JP2012126035A - Liquid detection system, and liquid container - Google Patents

Abstract

A spring in a cavity of a liquid detection device is prevented from being strongly compressed and deteriorated.
A cavity having a deformable variable portion is provided between the supply port for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion to the outside and the liquid storage portion, and the variable portion is interposed from the inside of the cavity via a pressure receiving member. It is energized by a helical spring. Further, the change in the position of the pressure receiving member can be detected by the detecting means. Further, when the helical spring is compressed to a predetermined length, the movement of the pressure receiving member is restricted by the regulating member. In this way, the helical spring is not compressed more than a predetermined length, so that it is possible to prevent the helical spring from deteriorating.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for detecting a liquid in a liquid container containing a liquid.

A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid such as ink from an ejecting nozzle like a so-called ink jet printer is equipped with a liquid container such as an ink cartridge that contains the liquid therein as a liquid supply source. The liquid container is loaded so as to be replaceable with respect to the liquid ejecting apparatus. When the liquid in the liquid container is exhausted, it can be replaced with a new liquid container.

In addition, the liquid container is provided between the liquid container that contains the liquid and a supply port that supplies the liquid to the outside of the liquid container for the purpose of notifying the user of the replacement time of the liquid container. A liquid detection device may be provided for detecting that the liquid has run out. The liquid detection device is provided with a cavity that is formed by a recess and a film that covers the recess and is filled with liquid from the liquid container. A pressure receiving plate and a spring are provided inside the cavity, and the spring biases the film in one direction via the pressure receiving plate. In such a liquid detection device, when the liquid remains in the liquid container, the liquid is supplied to the cavity, so that the liquid pressure and the pressure from the spring act on the film covering the recess. .
However, if there is no liquid in the liquid container, no liquid will be supplied to the cavity.
The liquid pressure is no longer applied to the film, and the position of the film (and the pressure receiving plate) moves.
A technique has been proposed in which the change in the position of the pressure receiving plate at this time is detected to detect the absence of liquid in the liquid container (Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-307894 A

However, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that the spring may be strongly compressed as the position of the pressure receiving plate changes. As a result, there is a problem that the spring deteriorates and the pressure receiving plate cannot be properly biased.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art,
An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing the spring in the cavity from being strongly compressed and deteriorated.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the liquid detection system of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A liquid detection system for detecting the presence or absence of a liquid in a liquid storage unit for storing a liquid,
Provided between the supply port for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit to the outside and the liquid storage unit, the interior is filled with the liquid from the liquid storage unit, and at least part of the liquid storage unit is deformable. A cavity having a variable part;
A helical spring that urges a pressure receiving member provided inside the cavity from the inside of the cavity to abut against the variable part,
Detecting means for detecting a change in the position of the pressure receiving member;
The gist includes a regulating member that regulates deformation of the helical spring by restricting movement of the pressure receiving member when the helical spring is compressed to a predetermined length.

In such a liquid detection system of the present invention, when the liquid remains in the liquid container, the liquid is supplied to the cavity. Therefore, the liquid pressure and the pressure from the helical spring are applied to the variable portion of the cavity. Works. On the other hand, when the liquid in the liquid storage portion is exhausted, the liquid is no longer supplied to the cavity, the pressure in the cavity decreases, and the position of the variable portion (and the pressure receiving member) moves. Therefore, the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid container can be detected by detecting the change in the position of the pressure receiving member. Here, in the liquid detection system of the present invention, when the helical spring is compressed to a predetermined length, the movement of the pressure receiving member is restricted by the regulating member, and further deformation of the helical spring is restricted.

In this way, if the restriction member restricts the helical spring from being compressed beyond a predetermined length, the helical spring is compressed beyond the elastic limit, or the helical spring is wound before the elastic limit is exceeded. It can prevent that the wire of a spring contacts. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deformed helical spring from returning to its original shape, and prevent the helical spring from being worn due to contact between wires. As a result, since the pressure receiving member can be appropriately biased by the helical spring, it is possible to appropriately detect the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid container.

