 and 111 defines respectively a part of front surface 41.With reference to Fig. 8, helical spring 23 and 24 lays respectively in valve storage chamber 110 and 111.For example, helical spring 23 and 24 each front surfaces 41 that are connected at one end, and be connected to movable link 21 at other end place.Specifically, by direct contact the between helical spring 23 and 24 and front surface 41 and movable link 21, or by helical spring 23 and 24 and front surface 41 and movable link 21 between mediate contact, helical spring 23 and 24 and front surface 41 and movable link 21 between be provided with at least one other element, helical spring 23 and 24 is connected to front surface 41 and movable link 21.Helical spring 23 and 24 is configured to, by applying biasing force to movable link 21, movable link 21 is flexibly pushed away to front surface 41.For example, and in order to stablize, to push movable link 21 equably, spring storage chamber 110 separates along the short transverse of main body 20 mutually fully with spring storage chamber 111, is positioned at front surface 41 near the opposite end of short transverse.In other words, helical spring 23 is positioned at the position on more close top compared with the bottom of front surface 41, and helical spring 24 is positioned at the position of more close bottom compared with the top of front surface 41.

Supporting member 115 is formed on the front end place of the end face 43 of framework 50.Supporting member 115 supports movable link 21, thereby movable link 21 slides with respect to main body 20, and supporting member 115 has limited the sliding scale of movable link 21.Movable link 21 is supported on slidably at 2 by supporting member 115 and supporting member described later 116 and locates.Supporting member 115 becomes one with framework 50.Supporting member 115 comprises the Part I 118 extending straight up from end face 43, the Part II 119 extending along the direction of insertion parallel with end face 43 30 from the top of Part I 118 and the front end that is formed on Part II 119 and upwardly extending hook portion 120.Between Part II 119 and end face 43, be formed with gap 122, this allows the short transverse bending of Part II 119 along main body 20.

Supporting member 116 has the shape substantially the same with supporting member 115, and is positioned at the front end place of the bottom surface 44 of framework 50.Supporting member 116 becomes one with framework 50, and comprises Part I 124, the Part II 125 extending along the direction of insertion parallel with bottom surface 44 30 from the end of Part I 124 extending straight down from bottom surface 44 and be formed on the front end of Part II 125 and to the hook portion 126 of downward-extension.

With reference to Fig. 2 (a)-3 (b) and Fig. 8-10 (b), movable link 21 and cover component 22 are according to embodiments of the present invention described.Cover component 22 has container shapes, and is configured to the rear portion 20b of main body 20 to be contained in wherein.Cover component 22 has the flat pattern corresponding with the profile of rear portion 20b.Cover component 22 comprise in the face of and the rear wall 212 of main body covered 20 rear surface 42, in the face of and the roof 213 of main body covered 20 end face 43, in the face of and the diapire 214 of main body covered 20 bottom surface 44, in the face of and the left wall 215 of main body covered 20 left surface 45 and in the face of and the right wall 216 of main body covered 20 right flank 46.Wall 212-216 is limited with space therein, and this spatial configuration becomes to hold rear portion 20b.In one embodiment, a part of roof 213 of cover component 22 and a part of end face 43 of main body 20 define latch recess 1000 between them.In another embodiment, latch recess can be formed in the end face 43 of main body 20, or can be formed in the roof 213 of cover component 22.

Give prominence to and be positioned on the inner surface of cover component 22 near the opening of cover component 22 with 210 and 211.Give prominence to and be positioned at and recessed portion 59 and 60 corresponding positions with 210 and 211.Outstanding with 210 recessed portions 59 that are assembled in the end face 43 that is formed on main body 20, outstanding with 211 recessed portions 60 that are assembled in the bottom surface 44 that is formed on main body 20.Therefore, main body 20 and cover component 22 firmly engage.

Movable link 21 has container shapes, and is configured to the anterior 20a of main body 20 to be contained in wherein.Movable link 21 has the flat pattern corresponding with the profile of anterior 20a.Movable link 21 comprises the right wall 166 in the face of the right flank 46 of the left wall 165 of the diapire 164 of the roof 163 of the antetheca 161 of the front surface 41 of main body 20, main body covered 20 end face 43, main body covered 20 bottom surface 44, main body covered 20 left surface 45 and main body covered 20.Wall 163-166 is limited with space therein, and this spatial configuration becomes to hold anterior 20a.

Left wall 165 and right wall 166 extend from antetheca 161 along the depth direction of main body 20, and main body covered 20 left surface 45 and right flank 46.Therefore, in the time that movable link 21 slides, left wall 165 and right wall 166 are as the guide surface of left surface 45 and right flank 46, thereby movable link 21 slides smoothly.

In embodiments of the invention, at least a portion movable link 21 has the color substantially the same with the color that is stored in the ink in ink chamber 100, thereby movable link 21 is easily shown to user by ink color.

Movable link 21 comprises signal retention device 185, signal retention device 186, the otch 187 that passes its formation, support bar 168 and 169, chute 171 and 172, pressures partially 174 and the opening 180 through its formation.

