Liquid cartridge

Abstract

We provide ink cartridges that can be easily removed from the cartridge case. [Solution] The ink cartridge 30 can be installed in the cartridge case 110 of the printer 10. The printer 10 comprises a container body 31 having an ink storage chamber 46 capable of storing ink, an ink supply unit 33 defining an ink outlet 34 that opens forward in the direction in which it is installed in the cartridge case 110, and an operating unit 51 located on the upper surface 44B of the container body 31 and at the rear end opposite to the front when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The operating unit 51 in the installed position has an operating surface 52B that is continuous with the upper surface 44B of the container body 31, and a left piece 53 that extends downward from the left edge 71 in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear and up-down directions on the operating surface 52B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid cartridge in which a liquid is stored.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink tank for storing ink for recording. The ink tank has a grip that protrudes forward from the front surface. The ink tank is detachably attached to a case. When the user replaces the ink tank with a new ink tank, the user removes the ink tank from the case by holding the grip.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the ink tank of Patent Document 1, the grip is configured to only protrude forward from the front surface of the ink tank. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to perform an operation of pulling the ink tank forward by holding the grip.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid cartridge that can be easily removed from a printer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) This disclosure relates to a liquid cartridge that can be mounted in a printer. The liquid cartridge comprises a housing having a storage chamber capable of storing liquid, and a liquid supply section defining a liquid outlet that opens forward in the direction in which it is mounted in the printer. In the mounted position when mounted in the printer, the liquid cartridge includes an operating section located on the upper surface of the housing and at the rear end opposite to the front. The operating section in the mounted position has an operating surface continuous with the upper surface of the housing. The operating section in the mounted position has a first piece extending downward from one first end in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear and up-down directions on the operating surface.

[0007] When removing the liquid cartridge from the printer, users can easily perform a series of operations: pushing the operating surface downwards and pulling the liquid cartridge backward. Even if the user accidentally drops the liquid cartridge, the impact of the fall is distributed to the first piece, making the operating surface less likely to be damaged.

[0008] (2) The operating part in the above mounting position may have a first piece extending downward from the first end of the operating surface. The operating part in the above mounting position may have a second piece extending downward from the other second end of the operating surface in the left-right direction.

[0009] When removing the liquid cartridge from the printer, users can more easily perform the series of operations: pushing the operating surface downwards and pulling the liquid cartridge backward. Even if the liquid cartridge is accidentally dropped, the impact of the fall is distributed between the first and second pieces, making the operating surface less likely to be damaged.

[0010] (3) The housing in the above mounting position may have a first surface facing one of the left-right directions and a second surface facing the other of the left-right directions. The third surface of the first piece facing one of the left-right directions may be continuous with the first surface, and the fourth surface of the second piece facing the other of the left-right directions may be continuous with the second surface.

[0011] The strength of the first and second pieces is improved.

[0012] (4) The housing in the above mounting position may have a first rear surface facing the rear. The operating part in the above mounting position may have a rear piece extending downward from the rear end of the operating surface. The second rear surface of the rear piece may be continuous with the first rear surface of the housing.

[0013] The strength of the rear piece is improved.

[0014] (5) The rear end of the operating surface may be located further back than the first rear surface.

[0015] The user can easily push the operating surface downwards when removing the liquid cartridge from the printer.

[0016] (6) The housing in the above mounting position may have a first surface facing one of the left-right directions. The first end of the operating surface may be located further to the left or right than the first surface.

[0017] The control panel is emphasized. This makes it easier for the user to perform the series of operations required to remove the liquid cartridge from the printer: pushing the control panel downwards and pulling the liquid cartridge backwards.

[0018] (7) The housing may further include a locking mechanism located on the upper surface of the housing that engages with the printer body of the printer. The operating surface may be located above the locking mechanism.

[0019] The operating surface is easily visible. This makes it easier for users to perform the series of operations required to remove the liquid cartridge from the printer: pushing the operating surface downwards and pulling the liquid cartridge backward.

[0020] (8) The operating section may be integrally molded with the housing and the liquid supply section by blow molding. The inner surface of the operating section may define the storage chamber.

[0021] Since it is not necessary to form the operation unit separately from the housing and the liquid supply unit, it is easy to manufacture the liquid cartridge. It is easier to increase the volume of the storage chamber compared to the case where the operation unit is injection-molded separately from the blow-molded housing and the liquid supply unit.

[0022] (9) The operation unit in the above mounting posture may have a first recess that recesses from the lower end of the first piece toward the other side in the left-right direction from the first surface. The operation unit in the above mounting posture may have a second recess that recesses from the lower end of the second piece toward one side in the left-right direction from the second surface.

[0023] The operation unit is emphasized by the first recess and the second recess. Therefore, it is easy for the user to grip the operation unit. It is easy to ensure the thickness by blow molding in the first recess and the second recess. Therefore, even if the length of the operation unit in the left-right direction becomes short in the first recess and the second recess, it is easy to ensure the strength of the operation unit.

[0024] (10) The operation unit in the above mounting posture may project upward from the operation surface and have a plurality of first protrusions spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The plurality of first protrusions may be continuous from the operation surface across the first piece or the second piece.

[0025] The operation unit is emphasized by the plurality of first protrusions continuous from the operation surface across the first piece or the second piece. Therefore, when the user removes the liquid cartridge from the printer, it is easy to grasp a series of operations of pushing the operation surface downward and pulling the liquid cartridge backward.

[0026] (11) The plurality of first protrusions may be continuous from the operation surface across the first piece. The operation unit in the above mounting posture may project upward from the operation surface and have a plurality of second protrusions spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The plurality of second protrusions may be spaced apart from the plurality of first protrusions in the other side in the left-right direction on the operation surface. A parting line of blow molding may be located between the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions.

[0027] The plurality of first convex portions and the plurality of second convex portions are divided in the left - right direction with the parting line of the blow molding in between. Therefore, the strength of the operation portion formed by blow molding is likely to be uniform in the left - right direction.

Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, the user can easily remove the liquid cartridge from the printer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer 10. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the periphery including the ink cartridge 30 of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 viewed from the front and above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 viewed from the rear and below. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a right side view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross - sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 cut along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of the operation portion 51. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the operation portion 51 of the ink cartridge 30 viewed from the rear and above. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the operation portion 51 of the ink cartridge 30 viewed from the front and below. [Figure 13]Figure 13 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30, seen from the rear and above. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a front view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30, seen from the front and below. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the modified ink cartridge 300. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the modified ink cartridge 300, viewed from the rear and above. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the modified ink cartridge 300, viewed from the front and below. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the operating section 51 of the modified ink cartridge 300, viewed from the rear and above. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the operating section 51 of the modified ink cartridge 300, cut by a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a left side view of the modified ink cartridge 300. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a right side view of the modified ink cartridge 300. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a front view of the modified ink cartridge 300. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a plan view of the modified ink cartridge 300. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a rear view of the modified ink cartridge 300. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a bottom view of the modified ink cartridge 300. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of how this disclosure can be materialized, and the embodiments may be modified as appropriate without altering the gist of this disclosure.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the ink cartridge 30 can be installed in the cartridge case 110 of the printer 10. Hereinafter, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110 is referred to as the front. The direction opposite to the front is referred to as the rear. That is, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge case 110 is referred to as the rear. The front and rear together are referred to as the front-rear direction. The vertical direction of the ink cartridge 30 is defined when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The left-right direction is defined when viewing the installed ink cartridge 30 from the front.

[0032] [Overview of Printer 10] The printer 10 includes a cartridge case 110, a sub-tank 120, an ink tube 20, a recording head 21, and an ink cartridge 30. The printer 10 is an inkjet recording device that records an image by ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 21 onto paper based on an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 is, for example, an inkjet printer.

[0033] An ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge case 110 has an opening 105 at its rear end. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted forward through the opening 105 into the internal space of the cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 is then removed from the cartridge case 110 backward through the opening 105. Figure 2 shows the installed position of the ink cartridge 30 after it has been installed in the cartridge case 110.