As a method for restricting the movement of the pressure receiving member by the regulating member, for example, the movement of the pressure receiving member may be restricted by the contact between the regulating member and the pressure receiving member, or the regulating member is provided on the pressure receiving member. Alternatively, the movement of the pressure receiving member may be limited by the restriction member coming into contact with the cavity. Further, the movement of the pressure receiving member may be restricted by contact between the regulating members provided in both the pressure receiving member and the cavity.

Moreover, this invention can also be grasped | ascertained as an aspect of the liquid container for implement | achieving said liquid detection system. That is,
A liquid container for supplying liquid to the outside,
A liquid container for containing the liquid therein;
A supply port for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion to the outside;
A cavity that is provided between the liquid storage portion and the supply port and has a variable portion that is at least partially deformable while being filled with the liquid from the liquid storage portion;
A helical spring that urges the variable part from the inside of the cavity with a pressure receiving member provided inside the cavity;
The gist includes a regulating member that regulates deformation of the helical spring by restricting movement of the pressure receiving member when the helical spring is compressed to a predetermined length.

In such a liquid container of the present invention, the presence or absence of liquid can be detected by detecting the position of the pressure receiving member from the outside of the liquid container. In addition, since the helical spring is not compressed more than a predetermined length, the helical spring is compressed beyond the elastic limit, or the helical spring wires contact with each other before the elastic limit is exceeded, and wear. Can be prevented. As a result, since the pressure receiving member can be appropriately biased by the helical spring, it is possible to appropriately detect the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid container.

Moreover, in the liquid container of the present invention described above, detection means for detecting a change in the position of the pressure receiving member may be provided inside the liquid container. In this way, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid container without providing a configuration for detecting a change in the position of the pressure receiving member outside the liquid container.

In the above-described liquid container of the present invention, the regulating member is erected from the cavity toward the variable portion of the cavity, and at least the outer diameter on the base side is fitted to the inner diameter of the helical spring. It is good also as forming in a diameter.

If it carries out like this, it can use also as a member for positioning the winding spring which suspends a control member in the predetermined position in a cavity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the helical spring from being displaced in the cavity while restricting the helical spring from being compressed beyond a predetermined length. As a result, since the pressure receiving member can be appropriately biased by the helical spring, it is possible to appropriately detect the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid container.

Moreover, in the liquid container of the present invention described above, the outer diameter at the tip of the regulating member may be formed smaller than the outer diameter on the base side of the regulating member.

When the liquid container is filled with liquid (at the time of initial filling) or the like, bubbles may be mixed in the inner diameter portion surrounded by the wire rod of the helical spring (hereinafter, the inside of the helical spring). If the mixed bubbles are relatively large, it becomes difficult for the bubbles to escape outside between the wire rods of the helical spring, and the bubbles remain inside the helical spring. Thus, in the state where bubbles remain in the cavity, the pressure of the liquid cannot be transmitted well to the variable part, and as a result, the presence or absence of the liquid in the liquid storage part cannot be detected properly. So, as mentioned above,
The outer diameter of the tip of the restricting member is made smaller than the outer diameter of the base of the restricting member. If it carries out like this, a bubble can be divided | segmented small by pinching the bubble inside a helical spring with the front-end | tip of a pressure receiving member and a control member. Accordingly, since the bubbles that have become smaller can be released from between the wire rods of the helical spring, it is possible to suppress the bubbles from remaining in the cavity, and thus to appropriately detect the presence or absence of liquid in the liquid container. Become.

