JP4196702B2 - Inkjet recording apparatus and ink cartridge set - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, and more particularly to an ink jet recording apparatus, an ink cartridge set, and an ink cartridge that can detect erroneous mounting of an ink cartridge while sharing a housing of each ink cartridge.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording apparatus that performs recording using a plurality of colors of ink has been known in which a plurality of ink cartridges each storing ink of each color are detachably mounted.
[0003]
  In such an ink jet recording apparatus, it is possible to replace only a specific ink cartridge according to the frequency of use of the ink, so that the ink can be used up for each color without waste, and the economy is excellent. Have.
[0004]
  In the above-described ink jet recording apparatus, each ink cartridge is mounted in a predetermined arrangement state (regular arrangement state) on the ink cartridge mounting portion, and recording is performed using an ink jet head corresponding to each color. Therefore, it is necessary to mount each ink cartridge in the ink cartridge mounting portion in a regular arrangement state, and if the ink cartridge is mounted (erroneously mounted) in an arrangement state different from the normal arrangement state, it differs from the data. There is a problem that ink is ejected and proper recording cannot be performed.
[0005]
  In order to solve this problem, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-109429 discloses a detection device that optically detects erroneous mounting of an ink cartridge. The detection device includes a light source that emits an optical signal and a photodetector that detects the optical signal so as to sandwich a plurality of printing component containers (ink cartridges). Optical waveguides through which optical signals pass are formed at different positions. When the printing component containers are mounted in a regular arrangement state, the optical waveguides formed in the printing component containers are coupled in a direction substantially inclined with respect to the arrangement direction of the containers. The optical signal from the light source is detected by the photodetector through the combined optical waveguide. On the other hand, when mounted in a non-regular arrangement, the optical waveguide formed in each printing component container is not coupled in the inclined direction, and the optical signal emitted from the light source is blocked before reaching the photodetector. The For this reason, the optical signal from the light source is not detected by the photodetector. As described above, the erroneous mounting is detected depending on whether or not the photodetector detects the optical signal from the light source.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
  JP-A-10-109429 (second column, 50th row to third column, ninth row).
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, when a detection device such as that described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-109429 is applied to detect erroneous mounting of an ink cartridge, the optical waveguide is placed at a different position for each ink cartridge. It must be formed inside the cartridge. For this reason, a housing for the ink cartridge having a different configuration for each ink color is required, and there is a problem in that the housing for the ink cartridge cannot be made common and the manufacturing cost increases.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. An ink jet recording apparatus capable of detecting erroneous mounting of an ink cartridge while sharing a housing of each ink cartridge, a set of ink cartridges, And it aims at providing an ink cartridge.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve this object, an ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ink cartridges for storing ink to be supplied to a plurality of ink jet heads, and the plurality of ink cartridges are detachably mounted in a predetermined arrangement state. An ink cartridge mounting sectionAndAn ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of ink cartridges for storing ink to be supplied to a plurality of ink jet heads; and an ink cartridge mounting portion for detachably mounting the plurality of ink cartridges in a predetermined arrangement state.
An optical signal source that emits an optical signal, and a detector that detects the optical signal emitted from the optical signal source,The plurality of ink cartridges;Each ink cartridgeThe casings have the same shape as each other, andIn the mounting partAboveWhen mounted in the prescribed arrangementAre attached to a pair of opposite side surfaces arranged in the predetermined arrangement direction on each side surface.A blocking region for blocking the optical signal, and a light transmission region formed in the blocking region.A sheet material to be formed,Light transmission areaEach ofAre arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the arrangement direction in the predetermined arrangement state,AboveEach cartridgeEveryIn different positionsAnd the sheet material is The ink color name is displayed at positions corresponding to the three surfaces of the pair of side surfaces and the surfaces adjacent to both side surfaces..
[0010]
  According to the ink cartridge recording apparatus of the first aspect, when a plurality of ink cartridges are mounted in a predetermined arrangement state on the ink cartridge mounting portion, the blocking regions on the side surfaces of the housings of the ink cartridges facing each other. The light transmission regions formed in the openings are aligned in a direction inclined with respect to the arrangement direction of the ink cartridges, and an optical signal from the optical signal source passes through the aligned light transmission regions and is detected by the detector. On the other hand, when a plurality of ink cartridges are not attached to the ink cartridge attachment portion in a predetermined arrangement state, the light transmission area does not line up in a direction inclined with respect to the arrangement direction of the ink cartridges. Are blocked and the optical signal is not detected by the detector. Each ink cartridge is configured by forming a blocking region and a light transmission region on the side surface of the housing.
