EP2095962B1

EP2095962B1 - Ink cartridges

Info

Publication number: EP2095962B1
Application number: EP08003715A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Tomohiro Kanbe; Shingo Hattori
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-28
Filing date: 2008-02-28
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-28
Also published as: EP2095962A1; EP2311641A1; EP2311641B1; DE602008006014D1; ATE504451T1

Abstract

An ink cartridge includes a frame and a movable member. At least the frame defines an ink chamber therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink therein. The movable member is configured to move within the ink chamber in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The movable member includes a plurality of projections, and each of the plurality of projections extend from a surface of the movable member in one of the first direction and the second direction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to ink cartridges. In particular, the present invention is directed towards ink cartridges which may be used in combination with ink jet printers.

2. Description of Related Art

A known ink jet printer is configured to dispense ink onto a sheet of paper to record an image on the sheet of paper. The known ink jet printer has a recording head. The recording head is configured to selectively eject ink from nozzles to the sheet of paper. A known ink cartridge is configured to be removably mounted to the ink jet printer. The ink cartridge has an ink chamber configured to store ink therein, and ink is supplied from the ink chamber to the recording head when the ink cartridge is mounted to the ink jet printer.
The ink cartridge has a movable member positioned in the ink chamber. The movable member is configured to pivot based on the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber. When the ink is consumed and the amount of ink in the ink chamber becomes less than a sufficient amount of ink, an end of the movable member moves from a first position at which the end of the movable member is detected by a detector e.g., an optical sensor, to a second position at which the end of the movable member is not detected by the detector. Consequently, whether the ink chamber has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein may be determined based on the position of the end of the movable member.
The movable member is submerged in ink when the ink chamber has an amount of ink which is substantially greater than a sufficient amount of ink. As the ink in the ink chamber gradually decreases, the movable member gradually becomes exposed above the surface of the ink. When the movable member is exposed from the surface of the ink, a web-shaped film of ink or a balloon-shaped film of ink may be formed between the movable member and inner wall of the ink chamber. The film may inhibit or restrict the pivotal motion of the movable member, and the end of movable member may not be detected accurately. For example, when the movable member attempts to pivot away from the surface of the ink, the film may draw the movable member towards the inner wall of the ink chamber.
From EP 1 772 270 A2 there is known an ink cartridge for supplying ink to an inkjet recording device. The ink cartridge comprises a case forming a housing space for housing an ink reservoir element on the inside and a replaceable ink reservoir element storing ink and placed in the housing space. The ink reservoir element comprises an ink supply part for supplying ink to an inkjet recording device and an irradiated part structured to be placed between two portions of an optical sensor of the inkjet recording apparatus and to be irradiated with light. A remaining ink quantity can be detected by the operation of a sensor arm.
From US 7,188,939 B1 there is known an ink cartridge including a movable member which includes a sliding member and a float portion. The sliding member includes a signal blocking portion, and the signal blocking portion is configured to move in a first direction from a first position within a translucent portion to a second position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber. Moreover, the float portion is operationally coupled to the sliding member, and the float portion is disposed within the ink chamber. The float portion is configured to move independent of the first portion in a second direction from a third position to a fourth position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber.
From EP 1 839 871 A1 there is known an ink cartridge comprising a sensor arm which is provided inside the ink tank where ink is stored and which moves along a set displacement path as the ink stored inside the ink tank decreases. A diffusion surface is provided on a portion of the surface of the sensor arm. Small irregularities are formed on the diffusion surface so as to generate a capillary force. The diffusion surface consists of a base surface and a plurality of projecting parts projecting from the base surface. Base surface and projecting parts are connected at an angle so as to form corner parts. Furthermore, capillary force generating areas formed between adjusting projecting parts are linked to other capillary force generating areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a need has arisen for ink cartridges which overcome these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the present invention is that a movable member readily may pivot in a direction away from a surface of ink.
The object of the invention is attained by an ink cartridge according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.
Other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) are a perspective view of a front side and a rear side, respectively, of an ink cartridge 10, according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B).
Fig. 3 is a side view of the ink cartridge of Fig.(A) and 1 (B).
Fig. 4 is an enlarged, perspective view of an ink container, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a side view showing an internal structure of the ink container of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of the ink container of Fig. 4.
Fig. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of the ink container of Fig. 4.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a supporting block, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of Fig. 6 taken along a line X-X.
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of Fig. 6 taken along a line XI-XI.
Fig. 12 is an enlarged, perspective view of a leading end of a reinforcing plate, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 13 is a pattern diagram of the leading end of the reinforcing plate viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow in Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the leading end of the reinforcing plate taken along the line XIV-XIV in Fig. 10.
Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the leading end of the reinforcing plate taken along the line XV-XV in Fig. 11.
Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion XVI in Fig. 4.
Fig. 17 is a pattern diagram showing the leading end of the reinforcing plate provided with penetrating portions.
Fig. 18 is a pattern diagram showing the leading end of the reinforcing plate in which an intersection between a first edge and second edges and an intersection between a first edge and second edges are chamfered.
Fig. 19 is a pattern diagram showing the leading end of the reinforcing plate in which a curved portion is formed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention and their features and technical advantages may be understood by referring to Figs. 1(A)-19, like numerals being used for like corresponding portions in the various drawings.
