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EP2095957A1 - Tintenpatrone - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2095957A1
EP2095957A1 EP08003697A EP08003697A EP2095957A1 EP 2095957 A1 EP2095957 A1 EP 2095957A1 EP 08003697 A EP08003697 A EP 08003697A EP 08003697 A EP08003697 A EP 08003697A EP 2095957 A1 EP2095957 A1 EP 2095957A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
projection
ink
film
ink chamber
opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP08003697A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2095957B1 (de
Inventor
Tomohiro Kanbe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brother Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brother Industries Ltd filed Critical Brother Industries Ltd
Priority to DE200860002549 priority Critical patent/DE602008002549D1/de
Priority to EP20080003697 priority patent/EP2095957B1/de
Publication of EP2095957A1 publication Critical patent/EP2095957A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2095957B1 publication Critical patent/EP2095957B1/de
Ceased legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17513—Inner structure

Definitions

  • a known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to and removed from an inkjet recoding apparatus.
  • the known ink cartridge has an ink chamber configured to store ink, and when the ink cartridge is mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus, ink is supplied from the ink chamber to the inkjet recording apparatus.
  • the ink chamber is defined by a frame and a pair of films adhered to opposite side faces of the frame.
  • Such a known ink cartridge is described in JP-A-2007-144808 for example.
  • a technical advantage of the present invention is that ink may be consumed efficiently.
  • the ink cartridge may further comprise a cover member which covers the film and comprises rib members protruding toward the film, wherein the projections are formed by plastic deformation of the film caused by the rib members. With this configuration, the projections can be formed on the film easily.
  • the projecting may be formed so as to extend from a portion adjacent to an upper end of the first opening to a portion adjacent to a lower end of the first opening.
  • the ink cartridge may further comprise a movable member pivotably provided in the ink chamber.
  • the film may be formed of a multilayer synthetic resin film and a layer on the side of the ink chamber is formed of the same material as the frame. With this configuration, the film can be adhered to the frame easily.
  • the line intersecting the peak of the first end of the first projection and the peak of the second end of the first projection is slanted with respect to the center line of the second opening
  • the line intersecting the peak of the first end of the second projection and the peak of the second end of the second projection is slanted with respect to the center line of the second opening
  • a distance from a base of the first projection to a peak of the first projection may be substantially the same as a distance from a base of the second projection to a peak of the second projection.
  • Fig. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) .
  • Fig. 8 is a side view of a first cover member, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an inner wall surface of the first cover member is depicted.
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a packaging arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the housing 26 is configured to protect the container body 20. Substantially the entirety of the container body 20 other than a front face 41 of the container body 20 is covered by the housing 26.
  • the housing 26 comprises a first cover member 21 and a second cover member 22 configured to sandwich the container body 20 from the right and left in Fig. 2 , respectively.
  • a pair of films 65 is covered by the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22.
  • the first cover member 21 is attached to a right side face 46 of the container body 20.
  • the first cover member 21 comprises a plurality of engaging claws 12 extending from an inner wall surface thereof, and the container body 20 comprises a plurality of engaging grooves 13 formed therein.
  • the plurality of engaging claws 12 are fitted into the plurality of engaging grooves 13, respectively, such that the right side face 46 of the container body 20 is covered by the first cover member 21.
  • the second cover member 22 is attached to a left side face 45 of the container body 20.
  • the slider 27 is configured to contact and slide on the front portion 28 of the housing 26 between a first position and a second position in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow 33, when coil springs 23 and 24 expand and contract.
  • the slider 27 is positioned closer to the front face 41 of the container body 20 than when the slider 27 is in the first position, and when the slider 27 is at the first position, as depicted in Fig. 3(B) , the slider 27 is positioned further from the front face 41 of the container body 20 than when the slider 27 is in the second position.
  • the slider 27 moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 extends outside the slider 27 via an opening formed through the slider 27.