[0011]
  Claim2 notesThe ink jet recording apparatus according to claim1In the inkjet recording apparatus,The sheet material is colored in a color corresponding to the color of the ink stored in each cartridge.Has been.
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
  Claim3The set of described ink cartridges is in a predetermined arrangement state for supplying ink to a plurality of inkjet heads, and the arrangement state is detected by an optical signal.The plurality of ink cartridges;Each ink cartridgeThe casings have the same shape as each other, andIn the mounting partAboveWhen mounted in the prescribed arrangementAre attached to a pair of opposite side surfaces arranged in the predetermined arrangement direction on each side surface.A blocking region for blocking the optical signal, and a light transmission region formed in the blocking region.A sheet material to be formed,Light transmission areaEach ofAre arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the arrangement direction in the predetermined arrangement state,AboveEach cartridgeEveryIn different positionsThe sheet material is continuously adhered to the three surfaces of the pair of side surfaces and the surfaces adjacent to both side surfaces thereof, and the sheet material is positioned at a position corresponding to each of the three surfaces of the housing. Ink color name is displayed.

[0017]
  This claim3According to the set of ink cartridges described, the arrangement state of the plurality of ink cartridges is detected by an optical signal. Here, when a set of a plurality of ink cartridges is in a predetermined arrangement state, the light transmission region is arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the arrangement direction, and an optical signal from the optical signal source is transmitted through the light transmission region. Then, it is detected by the detector, and it is detected that it is in a predetermined arrangement state. On the other hand, when the arrangement state is not the predetermined, the light transmission region is not aligned in the direction inclined with respect to the arrangement direction, so that the optical signal from the optical signal source is blocked by the blocking region, not detected by the detector, It is detected that it is not in an array state. Each ink cartridge is configured by forming a blocking region and a light transmission region on the side surface of the housing.
[0018]
  Claim4The set of ink cartridges described is claimed3In the set of ink cartridges described,The sheet material is colored in a color corresponding to the color of the ink stored in each cartridge.Has been.
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022]
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of an ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a recording apparatus main body 2 formed of a flame retardant plastic in a substantially box-shaped body, an inkjet head unit 3 removably mounted on the upper part thereof, Ink cartridges 4a to 4d, tubes 5a to 5d for communicating the inkjet head unit 3 and the ink cartridges 4a to 4d, a guide rod 7, an ink cartridge mounting portion 6, an optical signal source 9, and a detector 10. It has.
[0027]
  The ink jet head unit 3 is mounted with a plurality of ink jet heads (not shown) that eject ink and perform recording on recording paper. The ink jet head unit 3 communicates with ink cartridges 4a to 4d provided in the lower left portion of the recording apparatus main body 2 via tubes 5a to 5d and from the ink cartridges 4a to 4d. Ink is supplied through 5d. The ink jet head unit 3 is mounted on a carriage 3a. The carriage 3a is connected to a belt as is well known, and a pulley is rotated by a motor to drive the belt, thereby recording along the guide rod 7. The apparatus main body 2 can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction (A).
[0028]
  The ink cartridges 4 a to 4 d are for storing ink to be supplied to the inkjet head unit 3. Black, cyan, yellow, and magenta inks are sealed in the ink cartridges 4a to 4d.
[0029]
  The ink cartridge mounting unit 6 is for mounting the ink cartridges 4 a to 4 d on the recording apparatus main body 2, and is provided in the lower left portion of the recording apparatus main body 2. The ink cartridge mounting portion 6 is provided with a plurality of connecting portions (not shown) corresponding to the plurality of ink cartridges 4a to 4d, and each of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d has side surfaces 21 and 22 (FIG. 2). Are connected to the connecting portion in a predetermined arrangement state (regular arrangement state) (in order of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta from the left of the recording apparatus main body 2) in a state in which they are opposed to each other.