[0034] The ink cartridge 30 stores ink usable by the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 may also store a processing solution containing additives for improving image quality. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, it is connected to the recording head 21 via the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 ejects the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 through multiple nozzles 29. Ink is an example of a liquid.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 10 includes a paper feed tray 15, a paper feed roller 23, a transport roller pair 25, a platen 26, an output roller pair 27, and an output tray 16. The paper feed roller 23 feeds the paper on the paper feed tray 15 toward the transport path 24. The paper fed toward the transport path 24 reaches the transport roller pair 25. The transport roller pair 25 transports the paper that has reached the transport roller pair 25 toward the platen 26.

[0036] The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto the paper as it passes over the platen 26. This records an image onto the paper. The paper that has passed over the platen 26 reaches the output roller pair 27. The output roller pair 27 ejects the paper that has reached it to the output tray 16 located at the downstream end of the transport path 24.

[0037] [Cartridge Case 110] As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge case 110 is a box shape that opens to the rear. The cartridge case 110 has an internal space in which the ink cartridge 30 is installed. The cartridge case 110 has a guide surface 161 and a locking part 139. The guide surface 161 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lower wall of the cartridge case 110. The guide surface 161 extends forward from the rear end of the cartridge case 110. The guide surface 161 is an upward-facing arc.

[0038] The guide surface 161 guides the ink cartridge 30 in the front-to-back direction when attaching or detaching it from the cartridge case 110. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the guide surface 161 supports the lower end of the ink cartridge 30.

[0039] The locking portion 139 is located at the rear end of the upper wall of the cartridge case 110. The locking portion 139 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the left-right direction. The locking portion 139 contacts the locking surface 78F of the ink cartridge 30 installed in the cartridge case 110. The cartridge case 110 is an example of a printer body.

[0040] [Sub-tank 120] The sub-tank 120 is located in front of the cartridge case 110. The sub-tank 120 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated vertically. The sub-tank 120 is capable of storing ink. The internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120 is open to the atmosphere and communicates with the outside at the top of the sub-tank 120. The ink in the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120 is supplied to the recording head 21 through the ink tube 20. The sub-tank 120 has a supply pipe 102 and a rod 121.

[0041] The supply pipe 102 extends rearward from the lower end of the rear wall of the sub-tank 120. The supply pipe 102 penetrates the front wall of the cartridge case 110 rearward. The supply pipe 102 is connected to the lower valve mechanism 12 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later. Ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 through the supply pipe 102 is stored in the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120.

[0042] The rod 121 extends rearward from the upper end of the rear wall of the sub-tank 120. The rod 121 penetrates rearward through the front wall of the cartridge case 110. The rod 121 is connected to the upper valve mechanism 504 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later. As a result, air can flow from the outside into the ink storage chamber 46 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later, through the upper valve mechanism 504.

[0043] [Ink Cartridge 30] The ink cartridge 30 is a container having an ink storage chamber 46 in which ink is stored. The following description assumes that the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 has a thin, flat, cubic shape, with its length in the left-right direction being smaller than its length in the up-down direction and its length in the front-back direction. The ink cartridge 30 is an example of a liquid cartridge.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the ink cartridge 30 has a container body 31, an ink supply unit 33, an operating unit 51, a locking unit 78, and a front cover 32. The container body 31 has a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, a left wall 42, a right wall 43, an upper wall 44, and a lower wall 45.

[0045] The front wall 40 is located at the front end of the ink cartridge 30. The rear surface 40A of the front wall 40 defines the front end of the ink storage chamber 46. The front wall 40 has an upper front wall 40U and a lower front wall 40L. The upper front wall 40U is located forward and above the lower front wall 40L. The upper front wall 40U has a cylindrical atmospheric communication section 502 that defines an atmospheric communication port 501. The atmospheric communication port 501 opens forward. The atmospheric communication section 502 extends rearward from the atmospheric communication port 501.

[0046] The upper valve mechanism 504 is located in the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502. The upper valve mechanism 504 is movable in the front-rear direction between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is the position in which the upper valve mechanism 504 closes the atmospheric communication port 501. The open position is the position in which the upper valve mechanism 504 opens the atmospheric communication port 501. The upper valve mechanism 504 is biased to the closed position by an upper biasing member. The upper valve mechanism 504 moves to the open position by being connected to the rod 121. As a result, air can flow into the ink storage chamber 46 from the outside through the upper valve mechanism 504.

[0047] The lower front wall 40L has an L-shape that extends rearward from the lower end of the upper front wall 40U and bends downward. The rear surface of the lower front wall 40L defines the front end of the ink storage chamber 46. The upper surface of the lower front wall 40L defines the lower end of the front end of the ink storage chamber 46.

[0048] The rear wall 41 is located at the rear end of the ink cartridge 30. The rear wall 41 faces the front wall 40 in the front-rear direction. The front surface 41A of the rear wall 41 defines the rear end of the ink storage chamber 46. The rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 faces backward.

[0049] The left wall 42 is located at the left end of the ink cartridge 30. The left wall 42 is continuous with the left end of the front wall 40 and the left end of the rear wall 41. The right surface of the left wall 42 defines the left end of the ink storage chamber 46. The left surface 42A of the left wall 42 faces left. The left surface 42A is an example of the first surface. The left surface 42A of the left wall 42 has a left protruding surface 42B. The left protruding surface 42B is located at the upper and rear end of the left surface 42A. The left protruding surface 42B is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so as it is directed towards the rear, it is directed to the left.

[0050] Two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are located at the front end of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L project to the left from the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. When viewed from the left, the two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are rectangular in shape, elongated in the vertical direction. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are inserted into two left-hand through holes 58L of the front cover 32, which will be described later.

[0051] The right wall 43 is located at the right end of the ink cartridge 30. The right wall 43 is opposite the left wall 42 in the left-right direction. The right wall 43 is continuous with the right end of the front wall 40 and the right end of the rear wall 41. The left surface of the right wall 43 defines the right end of the ink storage chamber 46. The right surface 43A of the right wall 43 faces to the right. The right surface 43A is an example of a second surface. The right surface 43A of the right wall 43 has a right projection surface 43B. The right projection surface 43B of the right wall 43 is located at the upper end and rear end of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. The right projection surface 43B of the right wall 43 is inclined in the front-rear direction so as it moves towards the rear, it moves to the right.

[0052] Two right-engaging projections 52R are located at the front end of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. The two right-engaging projections 52R are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two right-engaging projections 52R protrude to the right from the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. When viewed from the right, the two right-engaging projections 52R are elongated rectangles in the vertical direction. The two right-engaging projections 52R are inserted into two right-through holes 58R of the front cover 32, which will be described later.

[0053] The upper wall 44 is located at the upper end of the ink cartridge 30. The upper wall 44 is continuous with the upper ends of the front wall 40, the left wall 42, and the right wall 43. The lower surface 44A of the upper wall 44 defines the upper end of the ink storage chamber 46. The upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44 has an upward inclined surface 44C. The upward inclined surface 44C is located at the rear end of the upper surface 44B. The upward inclined surface 44C is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so that it is inclined upward as it is directed towards the rear.

[0054] The lower wall 45 is located at the lower and rear end of the ink cartridge 30. The lower wall 45 is opposite the upper wall 44 in the vertical direction. The lower wall 45 is continuous with the lower end of the rear wall 41, the lower end of the left wall 42, and the lower end of the right wall 43. The upper surface 45A and lower surface 45B of the lower wall 45 are inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction so as they are directed forward and downward. The upper surface 45A of the lower wall 45 defines the lower and rear end of the ink storage chamber 46. The container body 31 is an example of a housing.

