| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink cartridge which can improve the detection precision when an ink residual quantity is detected by using an optical means. SOLUTION: In the case where ink 71 is present up to the position of an inclined part 51a (refer to Fig. (a)), light emitted from an infrared beam light emitting element 19a (optical path X) transmits the inclined part 51a and then reaches a reflecting member 53 while transmitting the ink 71. The inclined part 51a is inclined by approximately 20 degrees to the reflecting member 53, and therefore an angle of incidence of the light reaching the reflecting member 53 is different from an angle of incidence to the inclined part 51a. Most of the light reaching the reflecting member 53 is reflected by the reflecting member 53 into a direction different from an incidence direction, so that a reflecting light reflected to an infrared beam light receiving element 19b can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the ink 71 is not present up to the position of the inclined part 51a (Fig. (b)), the light is reflected at an inside interface of the inclined part 51a, and its reflecting light (optical path Y) reaches the infrared beam light receiving element 19b. The residual quantity of ink is detected by whether the reflecting light is of a large amount or a small amount. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI |
