Printing-liquid cartridge and recording apparatus using the same

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

0001This application claims priorities from Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-074230 filed Mar. 30, 2011 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-218030 filed Sep. 30, 2011. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

0002The present invention relates to a printing-liquid cartridge that is mountable into and removable from a cartridge mounting portion, and to a recording apparatus having the cartridge mounting portion and printing-liquid cartridge.

BACKGROUND

0003A known image recording apparatus of a so-called tube-supply system has an ink cartridge that is positioned on the outside of a carriage on which a recording head is mounted, and the ink cartridge and the recording head are connected via a tube. The ink cartridge is configured to insert horizontally into an opening of a cartridge mounting portion positioned in the front of the image recording apparatus. The cartridge may be inserted into and removed from the cartridge mounting portion. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion, an ink channel extending from the ink cartridge to the recording head is formed.

0004The cartridge mounting portion may include a hollow needle or the like, which is referred to as an “ink needle,” such that the ink stored in the ink cartridge is supplied to the recording head via the tube.

0005The mounting portion may include a locking mechanism configured to retain the ink cartridge in its mounted state and a biasing member configured to bias the ink cartridge toward the opening of the cartridge mounting portion.

0006In this manner, a reduction in size of the recording apparatus is constrained by an arrangement of the locking mechanism in the cartridge mounting portion.

SUMMARY

0007In view of these and other shortcomings of the related art, it is an object of the invention to provide the smaller recording apparatus.

0008According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a print liquid cartridge comprising a print liquid chamber, print liquid supply portion, a stopper, and a release member. The print liquid supply portion may establish a communication between an interior of the print liquid chamber and an exterior of the print liquid chamber. The stopper may prevent the printing-liquid cartridge from moving in a direction opposite to the liquid communication direction. The release member may release the cartridge from preventing the cartridge to move in opposite direction of the liquid communication direction. The stopper may be arranged to offset from the release member in a height direction orthogonal to the fluid outflow direction and a width direction.

0009According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a recording apparatus is provided a cartridge mounting portion. The cartridge mounting portion receives therein a print liquid cartridge when the print liquid cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion in the fluid outflow direction. The cartridge mounting portion may comprise an engaging member which may associate with the stopper of the printing-liquid cartridge,

0010Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0011For a more complete understanding of the present invention, needs satisfied thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a printer provided with a cartridge mounting unit according to an embodiment of the invention;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of an ink cartridge;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of a cartridge mounting unit;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> mounted on the cartridge mounting unit of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is initially being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> mounted on the cartridge mounting unit of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is further being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit after the state of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> mounted on the cartridge mounting unit of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is fully mounted in the cartridge mounting unit;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> mounted on the cartridge mounting unit of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is initially being removed from the cartridge mounting unit;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a perspective view an ink cartridge according to a first variation of the invention;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> mounted in the cartridge mounting unit of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is initially being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> mounted in the cartridge mounting unit, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is further being inserted into the cartridge mounting unit after the state of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting unit, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is completely mounted in the cartridge mounting unit;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10B</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting unit, illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is being removed from the cartridge mounting unit after the state of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10A</figref>; and

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a vertical cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting unit according to the first variation of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0027Embodiments of the present invention, and their features and advantages, may be understood by referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-11</figref>, like numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings. The embodiments described below are examples only, and the embodiments may be modified as needed without changing the scope of the invention.

0028An ink cartridge <b>30</b> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 through 6B</figref>.

Overview of a Printer

10

0029First, a printer <b>10</b> in which the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is accommodated will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. The ink cartridge <b>30</b> corresponds to the printing-liquid cartridge. The printer <b>10</b> corresponds to the recording apparatus. The terms “upward”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “beneath”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “rear” and the like will be used throughout the description assuming that the printer <b>10</b> is positioned in an orientation in which it is intended to be used.

0030The printer <b>10</b> uses an inkjet recording system to record images by selectively ejecting ink droplets onto a recording paper. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the printer <b>10</b> may comprise an ink supply device <b>100</b>. The ink supply unit <b>110</b> may comprise a cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>. The cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> allows the ink cartridge <b>30</b> to be mounted therein. The cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> includes an opening <b>112</b> which opens toward the outside on one surface of the image recording apparatus <b>10</b>. The ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> and removed from the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> through the opening <b>112</b>. The ink cartridge <b>30</b> is inserted into or removed from the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> through the opening <b>112</b>.

