Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
DESCRIPTION
INK CARTRIDGE
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates generally to an ink cartridge. In
particular, the present invention is related to an ink cartridge which is
configured to
dispense ink when mounted in a printer.
Background Art
[0002] A known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to i mounting
portion of a Imown recording apparatus, such as an ink jet recording
apparatus. The
known ink cartridge has an ink chamber configured to store ink therein, a wall
defining
at least a portion. of the ink chamber, and an ink supply portion positioned
at the wall,
which is configured to supply ink from the interior of the ink chamber to the
exterior of
the ink chamber. The ink supply portion extends outwardly from the wall. A
resilient
member is disposed within the ink supply portion. When the knowa ink cartridge
is
dropped and collides with a surface, such as a floor, a portion of the impact
of the
collision may be absorbed by the resilient member. Such a known ink cartridge
is
described in JP-A-2001-71522, for example.
[0003] Nevertheless, because the resilient member is disposed within the ink
supply portion an outer portion of the ink supply portion may be damaged when
the ink
supply portion contacts the surface, which may cause ink to leak from the ink
supply
portion. Moreover, if the ink cartridge contacts the surface at a position
other than the
ink supply portion, the ink cartridge may be damaged, and ink may leak from
the ink
cartridge.
[0004] Another known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to an
accommodating chamber of the known recording apparatus, and the accommodating
chamber includes a door which is configured to be opened and closed. After the
known ink cartridge is mounted to the accommodating chamber and the door is
closed,
the door' may latch on to the ink cartridge to .remove the ink cartridge from
the
accommodating chamber when the door is opened by a user, which increases the
ease
With which the ink cartridge may be removed from the accommodating chamber.
Such
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i
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a known ink cartridge is described in US 2007/0070140 Al for example,
Nevertheless,
the user relies on the recording apparatus to remove the ink cartridge from
the recording
apparatus.
Disclosure of the Invention
[0005] Therefore, a need has arisen for an ink cartridge which overcome
these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the
present
invention is that the ink cartridge may be protected from damage when the ink
cartridge
contacts the surface. Another teclnical advantage of the present invention is
that the
ink cartridge readily may be removed from the recording apparatus.
[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ink cartridge
comprises a case, an ink supply portion, a movable member, and at least one
resilient
member. The case has at least a portion of an ink chamber defined therein, and
the ink
chamber is configured to store ink. Moreover, the case has a front face and a
rear face
opposite the front face. The ink supply portion is positioned at the front
face of the
case, and the ink supply portion is configured to dispense ink from at
interior of the ink
chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber. The movable member is configured to
move relative to the case. The. at least one resilient member has a first end
which is
coupled to the rear of the case, and a second end which is coupled to the
movable
member. Moreover, the at least one resilient member is configured to expand in
an
expansion direction and to contract in a contraction direction opposite the
expansion
direction to move the movable member relative to the case, and a shape of the
case in
the expansion and contraction directions is unaltered when the at least one
resilient
member expands and contracts. The entire moveable member is configured to
substantially simultaneously move in a first direction relative to the case
when the at
least one resilient member expands, and the entire moveable member is
configured to
substantially simultaneously move in a second direction opposite the first
direction
when the at least one resilient member contracts.
[0007] With this configuration, ink cartridge is protected from damage when
the ink cartridge contacts a surface. Moreover, ink cartridge is readily
removed from a
recording apparatus.
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[0008] At least one portion of the movable member may extend adjacent to
and away from the front face of the case in the second direction. Moreover,
the ink
supply portion may extend from the front face of the case in the second
direction, and
the at one portion of the movable member may extend fuuther from the front
face of the'
case in the second direction than the ink supply potion extends from the front
face of
the case in the second direction. With this conftgm:ation, ink supply portion
may not
contact the surface and may be protected from the damage.
[0009] The ink cartridge may further comprise a translucent portion
positioned at the front face of the case and extending away from the ink
chamber, and
the translucent portion may have an inner space formed therein, and the inner
space may
be configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber The ink
cartridge
also may comprise a further movable member positioned within the inner space,
and the
further movable member may be configured to move within the inner space based
on an
amount of ink in the ink chamber. Moreover, each of the ink supply portion and
the
translucent portion may extend from the front face of the case in the second.
direction,
and the at least one portion of the movable member may extend further from the
fro-at
face of the case in the second direction than each of the ink supply portion
and the
translucent portion extends from the front face of the case in the second
direction.