  • the container body 20 has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape having the front face 41, a rear face 42 opposite the front face 41, a top face 43, a bottom face 44 opposite top face 43, the left side face 45, and the right side face 46 opposite the left side face 45.
  • Each of the top face 43 and the bottom face 44 is connected to the front face 41 and the rear face 42
  • each of the left side face 45 and the right side face 46 is connected to the front face 41, the rear face 42, the top face 43, and the bottom face 44.
  • the area of the left side face 45 and the area of the right side face 46 each are greater than each of the area of the front face 41, the area of the rear face 42, the area of the top face 43, and the area of the bottom face 44.
  • each of the pair of films 65 comprises a plurality of layered, synthetic resin films.
  • each of the pair of films 65 comprises three layers.
  • the innermost layer is formed of a polypropylene, which is the same material as the frame 50.
  • the innermost layer of the pair of films 65 is adhered to the frame 50.
  • the outermost layer is formed of a polyethylene terephthalate, and the layer sandwiched by the innermost layer and the outermost layer is formed of a nylon.
  • each of the pair of films 65 may be formed of a metal foil sandwiched by synthetic resins.
  • each of the pair of films 65 may be formed of a pulp, a metal, or a natural resin.
  • the frame 50 comprises a rib 74 positioned at a right-side face 46 side of the outer peripheral wall 51, such that the rib 74 is positioned adjacent to a corner between the front face 41 and the bottom face 44.
  • a cylindrical tube 67 extends from the rib 74 towards the left side face 45.
  • a shaft 77 having a column shape has a first end fitted into the cylindrical tube 67, and a second end which is supported by the supporting block 170. The shaft 77 extends through a shaft hole 78 formed through the pivotable member 70.
  • the frame 50 comprises a cylindrical ink introduction chamber 105 formed in the rear face 42 of the frame 50 adjacent to the lower end of the rear face 42.
  • the ink introduction chamber 105 extends from the rear face 42 towards the ink chamber 100.
  • the ink introduction chamber 105 is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber 100. Ink is introduced into the ink chamber 100 through the ink introduction chamber 105 during the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 10.
  • the translucent portion 140 projects outward from a center portion of front face 41 of the frame 50 away from the ink chamber 100.
  • the translucent portion 140 comprises five rectangular walls and have a substantially a hollow box shape.
  • the translucent portion 140 comprises a front wall 140A, a pair of side walls 140B, a top wall 140C, and a bottom wall 140D.
  • the front wall 140A extends parallel to the front face 41 and is separated from the front face 41 by a predetermined distance.
  • the pair of side walls 140B are connected to the front face 41 and the front wall 140A, the top wall 140C is connected to top ends of the front wall 140A and the side walls 140B, and the bottom wall 140D is connected to bottom ends of the front wall 140A and the side walls 140B.
  • the width of the front wall 140A is less than the width of the front face 41.
  • the translucent portion 140 is configured to receive light emitted from an optical sensor, e.g., a photo interrupter.
  • an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter.
  • a light emitting portion of a photo interrupter faces one of the side walls 140B and a light receiving portion of the photo interrupter faces the other of the side walls 140B.
  • the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the photo interrupter may pass through the side walls 140B and reach the light receiving portion of the photo interrupter.
  • the air communication valve mechanism 80 When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the air communication valve mechanism 80 is positioned above the translucent portion 140.
  • the air communication valve mechanism 80 is configured to selectively open and close an opening 81 formed through an upper portion of the front face 41 of the frame 50, such that air communication valve mechanism 80 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber 100 and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 via the opening 81.
  • the air communication valve mechanism 80 comprises a valve member 87, a spring 86, a stopper 83, and a cap 85.
  • the stopper 83 has an opening formed therethrough.
  • the stopper 83 is partially positioned in the opening 81, but does not close the opening 81 completely because the opening is formed through the stopper 83.
  • the valve member 87 is configured to move between an opened position in which the valve member 87 is separated from the stopper 83, and a closed position in which the valve member 87 contacts the stopper 83.