0031Ink is stored in the ink cartridge. A recording head <b>21</b> may connect to the ink cartridge <b>30</b> via an ink tube <b>20</b>. The recording head <b>21</b> may have a sub-tank <b>28</b> in which temporarily stores ink supplied through the ink tube <b>20</b>. The recording head <b>21</b> may include a plurality of nozzles <b>29</b> through which ink supplied from the sub-tank <b>28</b> may selectively eject to form a recording image.

0032The printer <b>10</b> also may comprise a paper tray <b>15</b>, a sheet supply roller <b>23</b>, a sheet passage <b>24</b>, a pair of transfer rollers <b>25</b>, a platen <b>26</b>, a pair of discharge roller <b>22</b>, and a paper discharge tray <b>16</b> arranged in this order along a feed direction. The sheet supply roller <b>23</b> may supply the sheet from the paper feed tray <b>15</b> to the sheet passage <b>24</b>; and the pair of transfer rollers <b>25</b> may further convey the sheet to the platen <b>26</b>. Then, the recording head <b>21</b> may selectively eject the ink onto the sheet passing through the platen <b>26</b> to form an image on the sheet. The pair of discharge rollers <b>22</b> then may discharge the sheet onto the discharge tray <b>16</b>.

0033Note that the general structure of the printer <b>10</b> according to the preferred embodiment is merely one example. Obviously the printer <b>10</b> may employ other constructions used in inkjet printers known in the art, such as different methods for feeding and conveying the recording paper and a different shape for the conveying path.

Ink Supply Device

100

0034As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the ink supply device <b>100</b> is provided in the printer <b>10</b>. The ink supply device <b>100</b> functions to supply ink to the recording head <b>21</b> provided in the printer <b>10</b>. The ink supply device <b>100</b> includes the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> in which the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be inserted. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> when the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted therein.

Ink Cartridge

30

0035Next, a detailed configuration of the ink cartridge <b>30</b> will be described. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the ink cartridge <b>30</b> defines therein an ink chamber <b>36</b> in which the ink is stored. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, the ink cartridge <b>30</b> has a casing <b>31</b> defining an outer shell of the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. The ink chamber <b>36</b> may be defined inside the casing <b>31</b>, or may be defined by a member separate from the casing <b>31</b> but inside the casing <b>31</b>. The ink chamber <b>36</b> corresponds to the print liquid chamber. The casing <b>31</b> corresponds to the body and the casing.

0036The ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be configured to be installed in and removed from the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> in an upright position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, i.e. along a direction indicated by an arrow <b>53</b> with a lower surface in the drawing as a bottom surface and an upper surface in the drawing as an upper surface (hereinafter, referred to as an “insertion and removal directions <b>53</b>”). Hereinafter, a description will be given assuming that the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is in the upright position.

0037As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the casing <b>31</b> may have a generally flat, rectangular shape with a widthwise in a direction indicated by an arrow <b>51</b> (herein after, referred to as a widthwise direction or a horizontal direction), a height in a direction indicated by an arrow <b>52</b> that is perpendicular to the widthwise direction <b>51</b> (hereinafter, referred to as a vertical direction or a height direction) and a depth in a direction indicated by an arrow <b>53</b> that is perpendicular to the vertical direction and widthwise direction <b>51</b> (hereinafter, referred to as a depthwise direction <b>53</b>). The height of casing <b>31</b> and the depth of casing <b>31</b> are each greater than the width of casing <b>31</b>. In other words, in the upright position, the depthwise direction <b>53</b> is parallel to the insertion direction <b>56</b> and the removal direction <b>55</b>, while the widthwise direction <b>51</b> and height direction <b>52</b> are respectively orthogonal to the insertion direction <b>56</b> and the removal direction <b>55</b>.