It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the inkjet printer. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the ink cartridge was loaded in a cartridge holder. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of an ink cartridge according to the present exemplary embodiment. It is the disassembled perspective view which showed the detailed structure of the ink detection apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed the method of detecting that the ink in an ink pack was exhausted by the ink detection apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the helical spring was prevented from being overcompressed in the ink detection apparatus of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the ink detection apparatus of a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the ink detection apparatus of a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the ink detection apparatus of a 3rd modification.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Device configuration:
B. Structure of the ink detection device of this embodiment:
C. Modification:
C-1. First modification:
C-2. Second modification:
C-3. Third modification:
C-4. Fourth modification:

A. Device configuration :
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a rough configuration of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present embodiment, using a so-called ink jet printer as an example. The illustrated ink jet printer 10 has a substantially box-like appearance, and a front cover 11 is provided in the approximate center of the front surface, and a plurality of operation buttons 15 are provided on the left side thereof. The front cover 11 is pivotally supported on the lower end side, and when the upper end side is tilted forward, an elongated discharge port 12 through which the printing paper is discharged appears. In addition, a paper feed tray (not shown) is provided on the back side of the ink jet printer 10, and when the printing paper is set in the paper feeding tray and the operation button 15 is operated, the printing paper is sucked from the paper feeding tray, After an image or the like is printed on the surface inside, the printing paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 12.

An upper surface cover 14 is provided on the upper surface side of the inkjet printer 10.
The upper surface cover 14 is pivotally supported on the back side, and when the upper surface cover 14 is opened by lifting the near side, the internal state of the ink jet printer 10 is checked or the ink jet printer 10 is repaired. Is possible.

Further, inside the inkjet printer 10, an ejection head 20 that forms ink dots on the printing paper while reciprocating in the main scanning direction, a drive mechanism 30 that reciprocates the ejection head 20, and the like are mounted. A plurality of ejection nozzles are provided on the bottom surface side (side facing the printing paper) of the ejection head 20 and eject ink from the ejection nozzles toward the printing paper.

The ink ejected from the ejection nozzles is stored in a special container called an ink cartridge 40. The ink cartridge 40 is loaded in a cartridge holder 42 provided at a position different from the ejection head 20, and the ink in the ink cartridge 40 is supplied to the ejection head 20 via the ink tube 24. In the inkjet printer 10 of the present embodiment, the cartridge replacement cover 1 that is pivotally supported on the lower end side, adjacent to the right side of the front cover 11.
3 is provided, and the ink cartridge 40 can be attached and detached by tilting the upper end side of the cartridge replacement cover 13 forward.

In the illustrated inkjet printer 10, it is possible to print a color image using four types of inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. An ejection nozzle is provided for each type of ink. And
The ink in the corresponding ink cartridge 40 is supplied to each ejection nozzle via an ink tube 24 provided for each type of ink.

A drive mechanism 30 that reciprocates the ejection head 20 includes a timing belt 32 having a plurality of teeth formed therein, a drive motor 34 for driving the timing belt 32, and the like. A part of the timing belt 32 is fixed to the ejection head 20. When the timing belt 32 is driven, the ejection head 20 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction while being guided by a guide rail (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction. It becomes possible to make it.

An area called a home position is provided at a position outside the printing area where the ejection head 20 is moved in the main scanning direction, and a maintenance mechanism is mounted at the home position. The maintenance mechanism is pressed against the surface (nozzle surface) on which the ejection nozzle is formed on the bottom surface side (side facing the printing paper) of the ejection head 20, and forms a closed space so as to surround the ejection nozzle. An elevating mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the cap 50 to press against the nozzle surface of the ejection head 20 and a negative pressure is introduced into a closed space formed by pressing the cap 50 against the nozzle surface of the ejection head 20. A suction pump (not shown) is used.