  • the opening of the stopper 83 is not closed by the valve member 87, such that the opening 81 is opened.
  • the opening of the stopper 83 is closed by the valve member 87, such that the opening 81 is closed.
  • valve member 87 is resiliently urged by the spring 86 toward the stopper 83, such that the valve member 87 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of the spring 86 is applied to the valve member 87.
  • the opening 81 may be covered with a film instead of using the atmospheric air communication valve mechanism 80.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is positioned below the translucent portion 140.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is configured to selectively open and close an opening 91 formed through a lower portion of the front face 41 of the frame 50, such that the ink supply valve mechanism 90 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber 100 and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 via the opening 91.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 comprises a valve member 97, a spring 96, a spring receiver 94, a stopper 93, and a cap 95.
  • the stopper 93 has an opening formed therethrough.
  • the stopper 93 is partially positioned in the opening 91, but does not close the opening 91 completely because the opening is formed through the stopper 93.
  • the valve member 97 is configured to move between an opened position in which the valve member 97 is separated from the stopper 93, and a closed position in which the valve member 97 contacts the stopper 93.
  • the opening of the stopper 93 is not closed by the valve member 97, such that the opening 91 is opened.
  • the opening of the stopper 93 is closed by the valve member 97, such that the opening 91 is closed.
  • valve member 97 is resiliently urged by the spring 96 toward the stopper 93, such that the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of the spring 96 is applied to the valve member 97.
  • the valve member 97 is pushed by a tube of the image recording apparatus against the biasing force of the spring 96, and the opening 91 is opened. Consequently, ink in the ink chamber 100 is allowed to flow from the opening 91 to the image recording apparatus via the tube.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44.
  • the pivotable member 70 is configured to indicate whether the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein.
  • the indicating portion 72 is positioned at a first end of the pivotable member 70, and a float portion 73 is positioned at a second end of the pivotable member 70.
  • the pivotable member 70 has the shaft hole 78 formed therethrough.
  • the shaft hole 78 is positioned between the first end of the pivotable member 70 and the second end of the pivotable member 70.
  • the shaft 77 is inserted into the shaft hole 78, and the shaft 77 supports the pivotable member 70, such that the pivotable member 70 pivots about the shaft 77 in a direction indicated by an arrow 35 in Fig. 5 .
  • the shaft 77 is supported by the cylindrical tube 67 formed on the rib 74 at one end thereof, and by the supporting block 170 at the other end thereof.
  • the shaft 77 may be integral with the pivotable member 70.
  • the specific gravity of float portion 73 is less than the specific gravity of ink stored in the ink chamber 100.
  • the float portion 73 has a hollow formed therein, and floats on ink, such that the float portion 70 moves upward and downward based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber 100, and the pivotable member 70 pivots based on the movement of float portion 73.
  • the float portion 73 does not have the hollow, and comprises a material having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of ink.
  • the indicating portion 72 contacts the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, such that further movement of the pivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the lower position.
  • the indicating portion 72 moves away from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, and the float portion 73 contacts a bottom surface of the ink chamber 100.
  • the float portion 73 contacts the bottom surface of the ink chamber 100, further movement of the pivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicating portion 72 is at the upper position and separated from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140 by a predetermined distance.
  • the pivotable member 70 comprises a first portion 75 extending from the shaft hole 78 to the indicating portion 72, and a second portion 76 extending from the shaft hole 78 to the float portion 73.
  • the mass of the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 is less than the mass of the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70, such that when the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70 and the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 are in the same medium as each other, the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70 is heavier than the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70. Accordingly, when the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber is less than a sufficient amount of ink, the pivotable member 70 pivots counterclockwise about the shaft 77 in Fig.
  • the indicating portion 72 separates from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140.
  • the pivotable member 70 stops pivoting, and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the upper position.
  • the indicating portion 72 is at the upper position, it is be determined that the ink chamber 100 has an insufficient amount of ink stored therein.
