Patent ID: 8083308
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A liquid cartridge comprising: a liquid accommodating chamber accommodating liquid therein; a float member movably disposed in the liquid accommodating chamber to be movable in accordance with a change in a liquid surface of the liquid accommodated in the liquid accommodating chamber, mass per unit volume of the float member being smaller than mass per unit volume of the liquid; a detection member that moves in conjunction with the float member, the detection member being subject to light detection for determining remaining amounts of liquid accommodated in the liquid accommodating chamber; and a restricting portion that restricts movement of the float member and the detection member along a predetermined path, wherein a part of the detection member is located at a detection position located above an uppermost liquid surface reached when a predetermined maximum amount of liquid, corresponding to the liquid surface being higher than or equal to 70% of the height of the liquid accommodating chamber, is accommodated in the liquid accommodating chamber; wherein at least a part of the liquid accommodating chamber is configured to have light transmissive characteristics so that light can reach the detection position without passing through the liquid; wherein the detection member passes the detection position in conjunction with the float member that moves following the liquid surface of liquid in the liquid accommodating chamber; and wherein the detection member is disk-shaped having a circumference along which a plurality of light transmission sections, which permit light to pass therethrough, are formed at an equi-interval.