With reference to Fig. 2 (a)-3 (b), otch 187 is formed on the centre of antetheca 161, and otch 187 is configured to light transmission part 140 is exposed to outside at movable link 21 during in the second place, thereby at least a portion light transmission part 140 extend through otch 187 at movable link 21 during in the second place.For example, by assigning to form otch 187 from antetheca 161 and sidewall 165 and 166 removal rectangular portion, thereby face antetheca 140a and the sidewall 140b of light transmission part 140.Otch 187 extends back along direction of insertion 30 from antetheca 161.In the time that print cartridge 10 is mounted to box mounting portion 276 (shown in Figure 12), light-emitting component and the light receiving element of optical pickocff 230 (shown in Figure 12) clip otch 187.Therefore, the light sending from light-emitting component is through otch 187, and the sidewall 140b of light transmission part 140 is irradiated by light.

Signal retention device 185 comprises from antetheca 161 along the outstanding signal stop portions 189 of direction of insertion 30.This signal stop portions 189 on antetheca 161 along vertical direction bridge joint above otch 187.Signal stop portions 189 is tabular, and is formed with space 190 below in signal stop portions 189.Signal stop portions 189 forms rectangular aperture respectively along end and the otch 187 of width in sidewall 165 and 166.

With reference to Figure 12, signal stop portions 189 is configured to enter during print cartridge 10 is mounted to box mounting portion 276 in the light path 231 of the optical pickocff 230 being located on box mounting portion 276.Signal stop portions 189 by do not allow light therefrom through or the resin material that changes the propagation path of the light that therefrom passes form.For example, signal stop portions 189 can be formed by the resin material that comprises black pigment.Or signal stop portions 189 can be the prism being formed by transparent resin material.Signal retention device 186 is configured to enter during print cartridge 10 is mounted to box mounting portion 276 in the light path 236 of the optical pickocff 235 being located on box mounting portion 276.Signal retention device 186 by do not allow light therefrom through or the resin material that changes the path of the light that therefrom passes form.With reference to Fig. 2 (a)-3 (b), signal retention device 186 is positioned near the far-end or this far-end of roof 163, and signal retention device 186 to leave antetheca 161 from antetheca 161 outstanding.Signal retention device 186 comprises signal stop portions 191, for example rib part, and on the opposite flank of signal stop portions 191, be formed with a pair of groove 192.Signal stop portions 191 is inserted in the light path 236 of optical pickocff 235.In the time storing the ink of q.s and signal stop portions 72 in ink chamber 100 and be arranged in inner space 142, signal stop portions 191, signal stop portions 189 and ink guide part 90 and the first Plane intersects, this first plane is for example the plane parallel with 33 with the arrow 32 of Fig. 2 (a)-2 (d), and signal stop portions 189 and signal stop portions 72 and the second Plane intersects, this second plane is vertical with the first plane, and this second plane is for example the plane parallel with arrow 33 with the arrow 31 of Fig. 2 (a)-2 (d).Adopt this structure, by the aftermentioned program of easily carrying out for determining toner cartridge type.

Ledge 181 is positioned near the lower end or this lower end of antetheca 161, and it is outstanding to leave antetheca 161.In the time that print cartridge 10 is mounted to box mounting portion 276, ledge 181 contacts the inner most wall of box mounting portion 176 with the far-end of signal retention device 186.

Support bar 168 is configured to support helix spring 23, and support bar 169 is configured to support helix spring 24.Support bar 168 and 169 is positioned on the surface of the front surface 41 in the face of main body 20 of antetheca 161.Support bar 168 is in the position corresponding with spring storage chamber 110, and support bar 169 is in the position corresponding with spring storage chamber 111.

With reference to Figure 10 (a) and 10 (b), extend along the depth direction of main body 20 on support bar 168 and 169 surfaces from antetheca 161.When be stored in spring storage chamber 110 at helical spring 23 and helical spring 24 be stored under the state in spring storage chamber 111, by the anterior 20a of main body 20, be inserted into movable link 21 in time, support bar 168 is inserted in helical spring 23, and support bar 169 is inserted in helical spring 24.Therefore, helical spring 23 and 24 is supported by support bar 168 and 169 respectively.The expansion of helical spring 23 and 24 and shrinkage direction are restricted to the depth direction of main body 20.

Helical spring 23 and 24 is compression helical spring, and in anterior 20a is inserted into movable link 21 time, helical spring 23 and 24 compresses and is stored in spring storage chamber 110 and 111.Therefore, helical spring 23 and 24 is along direction pushing or the bias voltage movable link 21 of front surface 41 that leaves main body 20, and location-independent with movable link 21.

With reference to Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b), chute 171 is formed in roof 163, and the shape of cross section of chute 171 is essentially inverted U-shaped.With reference to Figure 10 (a), supporting member 115 is inserted in chute 171, and the outstanding inside extension towards chute 171 with 182 bottom surfaces from roof 163.Therefore, chute 171 is with 182 and part narrows due to outstanding.Chute 172 is formed in diapire 164, and the shape of cross section of chute 172 is essentially U-shaped.As shown in Figure 10 (b), supporting member 116 is inserted in chute 172, and the outstanding inside extension towards chute 172 with 183 end faces from diapire 164.Therefore, chute 172 is with 183 and part narrows due to outstanding.