[0055] The ink supply unit 33 is located at the lower end of the ink cartridge 30. The ink supply unit 33 has a cylindrical shape that defines an ink outlet 34 that opens forward. The ink supply unit 33 is continuous with the lower end of the lower front wall 40L and the front end of the rear wall 41. The lower end of the inner surface of the ink supply unit 33 defines the lower end of the ink storage chamber 46. The ink supply unit 33 is an example of a liquid supply unit. The ink storage chamber 46 is an example of a storage chamber. The ink outlet 34 is an example of a liquid outlet.

[0056] The lower valve mechanism 12 is located in the internal space of the ink supply unit 33. The lower valve mechanism 12 is movable in the front-rear direction between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is the position in which the lower valve mechanism 12 closes the ink outlet 34. The open position is the position in which the lower valve mechanism 12 opens the ink outlet 34. The lower valve mechanism 12 is biased to the closed position by a lower biasing member 37. The lower valve mechanism 12 moves to the open position by being connected to the supply pipe 102.

[0057] The operating section 51 is located at the upper and rear ends of the ink cartridge 30. The operating section 51 is hollow. The internal space of the operating section 51 communicates with the ink storage chamber 46. In other words, the inner surface 51A of the operating section 51 defines the ink storage chamber 46. The operating section 51 has an operating wall 52, a left piece 53, a right piece 54, a rear piece 55, a connecting piece 56, a left recess 57, a right recess 58, a plurality of left protrusions 59, and a plurality of right protrusions 60.

[0058] The operating wall 52 has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. As shown in Figure 5, the operating wall 52 extends to the left of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. The operating wall 52 extends to the right of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, the operating wall 52 extends rearward beyond the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41. The lower surface 52A of the operating wall 52 defines the upper end of the ink storage chamber 46. The upper surface of the operating wall 52 is an upward-facing operating surface 52B. The operating surface 52B extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The operating surface 52B is the surface that the user presses downward when removing the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge case 110.

[0060] The leading edge of the operating surface 52B is continuous with the upper inclined surface 44C. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the operating surface 52B is located above the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. As shown in Figure 5, the left edge 71, which is the left end of the operating surface 52B, is located to the left of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. "Left" is one example of the left-right direction. The left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B extends in the front-back direction. The left edge 71 is an example of the first end.

[0061] The right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B is located to the right of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. The right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B extends in the front-to-back direction. The right edge 72 is an example of a second end. The right side is another example of the left-to-right direction.

[0062] The rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B is continuous with the rear end of the left edge 71 and the rear end of the right edge 72. The rear edge 73 has a curved shape that bulges rearward. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear edge 73 is located behind the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41. The rear surface 41B is an example of a first rear surface. The rear edge 73 has a left-sloping edge 73A, a central edge 73B, and a right-sloping edge 73C.

[0063] The left-sloping edge 73A is located at the left end of the trailing edge 73. The left-sloping edge 73A is a straight line that extends in a lateral direction, sloping forward as it extends to the left. The left end of the left-sloping edge 73A is continuous with the trailing end of the left edge 71.

[0064] The central edge 73B is located in the left-right center of the trailing edge 73. The central edge 73B is a straight line extending in the left-right direction. The left end of the central edge 73B is continuous with the right end of the left-sloping edge 73A. The right-sloping edge 73C is located at the right end of the trailing edge 73. The right-sloping edge 73C is a straight line extending so as it slopes forward as it moves to the right. The right end of the right-sloping edge 73C is continuous with the rear end of the right edge 72. The left end of the right-sloping edge 73C is continuous with the right end of the central edge 73B. The trailing edge 73 of the operating surface 52B is an example of a rear end.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the left piece 53 extends downward from the left end of the operating wall 52. The left piece 53 has a flat plate shape that widens in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. As shown in Figure 7, the lower end of the left piece 53 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction so that it slopes downward as it moves forward. As shown in Figure 9, the right surface 53B of the left piece 53 faces to the right. The right surface 53B of the left piece 53 defines the left end of the ink storage chamber 46.

[0066] The left surface 53A of the left piece 53 faces left. As shown in Figure 6, the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 is located to the left of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. The upper edge of the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 is continuous with the left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B. As shown in Figure 7, the front edge of the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 is continuous with the left protruding surface 42B of the left wall 42. The left piece 53 is an example of the first piece. The left surface 53A is an example of the third surface.

[0067] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the right piece 54 extends downward from the right end of the operating wall 52. The right piece 54 has a flat plate shape that widens in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. As shown in Figure 8, the lower end of the right piece 54 is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction so that it slopes downward as it moves forward. As shown in Figure 9, the left side 54B of the right piece 54 faces to the left. The left side 54B of the right piece 54 defines the right end of the ink storage chamber 46.

[0068] The right surface 54A of the right piece 54 faces to the right. As shown in Figure 6, the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 is located to the right of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. The upper edge of the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 is continuous with the right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B. As shown in Figure 8, the front edge of the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 is continuous with the right protruding surface 43B of the right wall 43. The right piece 54 is an example of the second piece. The right surface 54A is an example of the fourth surface.

[0069] The right side 54A of the right piece 54 and the left side 53A of the left piece 53 are the parts that the user grasps with their fingers when attaching or detaching the ink cartridge 30 to the cartridge case 110.

[0070] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the rear piece 55 extends downward from the rear end of the operating wall 52. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the rear piece 55 has a left-sloping piece 55A, a central piece 55B, and a right-sloping piece 55C. The left-sloping piece 55A is located at the left end of the rear piece 55. The inner surface 111 of the left-sloping piece 55A defines the left and rear ends of the ink reservoir chamber 46.

[0071] The rear surface 112 of the left-sloping piece 55A is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, becoming forward as it extends to the left. The upper edge of the rear surface 112 of the left-sloping piece 55A is continuous with the left-sloping edge 73A of the rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B. The left edge of the rear surface 112 of the left-sloping piece 55A is continuous with the rear edge of the left surface 53A of the left piece 53.

[0072] The central piece 55B is located in the center of the rear piece 55 in the left-right direction. The central piece 55B has a flat plate shape that extends in the vertical and left-right directions. The front surface 113 of the central piece 55B faces forward. The front surface 113 of the central piece 55B defines the rear end of the ink storage chamber 46. The rear surface 114 of the central piece 55B faces rearward. The left edge of the rear surface 114 of the central piece 55B is continuous with the right edge of the rear surface 112 of the left-sloping piece 55A.

[0073] The right-sloping piece 55C is located at the right end of the rear piece 55. The inner surface 115 of the right-sloping piece 55C defines the right end and rear end of the ink reservoir 46.

[0074] The rear surface 116 of the right-sloping piece 55C is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, becoming forward as it moves to the right. The upper edge of the rear surface 116 of the right-sloping piece 55C is continuous with the right-sloping edge 73C of the rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B. The front edge of the rear surface 116 of the right-sloping piece 55C is continuous with the rear edge 54A of the right piece 54. The left edge of the rear surface 116 of the right-sloping piece 55C is continuous with the right edge of the rear surface 114 of the central piece 55B.

[0075] As shown in Figures 4 and 10, the connecting piece 56 is continuous with the lower end of the central piece 55B and the upper end of the rear wall 41. The connecting piece 56 has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The rear surface 56A of the connecting piece 56 is continuous with the rear surface 114 of the central piece 55B and the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41. Thus, the rear surface 114 of the central piece 55B is continuous with the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 via the rear surface 56A of the connecting piece 56. The rear surface 114 is an example of a second rear surface. The rear surface 56A of the connecting piece 56 is inclined with respect to the up-down direction so that it moves forward as it moves downward.

[0076] The left recess 57 is located vertically between the left piece 53 and the left wall 42. The left recess 57 has a concave shape that extends to the right of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42 from the lower end of the left piece 53. The left recess 57 is continuous with the left surface 56B of the connecting piece 56. The rear end of the left recess 57 opens rearward between the lower end of the left inclined piece 55A of the rear piece 55 and the upper end of the rear wall 41. The upper end of the left recess 57 is continuous with the lower end of the left piece 53 and the lower end of the left inclined piece 55A of the rear piece 55. The lower end of the left recess 57 is continuous with the upper end of the left wall 42 and the upper end of the rear wall 41. The left recess 57 is an example of a first recess.