0038As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the casing <b>31</b> may have a front wall <b>40</b>, a rear wall <b>42</b>, a pair of side walls <b>37</b>, <b>38</b>, a top wall <b>39</b>, and a bottom wall <b>41</b>. The front wall <b>40</b> is positioned at the front side of the printer <b>10</b> when the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, and the rear wall <b>42</b> of the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, and the rear wall <b>42</b> of the casing <b>31</b> is positioned on the rear side of the casing <b>31</b>. The front wall <b>40</b> and rear wall <b>42</b> may be positioned opposite to each other in the depthwise direction <b>53</b> (in the insertion direction <b>56</b>). Four walls may separate the front wall <b>40</b> from the rear wall <b>42</b>: a pair of side walls (not depicted) extending in the insertion and removal directions <b>50</b>, an upper wall <b>39</b> connecting the upper edges of the side walls, and a lower wall <b>41</b> also connecting the lower edges of the side walls. The upper wall <b>39</b> and lower wall <b>41</b> are spaced away from each other by a prescribed distance in the height direction <b>52</b>. The front wall <b>40</b> corresponds to the front side. The rear wall <b>42</b> corresponds to the rear side. The top wall <b>39</b> corresponds to the upper side of the present invention.

0039An ink supply portion <b>43</b> may be positioned on the front side of the ink cartridge <b>30</b>, e.g., the front wall <b>40</b> of the casing <b>31</b> at a lower end. The ink supply portion <b>43</b> may have cylindrical outer shape, and ink supply portion <b>43</b> may project frontward from the front wall <b>40</b> in the insertion direction <b>56</b> (i.e., in the depthwise direction <b>53</b>). The ink supply portion <b>43</b> may have an outer end portion <b>72</b> on which an ink supply outlet <b>71</b> is formed to provide external communication with the casing <b>31</b>.

0040As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, an ink channel <b>44</b> may be formed to extend from the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> through an internal space of the ink supply portion <b>43</b> to the ink chamber in the depthwise direction <b>53</b>. The ink supply portion <b>43</b> corresponds to the print liquid supply portion.

0041As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, within the ink supply portion <b>43</b>, a valve <b>70</b> may be configured to be opened or closed by the ink supply outlet <b>71</b>. The valve <b>70</b> may move within the ink channel <b>44</b> of the ink supply portion <b>43</b> in the depthwise direction <b>53</b> (in the insertion direction <b>56</b> as well as in the removal direction <b>55</b>). A coil spring <b>73</b> may be provided for biasing the valve <b>70</b> toward the ink supply outlet <b>71</b>. When no external forces may be applied to the valve <b>70</b>, the coil spring <b>73</b> holds the valve <b>70</b> in a closed position for tightly sealing the ink supply outlet <b>71</b>. A portion of the outer end portion <b>72</b> of the ink supply portion <b>43</b> surrounding the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> is formed of an elastic member, such as rubber. The elastic member elastically may deform when contacted by the valve <b>70</b> biased by the coil spring <b>73</b>, tightly sealing the ink supply outlet <b>71</b>. In this state, part of the valve <b>70</b> may be exposed through the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> outside of the ink supply portion <b>43</b>, i.e., outside the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. The ink supply portion <b>71</b> is not limited to a configuration in which the ink supply valve <b>70</b> opens and closes the ink supply portion <b>70</b>. For example, a configuration in which a film, rubber stopper, or the like closes the ink supply outlet <b>70</b> when the ink cartridge inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>.

0042An ink needle <b>122</b> (described later) may be also positioned on the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>. When the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, the ink needle <b>122</b> is inserted into the ink supply outlet <b>71</b>, elastically deforming the coil spring <b>73</b> and moving the valve <b>70</b> against the biasing force of the coil spring <b>73</b> into an open position separated from the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>). In this state, the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> is open and ink in the ink chamber <b>36</b> can flow into the ink needle <b>122</b> through the ink channel <b>44</b>.

0043An air introducing unit (not shown) may also be provided in the casing <b>31</b>. Accordingly, air is introduced into the ink chamber <b>36</b> via the air introducing unit as ink flows from the ink chamber <b>36</b> into the ink needle <b>122</b>. However, the air introducing unit is not an essential component. For example, the ink chamber <b>36</b> may be configured of an ink bag whose volume decreases as the amount of ink in the ink chamber <b>36</b> decreases.

0044As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, a protrusion <b>32</b> may be positioned on the lower wall <b>41</b> (a lower end of the front wall <b>40</b> below the ink supply portion <b>43</b>). The protrusion <b>32</b> may protrude frontward in the insertion direction <b>56</b> and may have a protruding length greater than that of the ink supply portion <b>43</b> in the insertion direction <b>56</b>.