During in the anterior 20a of main body 20 is inserted into movable link 21, supporting member 115 is inserted in chute 171, and supporting member 116 is inserted in chute 172.In the time that supporting member 115 is inserted in chute 171, outstanding be with 182 and hook portion 120 be in contact with one another.Then, in the time that supporting member 115 is further inserted, supporting member 115 is towards gap 122 bendings, and in the time that the outstanding inclined-plane 120a with 182 inclined-plane 182a and hook portion 120 slides on each other, and hook portion 120 gets over is outstandingly with 182.When hook portion 120 has got over outstandingly while being with 182 1 times, movable link 21 and main body 20 can not depart from, because hook portion 120 is highlighted and is with 182 receptions in the time attempting to remove.Supporting member 116 is also inserted in chute 172 according to identical mode.

In anterior 20a is inserted into movable link 21 time, by helical spring 23 and 24, movable link 21 is pushed away to front surface 41.Therefore, unless apply external force to movable link 21, movable link 21 will remain on movable link 21 in primary importance (at Fig. 2 (b) with shown in 9) corresponding to the front surface 41 of main body 20 distance farthest.Movable link 21 by outstanding with 182 and hook portion 120 between contact and outstanding with 183 and hook portion 126 between contact remain in primary importance.On the other hand, in the time applying external force to the front surface of movable link 21, movable link 21 slides into movable link 21 from the second place corresponding to the nearest distance of the front surface 41 of main body 20 (at Fig. 2 (a) with shown in 8) from primary importance.

With reference to Fig. 8 and 9, pressures partially 174 is positioned on the surface of the front surface 41 in the face of main body 20 of antetheca 161.Pressures partially 174 is in the position corresponding with the bar 84 of induction part 80.At movable link 21 during in primary importance, the distal portion of pressures partially 174 and bar 84 from, and pressures partially 174 beginnings contact with the far-end of bar 84 in the time that movable link 21 slides from primary importance towards the second place.Then,, in the time that movable link 21 further slides towards the second place, push bar 84 to ink chamber 100, to open blow vent 81.

Opening 180 forms through antetheca 161 in the position of the lower end of adjacent front wall 161, and is formed on the position corresponding with ink guide part 90.The diameter of opening 180 is greater than the diameter of the block 95 of ink guide part 90, thereby block 95 is inserted in opening 180 and by this opening 180.At movable link 21, during in primary importance, whole ink guide part 90 is positioned at movable link 21, thereby whole ink guide part 90 is recessed from opening 180.In the time that movable link 21 moves to the second place from primary importance, at least a portion ink guide part 90 moves to opening 180 and then passes opening 180, with outstanding from antetheca 161.With reference to Fig. 2 (a), 2 (b), 3 (a) and 3 (b), in embodiments of the invention, induction part 80 is covered by antetheca 161, thereby induction part 80 is not exposed to print cartridge 10 outsides.In this embodiment, in antetheca 161, be formed with less pore (illustrate at Fig. 2 (a) and 2 (b), but there is no label), to allow air can be drawn in induction part 80.But, with reference to 2 (c), 2 (d), 3 (c) and 3 (d), can be adjacent with induction part 80 by antetheca 161 formation and the opening 180 aimed at '.In this embodiment, at movable link 21, during in primary importance, whole induction part 80 is positioned at movable link 21, thereby whole induction part 80 is recessed from opening 180.In the time that movable link 21 moves to the second place from primary importance, induction part is whole to be remained in movable link 21, but induction part motion for more close opening 180 '.In this embodiment, at the parts of printer, via the bar 84 of opening 180 ' contact induction part 80 and when it is applied to power, air is inhaled in ink chamber 100.

With reference to Figure 11 (a) and 11 (b), in embodiments of the invention, print cartridge 10 can be by print cartridge 10 ' replacement.Specifically, print cartridge 10 ' in, signal retention device 185 is replaced by signal retention device 195, this signal retention device 195 has the shape different from signal retention device 185.Signal retention device 195 comprises the signal stop portions 199 outstanding from antetheca 161.Signal stop portions 199 on antetheca 161 along vertical direction bridge joint above otch 187.Signal stop portions 199 comprises antetheca and is positioned at along the pair of sidewalls 198 of two ends of width.Sidewall 198 extends to the antetheca 161 of movable link 21 from the antetheca of signal stop portions 199.Sidewall 198 and otch 187 form rectangular aperture in sidewall 165 and 166.Signal stop portions 199 is configured to enter during print cartridge 10 is mounted to box mounting portion 276 in the light path 231 of the optical pickocff 230 being located on box mounting portion 276.Signal stop portions 199 by do not allow light therefrom through or the resin material that changes the path of the light that therefrom passes form.In the time storing the ink of q.s and signal stop portions 72 in ink chamber 100 and be arranged in inner space 142, signal stop portions 191, signal stop portions 199 and ink guide part 90 and the first Plane intersects, this first plane is for example the plane parallel with arrow 33 with the arrow 32 of Fig. 2 (a)-2 (d), and signal stop portions 199 and signal stop portions 72 and the second Plane intersects perpendicular to the first plane, this second plane is for example the plane parallel with arrow 33 with the arrow 31 of Fig. 2 (a)-2 (d).Adopt this structure, by the aftermentioned program of easily carrying out for determining toner cartridge type.