[0030]
  One end of each of the tubes 5 a to 5 d for supplying each ink to the inkjet head unit 3 is attached to the connecting portion. The other ends of the tubes 5a to 5d are connected to ink jet heads (not shown) corresponding to the respective color inks in the ink jet head unit 3 described above. By discharging ink of each color from the ink jet head, color recording can be performed on the recording paper.
[0031]
  The optical signal source 9 and the detector 10 for detecting the optical signal from the optical signal source 9 are for detecting erroneous mounting of the ink cartridge, and a straight line connecting the optical signal source 9 and the detector 10 is formed. The ink cartridges 4a to 4d are disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the arrangement direction. The optical signal source 9 and the detector 10 are supported by support portions that rise at both ends of the ink cartridge mounting portion 6.
[0032]
  The optical signal source 9 is composed of a light emitting diode (LED) or a semiconductor laser. The detector 10 is configured by a photovoltaic element or a photoconductive element.
[0033]
  Inside the recording apparatus main body 2 is disposed a control circuit board (not shown) on which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like for controlling the inkjet recording apparatus 1 are mounted according to a control program related to the operation content of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. ing.
[0034]
  Here, when the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are mounted in the normal arrangement state on the ink cartridge mounting portion 6 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, and the detector 10 detects the optical signal from the optical signal source 9, the above control is performed. An ink cartridge mounting flag (not shown) is turned on by the program, the recording start of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is permitted, and recording is possible. On the other hand, when the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are mounted on the ink cartridge mounting unit 6 in an array state other than the normal array state (erroneous mounting) and the detector 10 does not detect an optical signal, the ink cartridge mounting flag is turned off. Thus, the recording start of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is not permitted. For example, the user is informed that the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are erroneously mounted by turning on an error notification lamp or the like.
[0035]
  Next, the configuration of each of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 4a, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 4a. FIG. 4 is a left side view, a front view, and a right side view of each of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d.
[0036]
  Each of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d includes a bag body 31 that stores ink, a housing 20 that stores the bag body, and a color display label 24 that is attached to the surface of the housing 20. The bag body 31 and the housing 20 are configured the same regardless of the type of ink stored.
[0037]
  The bag body 31 is formed in a bag shape by welding two sheet materials having a laminated structure formed by laminating a plurality of film sheets, with peripheral edges welded so as to leave an opening 31a. Ink is stored. A spout 37 having a communication path 36 that communicates the inside and the outside of the bag 31 is fixed to the opening 31a of the bag 31 by welding its outer peripheral surface to the inner surface of the opening 31a. A plug 38 made of butyl rubber and blocking the inside and the outside of the bag 31 is press-fitted into the communication path 36 of the spout 37.
[0038]
  The housing | casing 20 is formed in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape by the light-impermeable member. A storage space 32 in which the bag body 31 can be stored is provided, and an insertion hole 29 is formed in the front surface 25 of the housing 20 so as to face the plug 38 of the bag body 31 stored in the storage space 32. ing. Engagement walls 33 a and 33 a for fixing the spout 37 of the bag body 31 are disposed inside the storage space 32 so as to surround the insertion hole 29. The bag body 31 is fixed in the storage space 32 by engaging the engagement walls 33 a and 33 a and the spout 37.
[0039]
  When the ink cartridge 4a is mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion 6, a hollow extraction needle (not shown) provided in the connecting portion pierces the stopper 38 through the insertion hole 29, and the ink filled in the bag 31 is hollow extracted. The ink is supplied to the corresponding inkjet head via the needle and the tube 5a.
[0040]
  The housing 20 includes a space 23 that penetrates the right side surface 21 and the left side surface 22. The space 23 is for transmitting an optical signal emitted from the optical signal source 9, and the space 23 and the storage space 33 are partitioned by a partition wall 35 and an engagement wall 33a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the optical signal transmitted through the space 23 from being blocked by the ink stored in the storage space 32.
[0041]
  The dimension L in the vertical direction of the space 23 is substantially the same as or larger than the height difference between the optical signal source 9 and the detector 10 in the arrangement direction of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d. Therefore, the optical signal emitted from the optical signal source 9 passes through the spaces 23 of the ink cartridges 4 a to 4 d in the inclination direction and reaches the detector 10.