Furthermore, inside the inkjet printer 10, a paper feeding mechanism (not shown) for feeding printing paper, a control unit 60 for controlling the overall operation of the inkjet printer 10, and the like are also mounted. The operation of reciprocating the ejection head 20, the operation of feeding printing paper, the operation of ejecting ink from the ejection nozzle, and the operation of performing maintenance so that printing can be performed normally are all controlled by the control unit 60. Has been.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the ink cartridge 40 is mounted on the cartridge holder 42. As shown in the figure, the cartridge holder 42 is provided with an insertion hole 44 for inserting the ink cartridge 40 from the front side toward the back side for each ink cartridge 40. An ink intake needle 46 for taking ink from the ink cartridge 40 is provided on the inner surface of the insertion hole 44 toward the front side. An ink supply port (not shown) is provided on the back surface of the ink cartridge 40. When the ink cartridge 40 is inserted and inserted into the insertion hole 44 of the cartridge holder 42 to the back side, the ink intake needle 46 is inserted into the ink supply port, and the ink in the ink cartridge 40 can be taken into the cartridge holder 42. It becomes.

The cartridge holder 42 has a built-in ink passage and diaphragm pump (not shown), and the ink taken from the ink intake needle 46 is absorbed by the ink passage.
The ink tube 24 is connected to the back side of the cartridge holder 42 (see FIG. 1). Further, the diaphragm pump provided on the ink passage is provided with an ink cartridge 4.
The ink in 0 is sucked and the ink is pumped toward the ejection head 20.
As described above, the ink jet printer 10 according to the present embodiment includes the ink cartridges 40 for four colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and the ink in the ink cartridge 40 is independent of each other. To the ejection head 20. Therefore, an ink passage and a diaphragm pump are provided for each ink cartridge 40 inside the cartridge holder 42.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the ink cartridge 40 of this embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the ink cartridge 40 includes an ink pack 70 for storing ink, a cartridge case 72 for storing the ink pack 70, and an ink supply unit 74 provided at the edge of the ink pack 70 on the front side of the paper surface. Etc. In the ink supply unit 74, ink for supplying ink in the ink pack 70 toward the ink injection port 80 and the ejection head 20 used when the ink is filled in the ink pack 70 in the manufacturing stage of the ink cartridge 40. A supply port 82 and an ink detection device 84 for detecting the presence or absence of ink in the ink pack 70 are provided. The detailed structure of the ink detection device 84 will be described later.

The cartridge case 72 for storing the ink pack 70 includes a main body case 76 and a lid portion 7.
8 is composed. The main body case 76 formed in a box shape can accommodate the ink pack 70 therein. On the other hand, the lid 78 is a member that seals (covers) the opening of the main body case 76. The main body case 76 and the lid portion 78 are joined by fitting the lid portion 78 into the opening of the main body case 76. The lid portion 78 is provided with a supply port hole 86 for allowing the ink supply port 82 of the ink pack 70 to go outside the lid portion 78.
When the opening of the main body case 76 is sealed, the ink supply port 82 is fixed at the position of the supply port hole 86.

B. Structure of the ink detection device of this embodiment:
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a detailed structure of the ink detection device 84 mounted on the ink cartridge 40 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the ink detection device 84 is viewed from above the ink pack 70 with the ink supply port 82 directed vertically upward.

As shown in the drawing, the ink detection device 84 of the present embodiment is roughly configured by the ink pack 70.
A substantially cylindrical cavity 90 filled with ink from the inside, various components accommodated in the cavity 90, and the cavity 90 in a state in which these components are accommodated in the cavity 90.
Film 106 that seals the opening of the cavity, and cavity 9 in which the opening is sealed with film 106
The lever 108 is attached to 0. The cavity 90 of this embodiment corresponds to the “cavity” of the present invention, and the film 10 that seals the opening of the cavity 90.
6 corresponds to the “variable part” of the cavity of the present invention.

As will be described in detail later, in the ink cartridge 40 of this embodiment, the ink in the ink pack 70 passes through the cavity 90 while flowing out from the ink supply port 82 through an internal passage (not shown). ing. Accordingly, the cavity 90 is provided with an inflow port 92 through which ink from the ink pack 70 flows in and an outflow port 94 through which the ink in the cavity 90 flows out to the ink supply port 82.

Further, a check valve 102 for preventing the ink from flowing back from the cavity 90 to the ink pack 70 is provided inside the cavity 90, and a film 106 is provided from the inside of the cavity 90.
A helical spring 100 for energizing is provided, and a pressure receiving plate 105 (pressure receiving member) is provided between the check valve 102 and the helical spring 100 and the film 106.