Referring to Figs. 1(A) and 1(B), an ink cartridge 10 may be configured to be removably mounted to an ink jet recording apparatus (not shown), such as an ink jet printer. For example, ink cartridge 10 may be mounted in a cartridge storage section (not shown) of the recording apparatus when ink cartridge 10 is inserted in a direction of insertion 30.
The ink cartridge 10 has a substantially flat, substantially rectangular, parallelepiped shape, and may be more narrow in a widthwise direction, as indicated by an arrow 31, than in a height direction, as indicated by an arrow 32, and a depth direction, as indicated by an arrow 33. Referring to Figs. 1(A)-2, the ink cartridge 10 comprises an ink container 20, a case, e.g., a housing 26, a movable member, e.g., a slider 27, and a pair of coil springs 23 and 24, in which the housing 26 and the slider 27 forms an outer shell of the ink cartridge 10. The ink container 20 comprises a frame 50, an air communication valve 80, and an ink supply valve 90.
The housing 26 is configured to protect the ink container 20. For example, each portion of the ink container 20 other than a front surface 41 may be covered by the housing 26. The housing 26 comprises a first cover 21 and a second cover 22 configured to enclose the ink container 20. The first cover 21 is attached to a right side surface 46 of the ink container 20 via a plurality of engaging claws 12 positioned on the inner surface of the first cover 21, which engage engaging grooves 13 positioned on the ink container 20. Accordingly, the right side surface 46 of the ink container 20 is covered by the first cover 21. Similarly, the second cover 22 is attached to a left side surface 45 of the ink container 20, such that the left side surface 45 of the ink container 20 is covered by he second cover 22. The covers 21 and 22 have a shape which allows covers 21 and 22 to avoid interfering with the frame 50, the air communication valve 80, and the ink supply valve 90.
The slider 27 is configured to protect the air communication valve 80 and the ink supply valve 90. The slider 27 is removably attached to the ink container 20, and an inner surface of the slider 27 contacts the coil springs 23 and 24. The coil spring 23 is mounted to a spring receiver 23A formed at the upper portion of the front surface 41 of the ink container 20, the coil spring 24 is mounted to a spring receiver 24A formed at the bottom portion of the front surface 41, and the engaging claws 15 and 16 engage a pair of engaging grooves 17 and 18, respectively, positioned on the slider 27, such that a front portion 28 of the housing 26 is covered by the slider 27.
The ink container 20 comprises the frame 50, an arm 70, a supporting block 170, a protecting member 150, the air communication valve 80, the ink supply valve 90, and at least one film 65, e.g., a pair of films 65. The frame 50 is a housing of the ink container 20, which defines surfaces 41-46. The frame 50 comprises a translucent resin, e.g., a transparent resin, and may be formed by injection molding. For example, the frame 50 may comprise polypropylene, polyacetal, nylon, or the like, or any combinations thereof.
The frame 50 comprises an outer peripheral wall 51 and a plurality of inner walls 52. The inner walls 52 are arranged inside the outer peripheral wall 51. The outer peripheral wall 51 and the inner walls 52 may be integral with the frame 50. The outer peripheral wall 51 and the inner walls 52 extend from the left side surface 45 to the right side surface 46 of the ink container 20. The outer peripheral wall 51 is positioned in an annular shape along the front surface 41, the upper surface 43, the rear surface 42, and the lower surface 44 to define a space in the interior thereof. Accordingly, an opening 57 is positioned on each of the left side surface 45 and the right side surface 46 of the frame 50.
The pair of films 65, e.g., translucent films, are connected to, e.g., adhered to, the left side surface 45 and the right side surface 46, respectively, of the frame 50 via an adhesion method, e.g., a thermal adhesion method. More specifically, the films 65 are adhered to both end portions of the outer peripheral wall 51 in the widthwise direction 31. Accordingly, the openings 57 are covered by the films 65, and a space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 51 and the films 65 is defined as an ink chamber 100. Alternatively, a box-shaped frame which is opened on one side only may be employed instead of the frame 50. In this case, the ink chamber 100 is defined by the film 65 adhered on the opened side of the box shaped frame.
The inner walls 52 may be surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 51. The frame 50 comprises a partitioning panel 53 which partitions an upper space of the ink chamber 100 at the center in the widthwise direction 31 integrally with the outer peripheral wall 51. The inner walls 52 may be integral with the outer peripheral wall 51 or the partitioning panel 53. The films 65 may be adhered to the inner walls 52 at the both end portions in the widthwise direction 31. Accordingly, inward deformation of the films 65 may be prevented or suppressed. Moreover, although the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 may deform toward the ink container 20, deformation of the first cover 21 and the second cover 22 is prevented or suppressed by the inner walls 52. Consequently, the ink container 20 and the films 65 are not damaged. The lower portion of the ink chamber 100, e.g., a space 102, below the partitioning panel 53 may not be partitioned in the widthwise direction 31.
Referring to Figs. 4-6, the ribs 107-112 are positioned within a range surrounded by the wall 51. Referring to Figs. 10 and 12, the frame 50 comprises a reinforcing plate 53 which partitions an upper space of the ink chamber 100 at the center in the widthwise direction 31 integrally with the wall 51. The ribs 107-112 may be integral with the wall 51 or the reinforcing plate 53. Consequently, the wall 51 can be reinforced by the reinforcing plate 53 or the ribs 107-112. The films 65 also may be adhered to the ribs 107-112 at the both end portions in the widthwise direction 31. Referring to Fig. 7, the lower portion of the ink chamber 100, e.g., a space 102, below the partitioning panel 53 is not be partitioned in the widthwise direction 31.
