ink cartridge

Abstract

The present application provides an ink cartridge suitable for inkjet imaging equipment with optical sensor; the ink cartridge is provided with a detected device for cooperating with the optical sensor, the detected device comprises a first detection component; the first detection component is used for cooperating with the optical sensor to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed in place; when a reflecting member moves between a first position and a second position, at least a displacement in the up-down direction is generated, and the second position is above the first position; the ink cartridge is further provided with a first elastic member for forcing the first detection component to have a tendency to move towards the second position; the ink cartridge provided by the present application can buffer the impact force received when the ink cartridge falls, and relieve the situation that the ink cartridge is damaged and cannot be correctly detected by the inkjet imaging equipment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of inkjet imaging technology, and in particular to an ink cartridge that is detachably installed in an inkjet imaging device. BACKGROUND

[0002] An inkjet imaging device is a device that records by ejecting ink onto a printing medium such as paper. The inkjet imaging device is internally provided with an ink cartridge installation portion, and an ink cartridge that stores and supplies ink is usually detachably installed in the ink cartridge installation portion. In the prior art, the inkjet imaging device is provided with a detection device for determining whether the ink cartridge is correctly installed and / or whether the ink cartridge is an allowed installation. The ink cartridge is provided with an ink cartridge detection device that can be detected by the detection device. After the ink cartridge is installed, the inkjet imaging device first detects the ink cartridge, and only after the detection is confirmed to be correct does the inkjet imaging device allow printing operations to be performed. The ink cartridge in the prior art is also provided with an ink level detection device for detecting the ink level. When the ink level in the ink cartridge is insufficient, the inkjet imaging device sends a prompt to the user.

[0003] However, in the prior art, the ink cartridge detection device and the ink level detection device are separately provided as two independent components on the top surface of the ink cartridge. When the ink cartridge falls, there is a risk of damage to the ink cartridge detection device and the ink level detection device. Once the ink cartridge detection device and the ink level detection device are partially damaged, even if other parts of the ink cartridge are not damaged, the ink cartridge may not be correctly detected by the inkjet imaging device after installation, and thus the ink cartridge cannot be used. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides an ink cartridge that uses the following technical solution to buffer the impact force received when the ink cartridge falls, and to alleviate the situation in which the ink cartridge is damaged and cannot be correctly detected by the inkjet imaging device.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application specifically uses the following technical solution:

[0006] The application discloses an ink cartridge suitable for an inkjet imaging device with an optical sensor, wherein the upper side of the ink cartridge is provided with a detected device for cooperating with the optical sensor, the optical sensor has a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and the light receiving part is used for receiving light emitted by the light emitting part; the detected device comprises a first detection component; the first detection component is used for cooperating with the optical sensor to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed in place; the ink cartridge comprises a shell, the shell is formed with an ink cavity for containing ink, and the first detection component is movable relative to the shell; the first detection component has a first position and a second position; when the first detection component is located at the first position, the first detection component attenuates the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part; when the first detection component is located at the second position, the first detection component does not attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part; the reflective component generates at least displacement in the up-down direction when moving between the first position and the second position, and the second position is located above the first position; the detected device further comprises a movable component for cooperating with the first detection component, and the movable component is movable relative to the first detection component and the shell; the inkjet imaging device has an abutting part for cooperating with a triggering part, the movable component has an initial state and a triggering state, and when the abutting part abuts against the triggering part, the movable component changes from the initial state to the triggering state; when the movable component is located at the initial state, the first detection component is located at the first position; when the movable component is located at the triggering state, the first detection component is located at the second position or the first position; the movable component generates at least displacement in the front-back direction when switching between the initial state and the triggering state, and the initial state is located in front of the triggering state; the ink cartridge is further provided with a first elastic component for forcing the first detection component to have a tendency to move towards the second position; and the ink cartridge further has a second elastic component for forcing the movable component to have a tendency to move towards the initial state.

[0007] With the above arrangement, under the action of the first elastic component, the reflective component can move relative to the shell from the first position towards the second position located above the first position, in other words, when the ink cartridge is subjected to a knock or a drop, the reflective component can buffer the component force of the impact from above the ink cartridge towards below the ink cartridge; meanwhile, under the action of the second elastic component, the movable component can move relative to the shell from the triggering state towards the initial state located in front of the initial state, in other words, when the ink cartridge is subjected to a knock or a drop, the movable component can buffer the component force of the impact from in front of the ink cartridge towards behind the ink cartridge, and thus, with the arrangement, the situation that the ink cartridge is damaged and cannot be correctly detected by the inkjet imaging device is effectively alleviated.

[0008] Further, the first detection component has a first body and an accessory arranged on the first body, the movable piece has a second body and a receiving portion formed on the second body, and the movable piece has a first guide surface and a second guide surface respectively located on two sides of the receiving portion in the front-rear direction; the accessory cooperates with the first guide surface when the movable piece is in the initial state; and the accessory cooperates with the second guide surface or the receiving portion when the movable piece is in the triggered state.

