An ink cartridge

Abstract

The application discloses an ink cartridge which is detachably installed into an installation part of a printer, the installation part comprises a clamping mechanism, the clamping mechanism comprises a support part fixed to the installation part and a rotating part hinged to the support part, the support part is provided with a recess on a side surface, the rotating part is provided with an abutting part on a side of a first direction, the ink cartridge comprises a main body part, the main body part is located at least partially on the first direction side of the support part, the main body part is provided with a movable clamping part matched with the clamping mechanism on the side opposite to the first direction, the movable clamping part comprises a transmission part and a clamping part, the clamping part is provided with a limiting protrusion matched with the recess on a side surface, and the transmission part is used for matching with the abutting part; the ink cartridge has an unlocking process in which the limiting protrusion is separated from the recess through the action of the abutting part and the transmission part, in the unlocking process, the transmission part moves towards a direction away from the main body part, does not interfere with the ink cartridge, does not hinder the movement of the movable clamping part, and can smoothly unlock the ink cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printer technology, and more particularly to an ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] A large category of inkjet printers uses a mounting section for configuring ink cartridges that engages with a locking mechanism on the cartridge via a rotating component. This locking mechanism is partially movable relative to the cartridge, and the cartridge can be unlocked from the mounting section by operating the rotating component. During the unlocking process, the abutting transmission part of the locking mechanism and rotating component moves towards the cartridge side. Therefore, this transmission part may interfere with other parts of the cartridge, causing unlocking failure or jamming. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ink cartridge is provided, detachably mounted to a mounting portion of a printer. The mounting portion includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a bracket portion fixed to the mounting portion and a rotating member hinged to the bracket portion. The locking mechanism is used to restrict movement of the ink cartridge in a second direction. The bracket portion has a recessed portion on its side, and the rotating member has an abutment portion on its first direction side. The ink cartridge includes a main body portion, at least partially located on the first direction side of the bracket portion. The main body portion has a movable latching member on its opposite first direction side that cooperates with the locking mechanism. The movable latching member includes a transmission portion and a locking portion that are movable in the first direction. The locking portion has a limiting protrusion on its side that cooperates with the recessed portion. The transmission portion is used to cooperate with the abutment portion.

[0004] The ink cartridge has an unlocking process in which the limiting protrusion is disengaged from the recess by the action of the abutment and the transmission part, and during the unlocking process, the transmission part moves away from the main body.

[0005] The ink cartridge is placed within the mounting portion along a linear insertion direction, the first direction being parallel to the insertion direction and the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, during the unlocking process, the displacement of the transmission unit has a component in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the main body includes an ink reservoir and an adapter mounted on the ink reservoir, the ink reservoir being at least partially located on a second direction side of the adapter, and the movable clip being disposed on the adapter.

[0008] In some embodiments, an elastic reset member capable of deforming in a first direction is also included, the first direction end of the elastic reset member abutting against the adapter, and the reverse first direction end of the elastic reset member abutting against the transmission part.

[0009] In some embodiments, during the unlocking process, the displacement of the limiting protrusion has a component in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, during the unlocking process, the transmission part and the limiting protrusion translate in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, during the unlocking process, the displacement of the limiting protrusion has a component in a first direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the movable clip is rotatably or slidably mounted on the main body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the recess is an outer groove disposed on the side of the bracket portion opposite to the first direction, the limiting protrusion is disposed on the first direction side of the engaging portion, and the engaging portion is at least partially located on the side of the bracket portion opposite to the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the movable locking member includes intersecting inner and outer support arms, the outer support arm being at least partially located on a second direction side of the inner support arm, the end of the outer support arm having a lower support arm, the transmission part being a part of the inner support arm, the engaging part being a part of the lower support arm, and the limiting protrusion being located on the lower support arm.

[0015] In some embodiments, the recess is an inner groove provided on the first direction side of the bracket portion, the limiting protrusion is provided on the opposite first direction side of the engaging portion, and the engaging portion is at least partially located on the first direction side of the bracket portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the movable locking member includes an intersecting first arm and a second arm, the second arm being at least partially located on a second direction side of the first arm, the transmission part being a part of the first arm, the engaging part being a part of the second arm, and the limiting protrusion being located at the end of the second arm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the main body is provided with an anti-rotation part that limits the rotation range of the movable latch under the action of the elastic reset member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the abutting portion has a guide ramp that mates with the transmission portion, the guide ramp having an upper edge on a second direction side and a lower edge on a reverse second direction side, the lower edge being located on a first direction side of the upper edge.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the transmission part of the ink cartridge moves away from the main body during the unlocking process, avoiding interference with other parts of the ink cartridge and not hindering the movement of the movable card, thus enabling the ink cartridge to be unlocked smoothly, thereby effectively reducing the probability of unlocking lag or unlocking failure, and providing a better user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing ink cartridge installation method;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing ink cartridge.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a partial sectional view of the mounting section in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge installation process in the prior art, showing its interaction with the mounting section.

