CN101015997B

CN101015997B - Ink detecting apparatus and ink packaging piece

Info

Publication number: CN101015997B
Application number: CN2007100857382A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 森田祥嗣
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-11
Filing date: 2004-03-11
Publication date: 2010-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-11
Also published as: CN200963931Y; CN101015997A; CN2808558Y; JP4292832B2; JP2004268522A; CN2910570Y

Abstract

An ink detecting apparatus, which detects ink in an ink package, includes an ink bag accommodating ink and an ink delivering portion through which the ink in said ink bag is delivered from said ink bag, the ink detecting apparatus comprises: a pair of electrodes provided to be held at one of opposite ends of said ink bag to electrically conduct with the ink in said ink bag, a hollow insulating member provided for one of said pair of electrodes to extend in a direction from said one of opposite ends of said ink bag toward the other end thereof, the ink in said ink bag reaching said one of said pair of electrodes through said hollow insulating member, and an electric characteristics detecting device which detects electric characteristics between said pair of electrodes.

Description

Ink detecting apparatus and ink package

The explanation of dividing an application

The application is that March 11, application number in 2004 are 200410028436.8 and denomination of invention dividing an application for the Chinese invention patent application of " ink detecting apparatus and ink package " for the applying date.

The present invention is according to Japanese patent application Nos.2003-65574 (submission on March 11st, 2003) and 2003-88178 (submission on March 27th, 2003), and here the content with them is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

Put it briefly, the present invention relates to comprise the ink package of China ink bag, its China and Mexico's bag holds China ink and is made by flexible material, the invention still further relates to ink detecting apparatus.More particularly, the present invention relates to ink package, it makes it possible to use effectively the China ink in the China ink bag, the invention still further relates to ink detecting apparatus, it can be with the what is called " near-space state " of detected with high accuracy ink package, the very fast meeting of China ink under this state in the China ink bag is used up, or rather, China ink in the China ink bag has reduced to a scheduled volume, state (printing at this moment is impossible) that this amount is used up fully than China ink or the printing big scheduled volume of China ink amount in should forbidden state.The invention still further relates to an ink package, its structure makes it possible to detected with high accuracy and goes out the near-space state.

Background technology

Known traditionally a kind of ink jet recording device, the China ink that it will be contained in the container is introduced printhead, actuate a plurality of nozzles that are formed in the printhead according to recording figure forming then and pass through these nozzles to the recording medium ink-jet, the image of wanting so just is formed on the recording medium.A print cartridge is installed on ink jet recording device, and it comprises the ink package that holds China ink.

For example, JP-A-11-78045 has disclosed a kind of print cartridge 3 that comprises ink package 11.Disclosed ink package 11 is the bag shape of fluid sealing, and bag is made of flexible sheets stratiform resin material.Ink package 11 is contained in the rigidity cartridge case 12.Ink package 11 has opposed major surfaces 11a, 11b, thereby they weld together the bag that a sealing is provided at the peripheral part of ink package 11.Ink supply portion 6 is arranged in an end of closing bag opposite end, is clipped between facing surfaces 11a, the 11b.Ink supply portion 6 comprises rubber parts 14, and the connector 6 that it is had the hollow needle form penetrates with suction China ink from ink package 11.When connector 5 penetrated rubber parts 14, the inner space and the space outerpace of ink package 11 communicated with each other, so the China ink in the ink package 11 is provided to printhead 2.

In the ink package 11 that discloses, a first type surface 11a combination also is fixed on the flat inner surface 12a of cartridge case 12.When the operation ink jet recording device, China ink is from printhead 2 ejections.In the process of operation ink jet recording device, along with the minimizing of the China ink in the ink package 11, another first type surface 11b of ink package 11 is being out of shape on the direction of the first type surface 11a of the flat inner surface 12a that is fixed to cartridge case 12.During state that the China ink in being in ink package 11 is used up substantially, ink package 11 is in contraction state, opposed major surfaces 11a, 11b closely contact each other at this moment.

In the ink package 11 that discloses, ink supply portion 6 is placed between opposed major surfaces 11a, the 11b, makes inner surface that it is positioned at ink package 11 inside be approximately perpendicular to opposed major surfaces 11a, the 11b of closing bag.China ink in ink package 11 use up substantially the back and opposed major surfaces 11a, when 11b contacts with each other, near ink supply portion 6 inner surfaces between two surperficial 11a, the 11b, formed a gap, and China ink occurred and remain in this undesired situation in this gap.

The above-mentioned China ink that remains in the gap does not obtain using, so can not so just reduce black service efficiency with the China ink in the light ink package 11.

Also known a kind of ink jet recording device, it can survey the near-space state of the China ink bag in the equipment of being installed in.For example, JP-B-6-39161 has disclosed a kind of like this ink jet recording device that can survey the near-space state according to the resistance between two electrodes, and two electrodes are placed on an end and the other end of the opposite end of smooth China ink bag, make two electrodes toward each other.Smooth China ink bag flatly is placed in the housing, makes two relatively flat first type surfaces of China ink bag extend in the horizontal direction.In the equipment that discloses, an electrode that is placed on an end in two opposite ends of China ink bag in two electrodes is the hollow tattooing needle of getting, its aspirates black from the China ink bag, and the other end that another electrode is placed on the China ink bag makes another electrode relative with the hollow needle that inserts in black bag.In the process of operation ink jet recording device, consume the China ink in the China ink bag.Black quantitative change in staying China ink bag must be hour, and relative two first type surfaces (upper surface and lower surface) of China ink bag contact with each other at their core, thereby the resistance between two electrodes increases.Disclosed equipment is according to change detection or definite near-space state of resistance.

JP-A-60-131248 has disclosed a kind of ink jet recording device, and it surveys the near-space states by obtaining two resistances between the electrode, this two electrode placements parallel to each other and stretch into the inner space of China ink bag from an end of China ink bag.In disclosed equipment, two electrodes have different length and all are coated with insulation tube except their fore-end, electrode are placed on to be full of in the black China ink bag make them parallel to each other.When the operation ink jet recording device, consume the China ink in the China ink bag.Arrange that disclosed equipment makes it survey the near-space state by obtaining gradually changing of resistance between two electrodes in the moment earlier, this is that the minimizing with remaining China ink amount in the ink bag can change according to the shape of cross section of the China ink in the China ink bag.

In the ink jet recording device that JP-B-6-39161 discloses, this equipment can be surveyed two resistances between the electrode, these two electrodes are placed on an end and the other end in the China ink bag opposite end respectively, make two electrodes toward each other, when black bag upper surface and lower surface detect the near-space state when their core contacts with each other.In this layout, when detecting the near-space state, China ink remains in the part of close two electrodes in the China ink bag, is not used so remain in the China ink at this part place very undesirablely.Therefore, in disclosed ink jet recording device, can not use China ink effectively.

In the ink jet recording device that JP-A-60-131248 discloses, this equipment can be surveyed the resistance between the electrode of two placements parallel to each other, and these two electrodes stretch out from an end of China ink bag, and with the minimizing of ink bag China and Mexico amount, China ink only remains in the above-mentioned end of China ink bag.But with the minimizing of ink bag China and Mexico amount, the resistance that this equipment obtains gradually changing is so might survey or determine the near-space state improperly.

Summary of the invention

The present invention In view of the foregoing grows up.Therefore first purpose of the present invention provides a kind of ink package, and it has the China ink bag that holds China ink, and the China ink bag made by flexible material, and the structure of ink package can allow to use effectively the China ink in the China ink bag.

Second purpose of the present invention provides a kind of black sniffer, and it can survey the near-space state accurately.

The 3rd purpose of the present invention provides a kind of ink package, and its structure allows to survey accurately the near-space state.

Can realize above-mentioned purpose according to a first aspect of the invention, a kind of ink package is provided, it comprises: a China ink bag, and it comprises a pair of flexible wall respect to one another and holds China ink; With a black transport portion, it has a passage, the inner space of China ink bag and space outerpace communicate with each other so that the China ink in the China ink bag is transported to space outerpace by this passage, its China and Mexico's transport portion comprises a standing part, it is fixed to the end in two opposite ends of China ink bag, with an extension, thereby its contiguous standing part forms the inner space of stretching into the China ink bag from this, and the extension has the cross-sectional area that reduces gradually at the end from two opposite ends of China ink bag to the first direction of its other end.

In the ink package according to the invention described above structure aspect first, the China ink that is contained in the China ink bag is transferred by the passage that is formed in the black transport portion.The amount of contraction of China ink bag is corresponding with the volume of the China ink that therefrom transfers out, and this closely contacts with the extension flexible wall at the final contraction state of China ink bag.Because the extension is provided, if black transport portion is not provided with the extension and just has remaining that inner space of China ink and can advantageously be reduced or eliminate substantially in the China ink bag, thereby can correspondingly reduce the China ink amount that remains in the China ink bag, so just can efficiently use the China ink in the China ink bag.