[0009] Further, the detected device further comprises a second detection component, which cooperates with the first detection component and the optical sensing piece to detect the ink remaining amount; a direction parallel to the installation direction of the ink cartridge to the ink cartridge installation portion is the front-rear direction, and the upper side is the upper side and the lower side is the lower side when viewed from the rear to the front in the posture of the ink cartridge being installed to the ink cartridge installation portion; the shell further comprises an upper side plate arranged above the ink cavity, and the first detection component and the second detection component are respectively located on two sides of the upper side plate in the up-down direction; and at least a partial region of the upper side plate is made of a light-transmitting material.

[0010] Further, the movable piece is fixedly connected with the first detection component; the shell is formed with a guide rail for cooperating with the accessory, and the guide rail has a high position area and a low position area in the up-down direction, and the high position area and the low position area are arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction; the accessory cooperates with the low position area when the first detection component is in the initial state; and the accessory cooperates with the high position area or the low position area when the first detection component is in the triggered state.

[0011] Further, the optical sensing piece comprises a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor, and the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor both have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and the light receiving portion is used for receiving light emitted by the light emitting portion; the first detection component has a light shielding plate formed on the first body, and the first detection component has a first position and a second position; the light shielding plate attenuates the light emitted by the light emitting portion when the first detection component is in the first position, and the light receiving portion cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion; and the light shielding plate does not attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting portion when the first detection component is in the second position, and the light receiving portion can receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion.

[0012] Further, the light shielding plate does not shield the light emitted by the light emitting portion when the ink cartridge is installed in place, and the light receiving portion can receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion.

[0013] Further, the light shielding plate shields the light emitted by the light emitting portion when the ink cartridge is installed in place, and the light receiving portion cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion.

[0014] Further, the first detection component has a first body and an accessory arranged on the first body, the movable member has a second body and a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion formed on the second body, and the movable member has a first guide surface, a second guide surface and a third guide surface respectively located on both sides of the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion in the front-rear direction; the accessory cooperates with the first guide surface when the movable member is in an initial state; and the accessory cooperates with the second guide surface, the third guide surface, the first accommodating portion or the second accommodating portion when the movable member is in a triggered state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a part of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application after entering the ink cartridge mounting portion.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the internal structure of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application after the face cover is hidden.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the face cover in the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the reflecting member in the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the movable member in the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application.

[0021] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application after a part of the ink cartridge enters the ink cartridge mounting portion, and is cut along the AA direction in the figure. Figure 1

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic view of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application when the ink is sufficient.

[0023] Figure 9 is a schematic view of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 1 of the present application when the ink is insufficient.

[0024] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0025] Figure 11 is a schematic view of the internal structure of the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 2 of the present application after the face cover is hidden.

[0026] Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B 、 Figure 12C and Figure 12D ​is the cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge along the AA direction in the process of installing the ink cartridge towards the ink cartridge mounting portion involved in the embodiment 2 of the present application. Figure 1 is the cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge along the AA direction in the process of installing the ink cartridge towards the ink cartridge mounting portion involved in the embodiment 2 of the present application.

[0027] Figure 13 is the schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ink cartridge after the ink cartridge cover is hidden involved in the embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0028] Figure 14 is the perspective view of the movable member in the ink cartridge involved in the embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0029] Figure 15 is the cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge along the AA direction after a part of the ink cartridge enters the ink cartridge mounting portion involved in the embodiment 3 of the present application. Figure 1 is the cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge along the AA direction after a part of the ink cartridge enters the ink cartridge mounting portion involved in the embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0030] Figure 16 is the cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge along the AA direction after the ink cartridge is installed to the ink cartridge mounting portion involved in the embodiment 3 of the present application. Figure 1 is the cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge along the AA direction after the ink cartridge is installed to the ink cartridge mounting portion involved in the embodiment 3 of the present application.

[0031] Figure 17A and Figure 17B is the schematic diagram of the detection in the process of installing the ink cartridge towards the ink cartridge mounting portion involved in the embodiment 3 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The structure of the ink cartridge involved in the present application and other aspects will be further described in detail through specific embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] As shown in Figures 1-4 , the ink cartridge 1 is detachably installed in the inkjet imaging device having the ink cartridge mounting portion 100, the ink cartridge mounting portion 100 has the ink cartridge mounting position 110 for installing the ink cartridge 1, the ink cartridge 1 includes the shell 2, the shell 2 is formed with the ink chamber 20 for accommodating ink, the ink cartridge 1 further has the ink outlet 7 communicating with the ink chamber 20, the ink outlet 7 is used for supplying the ink in the ink chamber 20 to the inkjet imaging device; the shell 2 includes the bottom shell 21 and the cover 22 combined with each other, the ink chamber 20 is formed between the bottom shell 21 and the cover 22; the ink cartridge mounting portion 100 is provided with one or more ink cartridge mounting positions 110, each ink cartridge mounting position 110 can install one ink cartridge 1, and different ink cartridge mounting positions 110 can be used to install ink cartridges 1 of different colors; as shown in Figures 7-9 , the ink cartridge mounting portion 100 further includes the optical sensing member 120 arranged in the ink cartridge mounting position 110, the optical sensing member 120 includes the light emitting portion 121 and the light receiving portion 122 arranged oppositely and spaced apart, wherein the light receiving portion 122 is used for receiving the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121.