[0077] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the right recess 58 is located vertically between the right piece 54 and the right wall 43. The right recess 58 has a concave shape that extends from the lower end of the right piece 54 to the left of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. The right recess 58 is continuous with the right surface 56C of the connecting piece 56. The rear end of the right recess 58 opens rearward between the lower end of the right inclined piece 55C of the rear piece 55 and the upper end of the rear wall 41. The upper end of the right recess 58 is continuous with the lower end of the right piece 54 and the lower end of the right inclined piece 55C of the rear piece 55. The lower end of the right recess 58 is continuous with the upper end of the right wall 43 and the upper end of the rear wall 41. The right recess 58 is an example of a second recess.

[0078] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the multiple left protrusions 59 are located to the left of the center of the operating section 51 in the left-right direction. The multiple left protrusions 59 are located at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the multiple left protrusions 59 include a first left protrusion 81, a second left protrusion 82, a third left protrusion 83, and a fourth left protrusion 84.

[0079] The first left protrusion 81 is located at the rear end of the operating surface 52B. The first left protrusion 81 protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. When viewed from above, the first left protrusion 81 has a band shape that extends in the left-right direction. The first left protrusion 81 reaches the left-sloping edge 73A of the rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B. The first left protrusion 81 extends slightly downward from the left-sloping edge 73A. The right end 81C of the first left protrusion 81 is located slightly to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the operating surface 52B. The right end 81C of the first left protrusion 81 is inclined in the vertical direction so that it moves to the left as it moves upward.

[0080] The second left protrusion 82 is located in front of the first left protrusion 81. The second left protrusion 82 has an L-shape that extends from the operating surface 52B to the left surface 53A of the left piece 53. Specifically, the second left protrusion 82 has a second left upper surface portion 82A and a second left side surface portion 82B.

[0081] The second upper left portion 82A protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. The second upper left portion 82A has a band shape that extends horizontally when viewed from above. The second upper left portion 82A reaches the left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B. The right end 82C of the second upper left portion is located slightly to the left of the center of the operating surface 52B in the horizontal direction. The right end 82C of the second upper left portion 82A is inclined vertically so as it extends upward, it moves to the left.

[0082] The second left side portion 82B protrudes slightly to the left from the left surface 53A of the left piece 53. The second left side portion 82B has a band shape that extends vertically when viewed from the left. The upper end of the second left side portion 82B is continuous with the left end of the second upper left side portion 82A. The lower end of the second left side portion 82B is located at the lower end of the left piece 53. The lower end of the second left side portion 82B has a curved shape that bulges downward.

[0083] The third left protrusion 83 is located in front of the second left protrusion 82. The third left protrusion 83 has an L-shape that extends from the operating surface 52B to the left surface 53A of the left piece 53. Specifically, the third left protrusion 83 has a third left upper surface portion 83A and a third left side surface portion 83B.

[0084] The third upper left portion 83A protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. The third upper left portion 83A has a band shape that extends horizontally when viewed from above. The third upper left portion 83A reaches the left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B. The right end 83C of the third upper left portion 83A is located slightly to the left of the center of the operating surface 52B in the horizontal direction. The right end 83C of the third upper left portion 83A is inclined vertically so as it extends upward, it moves to the left.

[0085] The third left side portion 83B protrudes slightly to the left from the left surface 53A of the left piece 53. The third left side portion 83B has a band shape that extends vertically when viewed from the left. The upper end of the third left side portion 83B is continuous with the left end of the third left upper surface portion 83A. The lower end of the third left side portion 83B is located at the lower end of the left piece 53. The lower end of the third left convex portion 83 is located below the lower end of the second left convex portion 82. The lower end of the third left side portion 83B has a curved shape that bulges downward.

[0086] The fourth left protrusion 84 is located in front of the third left protrusion 83. The fourth left protrusion 84 has an L-shape that extends from the operating surface 52B to the left surface 53A of the left piece 53. Specifically, the fourth left protrusion 84 has a fourth left upper surface portion 84A and a fourth left side surface portion 84B.

[0087] The fourth upper left portion 84A protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. The fourth upper left portion 84A has a band shape that extends horizontally when viewed from above. The fourth upper left portion 84A reaches the left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B. The right end 84C of the fourth upper left portion 84A is located slightly to the left of the center of the operating surface 52B in the horizontal direction. The right end 84C of the fourth upper left portion 84A is inclined vertically so as it extends upward, it moves to the left.

[0088] The fourth left side portion 84B protrudes slightly to the left from the left surface 53A of the left piece 53. The fourth left side portion 84B has a band shape that extends vertically when viewed from the left. The upper end of the fourth left side portion 84B is continuous with the left end of the fourth left upper portion 84A. The lower end of the fourth left side portion 84B is located at the lower end of the left piece 53. The lower end of the fourth left convex portion 84 is located below the lower end of the third left convex portion 83. The lower end of the fourth left side portion 84B has a curved shape that bulges downward. The second left convex portion 82, the third left convex portion 83, and the fourth left convex portion 84 are examples of multiple first convex portions.

[0089] The multiple right protrusions 60 are located to the right of the center of the operating section 51 in the left-right direction. The multiple right protrusions 60 are located at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the multiple right protrusions 60 include a first right protrusion 91, a second right protrusion 92, a third right protrusion 93, and a fourth right protrusion 94.

[0090] The first right protrusion 91 is located at the rear end of the operating surface 52B. The first right protrusion 91 is located at a distance to the right from the first left protrusion 81. The first right protrusion 91 is opposite the first left protrusion 81 in the left-right direction. The first right protrusion 91 protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. When viewed from above, the first right protrusion 91 has a band shape that extends in the left-right direction. The first right protrusion 91 reaches the right-sloping edge 73C of the rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B. The first right protrusion 91 extends slightly downward from the right-sloping edge 73C. The left end 91C of the first right protrusion 91 is located slightly to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the operating surface 52B. The left end 91C of the first right protrusion 91 is inclined in the vertical direction so as it extends upward, it moves to the right.

[0091] The second right protrusion 92 is located in front of the first right protrusion 91. The second right protrusion 92 is located spaced to the right of the second left protrusion 82. The second right protrusion 92 is opposite the second left protrusion 82 in the left-right direction. The second right protrusion 92 has an L-shape that extends from the operating surface 52B to the right surface 54A of the right piece 54. Specifically, the second right protrusion 92 has a second upper right surface portion 92A and a second right side portion 92B.

[0092] The second upper right surface portion 92A protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. The second upper right surface portion 92A has a band shape that extends horizontally when viewed from above. The second upper right surface portion 92A extends to the right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B. The left end 92C of the second upper right surface portion 92A is located slightly to the right of the center of the operating surface 52B in the horizontal direction. The left end 92C of the second upper right surface portion 92A is inclined vertically so as it extends upward, it moves to the right.

[0093] The second right side portion 92B protrudes slightly to the right from the right surface 54A of the right piece 54. The second right side portion 92B has a band shape that extends vertically when viewed from the right. The upper end of the second right side portion 92B is continuous with the right end of the second right upper side portion 92A. The lower end of the second right side portion 92B is located at the lower end of the right piece 54. The lower end of the second right side portion 92B has a curved shape that bulges downward.

[0094] The third right protrusion 93 is located in front of the second right protrusion 92. The third right protrusion 93 is located spaced to the right of the third left protrusion 83. The third right protrusion 93 is opposite the third left protrusion 83 in the left-right direction. The third right protrusion 93 has an L-shape that extends from the operating surface 52B to the right surface 54A of the right piece 54. Specifically, the third right protrusion 93 has a third upper right surface portion 93A and a third right side surface portion 93B.