  • the float portion 73 is submerged in the ink, and a buoyancy force acts on the float portion 73.
  • the buoyancy force is great enough to cause the pivotable member 70 to pivot clockwise about the shaft 77 in Fig. 5 .
  • the indicating portion 72 contacts the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, and the pivotable member 70 stops pivoting and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the lower position.
  • the indicating portion 72 is at the lower position, it is determined that the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein.
  • Whether or not the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein is determined by a user viewing the position of the indicating portion 72 in the inner space 142, or by using an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter, to monitor the position of the indicating portion 72.
  • an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter
  • the protecting member 150 is positioned around the pivotable member 70.
  • the protecting member 150 is manufactured by bending a linear steel wire.
  • the protecting member 150 comprises a U-shaped portion 150A which is received by a hook 131 formed on the frame 50, and ends 150B of the protecting member 150 are inserted into a hole (not shown) formed through the rib 74 and a hole 183 formed through the supporting block 170, respectively.
  • an inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 comprises a first pattern which faces the opening 57 on the right side face 46 of the frame 50.
  • the first pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the first pattern is a reticulated pattern.
  • the first portion comprises a flat surface 112, and the second portion comprises a plurality of rib members 110 which extend from the flat surface 112.
  • the rib members 110 extend towards the film 65.
  • Each of the rib members 110 has a base connected to the flat surface 112, and a peak positioned away from the flat surface 122.
  • the height of the rib members 110 from the base to the peak is substantially the same, and, in this embodiment, is between about 0.2 millimeters and about 0.3 millimeters.
  • the rib members 110 comprise a plurality of first rib members 110A, and a plurality of second rib members 110B which intersect the first rib members 110A.
  • Each of the first rib members 110A has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the first rib member 110A and a second end of the first rib member 110A corresponds to the length of the first rib member 110A.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first rib member 110A and a peak of the second end of the first rib member 110A is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44 of the frame 50, and a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first rib member 110A and a peak of the second end of the first rib member 110A is non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • each of the second rib members 110B has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the second rib member 110B and a second end of the second rib member 110B corresponds to the length of the second rib member 110B.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the second rib member 110B and a peak of the second end of the second rib member 110B is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • Each of the first rib members 110A extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the first rib member 110A is positioned higher than a right portion of the first rib member 110A in Fig. 8 .
  • each of the second rib members 110B extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the first rib member 110B is positioned lower than a right portion of the second rib member 110B.
  • the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B extend in directions intersecting a horizontal plane which is perpendicular to the gravitational direction.
  • the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B form a reticulated pattern with rhombs which are longer in the height direction 32 of the first cover member 21.
  • Each of the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B extends from a first end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., an upper end of the ink chamber 100, to a second end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., a lower end of the ink chamber 100.
  • a portion of the rib members 110 is positioned adjacent to the first end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the second end of the ink chamber 100, and another portion of the rib members 110 is positioned adjacent to the second end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the first end of the ink chamber 100. Moreover, yet another portion of the rib members 110 is positioned substantially at a center of the ink chamber 100. Although it is not shown in the drawings, a plurality of rib members are also formed on the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22 in the same manner.
  • the film 65 positioned on the right side face 46 of the frame 50 and the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 face each other. If the film 65 is not flexed, the distance between the rib members 110 and the film 65 is substantially zero, and therefore, the rib members 110 contacts the film 65. When the film 65 is flexed outward, the film 65 tightly contacts the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21, and the first pattern of the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 is transferred to the film 65, such that a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • the rib members 110 contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 is plastically deformed, and projections 60, which correspond to the shape of the rib members 110, are formed on the surface of the film 65 (See Fig. 10 ).
  • the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22 also comprises rib members which are the same as or similar to those on the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21. Therefore, when the film 65 positioned on the left side face 45 tightly contacts the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22, the projections 60 are formed on the surface of the film 65 positioned on the left side face 45.
  • the rib members formed on the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22 may have a different shape from the rib members 110 formed on the first cover member 21.