In the pressure receiving plate 105, a movement restricting portion 104 that restricts the check valve 102 from moving upstream of the inflow port 92 while allowing ink to flow into the cavity 90 from the inflow port 92,
A spring receiving portion 103 is provided between the bottom surface of the cavity 90 and a convex portion 96 erected above the paper surface to sandwich the helical spring 100. The movement restricting portion 104 and the spring receiving portion 103 of this embodiment are connected and formed as one member, but the movement restricting portion 104 and the spring receiving portion 103 are separate members. It doesn't matter.

When the movement restricting portion 104 of the pressure receiving plate 105 as described above is fitted into the inlet 92 of the cavity 90, the check valve 102 is isolated on the downstream side of the inlet 92 and the movement to the upstream side is restricted, One end of the helical spring 100 (the end on the side not fixed to the convex portion 96) is fixed to the concave portion on the back surface of the spring receiving portion 103, and the helical spring 100 is positioned at a predetermined position of the cavity 90.

Further, a lever 108 is provided above the paper surface of the cavity 90 sealed with the film 106, and an attachment hole provided at one end of the lever 108 is fitted into a protrusion provided on the outer surface of the cavity 90, so that the mounting is performed. The lever 108 is supported rotatably about the position of the hole. The ink detection device 84 of the present embodiment configured as described above detects that the ink in the ink pack 70 has run out as follows.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a mechanism for detecting that the ink in the ink pack 70 has run out by the ink detection device 84 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the AA ′ line passing through the center of the cavity 90 in the state shown in FIG. 4 is taken from the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4 and this longitudinal section is viewed from the front side of the ink pack 70. ing. FIG. 5A shows the ink supply port 82.
FIG. 5 shows the state of the ink detection device 84 in a state in which ink is not sucked out from FIG.
FIG. 5B shows the state of the ink detection device 84 in a state where ink is sucked out from the ink supply port 82.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in a state where ink is not sucked out from the ink supply port 82, the spring receiving portion 103 is biased toward the film 106 by the helical spring 100 in the cavity 90. The portion of the film 106 that comes into contact with the receiving portion 103 is deformed, and a force acts to push the lever 108 upward in the drawing.

Further, from the surface side of the lever 108 (the side opposite to the surface facing the cavity 90), a force that pushes the lever 108 back by a biasing mechanism (not shown) acts on the lever 108. In the drawing, the direction of the force acting on the lever 108 by the biasing mechanism is indicated by an arrow. Then, at a position where these reverse forces acting on the lever 108 are balanced, FIG.
As shown in (a), the state where the lever 108 is slightly pushed out is maintained.

In the ink cartridge 40 of this embodiment, the inner diameter of the internal passage 112 connecting the cavity 90 and the ink supply port 82 is larger than the inner diameter of the internal passage 110 connecting the cavity 90 and the ink pack 70. ing. For this reason, when ink is sucked out from the ink supply port 82 to supply ink to the ejection head 20, the inside of the cavity 90 becomes negative pressure.
At this time, as shown in FIG.
As a result, the lever 108 is pushed down by an urging mechanism (not shown).

Here, if the ink remains in the ink pack 70, the cavity 9 is delayed.
By supplying ink into 0, the pressure in the cavity 90 is restored. For this reason,
After a certain period of time has passed since the ink was sucked from the ink supply port 82, the film 106 returns to the original state (the state shown in FIG.
Is pushed out. Accordingly, when the lever 108 is detected by the photosensor 120 provided at the tip of the lever 108 after a certain period of time has elapsed since the ink was sucked, it is determined that the ink is still remaining in the ink pack 70. it can.