Can realize above-mentioned purpose according to a second aspect of the invention, a kind of ink detecting apparatus is provided, it surveys the China ink in the ink package, ink package comprises the China ink bag and the black transport portion that the China ink in the China ink bag is transferred out that hold China ink from the China ink bag, wherein ink detecting apparatus comprises: pair of electrodes, they be fixed in the China ink bag opposite end an end and and the China ink bag in the China ink conduction; For this to hollow insulating part that electrode provides in the electrode, it extends to the direction of its other end at the above-mentioned end from China ink bag opposite end, the China ink in the China ink bag arrives this to the above-mentioned electrode in the electrode by hollow insulating part; With an electrical feature sniffer, it surveys this to the electrical feature between the electrode.

In the ink detecting apparatus aspect second according to the present invention, hollow insulating part extends to the direction of its other end at the above-mentioned end from China ink bag opposite end.Arrive when the electrical feature detection one value of representing electrical feature arranges that detecting devices detects the near-space state of China ink bag outside preset range the time.For example, maybe this is to the current value between the electrode during less than predetermined value greater than predetermined value to the resistance between the electrode when this, and ink detecting apparatus detects the near-space state.In this is arranged, can reduce in the China ink amount in the China ink bag and make and very stably detect the near-space state before printing operation.

In a kind of preferred form aspect second of the present invention, the China ink bag comprises a pair of wall respect to one another, and this is flexible to wall in one direction, on this direction, minimizing with ink bag China and Mexico amount, this contacts with each other to wall, the China ink bag has contact portion and non-contact portion, in contact portion, wall contacts with each other under a state, under this state, when after using China ink under the normal recommended condition, the China ink amount in the China ink bag reduces to predetermined minimum of a value, in contact portion not, wall does not contact with each other under above-mentioned state, and China ink remains in not in the contact portion, and hollow insulating part is extending and it extends across border between contact portion and the non-contact portion to the direction of its other end from the above-mentioned end of China ink bag opposite end.

In above-mentioned preferred form, hollow insulating part extend across border between above-mentioned contact portion and the non-contact portion.According to this layout, can efficiently use China ink bag China and Mexico to be reduced to level, promptly near remaining in the not level of the China ink amount in the contact portion of China ink bag near predetermined minimum value up to the China ink amount.In addition, this ink detecting apparatus changes at the electrical feature of the partial detection China ink of China ink bag, and this part is in the openend of hollow insulating part and China ink bag between this contact portion that wall is kept in touch each other.Therefore, compare with traditional arrangement in this is arranged and can efficiently use China ink, in traditional arrangement, pair of electrodes is separated from each other and makes electrode be placed on an end of China ink bag opposite end and the other end and survey electrical feature between the electrode of as above placing.

The layout that can improve according to second aspect makes it comprise above-mentioned extension with reference to first aspect.At this moment can in according to the layout aspect second, use the feature of the extension of first aspect.

When improving layout according to second aspect and make that it comprises above-mentioned extension with reference to first aspect, the hollow cylinder part is extended from the extension to black bag inner space, so detects the near-space state before can measuring the level that reduces to the non-print operation in China ink bag China and Mexico.In addition, in this layout, be similar to first aspect, black transport portion does not have the inner space that the extension China ink will remain in the there in the China ink bag if fill the extension, thereby this layout can more effectively be used China ink, and promptly because the extension is provided, the China ink amount that remains in the inner space of China ink bag has reduced, in other words, can use up China ink in the China ink bag efficiently substantially.

Can realize above-mentioned purpose according to a third aspect of the present invention, it provides a kind of ink package, comprise: a China ink bag that holds China ink, the China ink bag comprises a pair of wall respect to one another, and this is flexible to wall in one direction, with the minimizing of ink bag China and Mexico amount, this contacts with each other on this direction to wall; A black transport portion, it is located at an end of wall opposite end, and provides it to support pair of electrodes to make this to the conduction of the China ink in electrode and the China ink bag; With a hollow insulating part, it extends to the direction of its other end at the above-mentioned end from the wall opposite end, and has a passage, and this passage is communicated with an electrode in the electrode and the China ink in the black bag with this respectively in its opposite end.

Ink package according to this aspect structure can use with ink supply apparatus, and ink supply apparatus comprises the electrical feature sniffer, and it surveys this to the electrical feature between the electrode.Arrange according to this, can reduce in the China ink amount in the China ink bag and the electrical feature between the electrode very stably be detected the near-space state of ink package according to this that detects before can not printing operation.

In a preferred form of third aspect of the present invention, the China ink bag has contact portion and non-contact portion, in contact portion, wall contacts with each other under a state, under this state, when after using China ink under the normal recommended condition, China ink amount in the China ink bag reduces to predetermined minimum of a value, in contact portion not, wall does not contact with each other under above-mentioned state and China ink remains in not in the contact portion, and hollow insulating part is extending and it extends across border between contact portion and the non-contact portion to the direction of its other end from the above-mentioned end of wall opposite end.

According to this layout, can efficiently use China ink bag China and Mexico to be reduced to level, promptly near the China ink bag level of residue China ink amount in the contact portion near predetermined minimum value up to the China ink amount.

Description of drawings

Below reading, also can understand the importance of above and other objects of the present invention, characteristics, advantage and technology and industry in conjunction with the accompanying drawings better to the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is that it comprises ink package and housing according to the decomposition diagram of the print cartridge of first embodiment of the invention structure;

Fig. 2 A-2D is the view that the ink package of Fig. 1 is shown, and wherein Fig. 2 A is a front view, and Fig. 2 B is a side view, and Fig. 2 C is that Fig. 2 D is a rearview along the cross-sectional elevational view of the line 2-2 of Fig. 2 B;

Fig. 3 A-3C is the view that illustrates according to the ink package of second embodiment of the invention structure, and wherein Fig. 3 A is a front view, and Fig. 3 B is a side view, and Fig. 3 C is the cross-sectional elevational view along the line 3-3 of Fig. 3 B;

Fig. 4 is the front view that the ink-jet printer of having removed lid is shown, and wherein ink-jet printer is constructed according to the invention;

Fig. 5 is a structure chart, and it schematically shows the circuit of the ink-jet printer of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is that print cartridge comprises ink package and housing according to the decomposition diagram of the print cartridge of third embodiment of the invention structure;

Fig. 7 A-7D is the view that the ink package of Fig. 6 is shown, and wherein Fig. 7 A is a front view, and Fig. 7 B is a side view, and Fig. 7 C is the cross-sectional elevational view along the line 7-7 of Fig. 7 B, and Fig. 7 D is the front view of ink package spout on cross section;

Fig. 8 is a view of explaining a state, and the China ink in this state China ink bag reduces;

Fig. 9 is the view corresponding with Fig. 8 and shows the improvement that spout is arranged;

Figure 10 A-10D is the view that illustrates according to the ink package of four embodiment of the invention structure, wherein Figure 10 A is a front view, Figure 10 B is a side view, and Figure 10 C is the cross-sectional elevational view along the line 10-10 of Figure 10 B, and Figure 10 D is the front view of ink package spout on cross section;

Figure 11 A and 11B are the views of explaining a state, and the China ink in this state China ink bag reduces;

Figure 12 A and 12B are the views corresponding with Figure 11 A and 11B and show the improvement that spout is arranged.

The specific embodiment

Below with reference to accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described.

At first with reference to the decomposition diagram of the print cartridge 1 of figure 1, it has comprised a packaging part 2 according to the first embodiment of the invention structure.

Print cartridge 1 is a kind of being installed in as the ink container in the equipment such as ink-jet printer, and it stores the China ink that offers inkjet printer head.As shown in Figure 1, print cartridge 1 comprises ink package 2 and the housing 12 that holds China ink, and housing 12 is cuboids of a general planar.

Hold the housing 12 of ink package 2 and be made up of upper-part 12a and lower member 12b, they have essentially identical structure.Four sidewalls 10 that upper-part 12a and lower member 12b have diapire 9 and extend out respectively from four sides of diapire 9.Upper-part 12a and lower member 12b are docking together at the end face of their four sidewalls 10, so just define the inner space 11 that holds ink package 2, make ink package 2 have and roughly flatten two corresponding main surfaces of shape facing to relative diapire 9.

The diapire 9 of housing 12 each upper-part 12a and lower member 12b all has inner surface, and their size equates with the size of two corresponding main surfaces of ink package 2 substantially.Upper-part 12a and lower member 12b have otch 10a on the sidewall in their four sidewalls 10, the otch 10a of such two

parts

12a, 12b defines one together and is roughly circular hole, is fixedly fitted in this hole as the spout 7 of the ink package 2 of black transport portion.Utilize spout 7 to be assemblied in the hole, ink package 2 is contained in the housing 12 regularly.In this state, stopper 8 (Fig. 2 A and 2C) is assemblied in the passage 6 of spout 7 by interference fit, and passing the hole that the respective side walls 10 of upper-part 12a by housing 12 and lower member 12b forms can be near stopper 8.