A bearing plate 74 is positioned at the center of the wall 51 in the widthwise direction and protrudes therefrom. The bearing plate 74 is positioned on the wall 51 at a position adjacent to a corner defined by the front surface 41 and the lower surface 44. The bearing plate 74 is positioned at the end portion on the right side surface 46 side of the wall 51, and protrudes therefrom. The bearing plate 74 has a bearing 67, e.g., a circular bearing, positioned on the surface of the side of the left side surface 45. A shaft 77, e.g., a shaft having a column shape, is fitted to the bearing 67, and a shaft opening 78 of the arm 70 is fitted on the shaft 77. Accordingly, the arm 70 is arranged substantially at the center of the frame in the widthwise direction 31. The other end of the shaft 77 is supported by the supporting block 170.
An ink injection portion 105 is positioned at the rear surface 42 of the frame 50. The ink injection portion 105 has a circular hole formed therethrough, which allows fluid communication between the rear surface 42 and the ink chamber 100. The ink injection portion 105 may be integral with the frame 50 adjacent to the leading end of the rear surface 42. The ink injection portion 105 communicates with the ink chamber 100. Ink is injected into the ink chamber 100 through the ink injection portion 105.
The front surface 41 of the frame 50 has a translucent portion 140 extending therefrom. The translucent portion 140 is used to detect the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 100. The translucent portion 140 may be integral with the frame 50, and may comprise the same material as the frame 50. The translucent portion 140 may be irradiated with light by an optical sensor, such as photo interrupter, attached to the recording apparatus. The optical sensor has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. In this embodiment, the side wall 140B may be irradiated with light emitted from the light-emitting element and detected light which passes through the side wall 140B may be received by the light-receiving element.
The translucent portion 140 protrudes outward from a portion of the front surface 41 adjacent to the middle portion thereof. The translucent portion 140 is defined by five wall surfaces forming a substantially rectangular shape, and the space 142 corresponds to an interior thereof, and has a hollow rectangular box shape. The translucent portion 140 is defined by a front wall 140A extending in parallel to the front surface 41, a pair of side walls 140B, an upper wall 140C, and a lower wall 140D. The width of the front wall 140A is less than the width of the front surface 41.
The air communication valve 80 is positioned above the translucent portion 140. The air communication valve 80 is configured to selectively open and close a through hole 81 to allow fluid communication with the atmosphere. The air communication valve 80 comprises a valve body 87, a spring 86, a sealing member 83, and a cap 85. The air communication valve 80 may open the through hole 81 hermetically when the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the recording apparatus, and when the ink cartridge 10 is not mounted to the recording apparatus, the air communication valve 80 may close the through hole 81. Alternatively, the air communication valve 80 may be replaced by a vinyl adhesive tape or film.
The ink supply valve 90 is positioned below the translucent portion 140. The ink supply valve 90 is configured to selectively open and close a through hole 91 to allow ink to be dispensed from an interior of ink chamber 100 to an exterior of ink chamber 100. The ink supply valve 90 comprises a valve body 97, a spring 96, a spring receiver 94, a sealing member 93, and a cap 95. The ink supply valve 90 closes the through hole 91 when the ink cartridge 10 is not mounted to the recording apparatus, and opens the through hole 91 when the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording apparatus and an ink needle (not shown) applies a force to ink supply valve 90, such that ink flows from the ink chamber 100 to the recording apparatus via the needle.
The arm 70 is used to determine whether the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 is greater than a predetermined or a sufficient amount of ink. The arm 70 comprises a signal blocking portion 72 which is positioned at a first end of the arm 70. The signal blocking portion 72 is configured to be positioned within the inner space 142 or outside the inner space 142 based on the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100. The arm 70 also comprises a float portion 73 positioned at a second end of the arm 70. The arm 70 has a shaft hole 78 formed therethrough at substantially a center thereof. The shaft 77 is inserted into the shaft hole 78. The shaft 77 is configured to rotatably support the arm 70, and is supported by the bearing 67 positioned on the bearing plate 74 at a first end thereof, and by the supporting block 170 at second end thereof. The arm 70 is rotatably supported by the shaft 77 to be pivotable in the first direction and the second direction, which is perpendicular to the widthwise direction. The shaft 77 is separate from or integral with the arm 70.
The interior of the float portion 73 is hollow, and floats on ink. Alternatively, the float portion 73 may have a specific gravity which is less than the specific gravity of ink. Therefore, the float portion 73 is displaced upward when a level of the ink in the chamber 100 is reduced to be lower than a predetermined ink level, and the arm 70 rotates in accordance with the movement of the float portion 73. In this embodiment, the float portion 73 is configured to allow a second portion 76 from the shaft hole 78 to the float portion float in the ink.
The signal blocking portion 72 is configured to indicate whether the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 is less than a sufficient amount of ink. When the arm 70 is rotated clockwise in Fig. 5, the signal blocking portion 72 moves into the space 142 of the translucent portion 140. The signal blocking portion 72 contacts the inner surface of the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140 to prevent the further rotation thereof, and to position the arm 70 in the first position. When the arm 70 is rotated counterclockwise in Fig. 5, the signal blocking portion 72 moves away from the inner surface of the bottom wall 140D to position the arm 70 in a second position.