With reference to Figure 12, according to embodiment of the present invention, box mounting portion 276 comprises for example multiple shells 280 of four, and described shell 280 is arranged in parallel and corresponding with the different colours of for example cyan, magenta, yellow and black along width.Each shell 280 comprises housing 281 and check lock lever 283.Housing 281 comprise be configured to optionally to store therein print cartridge 10 and 10 ' storage chamber 282, and opening 284 forms through the front side of housing 281.Housing 280 is configured to allow print cartridge 10 and 10 ' be mounted on housing 281 and from housing 281 and remove via opening 284.

Optical pickocff 230 and optical pickocff 235 be positioned at the sealing of storage chamber 282 distolateral on.Optical pickocff 230 is positioned at wall 286 places of the blind end that forms storage chamber 282.Optical pickocff 230 is configured to: (a) detect be mounted to the print cartridge 10 and 10 of housing 280 ' type; And (b) detect print cartridge 10 and 10 ' in quantity of ink whether be less than or equal to predetermined quantity of ink, be for example enough to provide the quantity of ink of image on recording medium.For example, optical pickocff 230 comprises the photo interrupter with light-emitting component and light receiving element.Optical pickocff 230 is connected to master controller 200, and is supplied to master controller 200 from the signal of telecommunication of light receiving element output.Light path 231 is formed between the light-emitting component and light receiving element of optical pickocff 230.In signal retention device 185 or signal retention device 195 are inserted into light path 231 time, determine toner cartridge type by the output signal corresponding with received light intensity optical pickocff 230.

Optical pickocff 235 is positioned at the inner side place of the wall 287 at the top that forms housing 281.Whether the signal stop portions 191 that optical pickocff 235 is configured to detection signal retention device 186 is positioned at pre-position, thus determine whether to be provided with print cartridge 10 and 10 '.For example, optical pickocff 235 comprises the photo interrupter with light-emitting component and light receiving element.This optical pickocff 235 is connected to master controller 200, and is supplied to master controller 200 from the signal of telecommunication of light receiving element output.While being stopped by signal stop portions 191 in light path 236 at light at optical pickocff 235, reduce substantially by moment for the light intensity being received by light receiving element.

Coupling part 285 is positioned at the bottom place of wall 286, and is configured to be connected to ink supply port 91.The inside of coupling part 285 from wall 286 towards storage chamber 282 is outstanding.Through hole 288 forms through coupling part 285, and ink barrel 278 is inserted in through hole 288.Through hole 288 is formed on the position corresponding with ink supply port 91.On the inner side of coupling part 285, be provided with pipe, and in print cartridge 10 is arranged on to shell 280 time, pipe is inserted in ink supply port 91, thereby ink supply port 91 and coupling part 285 interconnect.

Contact portion 240 is positioned at the top place of wall 286, and contact portion 241 is positioned at the bottom place of wall 286.In print cartridge 10 is inserted into shell 280 time, the far-end of contact portion 240 activation signal retention devices 186, and contact portion 241 contacts the far-end of ledge 181.

Check lock lever 283 is configured to optionally open and close opening 284, and reliably by print cartridge 10 and 10 ' be fixed in storage chamber 282.Check lock lever 283 is supported at one end, so that can be around axis 290 in the rotation of the upper limb place of opening 284.Check lock lever 283 comprises operation part 293 and pawl 294.Operation part 293 is positioned near outer surface 297 places of the check lock lever 283 other end of check lock lever, and pawl 294 is positioned at the other end place of check lock lever 283.Be formed with groove 299 at the lower edge of opening 284, and this groove 299 is configured to engage this pawl 294.

With reference to Fig. 2 (a), 2 (b), 8 and 13-15, the process for print cartridge 10 being installed or is inserted into shell 280 is described.In the storage chamber 282 that print cartridge 10 is inserted into shell 280 time, first the signal stop portions 189 of signal retention device 185 enters in the light path 231 of optical pickocff 230.Then,, in print cartridge 10 is further inserted into storage chamber 282 time, the signal stop portions 191 of signal retention device 186 enters in the light path 236 of optical pickocff 235.In the time that signal stop portions 191 enters into light path 236, signal stop portions 189 has been passed the light path 231 of optical pickocff 230, and the light sending from light-emitting component is through being positioned at signal stop portions 189 space 190 below.

In the time that print cartridge 10 is inserted into the blind end of storage chamber 282, the far-end of signal retention device 186 contacts this contact portion 240, and the far-end of ledge 181 contacts this contact portion 241.At this moment, otch 187 has entered into light path 231.