  • the left side face 45 does not have any film, and hence the rib members 110 are formed only on the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21.
  • the packaging arrangement 120 comprises the ink cartridge 10 and a package bag 121 enclosing the ink cartridge 10. The interior of the package bag 121 is depressurized. When the ink cartridge 10 is shipped from a factory, the packaging arrangement 120 is stored in a container box.
  • the interior of the package bag 121 is depressurized by a suction pump or the like, such that the pressure inside the package bag 121 is less than the atmospheric pressure.
  • the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is also depressurized, such that the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is less than the atmospheric pressure.
  • the pressure inside the package bag 121 and outside the ink chamber 100 is less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100. This pressure differential prevents air from entering the ink chamber 100 through the films 65, such that the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is prevented from being restored to the atmospheric pressure when the ink cartridge 10 is left unused for a substantial amount of time.
  • the shaft 77, the pivotable member 70, the supporting block 170, and the protecting member 150 are attached to the frame 50.
  • the pivotable member 70 and the supporting block 170 are manufactured in advance using injection molding.
  • the pivotable member 70 is attached to the frame 50, such that the indicating portion 72 is positioned in the inner space 142 of the translucent portion 140.
  • a resilient member e.g., rubber, is press-fitted into the ink introduction chamber 105. After the resilient member is fitted in the ink introduction chamber 105, the openings 57 of the frame 50 are covered and closed by the pair of films 65, respectively, such that the frame 50 and the pair of films 65 define the ink chamber 100 therein.
  • the air communication valve 80 is attached to the frame 50 at the opening 81 of the frame 50. More specifically, the spring 86, the valve member 87, the stopper 83, and the cap 85 are attached to the frame at the opening 81 of the frame 50.
  • the ink supply valve 90 is attached to the frame 50 at the opening 91 of the frame 50. More specifically, the spring receiver 94, the spring 96, the valve member 97, the stopper 93, and cap 95 are attached to the frame 50 at the opening 91 of the frame 50.
  • air in the ink chamber 100 is discharged through the opening 91. More specifically, a suction tube of a decompression device (not shown) is inserted into the opening 91, such that the suction tube applies a force to the ink supply valve 90 to open the opening 91. Then, the decompression device is activated to draw the air from the ink chamber 100. When the air in the ink chamber 100 is drawn by the decompression device, and the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is lowered to a predetermined pressure, the decompression device is stopped, and the suction tube is removed from the opening 91. When the suction tube is removed from the opening 91, the opening 91 is closed by the ink supply valve 90. Therefore, the interior of the ink chamber 100 is maintained in a depressurized state.
  • an ink introduction needle is inserted into the ink chamber 100 through the resilient member fitted in the ink introduction chamber 105 to introduce ink into the ink chamber 100. Because the interior of the ink chamber 100 is depressurized, ink is readily introduced into the ink chamber 100 by the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the ink chamber 100. After a predetermined amount of ink has been introduced into the ink chamber 100, e.g., about 80% the capacity of the ink chamber 100, the ink introduction needle is removed from the resilient member. When the ink introduction needle is inserted through the resilient member and then removed, an opening formed through the resilient member by the ink introduction needle is closed by the resiliency of the resilient member.
  • the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 may be about -60 kPa.
  • the films 65 are caused to flex toward the ink chamber 100 by the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the ink chamber 100. Nevertheless, the supporting block 170 supports the films 65 from the interior of the ink chamber 100.
  • the housing 26 is attached to the frame 50. More specifically, the first cover member 21 is attached to the right side face 46 of the frame 50, and the second cover member 22 is attached to the left side face 45 of the frame 50. Consequently, the first cover member 21 is positioned outside the film 65 which closes the right side face 46 of the frame 50, and the second cover member 22 is positioned outside the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50.
  • the films 65 flex inwardly because the interior of the ink chamber 100 is depressurized, and therefore, in this embodiment, the films 65 are positioned at a distance of about 0.3 millimeters at maximum apart from the cover members 21 and 22, respectively.