[0042]
  The color display label 24 is made of a light-impermeable sheet-like film or paper, and forms a layer that blocks an optical signal emitted from the optical signal source 9, that is, a blocking area. An adhesive layer is formed on one side of the color display label 24, and is continuously attached to the three surfaces of the right side 21, the front 25, and the left side 22 of the housing 20 so as to cover the space 23 with the adhesive layer. Has been. On the other side, the names of the ink colors stored in the ink cartridge 4a are printed, and further colored with the same colors as the ink colors.
[0043]
  Further, in the color display label 24, the portions corresponding to the left and right side surfaces 21 and 22 of the space 23 are substantially circular through-holes 24 a 1 and 24 as light transmission regions for transmitting an optical signal emitted from the optical signal source 9. 24a2 is drilled.
[0044]
  In one color display label 24, the through holes 24a1 and 24a2 are inclined with respect to the arrangement direction of the ink cartridges when the ink cartridge 4a is attached to the ink cartridge attachment portion 6 in a regular arrangement state. The two side surfaces 21 and 22 of the housing 20 are formed at different positions in the height direction of the space 23 so as to be positioned on a straight line connecting the optical signal source 9 and the detector 10.
[0045]
  Further, the positions of the through holes are different from each other in the color display labels 24 of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d of the respective ink colors. That is, if the ink cartridges are arranged in the order of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta in a regular arrangement state, as shown in FIG. 4, the through holes 24a1 and 24a2 on both sides of the black ink cartridge 4a At the position corresponding to the highest portion of the space 23, the through holes 24a3 and 24a4 of the cyan ink cartridge 4b, the through holes 24a5 and 24a6 of the yellow ink cartridge 4c, and the through hole 24a7 of the magenta ink cartridge 4d. , 24 a 8 are sequentially shifted to a position corresponding to the lower portion of the space 23 in the direction of the inclined straight line connecting the optical signal source 9 and the detector 10. Accordingly, when the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion 6 with the side surfaces 21 and 22 facing each other and in a regular arrangement state, the through holes 24a1 to 24a8 are detected by the optical signal source 9. The through holes 24a1 to 24a8 do not line up in a straight line when they are mounted on an inclined straight line connecting to the vessel 10 but mounted in an incorrect arrangement.
[0046]
  Note that the through holes 24a2 and 24a3, 24a4 and 24a5, and 24a6 and 24a7 on the opposite side surfaces of the adjacent ink cartridges are formed at substantially opposite positions when the ink cartridges are arranged in close proximity to each other. However, when they are arranged with a gap between the side surfaces, they are formed so as to be shifted from each other in the direction of the inclined straight line connecting the optical signal source 9 and the detector 10.
[0047]
  Next, a state where the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A shows a state in which each of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d is mounted on the ink cartridge mounting unit 6 in a normal arrangement state, and FIG. 5B shows that the ink cartridge mounting unit 6 is not in a normal arrangement state. It is the figure which showed the state mounted | worn with the arrangement | sequence state. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the ink cartridge mounting portion 6 is omitted, and the positions of the through holes 24 a 1 to 24 a 8 are indicated by bold lines so that the positions of the through holes 24 a 1 to 24 a 8 can be easily understood.
[0048]
  As shown in FIG. 5A, when the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are mounted in the ink cartridge mounting unit 6 in a regular arrangement state, they are provided on the color display labels 24 attached to the ink cartridges 4a to 4d. The through holes 24a1 to 24a8 are aligned in a straight line obliquely with respect to the arrangement direction of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d.
[0049]
  When an optical signal is emitted from the optical signal source 9 in this state, the optical signal passes through the through holes 24a1 to 24a8 and the spaces 23 of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d and passes through the ink cartridges 4a to 4d. And is detected by the detector 10. When the optical signal is detected by the detector 10, an ink cartridge mounting flag (not shown) is turned on by the control program, the recording start of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is permitted, and recording becomes possible.
