Patent ID: 6050667
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A device for holding an ink cartridge in an image printing apparatus, the device comprising:a carriage for detachably holding the ink cartridge thereon;a printer head supported on the carriage for jetting ink supplied from the ink cartridge for image printing;a switch actuatable by the ink cartridge for detecting a presence/absence of the ink cartridge on the carriage; anda protective cover having an elastic cap for covering the switch to protect the switch from the ink and ink mist, the protective cover being deformable to enable the ink cartridge to actuate the switch therethrough, the elastic cap being a water-proof type, and the protective cover having an air vent which communicates an inside and outside of the cap for venting air in the inside to the outside when the protective cover is deformed by the ink cartridge.