[0024] Figure 5 A partial sectional view of the ink cartridge in the prior art, showing its fit with the mounting section when installed.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the locking mechanism of the installation section in the prior art;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating component of a prior art locking mechanism;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a partially exploded view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when the movable latch and the locking mechanism are locked.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the movable card and locking mechanism of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 1 of the present invention when they are unlocked.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a partially exploded view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when the movable latch and the locking mechanism are locked.

[0033] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the movable card and locking mechanism of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when they are unlocked.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present invention when the movable latch and the locking mechanism are locked.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the movable card and locking mechanism of the ink cartridge in Embodiment 3 of the present invention when they are unlocked;

[0037] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the engaging mechanism in a modified example of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following is a brief description of the mounting section of a printer corresponding to the ink cartridge provided by the present invention in the prior art, as well as the installation method of the existing ink cartridge 10 (i.e., the original ink cartridge 10).

[0039] To better explain the mounting section and various components of the ink cartridge, such as Figure 1 A three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is established, with the Z-axis representing the vertical direction. The +Z-axis direction is the direction of the plumb bob (gravity direction), also known as the inverse second direction, and the -Z-axis direction is also known as the second direction. The X-axis and Y-axis represent the directions along the horizontal plane, and the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the mounting part 20 has a box-shaped frame 21, a support member 22, a rotating shaft 23, a supply part 24, a force-applying member 25, a positioning protrusion 26, a rotating locking member 27, and a locking mechanism. The frame 21 has an insertion port 211 at the -Y axis end. The ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the frame 21 through the insertion port 211. The installation process of the ink cartridge 10 includes a translation operation that moves in the horizontal direction, that is, the ink cartridge moves from the insertion port 211 toward the inner side (+Y axis side) of the frame 21. At this time, the moving direction of the ink cartridge 10 is the insertion direction of the mounting part 20. The insertion direction is the +Y axis direction, which is also called the first direction. The -Y axis direction is also called the reverse first direction.

[0041] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the ink cartridge 10 includes a main body, which is generally rectangular in shape. The length direction of the main body is parallel to a first direction (i.e., along the Y-axis), the width direction is parallel to the X-axis, and the height direction is parallel to a second direction (i.e., along the Z-axis). The coordinate system of the ink cartridge 10 is consistent with the coordinate system of the mounting part 20. The main body has a bottom wall 121 and a rear wall 122 located on the side opposite to the first direction (-Y-axis direction side), and the bottom wall 121 and the rear wall 122 intersect. More preferably, the main body includes an ink storage member 11 and an adapter 12 mounted on the ink storage member 11. The ink storage member 11 is located on the second direction side (-Z-axis direction side) of the adapter 12, and both the bottom wall 121 and the rear wall 122 are located on the adapter 12. The second direction is perpendicular to the bottom wall 121. An assembly structure is provided on the bottom wall 121 of the main body. The assembly structure includes an outlet 13, a positioning recess 14, and an unlocking part 15. A locking part 16 is provided on the rear wall 122 of the main body. The locking part 16 is a groove provided on the rear wall 122. The groove is located near the bottom wall 121. The unlocking part 15, the positioning recess 14, and the outlet 13 are all located near the groove.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the support member 22 includes a guide path 22a extending linearly along a direction intersecting the vertical direction (+Z-axis direction). The guide path 22a extends along the insertion direction (Y-axis direction). The support member 22 has a front end region (-Y-axis end) where the beginning of the guide path 22a is located and a base end region (+Y-axis end) where the end of the guide path 22a is located. The base end region of the support member 22 and the rotation axis 23 are disposed on the inside of the frame 21 (i.e., away from the insertion port 211). The support member 22 may also have a base plate 221 and two side ribs 222, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the base plate 221 in the width direction (X-axis direction). The base plate 221 and the two side ribs 222 enclose a mounting groove for carrying the ink cartridge. The front end region (-Y axis end) of the base plate 221 has a notch to allow the assembly structure of the ink cartridge 10 mounted on the support component 22 to be exposed through the notch and to allow the components on the mounting part 20 that mate with the assembly structure to pass through the notch, facilitating the mating of the components on the mounting part 20 with the assembly structure. The notch can be a strip-shaped notch extending along the +Y axis direction, through which the assembly structure (including the outlet part 13, the positioning recess 14, and the unlocking part 15) is exposed; alternatively, multiple notches can be provided on the base plate 221, corresponding to the outlet part 13, the positioning recess 14, and the unlocking part 15, respectively. In the X-axis direction, the width of the notch is smaller than the width of the base plate 221.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the rotating shaft 23 has an axis that intersects both the vertical direction (+Z-axis direction) and the guide path 22a (Y-axis direction) and is disposed at the base end region (+Y-axis end) of the support member 22. The axis of the rotating shaft 23 extends along the X-axis direction. The support member 22 is rotatably disposed within the frame 21 about the rotating shaft 23, and the support member 22 can guide the ink cartridge to the guide position along the guide path 22a (…). Figure 1 The connection point between the ink cartridge and the liquid inlet section 24 (represented by a single-dot dash) is shown in the image. Figure 1 Rotation between (represented by double-dotted lines in the middle).