[0095] The third upper right surface portion 93A protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. The third upper right surface portion 93A has a band shape that extends horizontally when viewed from above. The third upper right surface portion 93A reaches the right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B. The left end 93C of the third upper right surface portion 93A is located slightly to the right of the center of the operating surface 52B in the horizontal direction. The left end 93C of the third upper right surface portion 93A is inclined vertically so as it extends upward, it moves to the right.

[0096] The third right side portion 93B protrudes slightly to the right from the right side 54A of the right piece 54. The third right side portion 93B has a band shape that extends vertically when viewed from the right. The upper end of the third right side portion 93B is continuous with the right end of the third right upper side portion 93A. The lower end of the third right side portion 93B is located at the lower end of the right piece 54. The lower end of the third right side portion 93B is located below the lower end of the second right side portion 92B. The lower end of the second right side portion 92B has a curved shape that bulges downward.

[0097] The fourth right protrusion 94 is located in front of the third right protrusion 93. The fourth right protrusion 94 is located spaced to the right of the fourth left protrusion 84. The fourth right protrusion 94 is opposite the fourth left protrusion 84 in the left-right direction. The fourth right protrusion 94 has an L-shape that extends from the operating surface 52B to the right surface 54A of the right piece 54. Specifically, the fourth right protrusion 94 has a fourth upper right surface portion 94A and a fourth right side surface portion 94B.

[0098] The fourth upper right surface portion 94A protrudes slightly upward from the operating surface 52B. The fourth upper right surface portion 94A has a band shape that extends horizontally when viewed from above. The fourth upper right surface portion 94A reaches the right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B. The left end 94C of the fourth upper right surface portion 94A is located slightly to the right of the center of the operating surface 52B in the horizontal direction. The left end 94C of the fourth upper right surface portion 94A is inclined vertically so as it extends upward, it moves to the right.

[0099] The fourth right side portion 94B protrudes slightly to the right from the right side 54A of the right piece 54. The fourth right side portion 94B has a band shape that extends vertically when viewed from the right. The upper end of the fourth right side portion 94B is continuous with the right end of the fourth right upper side portion 94A. The lower end of the fourth right side portion 94B is located at the lower end of the right piece 54. The lower end of the fourth right side portion 94B is located below the lower end of the third right side portion 93B. The lower end of the fourth right side portion 94B has a curved shape that bulges downward. The second right convex portion 92, the third right convex portion 93, and the fourth right convex portion 94 are examples of multiple second convex portions.

[0100] The operating section 51 is integrally molded with the container body 31 and the ink supply section 33 by blow molding. The blow-molded parting line L1 is located on the operating surface 52B. The parting line L1 is located between a plurality of left protrusions 59 and a plurality of right protrusions 60. The parting line L1 is located in the center of the operating surface 52B in the left-right direction. The parting line L1 extends in the front-back direction.

[0101] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the locking portion 78 protrudes upward from the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The locking portion 78 is located in front of the operating portion 51. The locking portion 78 is located to the right of the center in the left-right direction on the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The locking portion 78 has a first front inclined surface 78A, a second front inclined surface 78B, a left inclined surface 78C, a right inclined surface 78D, an upper end surface 78E, and a locking surface 78F.

[0102] The first front inclined surface 78A is a plane that inclins in the front-rear direction so as to face upward and forward. The front edge of the first front inclined surface 78A is continuous with the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The rear edge of the first front inclined surface 78A is continuous with the upper end surface 78E.

[0103] The second front inclined surface 78B has its front end continuous with the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The second front inclined surface 78B extends to the right as it moves backward from its front end. The rear end of the second front inclined surface 78B is continuous with the upper end surface 78E. The right end of the second front inclined surface 78B is continuous with the left end of the first front inclined surface 78A. The upper end of the boundary line between the first front inclined surface 78A and the second front inclined surface 78B is continuous with the upper end surface 78E.

[0104] The left inclined surface 78C is a plane that slopes horizontally so as it moves upward from the left end to the right end. The left inclined surface 78C is continuous with the left end of the second front inclined surface 78B. The right inclined surface 78D is a plane that slopes horizontally so as it moves upward from the right end to the left end. The right inclined surface 78D is continuous with the right end of the first front inclined surface 78A.

[0105] The upper end surface 78E is an upward-facing plane. The upper end surface 78E is adjacent to the rear of the first front inclined surface 78A and the rear of the second front inclined surface 78B. As shown in Figures 7 and 13, the upper end surface 78E is located slightly below the operating surface 52B. In other words, the operating surface 52B is located slightly above the upper end surface 78E.

[0106] The locking surface 78F is a plane facing backward. The upper end of the locking surface 78F is continuous with the trailing edge of the upper end surface 78E. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the locking surface 78F is configured to contact the locking portion 139 of the cartridge case 110. The locking portion 78 is an example of a locking portion.

[0107] As shown in Figures 2, 13, and 15, the front cover 32 is box-shaped and opens to the rear. The front cover 32 covers the front end of the container body 31. The front cover 32 covers the upper front wall 40U, the front end of the upper wall 44, the front end of the left wall 42, and the front end of the right wall 43 of the container body 31.

[0108] The left wall of the front cover 32 has two left through holes 58L that are separated vertically. The two left through holes 58L are located at the rear end of the left wall of the front cover 32. The two left through holes 58L penetrate the left wall of the front cover 32 in the left-right direction. When viewed from the left, the two left through holes 58L are rectangular in shape, elongated vertically.

[0109] The vertical length of the two left through holes 58L is longer than the vertical length of the two left engaging projections 52L. The front-to-back length of the two left through holes 58L is longer than the front-to-back length of the two left engaging projections 52L. The two left engaging projections 52L are inserted into the two left through holes 58L.

[0110] The right wall of the front cover 32 has two right through holes 58R that are separated vertically. The two right through holes 58R are located at the rear end of the right wall of the front cover 32. The two right through holes 58R penetrate the right wall of the front cover 32 in the left-right direction. When viewed from the right, the two right through holes 58R are rectangular in shape, elongated vertically.

[0111] The vertical length of the two right through holes 58R is longer than the vertical length of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. The front-to-back length of the two right through holes 58R is longer than the front-to-back length of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. The two right engaging protrusions 52R are inserted into the two right through holes 58R. As a result, the front cover 32 is assembled to the container body 31.

[0112] The two left through holes 58L are larger than the outer shape of the two left engaging protrusions 52L. The two right through holes 58R are larger than the outer shape of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. Therefore, when the container body 31 and the front cover 32 are assembled, the front cover 32 is movable relative to the container body 31 in the vertical and front-back directions.

[0113] As shown in Figure 13, the IC substrate 80 is located on the upper wall 32A of the front cover 32. The IC substrate 80 extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The IC substrate 80 is located above the ink outlet 34. The IC substrate 80 is a substrate made of, for example, silicone or glass epoxy, on which an IC and three electrodes 61 are mounted. Note that the IC is not shown in each figure. The three electrodes 61 are facing upwards. The IC substrate 80 may also be a flexible substrate that is pliable.

[0114] The IC substrate 80 is bonded to the upper wall 32A of the front cover 32, for example, with a photocurable resin. Alternatively, the IC substrate 80 may be bonded to the front cover 32 with an adhesive other than a photocurable resin. The IC substrate 80 may also be attached to the front cover 32 by means other than bonding, such as fitting.

[0115] The electrodes 61 of the IC substrate 80 come into contact with the contact 125 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge case 110. As shown in Figure 2, the contact 125 is located on the inner surface of the upper wall of the cartridge case 110. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the IC substrate 80 comes into contact with the contact 125 and becomes electrically conductive.

[0116] An IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit. Information about the ink cartridge 30 is stored in the IC in a readable format. This information about the ink cartridge 30 includes data such as the lot number, manufacturing date, and ink color.

[0117] The electrode 61 is electrically connected to the IC. The electrode 61 extends in the front-to-back direction. The electrode 61 is arranged side by side on the upper surface of the IC substrate 80, spaced apart in the left-to-right direction. The electrode 61 is electrically accessible and exposed on the upper surface of the IC substrate 80.