In this embodiment, a second portion 76 of the arm 70 may have a weight which is greater than a weight of a first position 75 of the arm 70 extending from the shaft hollow 78 toward the signal blocking portion 72, such that in air, the second portion 76 is heavier than the first portion 75. Consequently, when the amount of ink within in the ink chamber 100 is relatively low, the arm 70 rotates counterclockwise in Fig. 5 about the shaft 77, and the signal blocking portion 72 moves out of the space 142 of the translucent portion 140 to indicate that the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 is less than a sufficient amount of ink.
When the float portion 73 is positioned in the ink, a buoyancy is generated at the float portion 73, such that the arm 70 rotates clockwise in Fig. 5 about the shaft 77, and the signal blocking portion 72 moves into the space 142, which indicates that the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100 is greater than the predetermined amount of ink. Alternatively, the arm 70 may be replaced by a floating member (not shown) to provide an indication as to whether the amount of ink in the ink chamber is greater than a sufficient amount of ink.
The first portion 75 comprises a first sub-portion 63 and a second sub-portion 62. Each of the first and second sub-portions 63 and 62 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first sub-portion 63 is connected to the signal blocking portion 72, the second end of the first sub-portion 63 is connected to a first end of the second sub-portion 62, and the second end of the second sub-portion 63 is connected to the shaft hole. The first sub portion 62 and the second sub portion 63 form an acute angle corner therebetween, and the corner of the first sub portion 62 and the second sub portion 63 comprise the bent portion 71.
The first portion 75 is a thin plate. The first portion 75 has a shape extending in a predetermined direction indicated by an arrow 35. The first portion 75 comprises a first rib 64 positioned along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 75. The first rib 64 is positioned on both the left side surface and the right side surface of the first portion 75. The first portion 75 is reinforced by the rib 64.
The projections 61, 68, and 69 extend from the first plane surface 66 of the first portion 75 in a direction parallel to a direction in which the first portion 75 pivots between a first position and a second position in a second direction. The projections 65 may break or pop a film of ink formed between the first portion 75 and the surface of ink, or may prevent the film of ink from being formed between the first portion 75 and the surface of ink. Each of the plurality of projections 61, 68, and 69 have a base connected to the first plane surface 66 and a peak. Moreover, a thickness of the base may be greater than a thickness of the peak. The projections 61, 68, and 69 are disposed at a predetermined interval from a portion adjacent to the shaft hole 78 to a portion adjacent to the signal blocking portion 72. The projection provided on the first plane surface 66 on the upper side of the first portion 75 projects toward the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53. The projections 68 provided on the first plane surface 66 on the lower side of the first portion 75 projects toward upper ends 159 of supporting portions 189 of the supporting block 170 (see Fig. 9). The projection 61 provided on the first plane surface 66 of the first portion 75 on the float portion 73 side projects toward the rear surface 42.
The protecting member 150 is attached around the arm 70. The protecting member 150 may be fabricated by bending a linear steel member, such as a wire or a line. The protecting member 150 may comprise a U-shaped portion 150A bent into a U-shape (see Fig. 7). The protecting member 150 is fixed to the frame 50 by engaging the U-shaped portion 150A with a hook 131 formed on the protecting member 150 and inserting an end portion 150B of the frame 50 into a hole (not shown) formed in the bearing plate 74 and a hole 183 formed on the supporting block 170, respectively.
The supporting block 170 is configured to support the shaft 77 (see Fig. 7) and the films 65, such that the support block 170 may prevent the films 165 from deforming inwardly, which may maximize a storage capacity of the ink chamber 100. The supporting block 170 is positioned at the lower portion of the ink chamber 100 in the space 102, and is configured to be removably mounted to the frame 50. Alternatively, the supporting block 170 may be formed integrally with the frame 50.
The supporting block 170 comprises a plate and a plurality of ribs 174-177. The plate 171 and the ribs 174-177 may be integral and may comprise the same material as the frame 50. The rib 174 and the rib 175 are positioned on a first surface 172 of the plate 171 and protrude in the vertical direction. The ribs 174 and 175 have an L-shape. In this embodiment, the rib 174 and the rib 175 are separated and define an opening 179 therebetween, e.g., a substantially C-shaped opening. In this embodiment, the first portion 75 of the arm 70 are inserted into the opening 179, such that the arm 70 is pivotable or movable within the range of the opening 179.
The supporting block 170 has a supporting portion 189 extending from the rib 175 substantially in the horizontal direction. The supporting portion 189 extends from a substantially center portion of the rib 175 in the direction opposite to the rib 174. The supporting portion 189 comprises the rib 176 and the rib 177. The rib 176 and the rib 177 are separated from each other to be positioned dispersedly in the space 102.
The reinforcing plate 53 is a plate-shaped member for reinforcing the frame 50. The reinforcing plate 53 has a substantially trapezoidal shape comprising an upper side which contacts the rib 111 and a lower side which contacts the wall 51 on the front surface 41. The reinforcing plate 53 is attached to an inner wall surface 55 of the wall 51 on the front surface 41, the inner wall surface 55 on the upper surface 43, and the inner wall surface 55 on the rear surface 42. The inner wall surface 55 is positioned immediately above the ink injection portion 105.
The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is configured to extend from the inner wall surface 55 toward the rib 111 via the rib 110. The leading end 59 extends obliquely upward from the back surface 42 toward the front surface 41. In this embodiment, the leading end 59 is slanted and extends substantially parallel to the direction of extension 37 of the arm 70, e.g., the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 extends in the direction in which the first portion 75 pivots.