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a force-applying component 25 is installed between the frame 21 and the support component 22. The force-applying component 25 provides a force to move the support component 22 from the connected position to the guided position. The force-applying component 25 is, for example, a coil spring. In the initial state where the ink cartridge is not in the mounting portion 20, the support component 22 is positioned in the guided position by the force applied by the force-applying component 25.

[0045] like Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the supply unit 24 is positioned below the support member 22 (on the +Z axis side). When the support member 22 is in the connected position, the supply unit 24 is connected to the ink cartridge 10. The supply unit 24 can also be configured in an inclined position relative to the guide path 22a. More specifically, the supply unit 24 can also be configured with its front end (upper end) positioned closer to the insertion port 211 in the Y-axis direction than its base end (lower end). For example, the centerline of the supply unit 24 can form an angle greater than 0° and less than 15° relative to the vertical direction (+Z axis direction).

[0046] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the positioning protrusion 26 is disposed on the frame 21 and is disposed near the supply section 24. The positioning protrusion 26 is located on the side opposite to the first direction (-Y axis direction side) of the supply section 24. The positioning protrusion 26 positions the ink cartridge 10 by engaging with the positioning recess 14 on the ink cartridge 10 located at the connection position. By placing the positioning protrusion 26 near the supply section 24, the positional accuracy of the supply section 24 and the ink cartridge outlet section 13 is improved. The positioning protrusion 26 can extend in a direction that is approximately parallel to the supply section 24.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotary locking member 27 is hinged on the frame 21. The rotary locking member 27 is located on the opposite side of the positioning protrusion 26 (i.e., the -Y axis direction side). In the initial state, the upper part of the rotary locking member 27 abuts against the leaf spring 271, and the bottom of the rotary locking member 27 abuts against the blocking part 212 on the frame 21 to prevent the front end area (-Y axis end) of the support member 22 from rotating downward.

[0048] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the engaging mechanism is provided on the side opposite to the first direction (-Y axis direction side) of the support member 22. The engaging mechanism includes a bracket portion 281 fixed to the frame 21 and a rotating member 282 hinged to the bracket portion 281. The engaging mechanism is used to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge 10 in the second direction. When the ink cartridge 10 is installed in the mounting portion 20, the main body of the ink cartridge 10 is at least partially located on the first direction side (+Y axis direction side) of the bracket portion. The rotating member 282 has an abutment portion 2821 on the side (+Y axis direction side) near the ink cartridge 10. The abutment portion 2821 is a protruding structure that can engage with the engaged portion 16 on the ink cartridge 10 to restrict the movement of the ink cartridge 10 in the second direction. The ink cartridge 10 is fixed in the mounting portion 20. The rotating member 282 is able to rotate between an engaged position (the position where the abutting part 2821 is engaged with the engaged part 16) and a disengaged position (the position where the abutting part 2821 is separated from the engaged part 16), and the rotation axis of the rotating member 282 extends along the X-axis direction.

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, an operating part 2822 is provided on the -Y axis side of the rotating member 282. Applying a force in the opposite direction (+Z axis direction) to the operating part 2822 can move the rotating member 282 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The operating part 2822 can be a rod-shaped member that extends approximately along the -Y axis direction.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the engaging mechanism also includes a reset member 283, which can be an elastic member (e.g., a compression spring). The reset member 283 is disposed between the rotating member 282 and the support portion 281. The reset member 283 can exert a force on the rotating member 282 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. This force can stably engage the abutting portion 2821 with the engaged portion 16 and prevent disengagement.