  • the slider 27 is coupled to the container body 20 via the coil springs 23 and 24.
  • the pressure outside the ink chamber 100 and inside the package bag 121 is about 10 kPa less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100. In another embodiment, the pressure inside the package bag 121 and outside the ink chamber 100 may be at least 2 kPa less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100.
  • the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 draws the film 65, which closes the right side face 46 of the frame 50, into tight contact with the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21. Consequently, the rib members 110 contact and apply a force to the film 65 to deform the film 65 plastically, such that the projections 60 which correspond to the shape of the rib members 110 are formed on the surface of the film 65.
  • the film 65 remains in tight contact with the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 at least until the package bag 121 is opened.
  • the projections 60 are formed after the packaging arrangement 120 is manufactured and before a user opens the package bag 121 to use the ink cartridge 10.
  • the projections 60 are also formed on the surface of the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50 in the same manner.
  • the rib members 110 comprise the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B. Therefore, referring to Fig. 10 , the projections 60 on the film 65 comprise a plurality of first projections 60A which correspond to the first rib members 110A, and a plurality of second projections 60B which correspond to the second rib members 110B. Each of the first and the second projections 60A and 60B are raised from a flat surface of the film 65 to extend into the ink chamber 100. Each of the projections 60 has a base connected to the flat surface of the film 65, and a peak positioned away from the flat surface of the film 65.
  • the height of the projections 60 from the base to the peak is substantially the same, and, in this embodiment, is between about 0.2 millimeters and about 0.3 millimeters.
  • the first projections 60A intersect the second projections 60B.
  • Each of the first projections 60A has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the first projection 60A and a second end of the first projection 60A corresponds to the length of the first projection 60A.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first projection 60A and a peak of the second end of the first projection 60A is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44 of the frame 50, and a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first projection 60A and a peak of the second end of the first projection 60A is non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • each of the second projection 60B has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the second projection 60B and a second end of the second projection 60B corresponds to the length of the second projection 60B.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the second projection 60B and a peak of the second end of the second projection 60B is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44 of the frame 50, and a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the second projection 60B and a peak of the second end of the second projection 60B is non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • Each of the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extends linearly from the first end of the first projection 60A to the second end of the first projection 60A, and from the first end of the second projection 60B to the second end of the second projection 60B, respectively.
  • Each of the first projections 60A extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the first projection 60A is positioned higher than a right portion of the first projection 60A in Fig. 10 .
  • each of the second projections 60B extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the second projection 60B is positioned lower than a right portion of the second projection 60B.
  • the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extend in directions intersecting a horizontal plane which is perpendicular to the gravitational direction.
  • the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B form a reticulated pattern with rhombs which are longer in the height direction 32 of the ink cartridge 10.
  • Each of the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extends from a first end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., an upper end of the ink chamber 100, to a second end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., a lower end of the ink chamber 100.
  • a portion of the projections 60 is positioned adjacent to the first end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the second end of the ink chamber 100, and another portion of the projections 60 is positioned adjacent to the second end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the first end of the ink chamber 100. Moreover, yet another portion of the projections 60 is positioned substantially at a center of the ink chamber 100.
  • the directions in which the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extend are selected based on the wettability of the surface of the films 65 on the ink-chamber-100 side.
  • the container body 20 comprises the projections 60 formed on the films 65 and extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane when the container body 20 is positioned, such that the height of the ink cartridge 10 extends substantially parallel to the gravitational direction, e.g., when the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to an image recording apparatus. Therefore, ink droplets on the film 65 run downward in the ink chamber 100 along the projections 60, and are supplied to the image recording apparatus through the opening 91. Accordingly, ink is consumed efficiently.
  • the float portion 73 moves based on the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100. Because the ink in the ink chamber 100 runs downward along the projections 60, the float portion 73 readily moves based on the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100. Therefore, an ink amount determination is accurately performed.