[0118] The upper wall 32A of the front cover 32 has a through hole 90 in front of the IC substrate 80. The through hole 90 is a rectangle that is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-back direction when viewed from above. Below the through hole 90 is the atmospheric communication section 502. The upper wall 32A has a front portion 511 that defines the front end of the through hole 90, a right portion 512 that defines the right end of the through hole 90, and a left portion 513 that defines the left end of the through hole 90.

[0119] The right end of the front portion 511 is continuous with the upper end of the right wall 32D. The left end of the front portion 511 is continuous with the upper end of the left wall 54. The front portion 511 has an upward-facing upper surface 511A and an inclined surface 511B. The upper surface 511A is adjacent to the front of the through hole 90. The inclined surface 511B is adjacent to the front of the upper surface 511A. The inclined surface 511B extends from the right end to the left end of the upper surface 511A. The front end of the inclined surface 511B is continuous with the upper end of the front surface of the front wall 32E along its entire length in the left-right direction. The inclined surface 511B is inclined with respect to the upper surface 511A so that it slopes downward as it moves forward.

[0120] The right portion 512 is the portion that extends rearward from the right end of the rear end of the front portion 511. The right portion 512 extends in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the front portion 511 to the rear end of the through hole 90. The right portion 512 extends to the left from the upper end of the right wall 32D. The left end of the right portion 512 defines the right end of the through hole.

[0121] The left portion 513 is the portion that extends rearward from the left end of the rear end of the front portion 511. The left portion 513 extends in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the front portion 511 to the rear end of the through hole 90. The left portion 513 extends to the right from the upper end of the left wall 54. The right end of the left portion 513 defines the left end of the through hole 90.

[0122] On the upper wall 32A of the front cover 32, guide pieces 91 extending in the front-to-back direction protrude upward from near both ends in the left-to-right direction. The IC substrate 80 is located between one guide piece 91 and the other guide piece 91 in the left-to-right direction. The guide pieces 91 function as guides for the front cover 32 to move along the front-to-back direction when the front cover 32 is inserted into the cartridge case 110.

[0123] As shown in Figure 15, the front cover 32 has two walls 71 extending downward from both sides in the left-right direction of the lower surface of the lower wall 32B. The two walls 71 are spaced apart in the left-right direction. The two walls 71 extend in the up-down and front-back directions. The two walls 71 are plate-like members with thickness in the left-right direction. The length of the two walls 71 in the front-back direction is longer than the length of the two walls 71 in the up-down direction. The length of the two walls 71 in the front-back direction is longer than the length of the two walls 71 in the left-right direction.

[0124] As shown in Figure 7, the left wall 71 has a first left recess 211 that extends from the left surface toward the right. The first left recess 211 extends in the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 8, the right wall 71 has a first right recess 212 that extends from the right surface toward the left. The first right recess 212 extends in the front-to-back direction.

[0125] The fronts of the two walls 71 have a first front 72 and a second front 73. The first front 72 is located on the top of the two walls 71. The front end of the first front 72 is inclined to extend downward as it moves forward from the top surface of the two walls 71. The second front 73 is located on the bottom of the two walls 71. The second front 73 is inclined to face downward as it moves backward.

[0126] The front cover 32 has a second left recess 74L that extends to the right from the left surface of the left wall 32C. The second left recess 74L extends in the front-rear direction. The second left recess 74L is located above the left wall 71. The front end of the second left recess 74L opens forward in the front wall 32E of the front cover 32.

[0127] As shown in Figure 8, the front cover 32 has a second right recess 74R that recesses to the left from the right surface of the right wall 32D. The second right recess 74R extends in the front-rear direction. The second right recess 74R is located above the right wall 71. The front end of the second right recess 74R opens forward in the front wall 32E of the front cover 32.

[0128] As shown in Figure 15, the front cover 32 has a first key portion 77 extending downward from the lower surface of the lower wall 32B. The first key portion 77 is located between the left and right walls 71 in the left-right direction. The first key portion 77 has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The first key portion 77 is located above the ink outlet 34 and below the upper surface of the electrodes 61 of the IC substrate 80. The front end of the first key portion 77 is in front of the front end of the electrodes 61.

[0129] The front surface 77F of the first key section 77 faces forward. The front surface 77F is located behind the front end of the first front surface 72 of the two walls 71. The front surface 77F of the first key section 77 is located behind the front end of the front wall 32E of the front cover 32.

[0130] [Installing ink cartridge 30 into cartridge case 110] The ink cartridge 30 is inserted forward through the opening 105 into the internal space of the cartridge case 110. The lower end of the inserted ink cartridge 30 is supported by the guide surface 161 of the cartridge case 110.

[0131] Before the ink outlet 34 of the ink cartridge 30 reaches the supply pipe 102, the second front inclined surface 78B of the locking part 78 comes into contact with the locking part 139 of the cartridge case 110. This applies a downward force to the ink cartridge 30. The ink cartridge 30, subjected to this downward force, rotates downward. As a result, the lower surface of the ink cartridge 30 comes into contact with the guide surface 161, and the second front inclined surface 78B moves forward while coming into contact with the locking part 139.

[0132] As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further forward, the upper end surface 78E of the locking portion 78 comes into contact with the locking portion 139. As a result, a downward force acts on the ink cartridge 30. When the second front inclined surface 78B or the upper end surface 78E slides against the locking portion 139, the lower surface of the ink cartridge 30 slides against the guide surface 161.

[0133] As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further forward, the ink outlet 34 is connected to the supply pipe 102. The supply pipe 102 moves the lower valve mechanism 12 from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the lower biasing member 37. This connects the ink storage chamber 46 of the ink cartridge 30 with the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120. As a result, the ink in the ink storage chamber 46 is supplied to the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120.

[0134] Simultaneously, the rod 121 is connected to the upper valve mechanism 504. The rod 121 moves the upper valve mechanism 504 from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the upper biasing member. As a result, the atmospheric communication port 501 is opened, and air flows into the ink storage chamber 46 from the outside. At this time, the locking surface 78F of the locking part 78 is positioned in front of the locking part 139. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 is no longer subjected to a downward force from the locking part 139, and rotates upward around the ink outlet 34. As a result, the locking surface 78F of the locking part 78 and the locking part 139 face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0135] When the user releases their fingers from the ink cartridge 30, the biasing force of the lower biasing member 37 and the upper biasing member causes the ink cartridge 30 to move backward. As a result, the locking surface 78F comes into contact with the locking portion 139. This holds the ink cartridge 30 in the installed state within the cartridge case 110.

[0136] Next, we will explain the movement of the ink cartridge 30 when it is removed from the cartridge case 110.

[0137] The installed ink cartridge 30 can rotate downward around the ink outlet 34. As the ink cartridge 30 rotates, the locking surface 78F and the locking part 139 come into contact or separate in the vertical direction.

[0138] When the user presses down on the operating surface 52B of the ink cartridge 30 with their finger, the ink cartridge 30 rotates downward around the ink outlet 34. This causes the locking surface 78F and the locking part 139 to separate vertically. Then, when the user releases their finger from the operating surface 52B, the ink cartridge 30 moves slightly backward due to the biasing force of the lower biasing member 37 and the upper biasing member.

[0139] Next, the user grasps the left side 53A of the left piece 53 and the right side 54A of the right piece 54 in the left-right direction and pulls the ink cartridge 30 backward. This allows the user to remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge case 110.