[0035] For the sake of clarity of the following description, the direction parallel to the mounting direction of the ink cartridge 1 to the ink cartridge mounting portion 100 is defined as the front-rear direction, and the ink cartridge 1 is mounted forwardly, the direction intersecting with the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction, and in the posture of the ink cartridge 1 mounted to the ink cartridge mounting portion 100, the left side of the ink cartridge 1 is the left side, the right side is the right side, the upper side is the upper side, and the lower side is the lower side when viewed from the rear to the front.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 7 , the upper side of the ink cartridge 1 is further provided with a detected device for cooperating with the optical sensor 120, which is used to detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place (installed to a predetermined position capable of imaging by the imaging device) and the ink remaining amount, and the detected device includes a reflecting member 3 (also can be called a first detection component) for cooperating with the optical sensor 120 to detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed, and the reflecting member 3 is movably connected with the housing 2; the reflecting member 3 has a first position and a second position, when the reflecting member 3 is in the first position, the reflecting member 3 is located between the light emitting portion 121 and the light receiving portion 122 along the left-right direction, and the reflecting member 3 is used to attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121, so that the light receiving portion 122 cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121 along the left-right direction, and when the reflecting member 3 is in the second position, the reflecting member 3 does not attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121, so that the light receiving portion 122 can receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121; thus, the optical sensor 120 can detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place; the specific attenuation method, for example, can be that the light receiving portion 122 cannot receive the light intensity required to realize the detection action by shielding or attenuating the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121, or the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121 enters the ink cavity 20 and is scattered in the ink.

[0037] In some embodiments, the reflecting member 3 can also be provided with a light-transmitting member, when the reflecting member 3 is in the second position, the light emitted by the light emitting portion 121 can pass through the light-transmitting member and be received by the light receiving portion 122, but the light intensity received by the light receiving portion 122 is lower than the light intensity required to realize the detection action, which can also achieve the purpose of the present application.

[0038] Specifically, as Figures 3-5As shown in the figures, the reflecting member 3 has a first body 30 and an accessory 31 arranged on the first body 30, and further comprises a connecting portion 32 connected with the first body 30 and a mating portion 321 formed on the connecting portion 32, and the bottom shell 21 is formed with a mating portion 211 for mating with the mating portion 321, and through the mating of the mating portion 321 and the mating portion 211, the reflecting member 3 is enabled to rotate around a rotation axis which is not parallel to the up-down direction, along the front-back direction, and the reflecting member 3 further has a first end 3a and a second end 3b respectively located at two ends of the first body 30 and the mating portions; the ink cartridge 1 further has a first elastic member 51 for forcing the reflecting member 3 to have a tendency to move towards the second position, and one end of the first elastic member 51 abuts against the second end 3b and the other end abuts against the shell 2.

[0039] In some embodiments, the mating portion 321 can be arranged on the bottom shell 21 and the mating portion 211 can be arranged on the first body 30, as long as the reflecting member 3 is enabled to rotate around a rotation axis which is not parallel to the up-down direction.

[0040] In some embodiments, the accessory 31 is formed by extending on the first body 30; and the first elastic member 51 is preferably a spring, but is not limited thereto, and for example, a tension spring, a rubber or a sponge or the like elastic material can also be used.

[0041] In some embodiments, the accessory 31 can be arranged separately from the first body 30 and is fixedly connected to the first body 30.

[0042] As shown in the figures, Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 the ink cartridge 1 further has a movable member 4 for mating with the reflecting member 3, and the movable member 4 is movable relative to the shell 2 and the reflecting member 3, and specifically, the movable member 4 has a second body 40 and a trigger portion 44 connected with the second body 40, and further comprises a restricted portion 43 formed by extending on at least one of the second body 40 and the trigger portion 44, and the shell 2 is formed with a restriction portion 212 for mating with the restricted portion 43, and the restriction portion 212 and the restricted portion 43 form a sliding-mating movement guide structure to guide the movable member 4 to move forward and backward relative to the shell 2 and the reflecting member 3.

[0043] The movable member 4 further has a receiving portion 42 formed on the second body 40, and further has a first guide surface 41a and a second guide surface 41b respectively located on two sides of the receiving portion 42 in the front-rear direction, the receiving portion 42, the first guide surface 41a and the second guide surface 41b are all used to cooperate with the accessory 31 to move the reflecting member 3 between the first position and the second position; the movable member 4 has an initial state and a triggered state, when the movable member 4 is in the initial state, the accessory 31 cooperates with the first guide surface 41a, and the reflecting member 3 is located at the first position; when the movable member 4 is in the triggered state, the accessory 31 cooperates with the second guide surface 41b or the receiving portion 42, and the reflecting member 3 is located at the first position or the second position; specifically, as shown in Figure 7 the ink cartridge mounting portion 100 further includes an abutting portion 130 used to cooperate with the triggering portion 44 to force the movable member 4 to move from the initial state to the triggered state.