0045As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, the top wall <b>39</b> of the casing <b>31</b> may be formed with an engaging recess <b>45</b> extending from a position substantially center of the top wall <b>39</b> to the rear wall <b>42</b> in the depthwise direction <b>53</b>. The engaging recess <b>45</b> may be defined by a vertical engaging surface <b>46</b> at the front end in the insertion direction <b>56</b>, and a pair of ribs <b>45</b><i>a, </i><b>45</b><i>b. </i>That is, the engaging surface <b>46</b> may occupy a plane extending in the widthwise direction <b>51</b> and the height direction <b>52</b>. When the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, an engaging member <b>145</b> of the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> (described later) may engage the engaging surface <b>46</b>. Specifically, the engaging member <b>145</b> engages the top end of the engaging surface <b>46</b>. The top end of the engaging surface <b>46</b> corresponds to the stopper.

0046As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, a portion of the upper wall <b>39</b> that may be positioned frontward of the engaging recess <b>45</b> in the insertion direction <b>56</b> serves as a upper surface <b>47</b> that may contact the engaging member <b>145</b> of the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> when the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>. That is, the upper surface <b>47</b> may have a plane extending in the widthwise direction <b>51</b> and the depthwise direction <b>53</b>. The top surface <b>47</b> and front wall <b>40</b> may be linked by a sloped surface <b>48</b> sloping relative to the top surface <b>47</b> and front wall <b>40</b>. The sloped surface <b>48</b> serves to guide the engaging member <b>145</b> onto the top surface <b>47</b>. However, the sloped surface <b>48</b> may be omitted from this construction. Alternatively, a protrusion similar to the protrusion <b>32</b> that protrudes in the insertion direction <b>56</b> may be provided in place of the sloped surface <b>48</b>.

0047As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, a pivotal member <b>60</b> is provided in the engaging recess <b>45</b>. The pivotal member <b>60</b> has a bent plate shape and extends in the depthwise direction <b>53</b>. Specifically, the pivotal member <b>60</b> has a first arm <b>61</b>, a second arm <b>62</b>, and a shaft <b>63</b> extending in the widthwise direction <b>51</b>. The shaft <b>63</b> is pivotal-movably supported by the top wall <b>39</b> at the rearward of the engaging surface <b>46</b>. The first arm <b>61</b> radially may extend from the shaft <b>63</b> frontward at the vicinity of or on the engaging surface <b>46</b>. The second arm <b>62</b> also radially may extend rearward from the shaft <b>63</b> over the rear wall <b>42</b>. With this construction, the pivotal member <b>60</b> may be pivotally moved about the shaft <b>63</b>. Note that the casing <b>31</b> and the pivotal member <b>60</b> may be integrally formed. The pivotal member <b>60</b> corresponds to the release member and the lever.

0048While an external force (described later) may be not being applied to the pivotal member <b>60</b>, the first arm <b>61</b> may contact a bottom surface <b>49</b> of the engaging recess <b>45</b> due to its self-weight or a biasing force of a biasing member, e.g., coil spring (not shown). On the other hands, when the second arm <b>62</b> may be pushed downward against the weight or the biasing force, the pivotal member <b>60</b> may pivot about the shaft <b>63</b> in a counterclockwise direction in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, thereby the first arm <b>61</b> is moved away from the bottom surface <b>49</b>.

Cartridge Mounting Unit

110

0049As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> may have a case <b>101</b> forming its box-like outer shell. The case <b>101</b> has an opening <b>112</b>. The ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be inserted into or removed from the case <b>101</b> through the opening <b>112</b>. The case <b>101</b> may be capable of accommodating a plurality of the ink cartridge <b>30</b>, e.g. four ink cartridges <b>30</b> corresponding to the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. However, in the drawings, the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> is illustrated such that the case <b>101</b> can accommodate only one ink cartridge <b>30</b>.

0050The case <b>101</b> may have an end surface <b>102</b> that faces an internal space of the case <b>101</b> and may be positioned on the opposite side of this internal space from the opening <b>112</b> in the insertion direction <b>56</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a connector <b>103</b> may be positioned at a lower portion of a side wall constituting the case <b>101</b> on which the end surface <b>102</b> is formed. If the case <b>101</b> accommodates a plurality of ink cartridges <b>30</b>, a plurality of connectors <b>103</b> may be positioned.

0051The connector <b>103</b> may include the ink needle <b>122</b> and a retaining part <b>121</b>. While not illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the ink needle <b>122</b> may be connected to the ink tube <b>20</b> on an outer surface of the side wall that has the end surface <b>102</b>. The ink tube <b>20</b> connected to each ink needle <b>122</b> is also connected to the recording head <b>21</b> of the printer <b>10</b> and is capable of delivering ink thereto.