[0140] [Effects of this embodiment] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 is located at the upper and rear ends of the ink cartridge 30. This makes it easy for the user to remove the ink cartridge 30 by pushing the operating surface 52B downwards and pulling it backwards. Even if the user accidentally drops the ink cartridge 30, the impact of the fall is distributed to the left piece 53 and the right piece 54, so the operating surface 52B is less likely to be damaged.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the leading edge of the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 is continuous with the left protruding surface 42B of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. The leading edge of the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 is continuous with the right protruding surface 43B of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. For this reason, the strength of the left piece 53 and the right piece 54 is high.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the rear surface of the rear piece 55 is continuous with the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41. Therefore, the strength of the rear piece 55 is high.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B is located behind the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41. Therefore, when the user removes the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge case 110, it is easier to push the operating surface 52B downward.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B is located to the left of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. The right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B is located to the right of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. As a result, the operating section 51 is emphasized. Therefore, the user can easily perform a series of removal operations, such as pushing the operating surface 52B downward and pulling the ink cartridge 30 backward.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the operating surface 52B is located slightly above the upper end surface 78E of the locking portion 78. Therefore, the operating surface 52B is easily visible. Consequently, the user can easily perform the series of operations of pushing the operating surface 52B downward and pulling the ink cartridge 30 backward.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 is integrally molded with the container body 31 and the ink supply section 33 by blow molding. Therefore, there is no need to mold the operating section 51 separately from the container body 31 and the ink supply section 33, making it easier to manufacture the ink cartridge 30. Compared to the case where the operating section 51 is injection molded separately from the blow-molded container body 31 and the ink supply section 33, the volume of the ink storage chamber 46 is larger.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 is emphasized by the left recess 57 and the right recess 58. As a result, the user can easily grasp the left side 53A of the left piece 53 and the right side 54A of the right piece 54 in the left-right direction. The thickness can be easily ensured by blow molding in the left recess 57 and the right recess 58. As a result, even if the length of the operating section 51 in the left-right direction is shortened in the left recess 57 and the right recess 58, the strength of the operating section 51 can be easily ensured.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the second left protrusion 82, the third left protrusion 83, and the fourth left protrusion 84 are continuous from the operating surface 52B to the left surface 53A of the left piece 53. The second right protrusion 92, the third right protrusion 93, and the fourth right protrusion 94 are continuous from the operating surface 52B to the right surface 54A of the right piece 54. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the series of removal operations, such as pushing the operating surface 52B downwards and pulling the ink cartridge 30 backward. When the user grasps the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 and the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 and pulls the ink cartridge 30 backward, their fingers are less likely to slip.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the blow-molded parting line L1 is located between the multiple left protrusions 59 and the multiple right protrusions 60. The parting line L1 extends in the front-to-back direction through the center of the operating surface 52B in the left-to-right direction. Therefore, the multiple left protrusions 59 and the multiple right protrusions 60 are separated in the left-to-right direction on either side of the blow-molded parting line L1. Consequently, the strength of the operating part 51 formed by blow molding is made uniform in the left-to-right direction.

[0150] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 had a left piece 53 and a right piece 54. However, the left piece 53 or the right piece 54 may be omitted.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the leading edge of the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 is continuous with the left protruding surface 42B of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. However, the leading edge of the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 does not have to be continuous with the left protruding surface 42B of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. In this case, for example, the left protruding surface 42B is omitted.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the leading edge of the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 is continuous with the right protruding surface 43B of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. However, the leading edge of the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 does not have to be the right protruding surface 43B of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. In this case, for example, the right protruding surface 43B is omitted.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the rear surface 114 of the central piece 55B is continuous with the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 via the rear surface 56A of the connecting piece 56. However, the rear surface 114 of the central piece 55B does not have to be continuous with the rear surface 114 of the rear wall 41. In this case, the connecting piece 56 may be recessed forward from the rear surface 56A, or it may be omitted.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B is located behind the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41. However, the rear edge 73 of the operating surface 52B may be located in front of the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B is located to the left of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. However, the left edge 71 of the operating surface 52B may be located to the right of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42.

[0156] In the above embodiment, the right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B is located to the right of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. However, the right edge 72 of the operating surface 52B may be located to the left of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 in the mounted position has a left recess 57 that extends from the lower end of the left piece 53 to the right of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. However, the left recess 57 may be omitted. In this case, the left surface 53A of the left piece 53 may extend downward and be continuous with the left surface 42A of the left wall 42.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 in the mounted position has a right recess 58 that extends from the lower end of the right piece 54 to the left of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. However, the right recess 58 may be omitted. In this case, the right surface 54A of the right piece 54 may extend downward and be continuous with the right surface 43A of the right wall 43.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 has a plurality of left protrusions 59 and a plurality of right protrusions 60. However, the plurality of left protrusions 59 and the plurality of right protrusions 60 may be omitted, as shown in Figure 16.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the multiple left protrusions 59 are arranged in a row of four at equal intervals in the front-to-back direction. However, it is sufficient if one or more left protrusions are arranged in the front-to-back direction. For example, the second left protrusion 82 may be omitted, and the first left protrusion 81 and the third left protrusion 83 may also be omitted.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the multiple right-facing protrusions 60 are arranged in a row of four at equal intervals in the front-to-back direction. However, it is sufficient if one or more right-facing protrusions are arranged in the front-to-back direction. For example, the first right-facing protrusion 91 may be omitted, and the second right-facing protrusion 92 and the fourth right-facing protrusion 94 may also be omitted.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 has a second left side portion 82B, a third left side portion 83B, and a fourth left side portion 84B. However, one or more of the second left side portion 82B, the third left side portion 83B, and the fourth left side portion 84B may be omitted.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 has a second upper left portion 82A, a third upper left portion 83A, and a fourth upper left portion 84A. However, one or more of the second upper left portion 82A, the third upper left portion 83A, and the fourth upper left portion 84A may be omitted.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 has a second right side portion 92B, a third right side portion 93B, and a fourth right side portion 94B. However, one or more of the second right side portion 92B, the third right side portion 93B, and the fourth right side portion 94B may be omitted.

[0165] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 has a second upper right surface portion 92A, a third upper right surface portion 93A, and a fourth upper right surface portion 94A. However, one or more of the second upper right surface portion 92A, the third upper right surface portion 93A, and the fourth upper right surface portion 94A may be omitted.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the first left protrusion 81 and the second right protrusion 92 are positioned with a gap between them in the left-right direction. However, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be connected in the left-right direction.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the second left upper surface portion 82A and the second right upper surface portion 92A are positioned with a gap between them in the left-right direction. However, the second left upper surface portion 82A and the second right upper surface portion 92A may be connected in the left-right direction. Also, the third left upper surface portion 83A and the third right upper surface portion 93A may be connected in the left-right direction, and the fourth left upper surface portion 84A and the fourth right upper surface portion 94A may be connected in the left-right direction.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the right end 81C of the first left protrusion 81 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that it moves to the left as it moves upward. However, the right end 81C of the first left protrusion 81 may extend in the vertical direction. In other words, the right end 81C of the first left protrusion 81 may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the right end 82C of the second upper left portion 82A is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as it extends upward, it moves to the left. However, the right end 82C of the second upper left portion 82A may extend in the vertical direction. In other words, the right end 82C of the second upper left portion 82A may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B. Also, the right end of the third upper left portion 83A may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B. The right end of the fourth upper left portion 84A may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the left end 91C of the first right protrusion 91 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as it extends upward, it moves to the right. However, the left end 91C of the first right protrusion 91 may extend in the vertical direction. In other words, the left end 91C of the first right protrusion 91 may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the left end of the second upper right surface portion 92A is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, sloping to the right as it extends upward. However, the right end of the second upper right surface portion 92A may extend in the vertical direction. In other words, the left end of the second upper right surface portion 92A may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B. Also, the left end 93C of the third upper right surface portion 93A may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B. The left end 94C of the fourth upper right surface portion 94A may be perpendicular to the operating surface 52B.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the lower ends of the second left side portion 82B, the third left side portion 83B, and the fourth left side portion 84B have an arc shape that bulges downward. However, the lower ends of the second left side portion 82B, the third left side portion 83B, and the fourth left side portion 84B are not limited to an arc shape that bulges downward. For example, the lower ends of the second left side portion 82B, the third left side portion 83B, and the fourth left side portion 84B may be straight lines extending in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the left.