With this conf guration, each of the ink supply portion and the translucent
portion may
not contact the surface and may be protected from the damage.
[0010] The case may finther comprise a particular face connected to each of
the front face and the rear face, and the movable member may comprise a first
portion
and a second portion extending from the first portion in the second direction.
The at
least one resilient member may be coupled to the first portion of the movable
member,
and the second portion of the movable member may engage the particular face
and
extends away from the front face in the second direction. Moreover, the ink
supply
portion may extend from the front face of the case in the second direction,
and the
second portion of the movable member may extend further from the front face of
the
case in the second direction than the ink supply portion extends from the
front face of
the case in the second direction. With this configuration, ink supply portion
may not
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
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contact the surface and may be protected from the damage.
10011] The in cartridge may further comprise a translucent portion
positioned at the front face of the case and extending away from the ink
chamber, the
translucent portion may have an inner space formed therein and the inner space
may be
configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber. The ink
cartridge also
may comprise a further movable member positioned within the inner space, and
the
further movable member may be configured to move within the inner space based
on an
amount of ink in the ink chamber. Moreover, each of the ink supply portion and
the
translucent portion may extend from the front face of the case in the second
direction,
and the second portion of the movable member may extend further from the front
face
of the case in the second direction than each of the ink supply portion and
the
translucent portion extends from the front face of the case in the second
direction.
With this con- figuration, each of the ink supply portion and the translucent
portion may
not contact the surface and may be protected from the damage.
10012] The case may further comprise a particular face connected to each of
the front face and the rear face, and a further face opposite the particular
face and
connected to each of the front face and the rear face. The movable member may
comprise a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion in
the second
direction, and a third portion extending from the first portion in the second
direction.
The at least one resilient member may be coupled to the first portion of the
movable
member, the second portion of the movable member may engage the particular
face and
extend away from the front face in the second direction, and the third portion
of the
movable member may engage the further face and extend away from the front face
in
the second direction. The ink supply portion may extend from the front face of
the
case is the second direction, and each of the second portion and the third
portion of the
movable member may extend further from the front face of the case in the
second
direction than the ink supply portion extends from the front face of the case
in the
second direction. With this configuration, ink supply portion may not contact
the
surface and may be protected from the damage.
[0013] The ink cartridge fray further comprise a translucent portion
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positioned at the front face of the case and extending away from the ink
chamber, and
the translucent portion may have an inner space formed therein, and the inner
space may
be configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber. The, ink
cartridge
may comprise a further movable member positioned within the inner space, and
the
further movable member may be configured to move within the inner space based
on an,
amount of ink in the ink chamber. Each of the ink supply portion and the -
translucent
portion may extend from the front face of the case in the second direction,
and each of
the second portion and the third portion of the movable member may extend
further
from the front face of the case in the second direction than each of the ink
supply
portion and the translucent portion extends from the front face of the case in
the second
direction.
[0014] 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 ofpreferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0015] 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.
10016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-function device, according to
an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figs. 2(a)-2(d) are a front view, a side view, a rear view, and a
bottom
view, respectively, of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the
present
invention.
[0018] Fig. 3(a) is a front view of a case of the ink cartridge of Figs.
2(a)-2(d).
[0019] Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view of the case taken along the line
IlZb-IITb of Fig. 3 (a).
[0020] Fig, 4 is a perspective view of a movable member of the ink cartridge
of Figs. 2(a)-2(d),
[0021] Figs. 5(a) is a schematic depicting the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(a)-
2(d)
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when colliding with a surface, in which a third plate portion of the movable
member
faces downward..
[0022] Figs. 5(b) is another schematic depicting the ink cartridge of Figs.
2(a)-2(d) when colliding with a surface, in which the third plate portion of
the movable
member faces downward.
[0023] Figs. 6(a) is a schematic depicting the ink cartridge of Figs, 2(a)-
2(d)
when colliding with a surface, in which a front face of the case faces
downward.
[0024] Figs. 6(b) is another schematic depicting the ink cartridge of Figs.
2(a)-2(d) when colliding with a surface, in which a front face of the case
faces
downward.
[0025] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge accommodating case,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Fig, 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(a)-
2(d)
mounted to the cartridge accommodating case of Fig. 7, in which a lock lever
is in an
open position.
[0027] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 2(a)-
2(d)
mounted to the cartridge accommodating case of Fig. 7, in which a look lever
is in a
closed position.