In this embodiment, the photo sensor 120 for detecting the lever 108 is described as being provided inside the ink cartridge 40. However, the photo sensor 120 may be provided outside the ink cartridge 40 (for example, inside the cartridge holder 42). . In this case, for example, a mechanism for transmitting the movement of the lever 108 to the outside of the ink cartridge 40 (
A transmission mechanism) may be provided, and a change in the position of the lever 108 may be detected by the photosensor 120 on the cartridge holder 42 side through this transmission mechanism.

On the other hand, when the ink in the ink pack 70 runs out, the ink that has flowed out of the cavity 90 is not supplied to the cavity 90, so that the lever 1 is operated by an urging mechanism (not shown).
08 remains depressed. Accordingly, the lever 108 is not detected by the photosensor 120 even after a certain period of time has passed after the ink is sucked out from the ink supply port 82. In this case, it can be determined that the ink has run out in the ink pack 70. As described above, in the ink detection device 84 of the present embodiment, the pressure change in the cavity 90 is detected by the spring receiver 1.
By detecting the change in the position 03 (and the change in the position of the lever 108 associated therewith), it is possible to detect that the ink in the ink pack 70 has run out.

Note that the photosensor 120 of the present embodiment detects a change in the position of the spring receiving portion 103 (pressure receiving member) of the pressure receiving plate 105 that contacts the film 106 (variable portion) via the lever 108. Corresponds to “detection means”.

Here, as described above, in the ink detection device 84 of this embodiment, when the ink is sucked out from the ink supply port 82, the film 106 is deformed by the negative pressure in the cavity 90, and the helical spring 100 is compressed. (See FIG. 5B). At this time, if the helical spring 100 is compressed too strongly, the helical spring 100 does not return to its original shape after the film 106 returns to its original position. In this case, the spring receiving portion 103 (and the film 106) cannot be properly biased by the helical spring 100. As a result, the presence or absence of ink in the ink pack 70 cannot be properly detected.

Further, depending on the design of the helical spring 100 (setting of the wire diameter and pitch), the helical spring wires may come into contact with each other (reach the maximum compression state) before reaching the elastic limit. In this case, the above-mentioned inconvenience does not occur, but the wire rods of the helical spring 100 come into contact with each other and wear. As a result, the helical spring 100 is deteriorated, and the spring receiving portion 103 cannot be properly biased by the helical spring 100. As a result, the presence or absence of ink in the ink pack 70 cannot be properly detected. Therefore,
In the ink detection device 84 of the present embodiment, the helical spring 100 is prevented from being excessively compressed as follows.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the helical spring 100 is prevented from being excessively compressed in the ink detection device 84 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the longitudinal section of the cavity 90 shown in FIG.

As described above, the cavity 90 of the ink detection device 84 of the present embodiment is provided with the convex portion 96 that positions one end of the helical spring 100 at a predetermined position on the bottom surface of the cavity 90 (see FIG. 4). ). As shown in FIG. 6A, when the ink is not sucked out from the ink supply port 82, the tip of the convex portion 96 and the spring receiving portion 103 are separated from each other. In this state, when ink is sucked out from the ink supply port 82, the spring receiving portion 103 moves slightly inside the cavity 90 as shown in FIG. In contact with it, it is limited to move inside the cavity 90. Eventually, the helical spring 100 is not compressed shorter than the length of the convex portion 96 (indicated as the length a in the drawing).

Here, the length a of the convex portion 96 of the present embodiment is the length of the helical spring 100 when the helical spring 100 is compressed to the elastic limit (or the minimum compression at which the wire rods of the helical spring 100 are in contact with each other). Longer). Therefore, the helical spring 100 is not compressed beyond the elastic limit, and is not compressed until the wires are brought into contact with each other. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the helical spring 100 from being deteriorated due to the helical spring 100 deformed by compression not returning to its original shape, or when the helical spring 100 is worn by contact between wires. . As a result, the spring receiving portion 103 can be appropriately biased by the helical spring 100, so that the presence or absence of ink in the ink pack 70 can be detected appropriately.

Further, since it is possible to avoid the occurrence of powdery substances generated by wear of the helical spring 100 in the ink, it is possible to prevent the properties of the ink from being deteriorated due to the mixing of the powdery substances. Become.