Ink package 2 comprises a China ink bag 5 and spout 7, and the China ink bag holds China ink with the form of fluid sealing, and can communicate with each other by the inner space and the space outerpace of spout 7 China ink bags 5.China ink bag 5 is formed by two flexible sheets, and each sheet all has lamellar structure, is made of the plural layers that stack each other.Two lamellas are stacked together and weld together along their periphery, and a not welding portion is arranged on the periphery of each lamella, and so as shown in Figure 1, the China ink bag 5 that two lamellas form has and above-mentioned not welding portion corresponding opening 5a.In other words, China ink bag 5 in the longitudinal direction in the opposed end end 5c relative with opening 5a and on width relative end 5b be welded together to form China ink bag 5.Be full of the China ink of the degasification or the degassing in the China ink bag 5.Spout 7 is connected among the opening 5a of China ink bag 5.In the ink package 2 with said structure, two lamellas are with respect to a plane symmetry, and this plane comprises the face of weld that two lamellas are welded together, and spout 7 is also with respect to that plane symmetry.

Each lamella of China ink bag 5 all has stepped construction, and it is made of following layer: aluminium alloy interlayers; Be formed on lip-deep first adhesive linkage among the aluminium alloy interlayers apparent surface; Be formed on the nylon skin on first adhesive linkage; Be formed on another lip-deep second adhesive linkage of aluminium alloy interlayers; Be formed on PETG (PET) layer on second adhesive linkage; Be formed on the 3rd adhesive linkage on the pet layer; With the inner layer of polypropylene that is formed on the 3rd adhesive linkage.The China ink bag 5 that is formed by above-mentioned stacked lamella has the height durability.Particularly inner layer of polypropylene makes the black bag 5 pairs China inks that are included in the China ink bag 5 show the repellence of height, and aluminium alloy interlayers prevents that then gas from passing black bag 5, so just avoided the decline of Motuo gas degree.

End in spout 7 opposite ends stretches out from China ink bag 5, and the other end then inserts in the China ink bag 5.Spout 7 has the passage 6 that is formed on wherein so that the China ink in the China ink bag 5 can be transferred by passage.Arrange that spout 7 makes the closure member of above-mentioned stopper 8 forms can be press fit in the passage 6, thereby closed channel 6 is kept apart the inside and outside space of China ink bag 5 hermetically with regard to fluid like this.To the structure of spout 7 be described in more detail.

The main component that forms the material of spout is the polypropylene that China ink is had the height repellence.The main component that is spout 7 materials is the same with the material of China ink bag 5 internal layers, the integrally formed a plurality of rib 7d of outer periphery surface (Fig. 2 C) with spout 7 can weld and be fixed on the inner surface of China ink bag opening 5a like this, thereby prevent that gas from flowing to China ink bag 5 by the welding portion between China ink bag 5 and the spout 7, so also just avoided the decline of black bag of 5 China and Mexico degassing degree.

The stopper 8 that is press fit into an end (being the outer end portion 6c of passage 6) in passage 6 opposed ends of spout 7 is made by the good butyl rubber of elasticity or other similar material, even like this tattooing needle (not shown) coupling part of getting of inserting stopper 8 is taken out from stopper 8, stopper can guarantee that still China ink bag 5 has enough fluid sealabilities.Inserted pin coupling part in the stopper 8 and kept the China ink in the passage 6 with spout 7 contact, the China ink in black like this bag 5 just is transported to the outside of ink package 2.It is corresponding with the China ink amount that has transferred out from China ink bag 5 that China ink bag 5 shrinks the amount of (Jimo bag 5 volume reducing).

Describe the structure of ink package 2 in detail below with reference to Fig. 2 A-2D.Fig. 2 A is the front view of ink package 2, and the direction of observation is to insert the direction of China ink bag 5 at spout 7.Fig. 2 B is a side view, and Fig. 2 C is the cross-sectional elevational view along the line 2-2 of Fig. 2 B, and Fig. 2 D is the rearview of ink package 2.

In the state of the ink package shown in Fig. 2 A-2D 2, the China ink in the China ink bag 5 runs out of substantially, in other words, is in the final contraction state of China ink bag 5.Measured spout 7 sizes of " Z " direction in Fig. 2 A, 2C and 2D (two lamellas of China ink bag 5 toward each other on this direction) will be called the thickness of spout 7 from now on.

In detail, spout 7 comprises proximal part 7a that is fixed on the China ink bag 5 and the extension 7b that extend into China ink bag 5 inner spaces from proximal part 7a.

Shown in Fig. 2 B, the proximal part 7a of spout 7 comprises extension 7a1 and standing part 7a2, wherein extension 7a1 is protruding on the direction of leaving China ink bag 5 from the opening 5a of China ink bag 5, and standing part 7a2 is fixed on the inner surface of China ink bags 5 (when Fig. 2 B " X " direction is observed on one of two opposite ends of China ink bag 5) on of two opposed ends on China ink bag 5 length directions.Shown in Fig. 2 A, extension 7a1 is roughly cylindrical, above-mentioned stopper 8 and is contained among the extension 7a1.End at the more close China ink bag 5 of extension 7a1 forms standing part 7a2 in abutting connection with extension 7a1.

The above-mentioned standing part 7a2 that forms in abutting connection with extension 7a1 utilizes welding that its outer periphery surface is fixed on the inner surface of China ink bag 5 opening 5a.In other words, standing part 7a2 is clipped between two corresponding main surfaces of China ink bag 5, as mentioned above, is provided with rib 7d on the standing part 7a2 outer periphery surface that the inner surface with opening 5a contacts, because the existence of rib, spout 7 are welded and are fixed on the China ink bag 5 highly stablely.

Shown in the side view of Fig. 2 B, standing part 7a2 is with respect to the plane symmetry that comprises extension 7a1 center line, in other words, the longitudinal relative end of opposite end 5b, the 5b extension of standing part 7a2 on China ink bag 5 widths is extended the separately equal distance of center line of part 7a1.When (promptly from Fig. 2 B) observed in the plane parallel with China ink bag 5 opposed major surfaces, standing part 7a2 was a rectangle.Shown in Fig. 2 A, the thickness of standing part 7a2 (is illustrating with two arrows in Fig. 2 A) on opposite " Y " direction, is promptly reducing gradually towards China ink bag 5 thickness of standing part 7a2 on the direction of two

opposite end

5b, 5b on the width.In other words, standing part 7a2 has the cross-sectional area of measuring (in the Y orientation measurement) on the width of China ink bag 5, and cross-sectional area is reducing on the direction of two

opposite end

5b, 5b on the width gradually towards China ink bag 5.According to this layout, standing part 7a2 is easy to be welded on the opening 5a of China ink bag 5, thereby has improved the fluid sealability of black bag 5.

Shown in Fig. 2 B, extension 7b is formed on the place of contiguous standing part 7a2, and it extends in the inner space of China ink bag 5 like this.Shown in Fig. 2 C, in two relative ends of extension 7b, equate with the thickness of standing part 7a2 at thickness, and shown in Fig. 2 B, the size of extension 7b also equates with the size of standing part 7a2 on the Y direction near extension 7b on that end of standing part 7a2.Shown in Fig. 2 C, that end that is provided with opening 5a from China ink bag 5 opposite end in the longitudinal direction is the other end 5C in the opposite end to the length direction, in other words, on the direction that extension 7b extends from standing part 7a2, the thickness of extension 7b reduces gradually.Shown in Fig. 2 A, the thickness of extension 7b also reduces on Y direction (promptly towards China ink bag 5 at

opposite end

5b, 5b on the width) gradually.In addition, shown in Fig. 2 B, on the bearing of trend of

extension

7b, 7b above-mentioned size in extension also reduces when measuring on the Y direction gradually.Extension 7b is bigger than the size on directions X shown in the size on the Z direction shown in Fig. 2 D and Fig. 2 B in the size of measuring on the Y direction.Therefore, from China ink bag 5 in the longitudinal direction the end the opposite end to the length direction the other end 5C in the opposite end and towards China ink bag 5 on the direction of

opposite end

5b, 5b on the width, the cross-sectional area of extension 7b reduces gradually.On the direction of

opposite end

5b, 5b on the width, the cross-sectional area of standing part 7a2 and extension 7b is to reduce gradually in the local identical speed that they are connected with two part 7a2,7b.7b end away from standing part 7a2 in its two opposite ends in extension is provided with opening 6d, and the China ink in the China ink bag 5 flows into spout 7 by it.