  • the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 comprises a fifth pattern according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fifth pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the first portion comprises a flat surface 112
  • the second portion comprises a plurality of rib members 116 which extend from the flat surface 112.
  • the rib members 116 extend in the height direction 32 of the first cover member 21 at predetermined intervals in the height direction 32.
  • a length of each of the rib members 116 is less than the height of the opening 57 in the height direction 32.
  • the rib members 116 are positioned in row in the height direction 32.
  • the rib members 116 are also positioned side by side in a horizontal direction, which is parallel to the depth direction 33.
  • the fifth pattern is transferred to the film 65 positioned on the right side face 46, such that a sixth pattern corresponding to the fifth pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • the rib members 116 contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 are plastically deformed, and projections (not shown) corresponding to the rib members 116 are formed on the film 65.
  • One of the projections is positioned adjacent to the upper end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the lower end of the ink chamber 100, another one of the projections is positioned adjacent to the lower end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the upper end of the ink chamber 100, and yet another one of the projections is positioned substantially at a center of the ink chamber 100. Projections are also formed on the surface of the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50 in the same manner.
  • the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 comprises a seventh pattern according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the seventh pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the first portion comprises a flat surface 112
  • the second portion comprises a plurality of rib members 117 which extend from the flat surface 112.
  • the rib members 117 extend from the upper end of the ink chamber 100 to a lower end of the ink chamber 100 in zigzag patterns.
  • the rib members 117 are positioned side by side in a horizontal direction, which is parallel to the depth direction 33.
  • the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 or the second cover member 22 comprises a ninth pattern.
  • the ninth pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the second portion comprises a flat surface 112, and the first portion comprise a plurality of grooves recessed in the direction away from the film 65.
  • the ninth pattern is transferred to the film 65, such that a tenth pattern corresponding to the ninth pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • An inner surface of the grooves contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 are plastically deformed, and projections (not shown) corresponding to the grooves are formed on the film 65. The projections extend away from the ink chamber 100.
  • the projections 60 are formed on the film 65 before the film 65 is adhered to the frame 50. Nevertheless, it may be more difficult to adhere the film 65 to the frame 50 if the projections 60 are formed on the film 65 in advance because the film 65 may be at least partially deformed due to the projections 60.
  • the pivotable member 70 may be omitted.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
EP20080003697 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Tintenpatrone Ceased EP2095957B1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200860002549 DE602008002549D1 (de) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Tintenpatrone
EP20080003697 EP2095957B1 (de) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Tintenpatrone

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20080003697 EP2095957B1 (de) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Tintenpatrone

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2095957A1 true EP2095957A1 (de) 2009-09-02
EP2095957B1 EP2095957B1 (de) 2010-09-15

Family

ID=39387098

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20080003697 Ceased EP2095957B1 (de) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Tintenpatrone

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2095957B1 (de)
DE (1) DE602008002549D1 (de)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030184626A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-10-02 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Ink Cartridge
US20050057624A1 (en) 2003-07-25 2005-03-17 Yukihiro Hanaoka Liquid container
EP1693213A2 (de) 2000-01-21 2006-08-23 Seiko Epson Corporation Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldruckvorrichtung mit einer derartigen Tintenpatrone
EP1772270A2 (de) 2005-09-29 2007-04-11 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone
EP1792736A1 (de) 2003-09-30 2007-06-06 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldrucker

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1693213A2 (de) 2000-01-21 2006-08-23 Seiko Epson Corporation Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldruckvorrichtung mit einer derartigen Tintenpatrone
US20030184626A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-10-02 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Ink Cartridge
US20050057624A1 (en) 2003-07-25 2005-03-17 Yukihiro Hanaoka Liquid container
EP1792736A1 (de) 2003-09-30 2007-06-06 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldrucker
EP1772270A2 (de) 2005-09-29 2007-04-11 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE602008002549D1 (de) 2010-10-28
EP2095957B1 (de) 2010-09-15

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