C. Modified example:
Several modifications can be considered in the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, these modified examples will be briefly described. Note that, in the modification described below, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

C-1. First modification:
In the ink detection device 84 of the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the convex portion 96 on which the helical spring 100 is installed is formed into a cylindrical shape. However, the convex part 96 is good also as shape | molding in the following shapes.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the ink detection device 84 of the first modification. In the convex portion 96 of the ink detection device 84 shown in FIG. 7, the diameter of the tip of the convex portion 96 is smaller than the diameter of the convex portion 96 on the bottom surface side of the cavity 90. If the convex portion 96 is formed in this way, FIG.
), Even if relatively large bubbles are mixed in the space surrounded by the helical spring 100 and the spring receiving portion 103, the helical spring 100 and the spring receiving portion 103 are surrounded. It is possible to escape air bubbles outside the space. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the spring receiving portion 103 and the tip of the convex portion 96 abut, the tip of the convex portion 96 and the spring receiving portion 10 are contacted.
3, the bubbles are sandwiched between the large bubbles and the large bubbles are divided into a plurality of small bubbles. The bubbles thus divided can escape from the gap of the wire rod of the helical spring 100 to the outside of the helical spring 100.

By so doing, bubbles can be effectively suppressed from remaining in the cavity 90. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation where the pressure of the ink is not properly transmitted to the film 106 due to the bubbles in the cavity 90, so that the presence or absence of ink in the ink pack 70 can be appropriately detected.

C-2. Second modification:
In the ink detection device 84 of the above-described embodiment or the first modification, the convex portion 96 is the cavity 9.
It was described as being erected from the bottom surface of 0. However, the convex portion 96 may be provided on the spring receiving portion 103 side.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the ink detection device 84 of the second modified example. In the ink detection device 84 shown in FIG. 8, the spring receiving portion 1 having a convex surface that contacts the helical spring 100.
The helical spring 100 is positioned by 03 and a recess 97 provided on the bottom surface of the cavity 90. A convex portion 96 is erected from the convex portion of the spring receiving portion 103 toward the bottom surface of the cavity 90. In the ink detection device 84 of the second modified example, when the film 106 is deformed and the spring receiving portion 103 moves to the bottom surface side of the cavity 90, the convex portion is formed when the helical spring 100 is compressed to a predetermined length. The tip of 96 abuts against the bottom surface of the cavity 90. Accordingly, since the helical spring 100 is not compressed any more, the helical spring 100 is excessively compressed and the shape is the same as in the ink detecting device 84 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) described above. It is possible to prevent the wire rods of the helical spring 100 from rubbing against each other. As a result, when the helical spring 100 functions normally, the presence or absence of ink in the ink pack 70 can be detected appropriately.

C-3. Third modification:
In the above-described embodiment, the first modification, and the second modification, it has been described that the movement of the spring receiving portion 103 is limited by the convex portion 96 provided inside the helical spring 100. Here, as a method of restricting the movement of the spring receiving portion 103, the following method may be considered.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the structure of the ink detection device 84 of the third modified example. The convex portion 96 of the ink detection device 84 illustrated in FIG. 9 is shorter in length than the convex portion 96 of the ink detection device 84 illustrated in FIG. 6. 9 functions as a member for positioning the helical spring 100, but does not function as a member for restricting the movement of the spring receiving portion 103. On the other hand, the ink detection device 84 of FIG. 9 is provided with an elongated plate-like locking member 98 from the side surface of the cavity 90 toward the helical spring 100. For this reason, when the film 106 is deformed and the spring receiving portion 103 moves to the bottom surface side of the cavity 90, the spring receiving portion 103 comes into contact with the locking member 98 halfway, and the helical spring 100 is not compressed any more. Therefore, similar to the ink detection device 84 described above (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 8),
The deterioration of the helical spring 100 can be prevented, and as a result, the presence or absence of ink in the ink pack 70 can be detected appropriately.