Extension 7b is with respect to the plane symmetry vertical with the plane of Fig. 2 B, this plane comprise extension 7b with the standing part 7a2 center line junction, length direction.In addition, shown in Fig. 2 D, extension 7b is with respect to the plane symmetry vertical with the plane of Fig. 2 D, this plane comprise extension 7b with the standing part 7a2 center line junction, thickness direction, in other words, extension 7b is with respect to two lamellas connections of China ink bag 5 or connection or the face of weld symmetry that welds together.

Shown in Fig. 2 C, the passage 6 that is formed in the spout 7 comprises above-mentioned outer end portion 6c, mid portion 6a, inner end portion 6b and opening 6d, stopper 8 is assembled in the outer end portion, and outer end portion is passed extension 7a1 and is formed, mid portion 6a passes standing part 7a2 and forms, inner end portion 6b passes extension 7b and forms, and opening 6d opens wide in China ink bag 5.

An end place relative space outerpace of the outer end portion 6c of passage 6 in its opposite end opens wide, and its diameter is more smaller than the diameter of stopper 8.The stopper 8 that passage 6 utilization is press fit among the outer end portion 6c is sealed shut by fluid.

The cross-sectional area of the mid portion 6a of passage 6 is littler than the cross-sectional area of outer end portion 6c.When the stopper 8 in being assembled to outer end portion 6c was penetrated by the hollow connector of getting tattooing needle, mid portion 6a prevented that stopper 8 from moving to the inner space of China ink bag 5.

The inner end portion 6b of passage 6 is formed among the extension 7b of spout 7, and its cross-sectional area is less than the cross-sectional area that is formed on the mid portion 6a among the standing part 7a2.Therefore, than medium and small at standing part 7a2,7b thickness on its bearing of trend in extension reduces the cross-sectional area of passage 6 in the 7b of extension.Therefore, this layout can reduce the thickness of extension 7b at its front end place (opening 6d place).

When the stopper among the outer end portion 6c that is assembled to passage 68 was penetrated by the hollow connector of getting tattooing needle, the China ink in the China ink bag 5 of ink package 2 was provided to ink jet-print head.With sending of the China ink in the ink bag 5, promptly with the minimizing of ink bag 5 China and Mexico amount, two lamellas that constitute China ink bag 5 are out of shape on direction toward each other, and final two lamellas abut against together.

When two lamellas of China ink bag 5 resemble when contacting with each other above-mentioned, unless spout 7 has extension 7b, otherwise China ink can remain in standing part 7a2 near, as if background technology is described like that, because its self thickness, two lamellas can not contact with each other near standing part 7a2.But in the present embodiment, spout 7 comprises extension 7b, its structure is basic, and the structure of attaching space is not corresponding with China ink bags 5, two lamellas can keep not contacting in this space, unless and do not provide extension 7b that the China ink residue just can be arranged in this space, in this state, when after using China ink under the routine recommendation condition, the China ink amount in the China ink bag 5 can reduce to predetermined minimum of a value.In other words, extension 7b has filled the space that the not contact portion in the above-mentioned China ink bag 5 constitutes, if do not provide extension 7b China ink can remain in this space.According to this embodiment, under the final contraction state of China ink bag 5, because the minimizing of China ink amount, two lamellas are maintained at the intimate state of contact with extension 7b, shown in Fig. 2 C, their position contacting are in the part of China ink bag 5 near standing part 7a2, in other words, in China ink bag 5 and the corresponding part of above-mentioned not contact portion, two lamellas keep in touch each other in China ink bag 5 other parts corresponding with contact portion simultaneously, have therefore reduced the China ink amount that is not used in the China ink bag 5 that remains in effectively.

Form extension 7b and make its thickness and width (in the size of Y orientation measurement) change gradually or steadily as mentioned above, thereby two lamellas of China ink bag 5 are at the final contraction state of the China ink bag 5 tight contact extension 7b in surface along it.If that extension 7b has on its surface is recessed, projection or step, two lamellas of China ink bag 5 can be difficult to keep contact with the tight of extension, can form undesired gap or space between two lamellas of the surface of the extension 7b with recessed, projection or step and China ink bag.At this moment China ink can occur and remain in this undesired situation in the gap.In the extension 7b that thickness and width gradually change, avoided effectively between extension and China ink bag 5, forming the gap, therefore prevented that China ink from remaining in the gap.

Provide extension 7b can under the final contraction state of China ink bag 5, reduce the inner space of residue China ink in the China ink bag 5 effectively, if do not provide extension 7b just to have the China ink residue with said structure.Therefore, can efficiently use China ink in the China ink bag 5.

Another ink package 2 of constructing according to second embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Fig. 3 A-3C.The spout 17 of the ink package 2 of second embodiment is different with the spout 7 of the ink package 2 shown in first embodiment.In second embodiment, use the reference number identical to represent corresponding components, and omitted detailed description them with the reference number that uses among first embodiment.

Fig. 3 A-3C is a view of explaining the ink package 2 of second embodiment, and wherein Fig. 3 A is the front view of ink package 2, and the direction of observation is to insert the direction of China ink bag 5 at spout 17.Fig. 3 B is a side view, and Fig. 3 C is the cross-sectional elevational view along the line 3-3 of Fig. 3 B.

In the state of the ink package shown in Fig. 3 A-3C 2, the China ink in the China ink bag 5 runs out of substantially, in other words, is in the final contraction state of China ink bag 5.Be called the thickness of spout 17 from now in measured spout 17 sizes of Fig. 3 A, 3C " Z " direction (two lamellas of China ink bag 5 toward each other on this direction).

In detail, similar with the spout 7 of first embodiment China ink bag 2, spout 17 comprise proximal part 17a and from proximal part 17a towards China ink bag 5 inner space directions (promptly Fig. 3 B " X " and direction) the extension 17b that extends.Similar with spout 7, spout 17 has the passage 6 that passes its and form, and the passage 6 of it and spout 7 is similar.Stopper 8 is assembled in the end in two opposed ends of passage 6 of spout 17, promptly shown in Fig. 3 C, is assembled among the outer end portion 6c of passage 6.

Shown in Fig. 3 B, the proximal part 17a of spout 17 comprises extension 17a1, the extension 7a1 of the spout 7 of it and first embodiment is similar, also comprises standing part 17a2, and it is provided with opening 5a in two opposite ends on China ink bag 5 length directions a end is fixed on the inner surface of China ink bag 5.

It is a cuboid that standing part 17a2 is formed near the local of extension 17a1 and it.On the corresponding main surfaces on the standing part 17a2 thickness direction, formed rib 17d, welded and be fixed to by rib 17d standing part 17a2 on the inner surface of China ink bag 5 opening 5a.Shown in Fig. 3 A and 3B, the size that standing part 17a2 measures on " Y " direction equals the size of China ink bag 5 opening 5a, promptly equals China ink bag 5 width of measuring on the Y direction.As shown in Figure 3A, the thickness of standing part 17a2 on the Y direction is constant.

Shown in Fig. 3 B and 3C, extension 17b is formed on the place of contiguous standing part 17a2, and it extends in the inner space of China ink bag 5 like this.In two opposite ends of extension 17b, equate with the size of standing part 17a2 in the size of on the Y direction, measuring near extension 17b on that end of standing part 17a2, and its thickness also equates with the thickness of standing part 17a2.The size that extension 17b measures on the Y direction is constant to the direction of China ink bag 5 inner spaces extension along it.Therefore the opposite end of extension 17b is clipped between two lamellas of China ink bag 5 at China ink bag 5 width opposite end 5b, 5b when the Y direction is observed, and extension 17b is welded in two opposite ends of China ink bags 5 on black bag 5 the inner surface when the Y direction is observed like this.As shown in Figure 3A, the thickness of extension 17b is constant on the Y direction.Therefore, the thickness of the extension 17b that (leaves the given distance of opening 5a of China ink bag 5) on the given position of directions X is constant on the Y direction.In addition, shown in Fig. 3 C, the thickness of extension 17b reduces on the direction (being directions X) of China ink bag 5 inner spaces extension gradually at it.In this layout, even the opposite end of extension 17b is clipped between two lamellas of China ink bag 5 at opposite end 5b, the 5b of China ink bag 5 widths as mentioned above when the Y direction is observed, two lamellas of China ink bags 5 also can contact with each other at their vertical peripheries highly stablely.

In the ink package 2 of second embodiment, the size of standing part 17a2 on the Y direction equals the size of China ink bag 5 opening 5a, and the inner space A of China ink bag 5 has the structure of assembling at the final contraction state of China ink bag 5 on directions X.Because the thickness of extension 17b reduces gradually at directions X, so the structure of the basic inner space with China ink bags 5 of its structure is corresponding.Therefore, provide the extension 17b with said structure can reduce out of use China ink in the China ink bag 5 at the final contraction state of China ink bag 5 effectively and remain in wherein inner space, if extension 17b is not provided, China ink will remain in this space.