[0050]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion 6 in an arrangement state that is not in a normal arrangement state, specifically, the ink cartridge 4c (Y) and the ink When the cartridge 4b (C) is erroneously mounted, the optical signal emitted from the optical signal source 9 passes through the through hole 24a1, the space 23 of the ink cartridge 4a, and the through hole 24a2, but the ink cartridge 4c (C). The optical path is blocked by the color display label 24 (blocking region) attached to the. Therefore, the photodetector 10 cannot detect the optical signal emitted from the optical signal source 9. If the detector 10 does not detect the optical signal, it is determined by the control program that the ink cartridge has been erroneously installed, the ink cartridge installation flag is turned off, and the recording start of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is not permitted.
[0051]
  Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be easily made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Can be inferred.
[0052]
  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which the housing 20 is formed of a light-impermeable member and the space 23 is formed through the wall of the housing 20 as a portion through which an optical signal is transmitted. However, even if the casing 20 is made of a light-transmitting member and a layer that blocks light is formed as a blocking region on the side wall corresponding to the side surface of the space 23, leaving portions corresponding to the through holes 24a1 to 24a8. good. Even in such a case, the blocking region can be easily formed on the side surface of the housing 20 by a method such as sticking, coating, or printing.
[0053]
  Moreover, in the said Example, although the color display label 24 formed the interruption | blocking area | region using the base material comprised with a light-impermeable film or paper, using a light-transmissive base material, For example, the blocking region may be formed on the surface of the light-transmitting base material by a method such as coating or printing, leaving a portion that transmits light to the base material.
[0054]
  Furthermore, in the said Example, the case where the color display label 24 was affixed over three surfaces, the right side 21, the front 25, and the left side 22 of the ink cartridges 4a-4d was demonstrated. However, the color display label 24 may be attached to only one of the right side surface 21 and the left side surface 22.
[0055]
  In the above-described embodiment, the case where all the casings 20 of the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are made common is described. However, it is not always necessary to make all the cases common, for example, a black ink cartridge that is frequently used. The casing may be configured to be larger than the casings of other ink cartridges.
[0056]
  Further, in the above embodiment, the ink cartridges 4a to 4d are mounted on the ink cartridge mounting portion 6 of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1, and the inks of the respective colors are supplied to the inkjet head unit 3 through the tubes 5a to 5d. Although the ink cartridge erroneous mounting detection mechanism of the present invention is applied to the apparatus, it is not necessarily limited to the off-carriage, and is applied to a so-called on-carriage inkjet recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge mounting unit 6 is mounted on the carriage 3. May be.
[0057]
  Moreover, in the said Example, although the structure which stores ink in the bag body 31 is used, you may use the structure which stores ink in the porous member stored by capillary force.
[0058]
  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ink cartridges 4a to 4d and the ink jet head are configured separately. However, the ink jet head can be integrally attached to the casing of the ink cartridge, and both can be attached to and detached from the recording apparatus together. You may comprise as follows.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
  Claim1The ink jet recording apparatus includes an optical signal source that emits an optical signal and a detector that detects the optical signal emitted from the optical signal source, and the ink cartridge is in a predetermined arrangement state on the mounting portion. When mounted, the housing has a blocking area for blocking an optical signal and a light transmission area formed in the blocking area on the side surfaces facing each other, and the light transmission area is arranged in an aligned state. The ink cartridges are formed at different positions so as to be aligned in an inclined direction with respect to the arrangement direction. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion in a predetermined arrangement state, the optical signal emitted from the optical signal source is detected by the detector through the light transmission region. On the other hand, when the ink cartridge is not mounted in the predetermined arrangement state, the optical signal is blocked in the blocking area, and the optical signal is not detected by the detector. In addition, since the ink cartridge can be configured by forming the blocking area and the light transmission area on the side surface of the casing, there is an effect that the erroneous mounting of the ink cartridge can be reliably detected with a simple configuration.
  Further, since the blocking area is a sheet material that blocks an optical signal attached to the side surface of the ink cartridge, and the light transmission area is a through hole formed in the sheet material, the sheet material having a hole is opened. There is an effect that the light transmission region and the blocking region can be formed with a simple configuration in which the film is attached.
  In addition, since the plurality of ink cartridges have the same casing and different blocking areas, the same casing can be used even if the ink colors are different. The ink cartridge can be manufactured at a low cost by changing the position of the light transmission region.