The reinforcing plate 53 comprises the ribs 107-112 extending upright from the left side surface 145 and the right side surface 146. Therefore, the reinforcing plate 53 is positioned at the center of the frame 50 in the widthwise direction 31. The arm 70 is positioned substantially at the center of the frame 50 in the widthwise direction 31 by the bearing plate 74 arranged on the right side surface 46 of the arm 70 and the supporting block 170 arranged on the left side surface 45 of the arm 70 when the shaft 77 is inserted into the shaft hole 78. In other words, the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is positioned on a level flush with a surface of rotation of the arm 70. The plane of rotation of the arm 70 is a plane defined by a trajectory of the first portion 75 when the arm 70 is rotated.
The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 has a first plurality of recesses 121, 123, 125, and 127, and a second plurality of recesses 122, 124, and 126. The first recesses 121, 123, 125, and 127 are positioned on the left side surface 145 of the reinforcing plate 53, and the second recesses 122, 124, and 126 are positioned on the right side surface 146 of the reinforcing plate 53. The first recess 121, the second recess 122, and the first recess 123 are positioned on the leading end 59 between the rib 111 and the rib 109 in sequence from the front surface 41 to the back surface 42. The second recess 124, the first recess 125, the second recess 126, and the first recess 127 are positioned on the leading end 59 between the rib 109 and the rib 110 in sequence. Consequently, the first recesses 121, 123, 125, and 127 and the second recess 122, 124, and 126 are arranged in the longitudinal direction 39 alternately on the left side surface 145 and the right side surface 146.
The first recess 127 is positioned on the left side surface 145 of the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53. The first recess 127 extends in a direction of thickness 40 of the reinforcing plate 53 from the left side surface 145. The first recess 127 is shaped, such that a portion of the left side surface 145 of the leading end 59 is cut off toward the right side surface 146. The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is formed with a vertical portion 135 and a slanted portion 136. The vertical portion 135 is positioned substantially at the center of the reinforcing plate 53 in the direction of thickness 40, and extends in a direction of height 32. The slanted portion 136 inclined obliquely upward from the upper end of the vertical portion 135 toward the left side surface 145. The depth of the first recess 127 of the reinforcing plate 53 in the direction of thickness 40 is set, such that the vertical portion 135 is positioned on the side of the right side surface 146 of a vertical portion 139 of the recess 126 which is adjacent to the first recess 127 (see Fig. 13). The first recesses 121, 123, and 125 have the same shape as the first recess 127.
The second recess 126 is positioned on the right side surface 146 on the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53. The second recess 126 extends in the direction of thickness 40 of the reinforcing plate 53 from the right side surface 146. The second recess 126 is shaped, such that a portion of the right side surface 146 of the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is removed toward the left side surface 145. The vertical portion 139 is positioned substantially at the center of the reinforcing plate 53 in the direction of thickness 40, and extends in the direction of height 32. The slanted portion 138 is slanted obliquely upward from the upper end of the vertical portion 139 toward the right side surface 146. The depth of the second recess 126 of the reinforcing plate 53 in the direction of thickness 40 is selected, such that the vertical portion 139 is positioned on the left side surface 145 with respect to the vertical portion 135 of the first recess 127 which is adjacent to the second recess 126. The second recess 122 and 124 has substantially the same shape as the second recess 126.
The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is provided with the first recesses 125 and 127 and the second recesses 124 and 126, such that the leading end 59 is formed with second edges 212 and 214 and third edges 206-209. These edges are a portion of the peripheral edge of the leading end 59 which comprises the leading end surface 58 of the reinforcing plate 53. The second edges 212 and 214 are peripheral edges of the leading end 59 which have a second component. The second component has a component extending in the direction of thickness of the reinforcing plate 53 among direction components 40 of the peripheral edge of the leading end 59. In other words, the edges which comprise the leading end surface 58 and have a component extending in the direction of thickness 40 correspond to the second edges 212 and 214. In this embodiment, the vertical portions 135 of the first recesses 125 and 127 are arranged on the right side surface 146 with respect to the vertical portions 139 of the second recesses 124 and 126. In other words, the vertical portions 139 of the second recesses 124 and 126 are arranged on the left side surface 145 with respect to the vertical portions 135 of the first recesses 125 and 127. Therefore, the second edges 212 extend to the right side surface 146 with respect to the vertical portion 139. The second edges 214 extend to the left side surface 145 with respect to the vertical portions 135. The third edges 207 and 209 are edges which comprise the leading end of the vertical portion 135. The third edges 206 and 208 are edges which comprise the leading end of the vertical portion 139. The third edges 207 and 209 intersect with the second edges 212 provided on the left side surface 145 of the reinforcing plate 53. The third edges 206 and 208 intersect with the second edges 214 provided on the right side surface 146 of the reinforcing plate 53.
The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 have slanted surfaces 128 extending in the longitudinal direction 39 at both sides in the direction of thickness 40. The slanted surfaces 128 are formed by chamfering the edges of the leading end 59 extending in the longitudinal direction 39. The slanted surfaces 128 are provided and slant obliquely upward with respect to the leading end surface 58 of the reinforcing plate 53. The slanted surfaces 128 on the left side surface 145 extend obliquely upward from the leading end surface 58 toward the left side surface 145. Because the inclined surfaces 128 are formed at the leading end 59, the leading end 59 is formed with first edges 211 on the inner side of the reinforcing plate 53 with respect to the left side surface 145 in the direction of thickness 40. The slanted surfaces 128 on the right side surface 146 extend obliquely upward from the leading end surface 58 toward the right side surface 146. Because the inclined surfaces 128 are formed on the leading end 59, the leading end 59 is formed with first edges 213 on the inner side of the reinforcing plate 53 with respect to the right side surface 146 in the direction of thickness 40.