[0051] When the ink cartridge 10 is inserted into the mounting part 20 along the first direction and placed on the support member 22, during the pushing process, the unlocking part 15 on the ink cartridge 10 contacts the upper part of the rotating locking member 27 and drives the rotating locking member 27 to rotate so that its bottom passes around the blocking part 212, thereby releasing the rotation lock of the support member. At this time, the leaf spring 271 that abuts against the upper part of the rotating locking member 27 is compressed and deformed, and then the ink cartridge 10 is pressed down so that it rotates downward with the support member 22, so that the supply part and the outlet part 13, the positioning protrusion 26 and the positioning recess 14, and the abutting part 2821 and the locked part 16 are engaged.

[0052] When the ink cartridge 10 is removed, a pressing force along the +Z axis is applied to the operating part 2822, causing the rotating part 282 to rotate. The abutting part 2821 disengages from the locked part 16, and the ink cartridge 10 can be removed from the mounting part 20. The supporting part 22 rotates back to its original position under the force of the force-applying part 25. The rotating locking part 27 rotates back to abut against the blocking part 212 under the action of the leaf spring 271. The rotating part 282 rotates back to the locked position under the action of the reset part 283.

[0053] The existing engaging part 16 is a shallow groove structure on the rear wall 122. The engagement reliability of this groove structure with the abutment part 2821 is greatly affected by the length error of the ink cartridge 10 and the shape error of the engaging part 16. Therefore, the engagement reliability of the ink cartridge 10 with the engaging mechanism is low.

[0054] Based on the above problems, one existing solution is to install a movable engaging component on the ink cartridge 10 to engage and lock with the rotating component 282. The ink cartridge 10 can be unlocked relative to the mounting part 20 by operating the rotating component 282. However, during the unlocking process, the abutting transmission part of the engaging component and the rotating component in this structure moves towards the ink cartridge side (i.e., towards the +Y axis direction). Therefore, the transmission part may interfere with other parts on the ink cartridge 10, hindering the movement of the engaging component, thus causing unlocking failure or jamming. The user may need to operate the rotating component 282 multiple times to successfully unlock, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] To address the aforementioned issues, this embodiment provides an ink cartridge 10a. The ink cartridge 10a has most of the same structure as the aforementioned ink cartridge 10, and the following description focuses only on the differences.

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the main body of the ink cartridge 10a is provided with a movable latch 17, which is used to cooperate with the locking mechanism of the mounting part 20. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the engaging mechanism includes a bracket portion 281 and a rotating member 282. The bracket portion 281 has a recessed portion 2811 on its side. Specifically, the recessed portion 2811 can be an outer slot 2811a located on the side of the bracket portion opposite to the first direction (-Y axis direction). The rotating member 282 has an abutting portion 2821 on its first direction side. The abutting portion 2821 has a guide slope 2822. The guide slope 2822 has an upper edge located on the second direction side (-Z axis direction) and a lower edge located on the side opposite to the second direction (+Z axis direction). The lower edge is located on the first direction side (+Y axis direction) of the upper edge, that is, the lower edge is closer to the ink cartridge 10a than the upper edge.

[0058] like Figure 9As shown, the movable latch 17 and the main body are separate structures. The movable latch 17 is rotatably connected to one side of the rear wall 122 of the adapter 12. The rear wall 122 is provided with a first groove 123 recessed in the +Y axis direction. The length direction of the first groove 123 extends along the Z axis direction. The first groove 123 has rotating shafts 1231 on both sides of the first groove 123 in the X axis direction. The movable latch 17 is provided with shaft holes 171 that are adapted to the rotating shafts 1231. The movable latch 17 is rotatably installed in the first groove 123 through the cooperation of the shaft holes 171 and the rotating shafts 1231, and the rotation axis of the movable latch 17 is along the X axis direction. Optionally, shaft holes can also be provided on both sides of the first groove 123 in the X axis direction, and rotating shafts can be provided on the movable latch 17, which can also achieve a rotatable connection between the two.

[0059] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the movable locking member 17 includes a transmission part 172 and a locking part 173 that can move in a first direction. The locking part 173 has a limiting protrusion 1731 on its side that cooperates with the recess 2811 (outer locking groove 2811a). The limiting protrusion 1731 is provided on the first direction side of the locking part 173. The locking part 173 is at least partially located on the opposite side of the first direction (-Y axis direction side) of the bracket part 281. The transmission part 172 is used to cooperate with the abutment part 2821. Specifically, the movable clip 17 includes an intersecting inner support arm 174 and an outer support arm 175. The outer support arm 175 is at least partially located on the second direction side of the inner support arm 174. The inner support arm 174 extends approximately along the Z-axis direction, and the length of the inner support arm 174 is approximately equal to the length of the first groove 123. The outer support arm 175 extends approximately along the Y-axis direction. The upper end (-Z-axis end) of the inner support arm 174 is connected to the first direction end (+Y-axis end) of the outer support arm 175. The shaft hole 171 can be provided at the intersection of the inner support arm 174 and the outer support arm 175. The outer support arm 175 extends to the outer side of the bracket portion 281 in the opposite direction (-Y axis direction) in the first direction. The outer support arm 175 is provided with a lower support arm 176 at the outer support arm 175 in the opposite direction (-Y axis direction). The lower support arm 176 extends approximately along the Z axis direction and is located on the outer side of the bracket portion 281 in the opposite direction. The length of the lower support arm 176 is less than the length of the inner support arm 174. The transmission portion 172 is a part of the inner support arm 174, specifically a part of the inner support arm 174 near its reverse second direction end (+Z axis direction). The engaging portion 173 is a part of the lower support arm 176. The limiting protrusion 1731 is located on the lower support arm 176, specifically at the lower support arm 176 in the reverse second direction (+Z axis direction), and the limiting protrusion 1731 protrudes toward the first direction (+Y axis direction).

[0060] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the movable latch 17 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the limiting protrusion 1731 engages with the recess 2811, and in the unlocked position, the limiting protrusion 1731 disengages from the recess 2811. The cartridge has an unlocking process in which the limiting protrusion 1731 disengages from the recess 2811 through the action of the abutment 2821 and the transmission part 172. During the unlocking process, the transmission part 172 moves in a direction away from the main body, and the displacement of the transmission part 172 has a component in the opposite direction (-Y axis direction). At the same time, the limiting protrusion 1731 also moves in a direction away from the main body, causing the limiting protrusion 1731 to disengage from the recess 2811. That is, the displacement of the limiting protrusion 1731 also has a component in the opposite direction (-Y axis direction). Viewed from the angle shown in the figure, the movable card 17 can be rotated clockwise from the unlocked position to the locked position, and the movable card 17 can be rotated counterclockwise from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0061] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the ink cartridge 10a also includes an elastic reset member 18 capable of deformation in a first direction. The first direction end of the elastic reset member 18 abuts against the adapter, and the reverse first direction end of the elastic reset member 18 abuts against the transmission part 172. Specifically, a second groove 124 is provided at the bottom of the first groove 123 near the reverse second direction end. The second groove 124 is recessed in the first direction and is used to accommodate the elastic reset member 18. The first direction end of the elastic reset member 18 abuts against the bottom of the second groove 124, and the reverse first direction end of the elastic reset member 18 abuts against the first direction side of the transmission part 172. Preferably, a protrusion 1721 is provided on the first direction side of the transmission part 172, and the reverse second direction end of the elastic reset member 18 is sleeved on the protrusion 1721 to prevent the elastic reset member 18 from dislodging. The elastic reset member 18 is configured to allow the movable latch 17 to be in the unlocked position without external force. When the movable latch 17 rotates from the unlocked position to the locked position, the elastic reset member 18 is compressed. The elastic reset element 18 is preferably a compression spring, but it can also be other components that can provide elastic force, such as elastic rubber, elastic sponge, or spring sheet.

[0062] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, in the initial state before the ink cartridge 10a is installed into the mounting part 20, the movable locking member 17 is in the unlocked position under the force of the elastic reset member 18. During the installation of the ink cartridge 10a, the installation methods of the ink cartridge 10a include translation and rotation (as with the original ink cartridge 10). After the ink cartridge 10a is inserted into the mounting part 20 along the insertion direction (+Y axis direction), the engaging part 173 is located on the side opposite to the first direction of the bracket part 281, and applies force in the +Z axis direction to make the ink cartridge 10a rotate together with the support member 22. During the rotation, the transmission part 172 of the movable locking member 17 abuts against the rotating member 282. When the abutment part 2821 contacts the transmission part 172, the transmission part 172 slides down the guide slope 2822 from the end near the upper edge to the lower edge. During the sliding of the transmission part 172 relative to the guide slope 2822, the transmission part 172 is pushed by the force of the abutment part 2821 to move in the first direction (+Y axis direction). The movable locking member 17 rotates clockwise as a whole, and the limiting protrusion 1731 engages with the recess 2811 (outer locking groove 2811a) of the bracket part 281, thereby restricting the movement of the ink cartridge 10a in the second direction. The ink cartridge 10a is fixed in the mounting part 20. When the transmission part 172 moves in the first direction, the elastic reset member 18 is compressed, and the abutment part 2821 is in a state of always abutting the transmission part 172 on the side opposite to the first direction, and the elastic reset member 18 remains in a compressed state.