0052The retaining part <b>121</b> may be formed in the end surface <b>102</b> of the case <b>101</b> by hollowing out a portion of the end surface <b>102</b> in a cylindrical shape. The ink needle <b>122</b> may be coaxially disposed at the retaining part <b>121</b> and may penetrate through the side wall of case <b>101</b> having the end surface <b>102</b> in the insertion direction <b>56</b>. When the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be mounted in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, the cylindrically-shaped ink supply portion <b>43</b> may be hermetically inserted into the cylindrically-shaped retaining part <b>121</b>. At this time, the outer circumferential surface of the ink supply portion <b>43</b> may tightly contact and cohere with the surface defining the retaining part <b>121</b>. When the ink supply portion <b>43</b> is inserted into the retaining part <b>121</b>, the ink needle <b>122</b> is also inserted into the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> formed in the ink supply portion <b>43</b>. The ink needle <b>122</b> inserted through the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> moves the valve <b>70</b> from its closed position to its open position against the biasing force of the coil spring <b>73</b>. Accordingly, ink stored in the ink chamber <b>36</b> may now flow outward. The ink flowing out of the ink chamber <b>36</b> may flow into the ink needle <b>122</b> due to head difference and the like and is delivered to the recording head <b>21</b> via the ink tube <b>20</b>.

0053As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the engaging member <b>145</b> may be positioned on the case <b>101</b>. The engaging member <b>145</b> may hold the ink cartridge <b>30</b> in its mounted state in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>. The engaging member <b>145</b> may be located at a position above the opening <b>112</b> formed in the case <b>101</b>. The engaging member <b>145</b> corresponds to the engaging member.

0054The engaging member <b>145</b> may be pivotably supported to the case <b>101</b> by a support shaft <b>147</b>. The support shaft <b>147</b> may be provided at one end of the engaging member <b>145</b> nearest the opening <b>112</b> and may be mounted on the case <b>101</b>. With this construction, the engaging member <b>145</b> may be pivotably supported above and in proximity to the opening <b>112</b> of the case <b>101</b> and pivots about the support shaft <b>147</b> so as to approach or separate from the opening <b>112</b>. The engaging end <b>146</b> may be formed on another end of the engaging member <b>145</b> opposite the support shaft <b>147</b>. The engaging end <b>146</b> may be engageable with the engaging surface <b>46</b> of the engaging recess <b>45</b> formed in the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. By engaging with the engaging surface <b>46</b>, the engaging end <b>146</b> may hold the ink cartridge <b>30</b> in its mounted position relative to the case <b>101</b> against a biasing force (described later) applied from the case <b>101</b>. A position of the engaging member <b>145</b> when the engaging end <b>146</b> is engaged with the engaging surface <b>46</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>) will be referred to as a “locked position,” while another position of the engaging member <b>145</b> when the engaging end <b>146</b> is not engaged in the engaging surface <b>46</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>) will be referred to as an “unlocked position.”

0055The engaging end <b>146</b> may be biased downward due to one's own weight or a biasing force of a coil spring (not shown) to contact the first arm <b>61</b> at the locked position. However, when the first arm <b>61</b> is pivotally moved upward, the engaging member <b>145</b> is also pivotally moved upward about the support shaft <b>147</b>, moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. Further, while not illustrated in the drawings, the pivoting range of the engaging member <b>145</b> may be restricted so that the engaging member <b>145</b> cannot move farther downward than the locked position (the state shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>). Note that, the engaging member <b>145</b> is not necessary biased downward. The engaging member <b>145</b> may pivotally move downward due to its self-weight even without being biased to realize its engagement with the engaging surface <b>46</b> of the ink cartridge <b>30</b>.

0056As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the interior space of the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> may be expanded in the insertion direction <b>56</b> beneath the end surface <b>102</b>. Within this expanded space, a slide member <b>123</b> may be movably provided. The slide member <b>123</b> may be slidable in the insertion direction <b>56</b> and the removal direction <b>55</b> (horizontally). The slide member <b>123</b> may be generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape. The slide member <b>123</b> may have a top surface from which a protruding piece <b>124</b> protrudes upward. The protruding piece <b>124</b> may stand in an insertion path of the protrusion <b>32</b> provided on the ink cartridge <b>30</b> so that the protrusion <b>32</b> may be abuttable on the protruding piece <b>124</b> while the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>.