The first edges 211 and 213 comprise a portion of the peripheral edge of the leading end 59 which comprises the leading end surface 58 of the reinforcing plate 53. The first edges 211 and 213 are edges of the leading end 59 having the first component. The first component is a component extending in the longitudinal direction 39 among direction components of the peripheral edge of the leading end 59. The leading end 59 is formed with two first edges 211. The first edges 211 on the left side surface 145 are formed between the rib 109 and one of the second edges 212 formed by the first recess 125 and between the other second edges 212 formed by the first recess 125 and the second edges 212 formed by the first recess 127. The first edges 213 on the right side surface 146 are formed between the second edges 214 formed by the second recess 124 and one of the second edges 214 formed by the second recess 126 and between the other second edges 214 formed by the second recess 126 and the rib 110.
The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is formed with corner portions 226 by intersections of the first edges 211 and the second edges 212. The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is formed with corner portions 225 by intersections of the first edges 213 and the second edges 214. The corner portions 226 each are formed by the first edge 211 and the second edges 212 intersecting substantially orthogonally to each other, and the corner portions 225 each are formed by the first edge 213 and the second edges 214 intersecting substantially orthogonally to each other. The first edges 211 and the second edges 212 are continued via the corner portions 226. Therefore, the peripheral edges (first edges 211) on the left side surface 145 of the leading end surface 58 extending in the longitudinal direction 39 are bent in the direction of thickness 40 via the corner portions 226. The first edges 213 and the second edges 214 are continued via the corner portions 225. Therefore, the peripheral edges (first edges 213) on the right side surface 146 of the leading end surface 58 extending in the longitudinal direction 39 are bent in the direction of thickness 40 via the corner portions 225. In this embodiment, the corner portions 225 and 226 are provided on the leading end 59. Nevertheless, the intersecting portions between the first edges 213 and the second edges 214 and the intersecting portions between the first edges 213 and the second edges 214 may be chamfered.
As described above, the first edges 211 and 213 are provided on the leading end 59 by the inclined surfaces provided on the leading end 59. The second edges 212 and 214 are provided on the leading end 59 by the first recesses 125 and 127 and the second recesses 124 and 126 provided on the leading end 59. Accordingly, the leading end surface 58 having the peripheral edge including the pair of first edges 211 and 213, the second edges 212 and 214, and the third edges 206-209 are formed on the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53. As described above, because the third edges 207 and 209 are provided on the right side surface 146 with respect to the third edges 206 and 208 in the direction of thickness 40, the leading end surface 58 includes an S-shape repetitively continuing in the longitudinal direction 39 (see Fig. 13).
The corner portions 226 are provided at positions where the first edges 211 intersect with the second edges 212, and the corners 225 are provided at positions where the first edges 213 intersect with the second edges 214. Accordingly, the edges (211 and 213) on the leading end surface 58 extending linearly in the direction of thickness 40 are segmented.
The leading end 59 and the leading end surface 56 of the reinforcing plate 53 positioned between the rib 111 and the rib 109 may be configured in the same manner as the leading end 59 and the leading end surface 58 of the reinforcing plate 53 positioned between the rib 109 and the rib 110. Accordingly, the first edge 201 extending linearly in the longitudinal direction 39 is segmented by the second edges 202 extending in the direction of thickness 40. Moreover, the first edge 203 extending linearly in the longitudinal direction 39 is segmented by the second edges 204 extending in the direction of thickness 40.
In this embodiment, the four recesses (first recess 121, second recess 122, first recess 123, and a recess not shown) are provided between the rib 111 and the rib 109, and the four recesses (second recess 124, first recess 125, second recess 126, and first recess 127) are provided between the rib 109 and the rib 110. Nevertheless, the number of recesses in the invention is not limited thereto, and the number of recesses arranged on the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 may be changed as needed according to the distance between the rib 111 and the rib 109, the distance between the rib 109 and the rib 110, the dimensions of the recesses, and the like.
Referring to Fig. 16, the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 of the supporting block 170 will be described. As shown in Fig. 16, the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 are arranged substantially just under the first portion 75 of the arm 70 by the supporting block 170 attached to the frame 50. Specifically, the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 are arranged on a level flush with the surface of rotation of the arm 70. In this case, the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 extend substantially in parallel with the direction of extension of the second sub-portion 63 (see Fig. 16) of the arm 70. Accordingly, the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 are arranged substantially just under the projections 68 (see Fig. 8) provided on the first plane surface 66 on the lower side of the first portion 75.