At check lock lever 283, when closing the direction rotation of opening 284, the inner surface 296 of check lock lever 283 contacts the rear wall of cover component 22, and presses print cartridge 10 along direction of insertion.At this moment, helical spring 23 and 24 is compressed.Therefore be, that under state static and that main body 20 is moved towards movable link 21, main body 20 is moved along direction of insertion at movable link 21.

In the time that main body 20 is further moved along direction of insertion, ink supply port 91 is connected to coupling part 285, and light transmission part 140 enters into otch 187, and enters in the light path 231 of optical pickocff 230.

Close completely and when pawl 294 engages with groove 299, check lock lever 283 is locked with respect to opening 284, and opening 284 is closed by check lock lever 283 at check lock lever 283.At this moment, the main body 20 of print cartridge 10 is subject to the pushing force of helical spring 23 and 24, and the rear wall of cover component 22 is pressed against on the inner surface 296 of check lock lever 283.

With reference to Figure 16, master controller 200 is controlled the operation of recording equipment 250.Master controller 200 is microcomputer, and it comprises CPU (CPU) 201, read-only storage (ROM) 202, random access memory (RAM) 203, erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 204 and the special IC (ASIC) 205 write.

The program of the corresponding operating that what ROM202 storage was used by CPU201 be used for controls recording equipment 250 and being used for distinguish print cartridge 10 and 10 ' the program of type.RAM203 is storage area or the working region of being used for of being used by CPU201 for the temporary transient storage corresponding data of carrying out this program.Even if EEPROM204 also stores setting value, mark etc. to be retained after dump.

With reference to Fig. 1 and 16, a control panel 270, optical pickocff 230 and optical pickocff 235 are connected to ASIC205.For drive paper carrier 252 and conveying device 253 respective rollers drive circuit (not shown), for print command etc. being inputed to the input block of recording equipment 250 and being also connected to ASIC205 for the display unit that shows the information relevant to recording equipment 250.

Control panel 270 is according to controlling record head 272 from for example control signal of signal and the picture signal of ASIC205 supply.Therefore, optionally discharge ink from the nozzle 274 of record head 272 with the timing of being scheduled to.

Optical pickocff 230 is according to the light intensity output sensor signal being received by light receiving element.For example, according to the light intensity being received by light receiving element, export analog electrical signal from optical pickocff 230, for example voltage signal or current signal.The sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 230 is supplied to master controller 200, and master controller 200 determines that this sensor signal is high level signal in the time that for example magnitude of voltage of level of sensor signal or current value are more than or equal to predetermined threshold, and in the time that level is less than this threshold value, determines that this sensor signal is low level signal.For example, in the time that the light path 231 of optical pickocff 230 is blocked, determine that sensor signal is low level signal, and in the time that light path 231 is not blocked, determine that sensor signal is high level signal.When the light sending when light-emitting component is blocked or is changed direction, the light intensity being received by light receiving element can be zero.

Optical pickocff 235 is according to the mode effect substantially the same with optical pickocff 230, and carrys out output sensor signal according to the light intensity being received by light receiving element.

With reference to Figure 17 (a) and 17 (b), be described between the installation period of print cartridge 10 the exemplary time graph of the signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 230 and optical pickocff 235, and with reference to Figure 17 (c) and 17 (d), be described in print cartridge 10 ' installation period between the exemplary time graph of signal level of the sensor signal exported from optical pickocff 230 and optical pickocff 235.

As shown in Figure 17 (a) and 17 (c), the time graph of the signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 235 in the time that print cartridge 10 is mounted to shell 280 is identical with the time graph of the signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 235 when by print cartridge 10 ' be mounted to shell 280.Specifically, in the time that signal stop portions 191 enters into the light path 236 of optical pickocff 235 and stops or change the path of light, signal level is low at moment T1 place from hypermutation.In master controller 200, the signal level triggering signal acting in the process of determining toner cartridge type for this change from high to low.

With reference to Figure 17 (b), in the time that print cartridge 10 is mounted to shell 280, enters light path 231 and stop or change the path of light in moment T0 place signal stop portions 189.The signal level of the sensor signal of at this moment, exporting from optical pickocff 230 is low from hypermutation.Because signal stop portions 189 is dull and stereotyped, so light is blocked or the reformed duration of its path is shorter.After moment T0 and before moment T1, signal stop portions 189 is through light path 231, and space 190 enters light path.Therefore,, at moment T1 place, the signal level of optical pickocff 230 is from the low height that returns to.

Subsequently, in the time further inserting print cartridge 10, otch 187 enters light path 231, and in the time that print cartridge 10 is mounted to shell 280 completely, light transmission part 140 enters light path 231 via otch 187 between moment T2 and moment T3.Under this state, the position of detection signal stop portions 72.In Figure 17 (b), signal level in the time that signal stop portions 72 is in light path 231 is represented by solid line (low level), and signal level in the time that signal stop portions 72 is left light path 231 is represented by dotted line (high level).