0057The expanded space in which the slide member <b>123</b> may be accommodated is defined by an end surface <b>125</b> and a front surface <b>127</b> opposing each other in the insertion direction <b>56</b>. The slide member <b>123</b> may be interposed between the end surface <b>125</b> and the front surface <b>127</b>. A coil spring <b>126</b> may be positioned in a compressed state between the end surface <b>125</b> and slide member <b>123</b> and biases the slide member <b>123</b> in the removal direction <b>55</b>. When an external force may be not applied to the slide member <b>123</b>, the slide member <b>123</b> may be placed in contact with the front surface <b>127</b> by the biasing force of the coil spring <b>126</b>. The front surface <b>127</b> may restrict the range of movement of the slide member <b>123</b> away from the end surface <b>125</b>. When the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is inserted farther into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> after the protrusion <b>32</b> of the ink cartridge <b>30</b> contacts the protruding piece <b>124</b>, the slide member <b>123</b> may move together with the protruding piece <b>124</b> toward the end surface <b>125</b>, compressing the coil spring <b>126</b>.

0058It should be noted that the protrusion <b>32</b> may not be provided at the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. Without the protrusion <b>32</b>, the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may still be applied with a biasing force acting in the removal direction <b>55</b> during the mounting process of the ink cartridge <b>30</b> into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, since the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is provided with the coil spring <b>73</b> disposed within the ink supply portion <b>43</b>.

Mounting the Ink Cartridge

0059Next, operations for mounting the ink cartridge <b>30</b> in and removing the ink cartridge <b>30</b> from the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> will be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A through 6B</figref>.

0060As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> through the opening <b>112</b>, leading with the front wall <b>40</b> side of the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. When the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, the sloped surface <b>48</b> of the casing <b>31</b> contacts the engaging member <b>145</b>. As the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is farther inserted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, the engaging member <b>145</b> slides up the sloped surface <b>48</b> onto the upper surface <b>47</b>. Accordingly, the engaging member <b>145</b> may pivot counterclockwise in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, moving from the locked position to the unlocked position.

0061As the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted into the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, the ink supply portion <b>43</b> may contact the retaining part <b>121</b>, and the ink needle <b>122</b> may be inserted into the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> of the ink supply portion <b>43</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>. At this time, the engaging member <b>145</b> is not yet engaged in the engaging recess <b>45</b> of the casing <b>31</b>. The ink needle <b>122</b> may be inserted into the ink supply outlet <b>71</b> to contact the valve <b>70</b>. As the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may move farther in the insertion direction <b>56</b>, the valve <b>70</b> is pressed by the ink needle <b>122</b>, moving from its closed position to its open position against the biasing force of the coil spring <b>73</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>. After the ink supply portion <b>43</b> is inserted into the retaining part <b>121</b> and the ink needle <b>122</b> is further inserted into the ink supply outlet <b>71</b>, the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be mounted in its prescribed position relative to the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> (mounted position). While not shown in the drawings, an ink inlet is formed on a distal end of the ink needle <b>122</b>. Accordingly, ink in the ink chamber <b>36</b> may flow through the ink channel <b>44</b> and into the ink needle <b>122</b> via this ink inlet.

0062When the ink cartridge <b>30</b> reaches its mounted position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, the engaging surface <b>46</b> formed on the engaging recess <b>45</b> of the casing <b>31</b> has passed the engaging end <b>146</b> of the engaging member <b>145</b> in the insertion direction <b>56</b>. Consequently, since the engaging end <b>146</b> of the engaging member <b>145</b> is no longer supported on the top surface <b>47</b> of the casing <b>31</b>, the engaging member <b>145</b> may pivot clockwise in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> into the engaging recess <b>45</b>, with the engaging end <b>146</b> of the engaging member <b>145</b> contacting the engaging surface <b>46</b>. The engaging member <b>145</b> may engage in the engaging surface <b>46</b> holds the ink cartridge <b>30</b> in its mounted position against the biasing forces of the coil spring <b>73</b> and coil spring <b>126</b>. In this state, the top end of the engaging surface <b>46</b> is arranged to offset from the first arm <b>61</b> in the height direction <b>52</b>. This completes the operation for mounting the ink cartridge <b>30</b> in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>.