In ink package 2 according to first embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the extension 7b of spout 7 not only reduces gradually at an end (being directions X) on the direction of other end 5c that is provided with opening 5a from 5 two opposite ends of China ink bag, is also reducing gradually on two rightabouts (being the Y direction) of two

opposite end

5b, 5b on China ink bag 5 widths.According to this layout, the inner space of China ink bag 5 (is meant here if extension 7b is not provided, can remain in wherein inner space at the final contraction state China ink of China ink bag 5) not only reduced at the end (being directions X) on the direction of other end 5c from 5 two opposite ends of China ink bag, on above-mentioned two rightabouts (being the Y direction), also reduced, so can efficiently use China ink in the China ink bag 5.

In the ink package 2 according to first and second embodiment, two lamellas of China ink bag 5 are connected to each other at their periphery, and

extension

7b, 17b comprise the plane symmetry on the connection surface that connects two lamellas relatively.In this layout, the inner space of the basic and black bag 5 of the structure of

extension

7b, 17b when contraction state is corresponding, and inner space at this moment also comprises the above-mentioned plane symmetry on the connection surface that connects China ink bag 5 two lamellas relatively.Therefore, do not provide

extension

7b, 17b China ink will remain in inner space wherein if utilize

extension

7b, 17b just can advantageously reduce with above-mentioned relative simple structure.

In ink package 2 according to first and second embodiment,

extension

7b, 17b in two opposite end near the end place of standing part 7a2,17a2, in the size of Y orientation measurement than it in the size of directions X measurement and big in the size of two lamella Z orientation measurements respect to one another.Extension 7b, the 17b of Bu Zhiing has even shape roughly like this, do not provide

extension

7b, 17b China ink under the contraction state of China ink bag 5 will remain in the inner space that wherein can not get using if therefore can reduce effectively.

In ink package 2 according to first and second embodiment,

pass extension

7b, 17b and standing part 7a2,17a form passage 6 at the cross-sectional area of standing part than big at the cross-sectional area of extension.Can fully reduce the nose thickness of extension like this, thereby reduce residue China ink amount therein under the contraction state of China ink bag 5 effectively.

The spout of ink package comprise according to this ink package of the extension of first and second embodiment structure can with have the ink supply apparatus (as printer) of surveying ink package China and Mexico function and use together.When ink package is installed in this ink supply apparatus, can improve the near-space state that makes it possible to survey ink package as the structure of the spout of black transport portion.To describe the ink package structure according to the third embodiment of the invention structure below in detail, it can survey the near-space state.

Below with reference to the structure of Figure 4 and 5 description according to the ink supply apparatus of third embodiment of the invention structure, it is an ink-jet printer, and has the function of surveying ink package China and Mexico amount.As shown in Figure 4, ink-jet printer 201 comprises the box-shaped body of being made by flame-retarded plastic 202, be removably mounted on the ink jet head unit 203 on main body 202 tops, ink guide part 204 (being divided into four ink guide part 204a-204d independent of each other), pipe 205a-205d, cleaning device 206 and guide rod 207 are wherein managed 205a-205d and are communicated with ink jet head unit 203 and ink guide part 204a-204d.

Ink jet head unit 203 is installed in carriage 203a and goes up and have four groups of nozzles that can spray four kinds of different colours (black, yellow, blue or green and pinkish red) China ink.As known in the art, carriage 203a can be along moving on guide rod 207 direction that usefulness " A " illustrates in Fig. 4 by belt, this direction is perpendicular to the paper feed direction of presenting recording medium or paper, and carriage (CR) motor (Fig. 5) is then by the pulley drive belt.

Ink guide part 204 is positioned at below the ink jet head unit 203 and comprises four ink guide part 204a-204d independent of each other (illustrating with " B " in Fig. 4) on the gravity direction, and the direction that they move along carriage 203a is put and fluid stores the China ink of different colours (black, yellow, blue or green and pinkish red) hermetically respectively.Be stored in the four group pipe 205a-205ds of different colours China ink by separately among the ink guide part 204a-204d respectively and offer in the ink jet head unit 203 separately four groups of nozzles.

End (left end among Fig. 4) in main body 202 opposite ends is being placed the cleaning device 206 of carrying out cleaning operation.Cleaning device 206 comprises the suction cap 206a of sealing ink jet head unit 203 nozzles, and the strigil 206b of scraping nozzle surface is by the suction pump (not shown) of venting pipe 206c blotting from suction cap 206a.

With reference to figure 5, it schematically shows the structure chart of ink-jet printer 201 circuit.The control device of control ink-jet printer 201 comprises printer control circuit plate 230 and the carriage circuit board 231 that is installed on the carriage 203a.Printer control circuit plate 230 is equipped with the microcomputer (CPU) 232 that is made of one chip, store various by the control program of CPU execution and the ROM 233 of fixed value data, the RAM 234 of interim store various kinds of data, video memory 237 and gate array (G/A) 236.

CPU 232 carries out various processing operations according to the control program that is pre-stored among the ROM 233.CPU 232 produces and prints timing signal and reset signal, and the signal that produces is transferred to following G/A 236.CPU 232 attended operation plates 238, the user provides such as orders such as printings by operation panel, CPU 232 also connects the CR motor drive circuit of driving CR motor 213 with movable support bracket 203a, drive feed motor (LF motor) 240 to present the LF motor drive circuit 241 of recording medium or paper, detection is as the detection circuit 250 of resistance between hollow first electrode 251 of getting tattooing needle and second electrode 252, wherein resistance is used for determining the near-space state, survey the paper sensor 242 in recording medium or paper forward position, survey the starting position sensor 243 of carriage 203a starting position etc.Each device that is connected with CPU 232 is all by CPU 232 controls.

ROM 233 storage control program 233a, these programs comprise such as carrying out handles the operation (not shown) to determine the program of residue China ink amount in the ink guide part 4, ROM 233 also comprises a table memory, it stores the data that are used for judging near-space state in the ink guide part 4, in other words, store the data that those representatives are used for judging the near-space status condition, this is judged based on following hollow needle 251 that is detected with detection circuit 250 and the resistance between second electrode 252.The condition of judging the near-space state is stored in the form, and this form has provided according to the relation between the output of the resistance that detects and the residue China ink amount.

RAM 234 is impermanency recordable memorys, and it has print inhibit sign 234a and near-space sign 234b.Near-space state in the near-space sign 234b indication ink guide part 4, be that the China ink that near-space sign 234b indicates in the ink guide part 4 can be used up very soon, in more detail, China ink in the ink guide part 4 has reduced to a scheduled volume, the state that it is used up fully than China ink (at this moment can not print operation) or should non-print the big scheduled volume of China ink amount of operation.Hollow needle 251 that near-space sign 234b detects according to detection circuit 250 and the resistance between second electrode 252 open or close.Print inhibit sign 234a opens with non-print when near-space sign 234b opens and operates.Non-print operation when CPU 232 opens print inhibit sign 234a.

According to transmit printing timing signal that comes and the view data that is stored in the video memory 237 from CPU 232, G/A236 output printing data (driving signal) is with according to view data, transfer clock, latch signal, parameter signal and ejection timing signal print image on recording medium, wherein transfer clock and print data are synchronous, parameter signal is used for producing basic printed waveform signal, and the ejection timing signal is exported with predetermined space.G/A 236 is transferred to these signals the carriage circuit board 231 that is installed on the print head driver.

G/A 236 is being stored in the video memory 237 from the view data that peripheral hardware (as computer) transmission comes by Centronics interface (I/F) 244.G/A 236 produces the Centronics data according to the Centronics data of coming by the I/F244 transmission from main frame and receives interrupt signal, and the signal that produces is transferred to CPU 232.Signal communication between G/A 236 and the carriage circuit board 231 is undertaken by armored cable.CPU 232 connects ROM 233, RAM234, G/A 236 by bus 245.

Carriage circuit board 231 drives ink jet head unit 203 by the ink gun driver (drive circuit) that is installed on the carriage circuit board 231.Ink jet head unit 203 and ink gun driver are connected to each other by the flexible wiring plate, are formed at Copper Foil wiring pattern on the flexible wiring plate on the polyimide film of thickness 50-150 μ m.The ink gun driver is controlled by the G/A236 that is installed on the printer control circuit plate 230, and is applied on each driving element having with the drive pulse signal of the corresponding waveform of logging mode, thus the China ink of ejection scheduled volume.

Detection circuit 250 applies voltage for the hollow needle 251 and second electrode 252, and surveys the resistance between them.Detection circuit 250 is transferred to CPU232 according to the output of the resistance that detects.CPU 232 is according to output, and judges the near-space state with reference to the form that is stored among the ROM 233, and this form has provided residual China ink amount and based on the relation between the output of resistance.Usually calculate resistance by surveying two current values between the electrode.So the output according to the current value of surveying can be transferred to CPU 232, and determine to remain China ink according to the current value that detects and measure.In this case, ROM 233 can store the form of expression based on relation between the output of current value and the residue China ink amount, and can judge the near-space state according to this form.