[0044] Preferably, the movement of the reflecting member 3 between the first position and the second position at least causes displacement in the up-down direction, and the second position is located above the first position; in the embodiment, the movement of the reflecting member 3 between the first position and the second position is realized by displacement in the rotation direction.

[0045] Preferably, the switching of the movable member 4 between the initial state and the triggered state at least causes displacement in the front-rear direction, and the initial state is located in front of the triggered state; in the embodiment, the switching of the movable member 4 between the initial state and the triggered state is realized by movement in the front-rear direction.

[0046] In the embodiment, the triggered state should be understood as that as long as the triggering portion 44 abuts against the abutting portion 130, the movable member 4 is triggered, and the subsequent state of the movable member 4 is always the triggered state.

[0047] In some embodiments, the abutting portion 130 is a protection arm arranged on one side of the optical sensing member 120 and used to protect the optical sensing member 120, specifically, the abutting portion 130 is a rearward-facing surface.

[0048] In the process of installing the ink cartridge 1 to the ink cartridge installation part 100, the accessory 31 is first in the position of cooperating with the first guide surface 41a, at this time the reflecting member 3 is in the first position, the light receiving part 122 cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part 121, that is, the reflecting member 3 is at the same height as the optical sensing member 120, and the movable member 4 is in the initial state; the ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward until the trigger part 44 abuts against the abutting part 130, so that the movable member 4 moves backward, at this time, the movable member 4 is in the triggered state and is kept, when the accessory 31 cooperates with the accommodating part 42, under the elastic action of the first elastic member 51, the reflecting member 3 rotates around the cooperating part 211 in the counterclockwise N direction, the reflecting member 3 moves from the first position to the second position, at this time the light receiving part 122 can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part 121, then the ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward, the accessory 31 gradually cooperates with the second guide surface 41b, the reflecting member 3 rotates around the cooperating part 211 in the clockwise M direction against the elastic action of the first elastic member 51, and moves from the second position to the first position, at this time the light receiving part 122 no longer receives the light emitted by the light emitting part 121; thus, the inkjet imaging device detects that the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place.

[0049] In some embodiments, the accessory 31 is arranged on the movable member 4, and the accommodating part 42 is arranged on the reflecting member 3, only the movement space of the reflecting member 3 in the up-down direction needs to be ensured.

[0050] The second elastic member 52 is further arranged in the ink cartridge 1, the second elastic member 52 is used to force the movable member 4 to have a tendency to move toward the initial state, one end of the second elastic member 52 abuts against the movable member 4, and the other end abuts against the shell 2, the second elastic member 52 is preferably a spring, but is not limited thereto, for example, a tension spring, a rubber or a sponge, or other elastic materials can also be used.

[0051] As Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the detected device further comprises a prism 6 (may also be referred to as a second detection component) arranged in the ink cavity 20, which is used to cooperate with the reflecting member 3 and the optical sensing piece 120 to detect the ink amount in the ink cartridge 1 when the reflecting member 3 is located at the first position; the prism 6 extends along the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and has a whole conical shape and a first side surface 6a and a second side surface 6b; the shell 2 further comprises an upper side plate 23 arranged above the ink cavity 20, and the reflecting member 3 and the prism 6 are located on both sides of the upper side plate 23 along the up-down direction, that is, the reflecting member 3 is located outside the ink cavity 20, and at least a part of the upper side plate 23 is made of a light-transmitting material; after the ink cartridge 1 is installed to the ink cartridge installation position 110 of the ink cartridge installation part 100, when the amount of ink in the ink cavity 20 is sufficient, that is, the ink in the ink cavity 20 can cover the first side surface 6a and the second side surface 6b of the prism 6, the light emitted by the light emitting part 121 is scattered after being reflected by the ink in the ink cavity 20 through the reflecting member 3, so that the light receiving part 122 cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part 121 (as shown in Figure 8 When the amount of ink in the ink cavity 20 is insufficient, the ink is separated from the first side surface 6a and the second side surface 6b, the light emitted by the light emitting part 121 is reflected to the prism 6 through the reflecting member 3, and then reflected to the side of the reflecting member 3 close to the light receiving part 122 through the prism 6, so that the light receiving part 122 receives the light emitted by the light emitting part 121 (as shown in Figure 9 Thus, the inkjet imaging device detects that the ink amount is insufficient and sends a prompt to the user.

[0052] As described above, the reflecting member 3 can not only be used to detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place, but also be used to detect the ink amount, which effectively simplifies the structure of the ink cartridge 1;

[0053] In addition, under the action of the first elastic member, the reflecting member 3 can move relative to the shell 2 from the first position to the second position located above the first position, in other words, when the ink cartridge 1 is bumped or falls, the reflecting member 3 can buffer the component force of the impact from above the ink cartridge to below the ink cartridge 1; at the same time, under the action of the second elastic member, the movable piece 4 can move relative to the shell from the triggered state to the initial state located in front of the initial state, in other words, when the ink cartridge 1 is bumped or falls, the movable piece 4 can buffer the component force of the impact from the front of the ink cartridge 1 to the rear of the ink cartridge, thus effectively alleviating the situation that the ink cartridge is damaged and cannot be correctly detected by the inkjet imaging device.