[0173] In the above embodiment, the lower ends of the second right side portion 92B, the third right side portion 93B, and the fourth right side portion 94B have an arc shape that bulges downward. However, the lower ends of the second right side portion 92B, the third right side portion 93B, and the fourth right side portion 94B are not limited to an arc shape that bulges downward. For example, the lower ends of the second right side portion 92B, the third right side portion 93B, and the fourth right side portion 94B may be straight lines that extend in the front-to-back direction when viewed from the right.

[0174] In the above embodiment, the lower end of the fourth left side portion 84B is located below the lower ends of the second left side portion 82B and the third left side portion 83B. However, the lower ends of the second left side portion 82B, the third left side portion 83B, and the fourth left side portion 84B may coincide in the vertical direction.

[0175] In the above embodiment, the lower end of the fourth right side portion 94B is located below the lower ends of the second right side portion 92B and the third right side portion 93B. However, the lower ends of the second right side portion 92B, the third right side portion 93B, and the fourth right side portion 94B may coincide in the vertical direction.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the operating section 51 is integrally molded with the container body 31 and the ink supply section 33 by blow molding. However, the operating section 51 may be injection molded separately from the container body 31 and the ink supply section 33. Figures 17 and 18 show an ink cartridge 300 in which the operating section 51 and the locking section 78 are molded by injection molding. In the following, only the parts that differ from the above embodiment will be described. The parts of the ink cartridge 300 corresponding to the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment. The description of the above embodiment will be used with reference to the parts of the ink cartridge 300 corresponding to the above embodiment.

[0177] The ink cartridge 300 further comprises a rear cover 65 on which the operating section 51 and the locking section 78 are located. The rear cover 65 covers the upper wall 44 of the container body 31, the central portion of the left wall 42 in the front-rear direction, and the central portion of the right wall 43 in the front-rear direction from the outside. The rear cover 65 has two left engaging protrusions 52L and two right engaging protrusions 52R as in the above embodiment. The container body 31 does not have two left engaging protrusions 52L and two right engaging protrusions 52R.

[0178] The two left engaging protrusions 52L project to the left from the left surface of the left wall 65A of the rear cover 65. The two left engaging protrusions 52L are located at the front end of the rear cover 65. The two left engaging protrusions 52L are inserted into the two left through holes 58L of the front cover 32.

[0179] The two right-engaging projections 52R protrude to the right from the right surface of the right wall 65B of the rear cover 65. The two right-engaging projections 52R are located at the front end of the rear cover 65. The two right-engaging projections 52R are inserted into the two right-through holes 58R of the front cover 32. In this way, the front cover 32 and the rear cover 65 are attached to the container body 31.

[0180] The locking portion 78 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper wall 65C of the rear cover 65. The locking portion 78 is located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the upper wall 65C of the rear cover 65.

[0181] The operating section 51 is located at the rear end of the upper wall 65C of the rear cover 65. In the operating section 51, the rear piece 55, the left recess 57, and the right recess 58 of the above embodiment are omitted. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the lower surface 52A of the operating wall 52, the right surface 53B of the left piece 53, and the left surface 54B of the right piece 54 do not define the ink storage chamber 46. In other words, the lower surface 52A of the operating wall 52, the right surface 53B of the left piece 53, and the left surface 54B of the right piece 54 are exposed to the outside. The connecting piece 56 extends upward and is continuous with the lower surface 52A of the operating wall 52. Specifically, the connecting piece 56 has a flat portion 131 and a base portion 132.

[0182] The flat plate portion 131 is located in the left-right center of the lower surface 52A of the operating wall 52. The flat plate portion 131 extends downward from the lower surface 52A of the operating wall 52. The flat plate portion 131 has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-back and up-down directions. The base portion 132 is located at the lower end of the flat plate portion 131. The base portion 132 is located in the left-right center of the upper end of the rear wall 41. The base portion 132 has a rectangular prism shape that extends forward from the upper end of the rear wall 41. When viewed from the rear, the base portion 132 is a rectangle that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction. The upper surface 132A of the base portion 132 is continuous with the left surface 131A and the right surface 131B of the flat plate portion 131. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0183] 10. Printer 30... Ink cartridge (an example of a liquid cartridge) 31. Container body (an example of a housing) 33. Ink supply unit (an example of a liquid supply unit) 34. Ink outlet (an example of a liquid outlet) 41B...Rear view (an example of the first rear view) 42A...Left side (an example of the first side) 43A...Right side (an example of the second side) 44B...Top surface 46. ​​Ink storage chamber (an example of a storage chamber) 51...Operation unit 51A...Inner surface 52B...Operation surface 53...Left piece (an example of the first piece) 53A...Left side (an example of the third side) 54...Right piece (an example of the second piece) 54A...Right side (an example of the 4th side) 55...posterior piece 57...Left recess (an example of the first recess) 58...Right recess (an example of the second recess) 59...Left convex section (an example of the first convex section) 60...Right convex section (an example of the second convex section) 71...Left edge (an example of the first end) 72...Right edge (an example of the second end) 73... Trailing edge (an example of the rear end) 78...Lock section 110...Cartridge case (an example of a printer body) 114...Rear view (an example of the second rear view) L1...Parting line

Claims

1. A liquid cartridge that can be installed in a printer, A housing having a storage chamber capable of storing liquid, A liquid supply unit that defines a liquid outlet opening forward, in the direction in which it is installed in the printer, In the orientation in which the above liquid cartridge is installed in the above printer, the device includes an operating section located on the upper surface of the housing and at the rear end opposite to the front, The operating part in the above mounting position is The operating surface is continuous with the top surface of the above-mentioned housing, A liquid cartridge having a first piece extending downward from one of the first ends in the left-right direction, which is perpendicular to the front-back and up-down directions on the operating surface described above.

2. The operating part in the above mounting position is The first piece extending downward from the first end of the operating surface, The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a second piece extending downward from the other second end of the operating surface in the left-right direction.

3. The above housing in the above mounting position is The first face, which faces one of the left or right directions as described above, It has a second surface facing the other side in the left-right direction, The third surface of the first piece described above, facing in one of the left-right directions, is continuous with the first surface described above. The liquid cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the fourth surface of the second piece facing the other side in the left-right direction is continuous with the second surface.

4. The housing in the above mounting position has a first rear surface facing backward, The operating part in the above mounting position has a rear piece extending downward from the rear end of the operating surface. The liquid cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the second rear surface of the rear piece is continuous with the first rear surface of the housing.

5. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the rear end of the operating surface is located further back than the first rear surface.

6. The housing in the above mounting position has a first surface facing one of the left-right directions, The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the operating surface is located in one of the left-right directions relative to the first surface.

7. It is located on the top surface of the above-mentioned enclosure and further includes a locking part that engages with the printer body of the above-mentioned printer, The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the operating surface is located above the locking portion.

8. The above operating section is integrally molded with the housing and the liquid supply section by blow molding. The liquid cartridge according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the inner surface of the above-mentioned operating section defines the above-mentioned storage chamber.

9. The operating part in the above mounting position is A first recess extending from the lower end of the first piece toward the other side in the left-right direction relative to the first surface, A liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, having a second recess extending from the lower end of the second piece toward one side in the left-right direction relative to the second surface.

10. The operating part in the above mounting position protrudes upward from the operating surface and has a plurality of first protrusions positioned at intervals in the front-rear direction. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the plurality of first protrusions extend continuously from the operating surface to the first piece or the second piece.

11. The above-mentioned multiple first protrusions are continuous from the operating surface to the first piece. The operating part in the above mounting position protrudes upward from the operating surface and has a plurality of second protrusions positioned at intervals in the front-rear direction. The above-mentioned multiple second protrusions are positioned on the operating surface at a distance from the above-mentioned multiple first protrusions to the other side in the left-right direction. The liquid cartridge according to claim 10, wherein a blow-molded parting line is located between the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions.

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