With reference to the ink package that figure 6 explains according to the third embodiment of the invention structure, it uses with above-mentioned ink-jet printer 201 with detection ink package China and Mexico function.Fig. 6 shows the print cartridge 100 among each the ink guide part 204a-204d that is installed in ink-jet printer 201.Print cartridge 100 comprises ink package 102, and its structure makes it possible to survey the near-space state, also comprises housing 12, and it is a general planar cuboid.Print cartridge 100 is removably mounted on the mounting portion 49 (Fig. 8) of ink-jet printer 201 ink guide parts 204.After ink package 102 is installed on the mounting portion 49, hollowly get tattooing needle 251 and second electrode 252 is as described below penetrates ink package 102, thus the China ink in the ink package 102 offer ink jet head unit 203 and can resemble describe below survey the near-space state of ink package 102.

Hollow tattooing needle 251 and second electrode 252 got supported by mounting portion 49 and makes and hollowly get that tattooing needle 251 and second electrode 252 therefrom pass and parallel to each other.Hollowly get among the tattooing needle 251 tube connector 205a-205d a corresponding pipe so that one group in 203 4 groups of nozzles of the supply ink jet head unit of the China ink in the ink package 102.The hollow tattooing needle 251 got is made by conductive material, and plays the effect of first electrode.

According to housing 12 structures of the print cartridge 100 of third embodiment of the invention with shown in Fig. 1, the same according to the structure of the housing 12 of the print cartridge 1 of first embodiment, for fear of repeating just not explained the housing 12 of print cartridge 100 in detail.

The ink package 102 of print cartridge 100 comprises a China ink bag 105 and a spout 107, and the China ink bag holds China ink with the form of fluid sealing, and spout 107 is as black transport portion, and inner space and space outerpace by spout 5 China ink bags 105 can communicate with each other.Be similar to the China ink bag 5 of the ink package 2 of first embodiment, the China ink bag 105 of the ink package 100 of the 3rd embodiment comprises a pair of relative wall, wall is formed by two flexible lamellas relatively, and each lamella all has stepped construction, is made of plural layers together stacked on top of each other.Two lamellas are stacked together and weld together along their periphery, and a not welding portion is arranged on the periphery of each lamella, and so as shown in Figure 6, the China ink bag 105 that two lamellas form has and above-mentioned not welding portion corresponding opening 105a.Be full of the China ink of the degasification or the degassing in the China ink bag 105.Spout 107 connects the opening 105a of China ink bag 105.The stepped construction of each lamella of China ink bag 105 is the same with above-mentioned China ink bag 5 described stepped constructions with reference to first embodiment, has not just explained in detail here.

Different with structure according to the spout 7 of the ink package 2 of first embodiment according to the spout 107 of the ink package 102 of the 3rd embodiment, its difference is in arranging that spout 107 makes it possible to survey the near-space state of ink package 102.

Describe spout 107 in detail below with reference to Fig. 7 A-7D, spout 107 comprises the standing part 107a1 on the opening 105a that is fixed on China ink bag 105, from standing part 107a2 outwardly directed extension 107a1 on the direction of leaving China ink bag 105, extend into the extension 107c China ink bag 105 inner spaces and extend into hollow cylinder part 107b China ink bag 105 inner spaces from the standing part 107a2 of proximal part 107a from extension 107c.Cylindrical part 107b is made by electrically insulating material (as polypropylene).Play the cylindrical part 107b and the whole formation of extension 107c of hollow insulating part effect.

When " Z " direction from Fig. 7 A, when two lamellas of Jimo bag 105 direction respect to one another is observed, on relative two " Y " directions (in Fig. 7 A and 7B, illustrating) with two arrows, promptly towards China ink bag 105 on the direction of two

opposite end

105b, 105b on the width, the thickness of the standing part 107a2 of spout 107 reduces gradually.Standing part 107a2 comprises the rib 107d (Fig. 7 C) that is formed on its outer periphery surface, standing part 107a2 here is welded in two lamellas of China ink bag 105 on the inner layer of polypropylene of each, thereby standing part 107a2 fluid is sealingly secured on the opening 105a of China ink bag 105.

The structure of the extension 7b of the spout 7 of first embodiment is the same substantially among the structure of the extension 107c of the spout 107 of the 3rd embodiment and Fig. 2, and their difference is that extension 107c is provided with hollow cylinder insulating part or part 107b.Therefore, for fear of repeating just not explained the structure of extension 107c in detail.

As Fig. 7 A-7D and shown in Figure 8, spout 107 has two passages, i.e. first passage 106 and second channel 116, and they pass extension 107a1, standing part 107a2 and extension 107c.Two path 10s 6,116 comprise the 106a of first, the 116a that passes extension 107a1 formation respectively, pass second portion 106b, the 116b of standing part 107a2 formation and pass third part 106c, the 116c that extension 107c forms.Owing to provide hollow cylinder part 107b, the third part 106c of path 10 6 to stretch into cylindrical part 107b and unlimited at the opening 106d place of China ink bag 105.Be that hollow cylinder part 107b and path 10 6 communicate with each other.The 106a of first, the 116a of each path 10 6,116 (6,116 two of path 10s relative to each other in the openend at an end of that side of extension 107a1) is mounted to wherein each stopper 108,118 fluids and is sealed shut.Stopper 108,118 is made by the high elastomeric material such as butyl rubber of DE, even like this pin 251 and second electrode 252 that insert each stopper 108,118 are taken out from stopper 108,118, stopper can guarantee that still China ink bag 105 has enough fluid sealabilities.

When after using China ink under the normal recommended condition, when China ink bag 105 China and Mexico amount is reduced to the state of predetermined minimum value, unless extension 107c is provided, otherwise China ink bag 105 has contact portion and non-contact portion, two lamellas at contact portion China ink bag 105 contact with each other, and do not contact each other and China ink can remain in the there at two lamellas of contact portion not.With similar at the extension 7b of the spout 7 shown in first embodiment of Fig. 2 A-2D, the extension 107c of the spout 107 shown in the 3rd embodiment has the corresponding structure in space with the not contact portion of China ink bag 105.In other words, extension 107c fills the space of China ink bag 105 above-mentioned not contact portions, if extension 107c is not provided, China ink can remain in this space.Similar with first embodiment, provide extension 107c can effectively reduce the inner space of residue China ink in the China ink bag 105, if extension 107c is not provided, China ink can remain in this space.In the 3rd embodiment, stretch in the inner space of China ink bag 105 with the integrally formed cylindrical part 107b of extension 107c, it stretch into the border that has surpassed between contact portion and the non-contact portion.In other words, the openend of cylindrical part 107b is arranged in the inner space that China ink bag 105 is crossed above-mentioned border.Internal diameter and the external diameter of pref. cylindrical part 107b are as far as possible little, and this is to reduce the China ink amount that remains in around the cylindrical part 107b when closely contacting each other for two lamellas at China ink bag 105 as far as possible.In the present embodiment, the internal diameter of cylindrical part 107b is littler than the diameter of the second portion 106b that is formed on first passage 106 among the standing part 107a2.

Second channel 116 in China ink bag 105 in its two opposite ends the end of that side of third part 116c open wide.From with 105 two lamellas of China ink bag during the parallel plane viewed in plan of each lamella, the openend that first and second path 10s 6,116 open wide in China ink bag 105 is separated from each other in above-mentioned Y direction and directions X (length direction of China ink bag 105).When two lamellas of China ink bag 105 contacted with each other as mentioned above, two lamellas that closely contact were between the openend of first and second path 10s 6,116.

In the above in Gou Zao the ink package 100, first and second path 10s 6,116 are in alignment with each other on the plane vertical with 105 two lamella directions respect to one another of China ink bag, when in the Y on this plane orientation measurement, first and second path 10s 6,116 depart from the mid point of China ink bag 105 sizes.Ink package 100 with this structure is installed to and makes China ink bag 105 remain on last two path 10s 6,116 of vertical direction (gravity direction) on the mounting portion 49 of ink-jet printer 201 ink guide parts 204 to be in alignment with each other and the position of spout 107 below vertical direction is positioned at above-mentioned mid point.

When print cartridge 100 is installed on the mounting portion 49 of ink-jet printer 201 ink guide parts 204, the hollow tattooing needle 251 of getting penetrates stopper 108 among the 106a of first that is assemblied in path 10 6, and stretches among the second portion 106b that passes the path 10 6 that standing part 107a2 forms.China ink in the China ink bag 105 can be extracted and offer out ink jet head unit 203 by pin 251 by the third part 106c of path 10 6 like this.Second electrode 252 penetrates the stopper 118 among the 116a of first that is assemblied in passage 116, and stretches among the second portion 116b of the passage 116 that is formed among the standing part 107a2.In the present embodiment, the end in two relative openends of each path 10s 6,116 of stopper 108,118 sealing, and partly support first electrode 251 and second electrode 252 as electrode supporting.