[0054] Embodiment 2

[0055] As Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 12C and Figure 12DAs shown, the following will introduce Embodiment 2 of this application. The parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will not be repeated in this embodiment. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the structure of the reflective member 3 used to detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place is different, and the connection method between the reflective member 3 and the housing 2 is different.

[0056] like Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, the detection device has a movable part for cooperating with the reflective member 3. The movable part is fixedly connected to the reflective member 3. The movable part is the trigger part 31 connected to the reflective member 3. The trigger part 31 extends in the front-back direction and is used to abut against the contact part 130 of the ink cartridge mounting part 100. In this embodiment, the contact part 130 is the inner wall of the ink cartridge mounting part 100. The reflective member 3 also has an attachment 32 disposed on the first main body 30. The attachment 32 extends in the left-right direction and is used to abut against the housing 2. The reflective member 3 is movably connected to the housing 2, and the reflective member 3 has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the reflective member 3 attenuates the light emitted by the light emitting part 121, so that the light receiving part 122 cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part 121. In the second position, the reflective member 3 does not attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting part 121, so that the light receiving part 122 can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part 121. Thus, the optical sensor 120 can detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second position is located above the first position. When the reflective member 3 moves between the first position and the second position, it generates displacement in both the vertical direction and the front-back direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the initial state is located in front of the trigger state. When the movable part 4 switches between the initial state and the trigger state, it generates displacement in both the vertical direction and the forward and backward direction.

[0059] Specifically, at least one of the bottom shell 21 and the top cover 22 has a guide rail 210 for cooperating with the attachment 32. In the vertical direction, the guide rail has a high position area 210a and a low position area 210b that are arranged opposite each other, and in the front-back direction, the high position area 210a and the low position area 210b are arranged adjacent to each other. The attachment 32 forms a sliding engagement with the guide rail 210 to guide the reflector 3 to move in the front-back direction and the vertical direction. Similarly, the reflector 3 also has the above-mentioned initial state and trigger state. In the initial state, the attachment 32 cooperates with the low position area 210b. In the trigger state, the attachment 31 cooperates with either the high position area 210a or the low position area 210b.

[0060] In this embodiment, the triggering state should be understood as follows: as long as the triggering part 31 abuts against the contacting part 130, the reflective member 3 is triggered, and all subsequent states of the reflective member 3 are triggering states.

[0061] The ink cartridge 1 also has a first elastic element 51 for forcing the reflective member 3 to move toward the second position / initial state. One end of the first elastic element 51 abuts against the reflective member 3 and the other end abuts against the housing 2. The first elastic element 51 is preferably a spring, but it can also be made of elastic materials such as tension springs, rubber or sponge.

[0062] like Figures 12A-12D As shown, during the process of installing ink cartridge 1 into ink cartridge mounting part 100, the accessory 32 first engages with the low position area 210b. At this time, the reflective member 3 is in the second position, and the light receiving part can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part. The ink cartridge 1 moves forward until the trigger part 31 abuts against the abutting part 130 (as shown). Figure 12A As shown), the reflective member 3 is subjected to a backward force and slides along the guide rail until it engages with the high position region 210a on the attachment 32. The reflective member 3 moves from the second position to the first position, or in other words, the reflective member 3 changes from the initial state to the triggered state. At this time, the light receiving unit cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting unit (as shown). Figure 12B As shown), the ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward until the accessory 32 engages with the low-position area 210b. The reflective member 3 moves from the first position to the second position. At this time, the light receiving unit can receive the light emitted by the light emitting unit (e.g., Figure 12C As shown), the ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward until the accessory 32 engages with the high position area 210a again, and the reflective member 3 moves back from the second position to the first position (as shown). Figure 12D As shown in the figure, the inkjet imaging device detects that ink cartridge 1 is installed in place.

[0063] In some implementations, depending on the detection requirements, the annex 32 may also be used in conjunction with the high-position region 210a.

[0064] Example 3

[0065] like Figures 13-16 As shown, the following will introduce Embodiment 3 of this application. The parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 or 2 above will not be repeated in this embodiment. The difference is that the structure of the movable part 4 used to cooperate with the reflective member 3 is different.

[0066] like Figures 13-16As shown, in the embodiment, the ink cartridge mounting portion 100 includes an optical sensing member 120 arranged in the ink cartridge mounting position 110, the optical sensing member 120 includes a first optical sensor 120a and a second optical sensor 120b, the first optical sensor 120a and the second optical sensor 120b are arranged in a spaced apart manner along the front-rear direction, the first optical sensor 120a has a first light emitting portion (not shown) and a first light receiving portion (not shown), the first light receiving portion is used for receiving light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b has a second light emitting portion (not shown) and a second light receiving portion 122b, the second light receiving portion 122b is used for receiving light emitted by the second light emitting portion.