Four recesses 151-154 are provided on the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189. More specifically, the recesses 151 and 152 are provided on the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 between the rib 175 and the rib 176. The recesses 153 and 154 are provided on the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 between the rib 176 and the rib 177. The recesses 151 and 153 are provided on the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 on the left side surface 45 side. The recesses 152 and 154 are provided on the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 on the right side surface 46 side. The recesses 151 and 153 have substantially the same shape as the first recess 127 (see Fig. 14) inverted upside down. The recesses 152 and 154 have substantially the same shape as the second recess 126 (see Fig. 15) inverted upside down. The upper ends 159 are provided with inclined surfaces 181 which are the same as the inclined surfaces 128. Accordingly, upper end surfaces 156 are formed on the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189. The upper end surfaces 156 are formed on the upper ends 159 so as to include first edges 231 (and second edges 232 as part of the peripheral edge. The first edges 231 are edges extending in the longitudinal direction 137 of the supporting portions 189. The second edges 232 are edges extending in the direction of thickness 40 of the supporting portions 189. The peripheral edges (first edges 231) of the upper end surfaces 156 extending in the longitudinal direction 137 are bent from the longitudinal direction 137 in the direction of thickness 40 by the first edges 231 and the second edges 232 intersecting with each other. Accordingly, the peripheral edges (first edges 231) of the upper end surfaces 156 extending linearly in the longitudinal direction 137 are segmented at positions intersecting with the second edges 232.
As described above, the edge of the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 extending in the longitudinal direction 39 is bent from the longitudinal direction 39 in the direction of thickness 40 (see Fig. 12). More specifically, the first edge 211 intersects with the second edges 212, the first edge 213 intersects with the second edges 214, the first edge 201 intersects with the second edges 202, and the first edge 203 intersects with the second edges 204. Therefore, the tendency of an ink film to be formed between the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 and the first portion 75 of the arm 70 is reduced. Consequently, operation of the arm 70 is prevented from being hindered by the ink film, and the arm 70 may pivot smoothly.
The edges of the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 extending in the longitudinal direction 137 are bent in the direction of thickness 40 (see Fig. 16). More specifically, the first edges 231 intersect with the second edges 232. Therefore, the tendency of an ink film to be formed between the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 and the first portion 75 of the arm 70 is reduced.
The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is provided with corner portions 255 and 256. Therefore, the tendency of an ink film to be formed is lower than the case in which the portion where the first edges 211 intersects with the second edges 212 and the portion where the first edges 213 intersects with the second edges 214 are chamfered.
As described above, the leading end surface 58 has an S-shape. Consequently, the edge of the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is not extended linearly in the direction of thickness 40. Therefore, the tendency of an ink film to be formed along the leading end 59 is reduced.
In this embodiment, the projections 69 projecting toward the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 and the projections 68 projecting toward the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 are provided on the first portion 75 of the arm 70. Accordingly, the upper side and the lower side of the first portion 75 are formed with convexo-concave. Accordingly, the tendency of ink films to be formed between the first portion 75 of the arm 70 and the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 and between the first portion 75 and the upper ends 159 of the supporting portions 189 is reduced.
Through portions 169 may be provided on the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 instead of the first recesses 121, 123, 125, and 127 and the second recesses 122, 124, and 126. The through portions 169 are provided so as to penetrate through the leading end 59 between the left side surface 145 and the right side surface 146 in the direction of thickness 40 of the reinforcing plate 53. The through portions 169 are arranged in the longitudinal direction 39 of the reinforcing plate 53 at predetermined intervals. Accordingly, the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is formed into a shape having areas provided with the through portions removed therefrom. Accordingly, the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 includes the through portions 169 and projections 162 arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction 39.
The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is formed with second edges 165 by the provision of the through portions 169. The second edges 165 comprise a portion of the peripheral edge at the leading end of the projections 162, and extend in the direction of thickness 40 between the left side surface 145 and the right side surface 146.
The leading end of the projection 162 is formed with first edges 164. A pair of the first edges 164 are provided on both sides of the leading end 59 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction 39. The pair of first edges 164 and the second edges 165 intersecting with the first edges 164 define a leading end surface 166 at the leading ends of the projections 162. The leading end surface 166 is segmented by the through portions 169 with respect to the direction of thickness 40. In other words, the first edges 164 extending in the longitudinal direction 39 at the leading end surface 166 are segmented by the through portions 169. Accordingly, the tendency of an ink film to be formed along the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 is reduced.
The corner portions 225 and 226 do not necessarily have to be provided on the leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53. In other words, as shown in Fig. 18, the intersection between the first edge 211 and the second edges 212 and the intersection between the first edge 213 and the second edges 214 may be chambered.
In this embodiment, the mode in which the leading end surface 58 is formed into an S-shape has been described. However, the leading end surface 58 may be formed into a shape other than the S-shape (see Fig. 19, for example). The leading end 59 of the reinforcing plate 53 shown in Fig .19 is provided with curved portions 217 on both sides in the direction of thickness 40. The curved portion 217 is formed so as to remove the leading end surface 58 in an arcuate shape. With the provision of the curved portions 217 on the leading end surface 58, the first edges 221 and 223 extending in the longitudinal direction 39 are segmented by the second edges 222 and 224.
While the invention has been described in connection with embodiments of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the embodiments described above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

An ink cartridge having a substantially rectangular, parallelepiped shape with a widthwise direction (31), a height direction (32) and a depth direction (33) comprising:
a frame (50), wherein at least the frame (50) defines an ink chamber (100) therein, and the ink chamber (100) is configured to store ink therein; and

a rotably supported movable member configured to move within the ink chamber (100) based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber (100) in a first circular direction and a second circular direction opposite the first circular direction, which is perpendicular to the widthwise direction (31),

wherein the movable member comprises a plurality of projections (61, 68, 69), wherein each of the plurality of projections (61, 68, 69) extends from a surface (66) of the movable member in one of the first circular direction and the second circular direction and has a base connected to the surface (66) and a peak.