Further, in the ink detection device 84 shown in FIG. 9, since the height of the convex portion 96 is set low, the flow of ink flowing from the inlet 92 to the outlet 94 through the cavity 90 is obstructed by the convex portion 96. There is no. Furthermore, since the locking member 98 is provided substantially in parallel with the ink flow in the cavity 90 described above and is formed in a plate shape, the locking member 98 hinders the flow of ink in the cavity 90. It will never be done. Therefore, since ink can be easily sucked out from the ink cartridge 40, it is possible to reduce the burden of a pump (in this embodiment, a diaphragm pump) that sucks ink from the ink supply port 82 toward the cartridge holder 42 side.

C-4. Fourth modification:
In this embodiment, when the lever 108 is no longer detected by the photosensor 120 even after a certain period of time has passed since the ink was sucked from the ink supply port 82, it is detected that the ink in the ink pack 70 has run out. On the contrary, the lever is detected by the photosensor 120 even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the arrangement of the photosensor was changed and ink was sucked from the ink supply port 82. Thus, it may be detected that the ink in the ink pack 70 has run out. In this case, the ink remains in the ink pack 70 because the lever 108 is no longer detected by the photosensor 120 when a certain period of time has passed since the ink was sucked from the ink supply port 82. Become.

Although various embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to all the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, it has been described that the convex portion (or the locking member) that restricts the movement of the spring receiving portion is provided on either the cavity side or the spring receiving portion side. However, the convex portion (locking member) is provided on both the cavity side and the spring receiving portion side,
It is good also as restrict | limiting the movement of a spring receiving part when these convex parts (locking member) contact | abut.

10 ... inkjet printer, 20 ... jetting head,
40 ... Ink cartridge, 42 ... Cartridge holder, 60 ... Control unit,
70 ... Ink pack, 74 ... Ink supply unit, 82 ... Ink supply port,
84 ... Ink detection device, 90 ... Cavity, 92 ... Inlet,
94 ... Outlet, 96 ... Convex part, 97 ... Concave part 98 ... Locking member, 100 ... Spiral spring, 103 ... Spring receiving part,
104 ... Movement restriction part 105 ... Pressure receiving plate 106 ... Film
108 ... Lever, 110 ... Internal passage, 112 ... Internal passage,
120 ... Photo sensor

Claims (5)

A liquid detection system for detecting the presence or absence of a liquid in a liquid storage unit for storing a liquid,
Provided between the supply port for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit to the outside and the liquid storage unit, the interior is filled with the liquid from the liquid storage unit, and at least part of the liquid storage unit is deformable. A cavity having a variable part;
A helical spring that urges a pressure receiving member provided inside the cavity from the inside of the cavity to abut against the variable part,
Detecting means for detecting a change in the position of the pressure receiving member;
And a regulating member that regulates deformation of the helical spring by restricting movement of the pressure-receiving member when the helical spring is compressed to a predetermined length. A liquid container for supplying liquid to the outside,
A liquid container for containing the liquid therein;
A supply port for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion to the outside;
A cavity that is provided between the liquid storage portion and the supply port and has a variable portion that is at least partially deformable while being filled with the liquid from the liquid storage portion;
A helical spring that urges the variable part from the inside of the cavity with a pressure receiving member provided inside the cavity;
A liquid container comprising: a restricting member that restricts deformation of the helical spring by restricting movement of the pressure receiving member when the helical spring is compressed to a predetermined length.   The liquid container according to claim 2, further comprising detection means for detecting a change in the position of the pressure receiving member. A liquid container according to claim 2 or claim 3,
The restricting member is erected from the cavity toward the variable portion of the cavity, and at least an outer diameter on the base side of the restricting member is formed to an outer diameter that is fitted to an inner diameter of the helical spring. Liquid container. The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein the regulating member is formed such that an outer diameter of a tip of the regulating member is smaller than an outer diameter on a base side of the regulating member.

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