[0063] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, when removing the ink cartridge 10a, a pressing force along the +Z axis is applied to the operating part 2822 of the rotating member 282, causing the rotating member 282 to rotate clockwise. The abutting part 2821 moves away from the ink cartridge 10a, and the pressing force on the transmission part 172 disappears. Under the force of the elastic reset member 18's deformation recovery, the transmission part 172 moves away from the ink cartridge 10a. The movable locking member 17 rotates counterclockwise as a whole, and the limiting protrusion 1731 also moves away from the ink cartridge 10a, disengaging from the recess 2811. The locking between the movable locking member 17 and the bracket part 281 is released, and the ink cartridge 10a can move in the second direction and then be removed.

[0064] In this embodiment, the transmission part 172 of the ink cartridge 10a moves away from the main body during the unlocking process, without interfering with the ink cartridge 10a or hindering the movement of the movable locking part 17. This allows for smooth unlocking of the ink cartridge 10a, significantly reducing the probability of unlocking jams or failures and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movable locking part 17 engages with the bracket part 281 fixed on the mounting part 20, resulting in a stable engagement. The movable locking part 17 and the adapter are separate structures, molded separately, which helps control the dimensional accuracy of both components. Both of these factors contribute to ensuring correct ink cartridge installation. The engaging part 173 engages and unlocks with the bracket part 281 by rotation, minimizing interference and preventing damage to the bracket part 281. The engaging position is located on the outside of the bracket part 281 (opposite to the first direction), facilitating observation of the ink cartridge 10a's installation.

[0065] Furthermore, such as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the main body is provided with an anti-rotation part 125 to limit the rotation range of the movable locking member 17 under the action of the elastic reset member 18. The anti-rotation part 125 can be a protrusion provided on the rear wall 122 of the adapter 12. The anti-rotation part 125 is located at the second direction end of the first groove 123 and protrudes in the opposite direction to the first direction. After the movable locking member 17 rotates a certain range counterclockwise under the action of the elastic reset member 18, the upper end face of the outer support arm 175 will abut against the anti-rotation part 125, and the rotation of the movable locking member 17 will be stopped, thereby limiting the rotation range of the movable locking member 17, keeping the movable locking member 17 stably in the unlocked position, preventing the movable locking member 17 from rotating too much and interfering with other components, and also facilitating cooperation with the locking mechanism during the next installation. The anti-rotation part 125 can be integrally formed with the adapter 12 or it can be a separate structure, fixed to the adapter 12 by means of pasting, welding, locking, etc.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] This embodiment provides another ink cartridge 10b, which differs from the first embodiment in that the structure of the active card is different.

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the movable latch 17b is slidably connected to the rear wall 122 of the adapter 12. The structure of the movable latch 17b is similar to that of Embodiment 1, except that a sliding hole 177 is provided at the intersection of the outer support arm 175 and the inner support arm 174. The sliding hole 177 is a strip-shaped hole, and the length direction of the strip-shaped hole extends along the -Y axis direction. The sliding hole 177 is slidably connected to the support shaft 1232 on the groove wall of the first groove 123, that is, the movable latch 17b can be translated along the first direction.

[0069] Furthermore, such as Figures 12 to 14As shown, the inner support arm 174 is also provided with a limiting post 1741 on the first direction side. The limiting post 1741 protrudes along the +Y axis direction. The bottom of the first groove 123 is provided with a limiting hole 1233 that cooperates with the limiting post 1741. The limiting hole 1233 is recessed along the +Y axis direction. The limiting post 1741 is embedded in the limiting hole 1233 and can be translated along the limiting hole 1233 in the first direction.