0063Note that the external force created by the coil spring <b>126</b> acts on the protrusion <b>32</b> provided on the front wall <b>40</b> side of the casing <b>31</b>. In place of the coil spring <b>73</b> used for opening and closing the valve <b>70</b>, a coil spring may be provided on an outside of the casing <b>31</b> as the external force. This coil spring may be positioned such that its distal end may contact the end surface <b>102</b> of the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, a photosensor, or the like, and biases the ink cartridge <b>30</b> in the removal direction <b>55</b>.

0064In a state where the ink cartridge <b>30</b> has been mounted in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, the first arm <b>61</b> of the pivotal member <b>60</b> may be positioned below the engaging end <b>146</b> of the engaging member <b>145</b>, and the second aim <b>62</b> of the pivotal member <b>60</b> may be apart from the bottom surface <b>49</b> of the engaging recess <b>45</b> and positioned above the top wall <b>39</b> of the casing <b>31</b>.

0065When the ink in the ink chamber <b>36</b> of the ink cartridge <b>30</b> becomes depleted, the user removes the spent ink cartridge <b>30</b> from the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> and mounts a new ink cartridge <b>30</b>.

0066To remove the ink cartridge <b>30</b> from the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, the user presses the second arm <b>62</b> of the pivotal member <b>60</b> downward. Since the second arm <b>62</b> of the pivotal member <b>60</b> is positioned at a downstream of the rear wall <b>42</b> in the removal direction <b>55</b>, the user can operate the pivotal member <b>60</b> from the rear wall <b>42</b> side of the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. When the user presses the second arm <b>62</b> of the pivotal member <b>60</b> downward, the first arm <b>61</b> is moved upward to separate from the bottom surface <b>49</b> of the engaging recess <b>45</b>, as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>. By the movement of the first arm <b>61</b> upward, the engaging member <b>145</b> may be pushed upward. Through this operation, the engaging member <b>145</b> may pivot counterclockwise in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> until the engaging end <b>146</b> separates from the engaging surface <b>46</b>. That is, the engaging member <b>145</b> may pivotally move from the locked position to the unlocked position, releasing its hold on the ink cartridge <b>30</b>.

0067When the engaging end <b>146</b> of the engaging member <b>145</b> separates from the engaging surface <b>46</b>, the external forces applied to the casing <b>31</b> (specifically, the biasing forces of the coil spring <b>73</b> and/or coil spring <b>126</b>) move the casing <b>31</b> in the removal direction <b>55</b>. However, at this time, the pivotal member <b>60</b> is touched by the user. Accordingly, the user's hand absorbs the biasing forces of the coil springs <b>73</b> and <b>126</b> through the biasing force or its self-weight and pivotal member <b>60</b>.

Effects of the Embodiment

0068When the user pivots the pivotal member <b>60</b>, the engagement between the engaging member <b>145</b> and the engaging surface <b>46</b> is released and the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be moved in the removal direction <b>55</b> due to the external force, e.g., the biasing force of the coil spring <b>73</b> or <b>126</b>. However, in the embodiment, the pivotal member <b>60</b> for disengaging the engagement between the engaging surface <b>46</b> and the engaging member <b>145</b> is disposed not at the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> but at the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. Therefore, the pivotal member <b>60</b> (second arm <b>62</b>) is contacted by the user's hand when the ink cartridge <b>30</b> moves in the removal direction <b>55</b>, and the user's hand reduces the speed of the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. As the result, the ink cartridge <b>30</b> can be prevented from falling through the opening of the printer <b>10</b> when removed from the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, thereby ink can be prevented from dripping out of the ink needle <b>122</b> when the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is replaced.

0069Further, a user-operated member for operating the engaging member <b>145</b> need not be provided in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, making it possible to produce a more compact printer <b>10</b>.

0070Further, the second arm <b>62</b> is positioned at a downstream of the first arm <b>61</b> in the removal direction <b>55</b>. Therefore, a user can easily identify whether or not the engaging surface <b>46</b> and the engaging member <b>145</b> are engaged with each other based on the position of the second arm <b>62</b>.

0071The engagement between the ink cartridge <b>30</b> and the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b> is performed by the engaging surface <b>46</b> and the engaging member <b>145</b>. The pivotal member <b>60</b> is used only to release the engagement between the engaging surface <b>46</b> and the engaging member <b>145</b>. In other words, the pivotal member <b>60</b> is separately provided from the engaging surface <b>46</b>. Therefore, even if the pivotal member <b>60</b> is deformed, the engagement between the engaging surface <b>46</b> and the engaging member <b>145</b> is held.