[0067] The ink cartridge 1 is provided with a detected device for cooperating with the optical sensing member 120, the detected device is used for detecting whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place and the ink remaining amount, the detected device includes a reflecting member 3 for cooperating with the optical sensing member 120 to detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed, the reflecting member 3 is movably connected with the housing 2, the reflecting member 3 has a first body 30 and a light shielding plate 33 formed on the first body 30, the light shielding plate 33 is used for cooperating with the optical sensing member 120; the reflecting member 3 also has a first position and a second position, when the reflecting member 3 is in the first position, the light shielding plate 33 is used for attenuating the light emitted by the light emitting portion, so that the light receiving portion cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion, when the reflecting member 3 is in the second position, the light shielding plate 33 does not attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting portion, so that the light receiving portion can receive the light emitted by the light emitting portion; thus, the optical sensing member 120 can detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place.

[0068] As shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 The ink cartridge 1 also has a movable member 4 for cooperating with the reflecting member 3, the movable member 4 is movable relative to the housing 2 and the reflecting member 3, specifically, the movable member 4 has a second body 40 and a trigger portion 44 connected with the second body 40, the movable member 4 includes a restricted portion 43 extending formed on at least one of the second body 40 and the trigger portion 44, the housing 2 is formed with a limiting portion 212 for cooperating with the restricted portion 43, the limiting portion 212 and the restricted portion 43 form a sliding cooperation movement guide structure to guide the movement of the movable member 4 relative to the housing 2 and the reflecting member 3.

[0069] The movable member 44 also has a receiving portion 42 formed on the second body 40. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 42 preferably has two, i.e., a first receiving portion 42a and a second receiving portion 42b, which are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The movable member 4 also has a first guide surface 41a, a second guide surface 41b, and a third guide surface 41c located on the front and rear sides of the first receiving portion 42a and the second receiving portion 42b, respectively, in the front-rear direction. The first receiving portion 42a, the second receiving portion 42b, the first guide surface 41a, the second guide surface 41b, and the third guide surface 41c are all used to cooperate with the accessory 31 of the reflecting member 3 to move the reflecting member 3 between the first position and the second position. The movable member 4 also has an initial state and a triggered state. In the initial state, the accessory 31 cooperates with the first guide surface 41a, and the reflecting member 3 is located in the first position. In the triggered state, the accessory 31 cooperates with the second guide surface 41b, the third guide surface 41c, the first receiving portion 42a, or the second receiving portion 42b, and the reflecting member 3 is located in the first position or the second position. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 The ink cartridge mounting portion 100 also includes an abutting portion 130 for cooperating with the trigger portion 44 to force the movable member 4 to move from the initial state to the triggered state.

[0070] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the second position is located above the first position, and the reflecting member 3 moves between the first position and the second position by a rotational displacement.

[0071] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the initial state is located in front of the triggered state, and the movable member 4 switches between the initial state and the triggered state by moving in the front-rear direction.

[0072] As shown in Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17A When the ink cartridge 1 is not mounted to the ink cartridge mounting portion 100, the reflecting member 3 does not block the optical sensing member 120, and at this time, the first light receiving portion 122a can receive the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first optical sensor 120a emits a low-level signal b1, and the second light receiving portion 122b can receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b emits a low-level signal b2.

[0073] In the process of installing the ink cartridge 1 to the ink cartridge mounting portion 100, the accessory 31 first moves to the position of cooperating with the first guide surface 41a, at this time the reflecting member 3 is located at the first position, the light-shielding plate 33 attenuates the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first light receiving portion cannot receive the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first optical sensor 120a sends a high level signal a1, that is, the reflecting member 3 is at the same height with the optical sensing member 120, the movable member 4 is at the initial state, at this time the reflecting member 3 does not attenuate the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second light receiving portion 122b can receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b continuously sends a low level signal b2.

[0074] The ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward until the trigger portion 44 abuts against the abutting portion 130, so that the movable member 4 moves backward, at this time, the movable member 4 is at the triggered state and is kept, when the accessory 31 cooperates with the first accommodating portion 42a, under the elastic action of the first elastic member 51, the reflecting member 3 rotates around the cooperating portion 321 in the counterclockwise N direction, the reflecting member 3 moves from the first position to the second position, at this time the first light receiving portion can receive the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first optical sensor 120a sends a low level signal b1, at this time the reflecting member 3 does not attenuate the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second light receiving portion 122b can receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b continuously sends a low level signal b2.

[0075] The ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward, the accessory 31 gradually cooperates with the second guide surface 41b, the reflecting member 3 rotates around the cooperating portion 321 in the clockwise M direction against the elastic action of the first elastic member 51, and moves from the second position to the first position, at this time the first main body 30 begins to attenuate the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first light receiving portion cannot receive the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first optical sensor 120a sends a high level signal a1, in the process, the light-shielding plate 33 gradually moves to the position of attenuating the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second light receiving portion 122b cannot receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b sends a high level signal a2.