Between as hollow first electrode 251 and second electrode 252 of getting tattooing needle,, detection circuit 250 can survey resistance between two electrodes 251,252 thereby having applied voltage.

The principle of the near-space state of surveying the ink package 102 with said structure is described with reference to figure 8.China ink amount in the China ink bag 105 is owing to printing reduces.When China ink bag 105 China and Mexico amount when the level shown in the solid line " A " reduces to the level " B " that is shown in dotted line Fig. 8, the resistance that detection circuit 250 detects between two electrodes 251,252 has very large increase, this be because in level " A " the time have China ink to exist them to be in conduction state between two electrodes 251,252, CPU 232 judges the corresponding China ink amount in the China ink bag 105 of remaining in of the output that provides based on the resistance that detects with detection circuit 250 less than reference quantity, so open near-space sign 234b like this.After opening near-space sign 234b,, thereby continue to print because the residue China ink in the capillary force China ink bag 105 offers cylindrical part 107b.In continuing printing, calculate the ink-jet number of times.When determine according to counting used the China ink of scheduled volume again after opening near-space sign 234b after, CPU 232 opens black prohibitory sign 234a to stop printing.

In being shown in the China ink bag 105 of Fig. 8, first electrode 251 plays hollow effect of getting tattooing needle.As shown in Figure 9, second electrode 252 also can play the effect of getting tattooing needle.At this moment, pin 252 connects with the respective tube of pipe among the 205a-205d and the black sucking-off in the China ink bag 105 is offered in the ink jet head unit 203 one group corresponding in four groups of nozzles.

When second electrode 252 as shown in Figure 9 plays the time spent of doing of getting tattooing needle, the near-space state of ink package 102 is surveyed as follows.China ink amount in the China ink bag 105 is owing to printing reduces.When China ink bag 105 China and Mexico amount when the level shown in the solid line " A " reduces to the level " B " that is shown in dotted line Fig. 9, the resistance that detection circuit 250 detects between two electrodes 251,252 has very large increase, this be because in level " A " the time have China ink to exist them to be in conduction state between two electrodes 251,252, CPU 232 judges the corresponding China ink amount in the China ink bag 105 of remaining in of the output that provides based on the resistance that detects with detection circuit 250 less than reference quantity, so open near-space sign 234b like this.After opening near-space sign 234b, the China ink that remains in the China ink bag 105 by use continues to print.When because when continuing printing and making that the China ink amount reduces among Fig. 9 the level shown in the chain-dotted line " C ", CPU 232 opens black prohibitory sign 234a and operates with non-print.

In the ink package 102 shown in the 3rd embodiment of Fig. 6-9, hollow cylinder insulating part or part 107b stretch out from extension 107c.Cylindrical part 107b can be directly stretches out from the standing part 107a2 of spout 107.Describe the ink package 102 of constructing according to four embodiment of the invention below with reference to Figure 10 A-10D and 11A-11B, its spout 107 comprises the hollow cylindrical part 107b that directly stretches out from standing part 107a2.The ink package 102 of the 4th embodiment and the ink-jet printer of describing in the above with reference to the 3rd embodiment 201 as ink supply apparatus use together.In Figure 10 A-10D and 11A-11B, use with the 3rd reference number that embodiment is identical of Fig. 6-9 and represent corresponding components and omit detailed explanation.

In the ink package 102 according to the 4th embodiment structure, hollow cylinder insulating part or part are stretched out to the inner space of China ink bag 105 from the standing part 107a2 of spout 107.With the 3rd embodiment of above-mentioned reference described the same, when after using China ink under the normal recommended condition, when China ink bag 105 China and Mexico amount is reduced to the state of predetermined minimum value, China ink bag 105 has contact portion and non-contact portion, two lamellas at contact portion China ink bag 105 contact with each other, and do not contact each other and China ink can remain in the there at two lamellas of contact portion not.More particularly, near the standing part 107a2 of spout 107 in the not contact portion of China ink bag 105, two lamellas since the thickness of standing part 107a2 do not contact each other, and two lamellas are in certain position contact of China ink bag 105, and this position is separating suitable distance with contact portion not away from opening 105a and on corresponding to the direction of an end of contact portion in the 105c of the opposite end of length direction.Hollow cylinder part 107b stretches out and crosses the contact portion and the border of contact portion not to the inner space of China ink bag 105 from standing part 107a2.

In the ink package 102 of the 4th embodiment with this structure, described above with being similar to, survey the near-space state with reference to the method for the ink package 102 of the 3rd embodiment.Do description in more detail with reference to figure 11A and 11B, when China ink bag 105 China and Mexico amount when the level shown in the solid line " A " reduces to the level " B " that is shown in dotted line Figure 11 B, detection circuit 250 detects two electrodes 251, resistance between 252 has very large increase, this is because of two electrodes 251 when level " A ", so there is China ink to exist them to be in conduction state between 252, CPU 232 judges the corresponding China ink amount in the China ink bag 105 of remaining in of the output that provides based on the resistance that detects with detection circuit 250 less than reference quantity, so open near-space sign 234b like this.After opening near-space sign 234b,, thereby continue to print because the residue China ink in the capillary force China ink bag 105 offers cylindrical part 107b.In continuing printing, calculate the ink-jet number of times.When determining according to counting when having used scheduled volume black after opening near-space sign 234b again, CPU 232 opens black prohibitory sign 234a to stop printing.

In ink package 102 according to the 4th embodiment, the front end of pin 251 and second electrode 252 are arranged in each path 10 6,116, thereby front end does not extend into the China ink bag 105 from the standing part 107a2 of spout 107, therefore can avoid China ink bag 105 to be damaged by the pin 251 and second electrode 252.

The same with the 3rd ink package that embodiment described 102 of top reference, also can improve the ink package 102 of the 4th embodiment, make that second electrode 252 plays hollow effect of getting tattooing needle shown in Figure 12 A and 12B.At this moment the near-space state of ink package 102 can be used with the similar method of describing with reference to figure 9 of method and survey.Do description in more detail with reference to figure 12A and 12B.When China ink bag 105 China and Mexico amount when the level shown in the solid line " A " reduces to the level " B " that is shown in dotted line Figure 12 B, the resistance that detection circuit 250 detects between two electrodes 251,252 has very large increase, this be because in level " A " the time have China ink to exist them to be in conduction state between two electrodes 251,252, CPU 232 judges the corresponding China ink amount in the China ink bag 105 of remaining in of the output that provides based on the resistance that detects with detection circuit 250 less than reference quantity, so open near-space sign 234b like this.After opening near-space sign 234b, the China ink that remains in the China ink bag 105 by use continues printing.When because when continuing printing and making that the China ink amount reduces among Figure 12 B the level shown in the chain-dotted line " C ", CPU 232 opens black prohibitory sign 234a and operates with non-print.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, the electrode supporting that occurs with the form of stopper 108,118 partly is located at an end of 105 two opposite ends of China ink bag, this can be very stably supported like this to electrode 251,252, thereby two electrical features (being resistance) between the electrode can be measured accurately.Therefore can very stably survey the state of China ink, as the near-space state.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, this is located at print cartridge 100 to electrode 251,252 and is releasably attached on the mounting portion 49 above it, thereby this 49 stretches out from the mounting portion electrode 251,252.According to this layout, when print cartridge 100 was installed on the mounting portion 49, electrode inserted in the ink package 102 of print cartridge 100, thereby can survey the near-space state of ink package.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, an electrode in the pair of electrodes 251,252 plays hollow effect of getting tattooing needle, and China ink is extracted out from China ink bag 105, has so just reduced the number of the parts that use and the manufacturing cost of equipment.

In the 3rd embodiment that provides, open circles column piece (insulating part) 107b and extension 107c are whole to be formed, and in the 4th embodiment that provides, it and standing part 107a2 integral body form.Form the open circles column piece and then the layout that it is installed to extension or standing part is compared with separating, the whole layout that forms the open circles column piece has reduced the step of making ink package 102, therefore efficient is also just higher, so just guarantees to reduce manufacturing cost.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, the black transport portion that occurs with the form of spout 107 comprises two path 10s 6,116, and inner space and space outerpace by their ink packages 102 communicate with each other, and this inserts among them electrode.In this layout, be easy to China ink is extracted out from China ink bag 105 by one in two passages.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, the internal diameter of hollow cylinder part (insulating part) 107b is littler than the internal diameter with partially communicating that path 10 6 of hollow cylinder in two passages.In this layout, the size of hollow cylinder part can be reduced, thereby the China ink amount that remains in hollow cylinder part outside can be effectively reduced, so just can survey the near-space state accurately.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, two path 10s 6,116 are in alignment with each other on the plane vertical with 105 two lamella directions respect to one another of China ink bag, when the above-mentioned Y orientation measurement on this plane, two path 10s 6,116 depart from the mid point of China ink bag 105 sizes.Print cartridge 100 with this structure is installed on the mounting portion 49 of ink-jet printer 201 ink guide parts 204, makes the China ink bag 105 of ink package 102 remain on last two path 10s 6,116 of vertical direction (gravity direction) and is in alignment with each other and the position of spout 107 below vertical direction is positioned at above-mentioned mid point.Because resembling, print cartridge 100 is installed on the mounting portion 49 above-described, when China ink is drawn out of by the black transport portion with spout 107 forms from China ink bag 105, because the gravity of China ink self, when observing in vertical direction, China ink tends to be stored in the bottom of China ink bag 105, when observing in vertical direction, two lamellas of China ink bag 105 begin to contact with each other from the top of China ink bag 105 like this.Therefore, can efficiently use China ink in the China ink bag 105.