Variations of the Embodiments

0072While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

0073For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>, the pair of ribs <b>45</b><i>a, </i><b>45</b><i>b </i>may extend in the removal direction <b>55</b> from the engaging surface <b>46</b> to around the shaft <b>63</b>.

0074Further, as shown in FIGS. <b>8</b> and <b>9</b>(A)-<b>10</b>(B), it is preferable that a tip end of the first arm <b>61</b> does not protrude beyond the pair of ribs <b>45</b><i>a, </i><b>45</b><i>b. </i>

0075Further, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7-10(B)</figref>, the second arm <b>62</b> of the pivotal member <b>60</b> may be provided with a bent part <b>62</b><i>a </i>hat is bent downward. The thickness of the second arm <b>62</b> (especially, the bent part <b>62</b><i>a</i>) is greater than the thickness of the first arm <b>61</b> to provide a high rigidity.

0076Further, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the case <b>101</b> may be formed with a first guide groove <b>108</b> and a second guide groove <b>109</b>. The first guide groove <b>108</b> extending in the removal direction <b>55</b> and insertion direction <b>56</b> is formed on the top surface of the case <b>101</b>, and the second guide groove <b>109</b> extending in the removal direction <b>55</b> and insertion direction <b>56</b> is formed on the bottom surface of the case <b>101</b>. The pair of ribs <b>45</b><i>a, </i><b>45</b><i>b </i>is guided by the guide groove <b>108</b> of the case <b>101</b> when the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion <b>110</b>. The ink cartridge <b>30</b> is guided in the insertion direction <b>56</b> by the first guide groove <b>108</b> and the pair of the ribs <b>45</b><i>a, </i><b>45</b><i>b</i>. Note that the bottom surface <b>41</b> of the casing <b>31</b> is guided by the guide groove <b>109</b> of the case <b>101</b>.

0077Further, an engaging member movable in the upper-lower direction may be used instead of the engaging member <b>145</b>.

0078Further, the pivotal member <b>60</b> may move the engaging member <b>145</b> not directly but via an another member.

0079In the embodiments described above, the coil springs <b>73</b> and <b>126</b> apply an external force in the removal direction <b>55</b> to the ink cartridge <b>30</b> when the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>. In place of the coil springs <b>73</b> and <b>126</b>, a biasing member provided on the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may function to apply an external force to the ink cartridge <b>30</b> in its mounted state. For example, a coil spring extending in the insertion direction <b>56</b> may be provided on the front wall <b>40</b> of the casing <b>31</b>. When the ink cartridge <b>30</b> is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit <b>110</b>, the coil spring contacts the end surface <b>102</b> of the case <b>101</b> and compresses to apply an external force to the casing <b>31</b> in the removal direction <b>55</b>.

0080In the embodiments, a detecting portion configured to detect the amount of residual ink in the ink cartridge <b>30</b> has been omitted, such a detecting portion may be provided on the ink cartridge <b>30</b>. The detection portion may be provided on the middle of the front wall <b>40</b> of the ink cartridge <b>30</b> and protrudes from the front wall <b>40</b> in a direction away from the ink chamber <b>36</b>. The detection portion is formed of a light transmissive resin. The amount of ink in the ink chamber <b>36</b> of the ink cartridge <b>30</b> may be detected manually by looking into the ink chamber <b>36</b> through the detection portion or automatically with a photo sensor. When using a photosensor, the distance between a pair of side walls constituting the detection portion is set smaller than the gap between the light-emitting element and light-receiving element of the photosensor. A light-shielding plate that moves based on the quantity of ink may be provided in the detection portion. Alternatively, the light-shielding plate may be replaced with a device capable of reducing the amount of light that reaches the light-receiving element by reflecting, diffracting, or attenuating all or a portion of the light emitted from the light-emitting element based on the amount of ink in the ink chamber <b>36</b>.

0081While the preferred embodiments describe the printing liquid as ink stored in the ink cartridge <b>30</b> for use with an inkjet-type printer <b>10</b>, the printing liquid is not limited to ink. The present invention may also be applied to a cartridge that stores toner as the printing liquid for use in an electrophotographic image-forming apparatus, for example.