[0076] The ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward, the accessory 31 gradually cooperates with the second accommodating portion 42b, under the elastic action of the first elastic member 51, the reflecting member rotates again around the cooperating portion 321 in the counterclockwise N direction, the reflecting member 3 moves from the first position to the second position, at this time the first light receiving portion can receive the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first optical sensor 120a sends a low level signal b1, in this process, the light shield plate 33 gradually moves to a position where it does not attenuate the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second light receiving portion 122b can receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, and the second optical sensor 120b sends a low level signal b2.

[0077] The ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward, the accessory 31 gradually cooperates with the third guide surface 41c, the reflecting member 3 rotates around the cooperating portion 321 in the clockwise M direction against the elastic force of the first elastic member 51, and moves from the second position to the first position, at this time the first main body 30 again attenuates the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first light receiving portion cannot receive the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first optical sensor 120a sends a high level signal a1 and remains; Thus, the inkjet imaging device detects that the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place, in this embodiment, when the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place, the light shield plate 33 does not attenuate the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second light receiving portion 122b can receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b continuously sends a low level signal b2, and the inkjet imaging device identifies the ink cartridge 1 as low capacity.

[0078] In some embodiments, the light shield plate 33 extends longer in the front-back direction, when the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place, the light shield plate 33 attenuates the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, so that the second light receiving portion 122b cannot receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b continuously sends a high level signal a2, and the inkjet imaging device identifies the ink cartridge 1 as high capacity.

[0079] In some embodiments, the movable member 4 has an accommodating portion 42 provided on the second main body 40, the accommodating portion 42 is provided as one, which is similar to the structure of Embodiment 1; as shown, when the ink cartridge 1 is not installed to the ink cartridge mounting portion 100, the reflecting member 3 does not shield the optical sensing member 120, at this time the first light receiving portion can receive the light emitted by the first light emitting portion, the first optical sensor 120a sends a low level signal b1, and the second light receiving portion 122b can also receive the light emitted by the second light emitting portion, the second optical sensor 120b also sends a low level signal b2. Figure 17B

[0080] ​The ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward, the light shielding plate 33 attenuates the light emitted by the first light emitting part, the first light receiving part cannot receive the light emitted by the first light emitting part, the first optical sensor 120a sends a high level signal a1, at this time the reflecting member 3 does not attenuate the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second light receiving part 122b can receive the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second optical sensor 120b continuously sends a low level signal b2.

[0081] The ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward, the accessory 31 gradually cooperates with the accommodating part 42 and enters the accommodating part 42, at this time the first light receiving part can receive the light emitted by the first light emitting part, the first optical sensor 120a again sends a low level signal b1, at this time the reflecting member 3 does not attenuate the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second light receiving part 122b can receive the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second optical sensor 120b continuously sends a low level signal b2.

[0082] The ink cartridge 1 continues to move forward, the first main body 30 attenuates the light emitted by the first light emitting part, the first light receiving part cannot receive the light emitted by the first light emitting part, the first optical sensor 120a sends a high level signal a1 and keeps, in the process, the light shielding plate 33 moves to the position of attenuating the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second light receiving part 122b cannot receive the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second optical sensor 120b sends a high level signal a2 and keeps.

[0083] In some embodiments, when the first light receiving part receives the light emitted by the first light emitting part, the first optical sensor 120a can also send a high level signal, when the first light receiving part fails to receive the light emitted by the first light emitting part, the first optical sensor 120a sends a low level signal; when the second light receiving part 122b receives the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second optical sensor 120b can also send a high level signal, when the second light receiving part 122b fails to receive the light emitted by the second light emitting part, the second optical sensor 120b sends a low level signal; the waveform generated by the first optical sensor 120a is opposite to the waveform shown in Figure 17A and Figure 17B the waveform generated by the second optical sensor 120b is also opposite to the waveform shown in Figure 17A and 17B .

[0084] As Figure 13As shown, the ink cartridge 1 further comprises a gas guide hole 231 arranged on the upper side plate 23 and used for communicating with the atmosphere to maintain the internal pressure of the ink cavity 20 stable, and a sealing member 8 used for sealing the gas guide hole 231, the sealing member 8 having a sealing position and an opening position, the sealing member 8 being located at the sealing position of the gas guide hole 231 when the ink cartridge 1 is not installed in place, and being located at the opening position of the gas guide hole 231 when the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place, at which time the gas guide hole 231 communicates the inside and outside of the ink cavity 20; in particular, the sealing member 8 abuts against the movable member 4, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 1 to the ink cartridge mounting portion 100, the movable member 4 pushes the sealing member 8 to move backward, so that the sealing member 8 moves from the sealing position to the opening position.

[0085] In some embodiments, the sealing member 8 has a tendency to move towards the sealing position, in particular, the sealing member 8 is connected with the movable member 4, or the ink cartridge 1 is further provided with a third elastic member used for cooperating with the sealing member 8.