With reference to Figure 17 (d), when by print cartridge 10 ' be mounted to shell 280, also enter into light path 231 in moment T0 place signal stop portions 199, thereby stop light or change the path of light.The signal level of the sensor signal of at this moment, exporting from optical pickocff 230 is low from hypermutation.Because signal stop portions 199 has sidewall 198, so light lasting longer than the duration that light is stopped or changes by signal stop portions 189 of being stopped or change by signal stop portions 199.Specifically, at moment T1 place, sidewall 198 is still arranged in light path 231.Therefore,, at moment T1 place, the signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 230 remains on low state.

Subsequently, further inserting 10 ' time of print cartridge, at moment T2 place, sidewall 198 passes through light path 231, and otch 187 enters light path 231.At this moment, the signal level of optical pickocff 230 is from the low height that returns to.Then,, when by print cartridge 10 ' be mounted to shell 280 completely, the moment of light transmission part 140 between moment T2 and moment T3 enters light path 231 via otch 187.Under this state, can detect the position of signal stop portions 72.In Figure 17 (d), signal level in the time that signal stop portions 72 is in light path 231 is represented by solid line (low level), and signal level in the time that signal stop portions 72 is left light path 231 is represented by dotted line (high level).

Toner cartridge type is determined according to the time graph of optical pickocff 230 and optical pickocff 235 by master controller 200.

With reference to Figure 18, describe be used for determining installed print cartridge be print cartridge 10 or print cartridge 10 ' process.In step S1, master controller 200 is determined the light path 231 whether signal stop portions 189 or 199 has entered optical pickocff 230, for example, determines whether the signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 230 has been low from hypermutation.In the time that master controller 200 determines that signal stop portions 189 or 199 has entered light path 231, carry out step S2.That is to say, until master controller 200 determines that signal stop portions 189 or 199 has entered light path 231, just carry out this step S2.

In step S2, master controller 200 determines whether signal stop portions 191 has entered light path 236, for example, determines whether the signal level of optical pickocff 235 has been low from hypermutation, and this is corresponding to detecting triggering signal.When triggering signal detected in step S2 time, in step S3, master controller 200 determines that the signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 230 at the moment T1 place of detecting triggering signal is high or low.For example, in the time being high in the signal level of moment T1, master controller 200 determines that print cartridge 10 is inserted in shell 280, and in the time being low at the level at moment T1 place, and master controller is determined print cartridge 10 ' be inserted in shell 280.

In the time determining that in step S3 the signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 230 is high, in step S4, will represent that the print cartridge bit flag corresponding with print cartridge 10 of installing is set on the register of register of for example CPU201.Represent the print cartridge installed and print cartridge 10 ' corresponding bit flag if preset, the print cartridge that represents to install and print cartridge 10 ' corresponding bit flag is removed, and the print cartridge bit flag corresponding with print cartridge 10 installed of setting expression.On the other hand, in the signal level of determining the sensor signal exported from optical pickocff 230 while being low, in step S5, the print cartridge that represents to install and print cartridge 10 ' corresponding bit flag is set on register.Represent if preset the print cartridge bit flag corresponding with print cartridge 10 installed, bit flag corresponding with print cartridge 10 print cartridge that represents to install is removed, and the print cartridge installed of setting expression and print cartridge 10 ' corresponding bit flag.If set this bit flag, the messaging device being connected with recording equipment 250 of recording equipment 250 or for example personal computer according to this mark demonstrate inserted print cartridge 10 and 10 ' in which.

If the signal level of optical pickocff 235 from low to high, deterministic process can restart.And deterministic process can be carried out in the time that check lock lever 283 is opened, and deterministic process can finish in the time that check lock lever 283 cuts out.

The signal level of the sensor signal of exporting from optical pickocff 230 in the moment T1 place basis that detects triggering signal determine print cartridge 10 and 10 ' type.Therefore, print cartridge 10 and 10 ' structure allow recording equipment 250 exactly determine print cartridge 10 or 10 ' type, and with user, the speed of print cartridge 10 or 10 ' be mounted to printer is irrelevant, and need not consider user whether start that print cartridge is inserted in printer then in print cartridge is finally inserted into printer completely before partial demolition print cartridge.

Said process be configured to print cartridge 10 and 10 at two types ' between distinguish, still, also can distinguish three kinds or more kinds of print cartridge.And, the print cartridge that black ink is housed and the print cartridge that the color inks except black ink is housed can be distinguished, and the print cartridge that pigment ink is housed and the print cartridge that type of dye ink is housed can be distinguished.

With reference to Figure 19, describe according to the packing device 230 of embodiment of the present invention.Packing device 230 comprises: print cartridge, for example print cartridge 10 (or 10 '); With packaging element 231.Print cartridge 10 is contained in the inside of packaging element 231.Print cartridge 10 transports and sells in packing device 230.

For example by vavuum pump by the inner pressure relief of ink chamber 100 to being less than atmospheric pressure, to reduce the air capacity in the ink that is dissolved in ink chamber 100.Also for example by vavuum pump by the inner pressure relief of packaging element 231 to being less than atmospheric pressure, to prevent that air from entering ink chamber 100 by the film that is covered with side 45 and 46.