Owing to have an extension, the 3rd embodiment that illustrates has the advantage of above-mentioned first and second embodiment.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention described above, should be appreciated that they just for purposes of illustration, the invention is not restricted to given specific embodiment, for this area professional, need not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims and just can carry out various changes, changes and improvements.

For example, in the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, this plays hollow effect of getting tattooing needle to one in the electrode.Can be independent of two electrodes independent pin is provided.At this moment arrange that spout 107 makes it have three passages, their allow the inner space of China ink bag 105 and space outerpace to be communicated with, and pin and two electrodes insert wherein respectively.When spout 107 was provided with the extension, in order to realize advantage of the present invention, set extension can be corresponding with passage in three passages at least.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, first and second electrodes 251,252 are supported by the mounting portion 49 of the ink guide part 204 of ink-jet printer 201, when print cartridge 100 was installed on the mounting portion 49, the stopper 108,118 that plays the electrode supporting partial action was penetrated respectively by two electrodes 251,252.Can arrange at least one electrode in two electrodes 108,118 that ink package 102 makes ink package 102 have to be played that the stopper 108,118 of electrode supporting partial action supported.The mounting portion that at this moment print cartridge 100 has been installed on it has a terminal portion, it be installed to ink package 102 on two electrodes at least one electrode contact.

In the 3rd that provides and the 4th embodiment, judge the near-space state according to the resistance that detection circuit 250 detects according to the form that is stored among the ROM 233.Can judge the near-space state with additive method.When for example, the resistance value ratio predetermined value that detects when detection circuit 250 is big or the current value ratio predetermined value hour CPU 233 that detects of detection circuit 250 just can make the judgement of near-space state.

Claims

1. ink detecting apparatus, it surveys the China ink in the ink package (102), ink package comprises the China ink bag (105) and the black transport portion (107) that hold China ink, and the China ink in the described China ink bag transfers out from described China ink bag by this China ink transport portion, and described ink detecting apparatus comprises:

Pair of electrodes (251,252), they be configured to be fixed on described China ink bag opposite end an end and with described China ink bag in the China ink conduction;

A hollow insulating part (107b) that provides for an electrode in the described pair of electrodes, this hollow insulating part extends to the direction of its other end at the described end from described China ink bag opposite end, and the China ink in the described China ink bag arrives a described electrode in the described pair of electrodes by described hollow insulating part; With

An electrical feature sniffer (250), it surveys the electrical feature between the described pair of electrodes.

2. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said black transport portion comprise that at least one passes its and extend and the passage that forms, and another electrode in the described pair of electrodes is arranged in described at least one passage.

3. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said ink package is releasably attached on the mounting portion, and described pair of electrodes is connected in described ink package and the described mounting portion at least one and extend to described China ink bag under described ink package is installed to state on the described mounting portion.

4. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said China ink bag comprises a pair of wall respect to one another, this is flexible to wall on following direction, i.e. minimizing of measuring along with described black bag China and Mexico, described a pair of wall contacts with each other on this direction, described China ink bag has contact portion, after using China ink under the normal recommended condition, China ink amount in described China ink bag reduces under the state of predetermined minimum of a value, described wall contacts with each other in contact portion, described China ink bag also has not contact portion, the wall described in the contact portion does not contact each other under described state, and China ink is stayed not in the contact portion, and described hollow insulating part extends to the described direction of its other end at the described end from described China ink bag opposite end, and it extend across described contact portion and the described not border between the contact portion.

5. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, an electrode in the wherein said pair of electrodes are the hollow tattooing needles of getting of extracting China ink bag China and Mexico out.

6. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, at least one electrode in the wherein said pair of electrodes is connected on the described ink package.

7. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, at least one electrode in the wherein said pair of electrodes is connected on the described mounting portion.

8. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hollow insulating part and the whole formation of described black transport portion.

9. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said black transport portion comprises: at least one passes it and extends and the passage (106) of formation; With an electrode supporting part (108), in the relative openend of partially enclosed described at least one passage of this electrode supporting away from that end of described China ink bag, this electrode supporting is set partly is used for supporting an electrode, described hollow insulating part and described at least one channel connection in the described pair of electrodes.

10. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, the internal diameter of wherein said hollow insulating part is littler than the internal diameter of described at least one passage that is communicated with described hollow insulating part.

11. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said black transport portion comprises at least two passages (106 that pass its extension and form, 116), at least two passages in described at least two passages have the electrode supporting part, in described at least two passages in partially enclosed described at least two passages of each electrode supporting in the opposite end of a respective channel away from that end of described China ink bag, this electrode supporting is set partly is used for supporting each electrode in the described pair of electrodes, a channel connection in described hollow insulating part and described at least two passages.

12. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 11, the internal diameter of wherein said hollow insulating part is littler than the internal diameter of that passage that is communicated with described hollow insulating part in described at least two passages.

13. ink detecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, the described black transport portion of wherein said ink package comprises a standing part (107a2), and this standing part is fixed to an end of two opposite ends of described China ink bag; With an extension (107c), thereby its contiguous described standing part forms from this and stretches in the described China ink bag, and described extension has the cross-sectional area that reduces gradually at the described end from two opposite ends of described China ink bag to the direction of its other end.

14. an ink package is characterized in that it comprises:

A China ink bag (105) that holds China ink, this China ink bag comprises a pair of wall respect to one another, and this is flexible to wall on following direction, promptly along with the minimizing of described China ink bag China and Mexico amount, described a pair of wall contacts with each other on this direction;

A black transport portion (107), it is located at an end of described wall opposite end, and this China ink delivery section is set assigns to support pair of electrodes (251,252) and make China ink conduction in described pair of electrodes and the described China ink bag; With

A hollow insulating part (107b), it extends to the direction of its other end at the described end from described wall opposite end, and have a passage, this passage it the opposite end respectively with described pair of electrodes in electrode and the China ink in the described China ink bag be communicated with.

15. ink package as claimed in claim 14, wherein said black transport portion comprises at least one passage, this passage it the opposite end respectively with described pair of electrodes in another electrode and the China ink in the described China ink bag be communicated with.

16. as claim 14 or 15 described ink packages, an electrode in the wherein said pair of electrodes is the hollow tattooing needle of getting of extracting described black bag China and Mexico out.

17. ink package as claimed in claim 14, wherein said China ink bag has contact portion, after using China ink under the normal recommended condition, China ink amount in described China ink bag reduces under the state of predetermined minimum of a value, described wall contacts with each other in contact portion, described China ink bag also has not contact portion, described wall is not contacting in the contact portion under the described state each other, and China ink is stayed not in the contact portion, described hollow insulating part extends to the described direction of the other end at the described end from described wall opposite end, and it extend across described contact portion and the described not border between the contact portion.

18. ink package as claimed in claim 14, wherein said hollow insulating part and the whole formation of described black transport portion.

19. ink package as claimed in claim 14, wherein said black transport portion comprises: at least one passes it and extends and the passage (106) of formation; With an electrode supporting part (108), in the opposite end of partially enclosed described at least one passage of this electrode supporting away from that end of described China ink bag, this electrode supporting is set partly is used for supporting an electrode, described hollow insulating part and described at least one channel connection in the described pair of electrodes.

20. ink package as claimed in claim 19, the internal diameter of wherein said hollow insulating part is littler than the internal diameter of described at least one passage that is communicated with described hollow insulating part.

21. ink package as claimed in claim 14, wherein said black transport portion comprises at least two passages (106,116), at least two passages in described at least two passages have electrode supporting part (108,118), in described at least two passages in partially enclosed described at least two passages of each electrode supporting in the opposite end of a respective channel away from that end of described China ink bag, this electrode supporting is set partly is used for supporting each electrode in the described pair of electrodes, a channel connection in described hollow insulating part and described at least two passages.

22. ink package as claimed in claim 21, the internal diameter of wherein said hollow insulating part is littler than the internal diameter of that passage that is communicated with described hollow insulating part in described at least two passages.