Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a movable member which includes a sliding member and a float portion. The sliding member includes a signal blocking portion, and the signal blocking portion is configured to move in a first direction from a first position within a translucent portion to a second position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber. Moreover, the float portion is operationally coupled to the sliding member, and the float portion is disposed within the ink chamber. The float portion is configured to move independent of the first portion in a second direction from a third position to a fourth position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber. For example, the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction or may be slanted with respect to the first direction.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a container; an ink reservoir provided in the container; an opening provided in the container, the opening being situated in the container so that the opening can communicate with the ink reservoir through a fluid path; and a stop fitted in the opening, the stop having elasticity and being formed of a material such that a hollow needle can be penetrated through the stop. The stop is moveable between a first position permitting communication between the opening and the fluid path, and a second position in which the stop substantially obstructs communication between the opening and the fluid path.

Abstract: To accurately position and fix an ink cartridge on an ink cartridge mounting unit, a first engaging depression is formed in the bottom wall of the ink cartridge and a corresponding protrusion is formed in the mounting unit. Also, an ink supply port is formed in the bottom wall. When the ink cartridge is mounted on the mounting unit, the ink supply port is engaged first with an ink supply channel formed in the mounting unit and fluidly connected to the head unit. Then, the first engaging depression is brought into engagement with the corresponding protrusion in the mounting unit. A second engaging depression is further formed in the top. The engaging pawl of a locking arm engages the second engaging depression when the locking arm locks the ink cartridge to the head unit. Further, a pair of ribs is provided on the rear side wall of the ink cartridge. The ribs oppose each other with a prescribed interval.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case; an ink chamber situated within the cartridge case; an ink supply opening formed in the cartridge case for supplying ink from the ink chamber to an exterior of the cartridge; and a lever mechanism provided in the ink chamber, the lever mechanism including a light blocking member at a first end of the lever mechanism, the lever mechanism being rotatable about a rotation point on the lever mechanism, and the light blocking member being movable in association with rotation of the lever mechanism.

Abstract: An ink cartridge is used mounted in a recording device with a hollow needle, a lever, a protruding wall, and an optical sensor. The lever and the optical sensor are located on either side of the hollow needle, but closer to the opening through which the ink cartridge is mounted. The ink cartridge is formed with two grooves open to the front and lower surfaces of the ink cartridge at positions that correspond to the protruding wall and the optical sensor. A light blocking member is disposed in the groove that corresponds to the optical sensor. When the ink cartridge is mounted into the recording device, one groove accommodates and is guided by the protruding wall. The other groove accommodates the sensor so that the light blocking member protrudes into the optical sensor. Also, the front surface of the ink cartridge abuts the lever, which uncovers the hollow needle so that ink supply hole in the front surface of the ink cartridge is inserted with the hollow needle.

Abstract: An ink cartridge includes an ink-holding portion, a flexible film, and a sensor lever. The ink-holding portion has an indented surface portion and an opening portion. The flexible film covers the opening portion of the ink-holding portion and is capable of deforming toward the indented surface portion in association with reduction in ink amount in the indented surface portion. The sensor lever has two ends. One end serves as an ink residual amount detection point and is disposed to protrude upward above the indented surface portion in the ink-holding portion. The other end extends away from the ink-holding portion. The flexible film presses the ink residual amount detection point of the sensor lever when the flexible film deforms toward the indented surface portion.

Abstract: An ink cartridge has a first partitioning wall 5 and a third partitioning wall 7 for dividing the inside of a case 2 into a first ink chamber 9 and a second ink chamber 10, and a second partitioning wall 6 for demarcating an atmosphere connection chamber 11. In an upper case cover 3 are formed an ink filling hole 13 communicating with the second ink chamber 10 and a pressure reduction hole 14 communicating with the atmosphere connection chamber 11. Therefore, when ink filling is being done, the filling apparatus and the pressure reduction apparatus need only be brought to bear from one side of the upper case cover, resulting in improved work efficiency. Ink filling can be performed efficiently because the ink successively passes to the second ink chamber 10 and the first ink chamber 9. After ink filling, the ink filling hole 13 and the pressure reduction hole 14 can easily be sealed off with sealing material. An ink cartridge is thus provided that can be easily assembled at low cost.