PURPOSE: To easily insert and remove an ink cartridge without leakage of waste ink by providing a knocker portion formed on the front wall of the cartridge to strikes against a safety lid at a striking point spaced from the rotational axis of the safety lid and swing up the safety lid.
CONSTITUTION: A knocker portion 4D having a striking surface 4E at its fore end is formed in an ink cartridge 400 so as to release a safety lid 50 from the restriction position imposed by a locking member 51 after the knocker portion 4D strikes against a lower half portion of the safety lid 50, as the ink cartridge 400 is inserted along an insertion passage 52. Since the knocker portion 4D strikes against the lower the half portion of the safety lid 50 and rotates the safety lid 50, the safety lid 50 is easily swing up. On the other hand, when the ink cartridge 400 is pulled out, the safety lid 50 is returned to its initial position by a spring 53 while the striking surface 4E of the ink cartridge 400 is held in contact with the lower half portion of the safety lid 50, thereby resulting in all removing and inserting actions of the parts are smooth. After the removal of the cartridge 400, the front wall 4A is facing upwardly, thereby preventing the leakage of waste ink.
HASHIMOTO KENICHIRO
HIRAMATSU SOICHI
INOUE HIROYUKI
SUZUKI TETSUO
MATSUI SHINYA