[0070] The movable card 17b moves between the locked and unlocked positions in a translational manner. During the locking process, the transmission part 172 and the limiting protrusion 1731 both translate along the first direction. During the unlocking process, the transmission part 172 and the limiting protrusion 1731 both translate in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0071] like Figures 12 to 14 As shown, during the installation of the ink cartridge 10b, the transmission part 172 of the movable locking member 17b contacts the abutment part 2821 of the rotating member 282. The transmission part 172 slides along the guide slope 2822 from one end near the upper edge to the lower edge. During the sliding of the transmission part 172 relative to the guide slope 2822, the transmission part 172 is pushed by the force of the abutment part 2821 to move in the first direction (+Y axis direction). The movable locking member 17b moves as a whole in the first direction. When the limiting protrusion 1731 moves in the first direction, it engages with the recess 2811 (outer groove 2811a) of the bracket part 281, thereby restricting the movement of the ink cartridge 10b in the second direction. When the transmission part 172 moves in the first direction, the elastic reset member 18 is compressed, and the abutment part 2821 is always in a state of abutting the transmission part 172 on the opposite side of the first direction, and the elastic reset member 18 remains in a compressed state.

[0072] like Figures 12 to 14 As shown, when the ink cartridge 10b is removed, a pressing force along the +Z axis is applied to the operating part 2822 of the rotating part 282 to rotate the rotating part 282. The abutting part moves away from the ink cartridge 10b, the pressing force on the transmission part 172 disappears, and the transmission part 172 moves away from the ink cartridge 10b under the force of the elastic reset part 18's deformation recovery. The movable locking part 17b moves in the opposite direction (-Y axis direction), and the limiting protrusion 1731 also moves away from the ink cartridge 10b (i.e., opposite to the first direction) and disengages from the recess 2811, releasing the locking between the movable locking part 17b and the bracket part 281. The ink cartridge can then be moved in the second direction and removed.

[0073] In this embodiment, the movable latch 17b of the ink cartridge 10b engages and unlocks with the bracket 281 in a translational manner. When unlocking, the transmission part 172 moves away from the main body and does not interfere with the ink cartridge 10b, making it easy to unlock the ink cartridge 10b. Moreover, the translational engagement method minimizes interference with the bracket 281 and is less likely to damage the bracket 281. The engagement position is located on the outside of the bracket 281 (opposite to the first direction), making it easy to observe the installation status of the ink cartridge 10b.

[0074] The other structures of the ink cartridge 10b in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] This embodiment provides another ink cartridge 10c, which differs from the first embodiment in that the structure of the movable clip is different and the position of the recess 2811 is different.

[0077] like Figure 18 As shown, in this embodiment, the recessed portion 2811 can also be an inner slot 2811b provided on the first direction side of the bracket portion 281. Specifically, the top wall of the bracket portion 281 includes a first wall 285 and a second wall 286 located on both sides of the first wall 285. The first wall 285 is located on the opposite second direction side of the second wall 286. The inner slot 2811b can be a middle slot located on the inner side of the first wall 285.

[0078] like Figures 15 to 17As shown, in this embodiment, the movable latch 17c is rotatably disposed in the first groove 123 of the rear wall 122. The movable latch 17c includes an intersecting first arm 174b and a second arm 175b. The structure of the first arm 174b is similar to that of the inner arm 174 in Embodiment 1. The second arm 175b extends upward at an angle relative to the first arm 174b. The second arm 175b is at least partially located on the second direction side of the first arm 174b. The transmission part 172 is the part of the first arm 174b near the reverse second direction end (+Z axis end). The engaging part 173b is a part of the second arm 175b. The limiting protrusion 1731b is disposed on the reverse first direction side of the engaging part 173b. The engaging part 173b is at least partially located on the first direction side of the bracket part 281. Preferably, the limiting protrusion 1731b is located at the end of the second arm 175b (the end away from the ink cartridge 10c, the reverse first direction end). When the movable locking piece 17c rotates, the transmission part 172 and the limiting protrusion 1731b move in opposite directions. During the locking process, the transmission part 172 moves under the action of the abutment part 2821, and the movable locking piece 17c rotates clockwise as a whole. The displacement of the transmission part 172 has a component along the first direction, and the displacement of the limiting protrusion 1731b has a component along the reverse of the first direction (+Y axis direction), thereby causing the limiting protrusion 1731b to be engaged in the inner slot 2811b. During the unlocking process, the force of the abutment part 2821 on the transmission part 172 disappears, and the transmission part 172 moves under the action of the elastic reset member 18. The movable locking piece 17c rotates counterclockwise as a whole, and the displacement of the transmission part 172 has a component in the reverse of the first direction. The displacement of the limiting protrusion 1731b has a component in the first direction, and the limiting protrusion 1731b disengages from the inner slot 2811b.