Packaging element 231 is liquid-tight, but has certain gas permeability.Therefore, keep while use at packing device 230 within longer a period of time, air can enter into the inside of packaging element 231.But if there is pressure reduction space in the inside of packaging element 231, the inside of packaging element 231 maintains under stable decompression state within longer a period of time.

Manufacture packing device 230 according to following mode.Remain at movable link 21 under the state of first (extension) position shown in Fig. 2 (b), print cartridge 10 is contained in the inside of packaging element 231.In the time maintaining this state, the pressure decreased in the inside of packaging element 231, to being less than atmospheric pressure, and is sealed packaging element 231.Because print cartridge 10 is contained in packaging element 231 by this way, so form the pressure reduction space of predetermined volumes between the front surface 41 of main body 20 and the antetheca 161 of movable link 21 in the inside of packaging element 231.Therefore, the inside of packaging element 231 is maintained decompression state within longer a period of time.

But if the inner pressure relief of packaging element 231 is too large, the pressure differential between atmospheric pressure and the pressure of packaging element 231 inside can become so big, thereby on print cartridge 10, act on larger power.In this case, if form this pressure reduction space between the front surface 41 of main body 20 and the antetheca 161 of movable link 21, movable link 21 may and may not can return to original-shape to internal strain.Therefore,, in another embodiment of the invention, remaining under the state of second (contraction) position shown in Fig. 2 (c) at movable link 21 can be by print cartridge 10 ' be contained in packaging element 231.At movable link 21, during in second place place, the pressure reduction space between the front surface 41 of main body 20 and the antetheca 161 of movable link 21 is less, therefore, can prevent the distortion of movable link 21.Also reduce the size of packing device 230.Although because pressure reduction space is less, this pressure reduction space still exists, so the inside of packaging element 231 remains under stable decompression state within the rational time period.

With reference to Figure 20 and 21, box mounting portion 1276 is according to another embodiment of the invention described.Box mounting portion 1276 comprises the check lock lever 1283 of the check lock lever 283 that replaces box mounting portion 276.Check lock lever 1283 comprises Part I 1291, Part II 1292 and the pivot section 1290 between Part I 1291 and Part II 1292.Pivot section 1290 is supported on the top place of shell 280 near opening 284, thereby check lock lever 1283 is around pivot section 1290 pivotables.Part I 1291 extends to the outside of shell 280 from pivot section, and Part II 1292 extends to storage chamber 282 from pivot section 1290.Part I 1291 is positioned at the top of Part II 1292, because the weight of Part I 1291 is less than the weight of Part II 1292.As shown in figure 20, in the time that print cartridge 10 is arranged in box mounting portion 1276, a part for the part contact latch recess 1000 of Part II 1292.The main body 20 of print cartridge 10 receives helical spring 23 and 24 thrusts towards opening 284.But, because a described part for the described part contact latch recess 1000 of Part II 1292 remains on main body 20 in shell 280 with the thrust that overcomes helical spring 23 and 24, so print cartridge 10 remains in shell 280.

In the time that user attempts print cartridge 10 to remove from box mounting portion 1276, user applies downward force to the end of Part I 1291.Check lock lever 1283 is then around pivot section 1290 pivotables, and as shown in figure 21, and Part II 1292 moves upward and separate with latch recess 1000.Therefore, helical spring 23 and 24 expansions, and print cartridge 10 part from box mounting portion 1276 ejects.Then user catches the rear portion of print cartridge 10, and print cartridge 10 is removed from box mounting portion 1276.Therefore, easily print cartridge is removed from box mounting portion 1276.And, because print cartridge 10 is not configured to itself, movable link 21 is remained in the second place, so in the time that Part II 1292 separates with latch recess 1000, movable link 21 freely moves to primary importance from the second place, print cartridge 10 ejects from box mounting portion 1276 parts thus.

Although describe the present invention in conjunction with exemplary, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, can make other variation and modification to above-mentioned exemplary without departing from the present invention.By considering description or practical application of the present invention disclosed herein, other embodiment is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Description and described embodiment are only considered to example of the present invention, and true scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. a print cartridge, this print cartridge comprises:

Antetheca, is wherein formed with otch in the center of described antetheca;

First signal stop portions, this first signal stop portions is configured to optionally to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or optionally changing the path of this first signal;

Secondary signal stop portions, this secondary signal stop portions is configured to optionally to prevent that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or optionally changing the path of this secondary signal, wherein secondary signal stop portions has following thickness, in the time that first signal stop portions starts to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal, this thickness determines whether secondary signal stop portions prevents that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal, wherein said secondary signal stop portions bridge joint is above described otch, and

The 3rd signal stop portions, described the 3rd signal stop portions is configured to optionally to prevent described secondary signal through described the 3rd signal stop portions or optionally changes the path of described secondary signal.

2. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, the thickness of wherein said secondary signal stop portions at least one feature based on relevant to described print cartridge.

3. print cartridge as claimed in claim 2, also comprise the ink chamber that is configured to store therein ink, wherein said at least one feature comprise be selected from ink chamber capacity, be stored in quantity of ink in ink chamber, be stored in the ink type in ink chamber and be stored at least one feature in the ink color in ink chamber.

4. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, also comprises sidewall, wherein by assigning to form described otch from described antetheca and described sidewall removal rectangular portion.

5. print cartridge as claimed in claim 4, also comprise the shell with at least a portion that is limited to ink chamber wherein, wherein said ink chamber is configured to store ink, and described the 3rd signal stop portions is positioned at this shell, and is configured to according to the quantity of ink motion in ink chamber.

6. print cartridge as claimed in claim 5, also comprises:

Movable link, this movable link is configured to respect to described shell motion, and wherein said movable link comprises first signal stop portions and secondary signal stop portions; And

At least one elastic component, described at least one elastic component has the first end that is connected to shell and the second end that is connected to movable link.

7. a print cartridge group, this print cartridge group comprises the first print cartridge and the second print cartridge, this first print cartridge and the second print cartridge are print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

The secondary signal stop portions of the first print cartridge has following thickness, this thickness is configured in the time that first signal stop portions starts to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal, prevents that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal; And

The secondary signal stop portions of the second print cartridge has following thickness, this thickness is configured in the time that first signal stop portions starts to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal, does not prevent that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal.

8. an ink cartridge determination systems, this ink cartridge determination systems comprises:

Print cartridge as described in any one in claim 1-6 or print cartridge group as claimed in claim 7; With

Recording equipment,

This recording equipment comprises the box mounting portion that is configured to install print cartridge;

First sensor, this first sensor is arranged in box mounting portion, and comprise the first signal receiving element that is configured to launch the first signal radiated element of described first signal and is configured to receive first signal, wherein said first signal stop portions is configured at least during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion, optionally to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or optionally changing the path of first signal, and be wherein different from following intensity in the intensity that prevents the first signal that first signal is received by first signal receiving element when passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal by first signal stop portions, in the intensity that does not prevent the first signal that first signal is received by first signal receiving element when passing first signal stop portions or not changing the path of first signal by first signal stop portions,

The second sensor, this second sensor is arranged in box mounting portion, and comprise the secondary signal receiving element that is configured to launch the secondary signal radiated element of described secondary signal and is configured to receive secondary signal, wherein said secondary signal stop portions is configured to optionally to prevent during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or optionally changing the path of secondary signal, wherein be different from following intensity in the intensity that prevents the secondary signal that secondary signal is received by secondary signal receiving element when passing secondary signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal by secondary signal stop portions, in the intensity that does not prevent the secondary signal that secondary signal is received by secondary signal receiving element when passing secondary signal stop portions or not changing the path of secondary signal by secondary signal stop portions, and

Determiner, this determiner is configured to during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion in the time that the intensity of the first signal being received by first signal receiving element starts to change, and determines the information relevant to print cartridge according to the intensity of the secondary signal being received by secondary signal receiving element.

9. a print cartridge group, this print cartridge group comprises the first print cartridge and the second print cartridge, this first print cartridge and the second print cartridge are print cartridge as claimed in claim 5, wherein:

10. an ink cartridge determination systems, this ink cartridge determination systems comprises:

Print cartridge as claimed in claim 5 or print cartridge group as claimed in claim 9; With

Recording equipment,

First sensor, this first sensor is arranged in box mounting portion, and comprise the first signal receiving element that is configured to launch the first signal radiated element of described first signal and is configured to receive first signal, wherein said first signal stop portions is configured at least during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion, optionally to prevent that first signal from passing first signal stop portions or optionally changing the path of first signal, wherein be different from following intensity in the intensity that prevents the first signal that first signal is received by first signal receiving element when passing first signal stop portions or changing the path of first signal by first signal stop portions, in the intensity that does not prevent the first signal that first signal is received by first signal receiving element when passing first signal stop portions or not changing the path of first signal by first signal stop portions,

The second sensor, this second sensor is arranged in box mounting portion, and comprise the secondary signal receiving element that is configured to launch the secondary signal radiated element of described secondary signal and is configured to receive secondary signal, wherein said secondary signal stop portions is configured to optionally to prevent during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion that secondary signal from passing secondary signal stop portions or optionally changing the path of secondary signal, and the 3rd signal stop portions is configured to optionally prevent that secondary signal from passing the 3rd signal stop portions or optionally changing the path of secondary signal when print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion completing, wherein be different from following intensity in the intensity that prevents the secondary signal that secondary signal is received by secondary signal receiving element when passing secondary signal stop portions or the 3rd signal stop portions or changing the path of secondary signal by secondary signal stop portions or the 3rd stop portions, in the intensity that does not prevent the secondary signal that secondary signal is received by secondary signal receiving element when passing secondary signal stop portions or the 3rd signal stop portions or not changing the path of secondary signal by secondary signal stop portions or the 3rd signal stop portions, and

Determiner, this determiner is configured to during print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion in the time that the intensity of the first signal being received by first signal receiving element starts to change, determine the information relevant to print cartridge according to the intensity of the secondary signal being received by secondary signal receiving element, and be configured to, completing when print cartridge is mounted to box mounting portion, determine the quantity of ink in ink chamber according to the intensity of the secondary signal being received by secondary signal receiving element.