The ink cartridge of claim 1 further comprising:
a substantially rectangular shaped translucent portion (140) extending from a surface (41) of the frame (50) in the depth direction (33), wherein the translucent portion (140) has an inner space (142) formed therein, and the inner space (142) is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber (100); and wherein

the movable member is configured to selectively move within the ink chamber (100) in the first circular direction between a first position and a second position and in a second circular direction opposite the first circular direction between the second position and the first position based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber (100), wherein the depth direction is substantially perpendicular to the first ciruclar direction and the second circular direction, and the movable member comprises:
a signal blocking portion (72) configured to be positioned within the inner space (142) of the translucent portion (140);

an arm portion (70) connected to the signal blocking portion (72), wherein the arm portion (70) is positioned within the ink chamber (100) and outside the translucent portion (140), and the arm portion (70) comprises a first portion (75) and a second portion (76), wherein the first portion (75) is raised with respect to the second portion (76) in one of the first circular direction and the second cirucular direction.
The ink cartridge of claim 2, wherein the frame (50) has a reinforcing plate (53) and the leading edge (59) of said plate is formed with first edges (211, 213) and second edges (212, 214) connected to the first edges (211, 213), and the first edge (211, 213) and the second edge (212, 214) are non-rounded edges.
The ink cartridge of claim 3, wherein the first portion (75) has a first surface and the second portion (76) has a second surface, and the first surface and the second surface each have a substantially constant slope.
The ink cartridge of claim 2, wherein the arm (70) further comprises a third portion (72), and the third portion (72) is raised with respect to the second portion (76) in one of the first circular direction and the second circular direction, wherein the first portion (75) and the third portion are aligned in the depth direction.
The ink cartridge of claim 2, further comprising a partitioning member extending from the frame towards the movable member, wherein the partitioning member comprises a third portion and a fourth portion, and the third portion is raised with respect to the fourth portion, wherein a plane which is at least parallel to the depth direction and the first circular direction intersects each of the first portion, the second portion, the third portion, and the fourth portion.
The ink cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a substantially rectangular shaped translucent portion (140) extending from the frame (50), wherein the translucent portion (140) has an inner space (142) formed therein, the inner space (142) is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber (100), and the movable member (70) comprises a signal blocking portion (72) and an arm portion (70) connected to the signal blocking portion (72), wherein the signal blocking portion (72) is configured to be positioned within the inner space (142), and the arm portion (70) is positioned outside the inner space (142), wherein the plurality of projections (61, 68, 69) extend from the arm portion (70).
The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of projections (61, 68, 69) has a particular surface, and the surface and the particular surface each have a substantially constant slope.
The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections (61, 68, 69) comprises a first projection and a second projection, wherein the first projection and the second projection are aligned in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first circular direction and the second circular direction.
The ink cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a partitioning member (53) extending from the frame (50) towards the movable member, wherein the partitioning member (53) comprises the plurality of particular projections, and each of the plurality of particular projections extend from a surface of the partitioning member in the second circular direction, wherein the plurality of projections comprise a first projection and a second projection, and the plurality of particular projections comprise a third projection and a fourth projection, wherein a plane which is at least parallel to the first circular direction and the second circular direction intersects each of the first projection, the second projection, the third projection, and the fourth projection.
The ink cartridge of claim 1,
wherein the movable member has at least one groove formed therein, wherein the at least one groove is bound by a first portion, a second portion opposite the first portion, and a base connected to the first portion and the second portion, wherein the base faces toward an opening of the at least one groove, and the base is exposed in one of the first circular direction and the second circular direction.
The ink cartridge of claim 11, further comprising a substantially rectangular shaped translucent portion (140) extending from the frame (50), wherein the translucent portion (140) has an inner space (142) formed therein, the inner space (142) is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber (100), and the movable member comprises a signal blocking portion (72) and an arm portion (70) connected to the signal blocking portion (72), wherein the signal blocking portion (72) is configured to be positioned within the inner space (142), and the arm portion (70) is positioned outside the inner space (142), wherein the at least one groove is formed in the arm portion (70).
The ink cartridge of claim 11, wherein the frame has a reinforcing plate and the leading edge of said plate is formed with first edges and second edges connected to the first edges, and the base has a third edge connected to the first edge and a fourth edge connected to the second edge, wherein the first edge, the second, edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge are non-rounded edges.
The ink cartridge of claim 13, wherein the first portion has a first surface, the second portion has a second surface, and the base has a third surface, wherein the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface each have a substantially constant slope.
The ink cartridge of claim 14, wherein the at least one groove comprises a first groove and a second groove, and the first groove and the second groove are aligned in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first circular direction and the second circular direction.
The ink cartridge of claim 11, further comprising a partitioning member extending from the frame towards the movable member, wherein the partitioning member comprises at least one particular groove formed therein, and the at least one groove comprises a first groove and a second groove, wherein the at least one particular groove comprises a third groove and a fourth groove, and a plane which is at least parallel to the first circular direction and the second circular direction intersects each of the first groove, the second groove, the third groove, and the fourth groove.
The ink cartridge of claim 4 or 14, wherein the slope is greater than or less than zero.
The ink cartridge of claim 11, 12 or 16, wherein the at least one groove comprises a first groove and a second groove, wherein the first groove and the second groove are aligned in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first circular direction and the second circular direction.