[0079] As a variation of this embodiment, such as Figure 18 As shown, the inner groove 2811c can be the inner side of the first wall 285. The limiting protrusion 1731b of the engaging part 173b is engaged at one or both sides of the middle groove. In the case where it is engaged on both sides, the engaging part 173b can be set into a "Y" shaped structure, so that the engaging part 173b has two limiting protrusions 1731b respectively engaged on both sides of the middle groove.

[0080] As another variation of this embodiment, such as Figure 18 As shown, the inner groove 2811d can be the inner side of the second wall 286, and the limiting protrusion 1731b of the engaging part 173b engages with the inner side of the second wall 286 on one or both sides of the first wall 285.

[0081] As another variation of this embodiment, such as Figure 18As shown, a third wall 287 is also provided on the lower side (opposite to the second direction) of the two second walls 286. The height of the third wall 287 is approximately equal to the lower edge of the abutment portion 2821. The inner groove 2811e can be the inner side of the third wall 287. The limiting protrusion 1731b of the engaging portion 173b engages with the inner side of the third wall 287 on one or both sides of the abutment portion 2821.

[0082] The other structures of the ink cartridge 10c in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0083] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge detachably mounted into a mounting portion of a printer, the mounting portion including a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a bracket portion fixed to the mounting portion and a rotating member hinged to the bracket portion, the locking mechanism being used to restrict movement of the ink cartridge in a second direction, the bracket portion having a recessed portion on its side, and the rotating member having an abutment portion on its first direction side, characterized in that... The ink cartridge includes a main body, which is at least partially located on the first direction side of the bracket. The main body is provided with a movable latching member on the opposite side of the first direction, which cooperates with the latching mechanism. The movable latching member includes a transmission part and a latching part that can move in the first direction. The latching part is provided with a limiting protrusion on its side that cooperates with the recess. The transmission part is used to cooperate with the abutment part. The ink cartridge has an unlocking process in which the limiting protrusion is disengaged from the recess by the action of the abutment and the transmission part, and during the unlocking process, the transmission part moves away from the main body. The ink cartridge is placed within the mounting portion along a linear insertion direction, the first direction being parallel to the insertion direction and the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the unlocking process, the displacement of the transmission unit has a component in the opposite direction to the first direction.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body includes an ink reservoir and an adapter mounted on the ink reservoir. The ink reservoir is at least partially located on the second direction side of the adapter, and the movable clip is disposed on the adapter.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic reset member capable of deforming in a first direction, wherein the first direction end of the elastic reset member abuts against the adapter, and the reverse first direction end of the elastic reset member abuts against the transmission part.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the unlocking process, the displacement of the limiting protrusion has a component in the opposite direction to the first direction.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the unlocking process, the transmission part and the limiting protrusion translate in the opposite direction.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the unlocking process, the displacement of the limiting protrusion has a component in a first direction.

8. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The movable card is rotatably or slidably mounted on the main body.

9. The ink cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The recessed portion is an outer slot provided on the side of the bracket portion opposite to the first direction, and the limiting protrusion is provided on the first direction side of the engaging portion. The engaging portion is at least partially located on the side of the bracket portion opposite to the first direction.

10. The ink cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The movable locking component includes intersecting inner and outer support arms. The outer support arm is at least partially located on the second direction side of the inner support arm. The end of the outer support arm is provided with a lower support arm. The transmission part is part of the inner support arm. The engaging part is part of the lower support arm. The limiting protrusion is located on the lower support arm.

11. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The recessed portion is an inner groove provided on the first direction side of the bracket portion, and the limiting protrusion is provided on the opposite first direction side of the engaging portion. The engaging portion is at least partially located on the first direction side of the bracket portion.

12. The ink cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that, The movable locking component includes a first arm and a second arm, the second arm being at least partially located on a second direction side of the first arm, the transmission part being a part of the first arm, the engaging part being a part of the second arm, and the limiting protrusion being located at the end of the second arm.

13. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main body is provided with an anti-rotation part that limits the rotation range of the movable card under the action of the elastic reset member.

14. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abutting portion has a guide slope that cooperates with the transmission portion. The guide slope has an upper edge on the second direction side and a lower edge on the opposite second direction side. The lower edge is located on the first direction side of the upper edge.

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