[0086] The ink cartridge 1 is further provided with a second elastic member 52 used for forcing the movable member 4 to have a tendency to move towards the initial state, one end of the second elastic member 52 abutting against the movable member 4 and the other end abutting against the housing 2, the second elastic member 52 being preferably a spring, but not limited thereto, for example, a tension spring, a rubber or a sponge or the like elastic material can also be adopted.

[0087] Based on the inventive concept of the present application, the number of the accommodating portions 42 in the embodiment 1, the low position area 210b in the embodiment 2 and the number of the accommodating portions 42 in the embodiment 3 are not fixed, and can be changed according to the specific detection requirements for different ink cartridges 1.

[0088] As described above, in the ink cartridge 1 involved in the present application, by arranging the detected device used for cooperating with the optical sensing member 120, the detected device comprising the reflecting member 3 and the prism 6, the reflecting member 3 is used for cooperating with the optical sensing member 120 to detect whether the ink cartridge 1 is installed in place, and the prism 6 is used for cooperating with the reflecting member 3 and the optical sensing member 120 to detect the ink remaining amount in the ink cartridge 1, thereby effectively simplifying the structure of the ink cartridge 1.

Claims

1. Ink cartridge, suitable for inkjet imaging equipment with optical sensor; the upper side of the ink cartridge is provided with a detected device for cooperating with the optical sensor, the optical sensor has a light emitting part and a light receiving part, the light receiving part is used for receiving light emitted by the light emitting part; the detected device comprises a first detection component and a second detection component; the first detection component has a first main body and an accessory provided on the first main body, the first detection component is movable relative to the shell, and the first detection component is used for cooperating with the optical sensor to detect whether the ink cartridge is installed in place. The second detection component is used to cooperate with the first detection component and the optical sensing member to detect the ink level. The ink cartridge comprises a housing, which is formed with an ink cavity for accommodating ink. The housing further comprises an upper side plate arranged above the ink cavity. The first detection component and the second detection component are respectively located on two sides of the upper side plate in the up-down direction. At least a partial region of the upper side plate is made of a light-transmitting material. The first detection component has a first position and a second position. When the first detection component is located at the first position, the first detection component attenuates the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part. When the first detection component is located at the second position, the first detection component does not attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part. When the reflective member moves between the first position and the second position, at least a displacement in the up-down direction is generated. The second position is located above the first position. The detected device further comprises a movable member for cooperating with the first detection component. The movable member has a second main body and a receiving part formed on the second main body. In the front-rear direction, the movable member further has a first guide surface and a second guide surface respectively located on two sides of the receiving part. The movable member is movable relative to the first detection component and the housing. The inkjet imaging device has an abutting part for cooperating with the triggering part. The movable member has an initial state and a triggering state. When the triggering part abuts against the abutting part, the movable member changes from the initial state to the triggering state. When the movable member is in the initial state, the first detection component is located at the first position, and the accessory cooperates with the first guide surface. When the movable member is in the triggering state, the first detection component is located at the second position or the first position, and the accessory cooperates with the second guide surface or the receiving part. When the movable member switches between the initial state and the triggering state, at least a displacement in the front-rear direction is generated. The initial state is located in front of the triggering state. The ink cartridge further comprises a first elastic member for forcing the first detection component to have a tendency to move towards the second position. The ink cartridge further comprises a second elastic member for forcing the movable member to have a tendency to move towards the initial state. The movable member is fixedly connected with the first detection component. The housing is formed with a guide rail for cooperating with the accessory. In the up-down direction, the guide rail has a high position area and a low position area. In the front-rear direction, the high position area and the low position area are arranged adjacent to each other.

2. The ink cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein When the first detection component is in the initial state, the accessory cooperates with the low position area. When the first detection component is in the triggering state, the accessory cooperates with the high position area or the low position area. The optical sensing member comprises a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor. The first optical sensor and the second optical sensor both have a light emitting part and a light receiving part. The light receiving part is used to receive the light emitted by the light emitting part.

3. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein ​ The first detection component has a light shielding plate formed on the first body, and the first detection component has a first position and a second position, when the first detection component is in the first position, the light shielding plate attenuates the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part; when the first detection component is in the second position, the light shielding plate does not attenuate the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part.

4. The ink cartridge of claim 3, wherein When the ink cartridge is installed in place, the light shielding plate does not shield the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part.

5. The ink cartridge of claim 3, wherein When the ink cartridge is installed in place, the light shielding plate shields the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the light receiving part cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part.

6. The ink cartridge of claim 3, wherein The first detection component has a first body and an accessory arranged on the first body, the movable piece has a second body and a first accommodating part and a second accommodating part formed on the second body, and along the front-back direction, the movable piece further has a first guide surface, a second guide surface and a third guide surface respectively located on both sides of the first accommodating part and the second accommodating part; When the movable piece is in the initial state, the accessory cooperates with the first guide surface; When the movable piece is in the triggered state, the accessory cooperates with the second guide surface, the third guide surface, the first accommodating part or the second accommodating part.

Images