  Further, the sheet material is continuously provided on the three surfaces of the side opposite to each other and the side adjacent to both sides of one ink cartridge, and the through-holes are provided at positions corresponding to the sides opposite to each other. Therefore, the sheet material can be attached to the ink cartridge only by bending it along the ink cartridge. Therefore, there is an effect that the ink cartridge can be manufactured at a low cost.
[0060]
  Claim2 notesAccording to the ink jet recording apparatus described in claim1Effects of the Inkjet Recording DeviceHas the same effect as.
[0061]
[0062]
[0063]
[0064]
[0065]
  Claim3According to the set of mounted ink cartridges, when in a predetermined arrangement state, the side surfaces of the casings facing each other have a blocking area for blocking an optical signal and a light transmission area formed in the blocking area. The light transmission regions are formed at different positions in each ink cartridge so as to be aligned in a direction inclined with respect to the arrangement direction in the arrangement state. By forming a blocking area and a light transmission area on the side of the housing, an ink cartridge can be configured, and when a plurality of ink cartridges are arranged side by side, an optical signal that transmits the light transmission area is used. Thus, there is an effect that the erroneous mounting of the ink cartridge can be reliably detected with a simple configuration.
  Also, some of the plurality of ink cartridges have the same shape and different blocking areas, so that the same casing can be used even if the ink colors are different. By changing the color display or changing the position of the light transmission region, an ink cartridge can be manufactured at low cost.
[0066]
  Claim4According to the set of mounted ink cartridges, the claim3Effects of the set of ink cartridgesHas the same effect as.
[0067]
[0068]
[0069]
[0070]
[0071]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge.
4A to 4B are a left side view, a front view, and a right side view of each ink cartridge. FIG.
FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the ink cartridge is mounted in a normal arrangement state on the ink cartridge mounting unit, and FIG. 5B is an arrangement state in which the ink cartridge mounting unit is not in a normal alignment state. It is the figure which showed the state mounted | worn with.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Inkjet recording device
4a to 4d ink cartridge
6 Ink cartridge mounting part
9 Optical signal source
10 Detector
20 housing
23 skywhile
24-color label (blocking area, sheet material)
24a1-24a8 Through hole (light transmission region)

Claims (4)

An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a plurality of ink cartridges for storing ink to be supplied to a plurality of ink jet heads; and an ink cartridge mounting portion for detachably mounting the plurality of ink cartridges in a predetermined arrangement state.
An optical signal source emitting an optical signal;
A detector for detecting an optical signal emitted from the optical signal source,
Each ink cartridge of the plurality of ink cartridges, and the same shape and the housing to each other, and a pair of opposing aligned in the predetermined arrangement direction when said mounted at the predetermined arrangement state to the mounting portion A sheet material is provided that is attached to the side surface and forms a blocking region that blocks the optical signal on each side surface, and a light transmission region that is opened in the blocking region ,
Each of the light transmission region, said to be aligned in a direction inclined to the arrangement direction thereof in a predetermined alignment state, are located at different positions the each cartridge,
The sheet material is continuously adhered to the three surfaces of the pair of side surfaces and the surfaces adjacent to the both side surfaces, and the color name of the ink is located at a position corresponding to each of the three surfaces of the housing. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by being displayed . 2. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the sheet material is colored in a color corresponding to a color of the ink stored in each cartridge . In a set of a plurality of ink cartridges that are in a predetermined arrangement state for supplying ink to a plurality of inkjet heads, and the arrangement state is detected by an optical signal,
Each ink cartridge of the plurality of ink cartridges, and the same shape and the housing to each other, and a pair of opposing aligned in the predetermined arrangement direction when said mounted at the predetermined arrangement state to the mounting portion A sheet material is provided that is attached to the side surface and forms a blocking region that blocks the optical signal on each side surface, and a light transmission region that is opened in the blocking region ,
Each of the light transmission region, said to be aligned in a direction inclined to the arrangement direction thereof in a predetermined alignment state, are located at different positions the each cartridge,
The sheet material is continuously adhered to the three surfaces of the pair of side surfaces and the surfaces adjacent to the both side surfaces, and the color name of the ink is located at a position corresponding to each of the three surfaces of the housing. A set of ink cartridges characterized by being displayed . 4. The ink cartridge set according to claim 3 , wherein the sheet material is colored in a color corresponding to a color of the ink stored in each cartridge .

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