[0028] Fig, 10 is a perspective view of an ink cartridge, according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figs. 11(a) and 11(b) are a front view and a side view, 'respectively,
of
an ink cartridge, according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] Figs. 12(a) and 12(b) are a side view and a rear view, respectively, of
an ink cartridge, according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[00311 Figs. 13(a) and 13(b) are a side view and a rear view, respectively, of
the ink cartridges of Fig. 12(a) and 12(b), in which four ink cartridges are
positioned
side by side.
[0032] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of Figs.
12(a)-12(b) mounted to a cartridge accommodating case, in which a lock lever
is in an
open position.
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[0033] Trig. 15 is a cross-sectional, view of the ink cartridge of Pigs.
12(a)-12(b) mounted to the cartridge accommodating case, in which a lock lever
is in a
closed position.
Explanation of Reference
30 ink cartridge
32 case
33 movable member
34 coil spring
36 ink chamber
39 translucent portion
50 aix intake hole
51 ink supply portion
60 pivotable member
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0034] Embodiments of the present invention and their features and technical.
advantages may be understood by referring to rigs. 1-15, like numerals being
used for
like corresponding portions in the various drawings.
[0035] Referring to Fig. 1 a multi-function device 10 configured to be used
with an ink cartridge 30 according to an embodiment of the invention is
depicted.
Multi-function device 10 comprise s a printer portion 12 at the bottom and a
scanner
portion 13 at the top. Scanner portion 13 comprises an automatic sheet feeder
15.
Multi-function device 10 is configured to be connected to a computer or
another
external device, e.g., a digital camera, When printing data is transmitted to
printer
portion 12 from the computer, the external device, or scanner portion 13,
printer portion
12 prints an image on a sheet of paper based on the printing data.
[0036] Multi-function device 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped
shape having a width, a depth, and a height. Each of the width and the depth
is greater
than the height. Printer portion 12 comprises a case 14, and case 14 has an
opening 17
formed therethrough at, a center of a front face of case 14. A tray (not
shown)
configured to accommodate sheets of paper is disposed in case 14, and the tray
is
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configured to be removed from the interior of case 14 through opening 17. Case
14
also has an opening 18 formed theretbrough at a position adjacent to an end of
the front
face of case 14 in the width direction of multi-function device 10. Multi-
functional
device 10' also comprises a cartridge accommodating portion 100 positioned in
case 14,
and cartridge accommodating portion 100 is exposed to the exterior of case 14
through
opening 18. Cartridge accommodating portion 100 comprises a plurality of,
e.g., four,
cartridge accommodating cases 101, each of which is configured to accommodate
art
ink cartridge 30 therein. Each ink cartridge 30 stores ink therein, e.g., each
ink
cartridge 30 stores a different color of ink therein. For example, a first ink
cartridge 30
stores black ink therein, a second ink cartridge 30 stores yellow ink therein,
a third ink
cartridge 30 stores cyan ink therein, and a fourth ink cartridge stores
magenta ink
'therein. The plurality of cartridge accommodating cases 101 are aligned in
the width
direction of multi-function device 10.
10037] Multi-function device 10 comprises a door 20, and the lower end of door
20 is coupled to case 14 below opening 18, such that door 20 is configured to
pivot
about the lower end of door 20. Door 20 is configured to expose cartridge
accommodating portion 100 through opening 18 when door 20 is opened, and to
cover
opening 18 when door 20 is closed.
[0038] Referring to Figs. 2-4, ink cartridge 30 comprises a case 32, a movable
member 33, and a resilient member, e,g., a coil spring 34. Case 32 and movable
member 33 are coupled via coil spring 34, and movable member 33 is configured
to
move relative to case 32, e.g., to slide on case 32, when coil spring 34
expands in an
expansion direction and contracts' in a contraction direction which is
opposite the
expansion direction. For example, a first end of coil spring 34 is coupled to
case 32,
and a second end of coil spring 34 is coupled to movable member 33, Coil
spring 34
may be coupled to case 32 by direct contact or by indirect contact
therebetween, and
coil spring may be coupled to movable member 32 by direct contact or by
indirect
contact therebetween. When coil spring 34 is indirectly connected to case 32,
at least
one element is positioned between coil spring 34 and case 32. Similarly, when
coil
spring 34 is indirectly connected to movable member 33, at least one element
is
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positioned between coil spring 34 and movable member 33.
[0039] Case 32 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a
front face 40, a rear face .42 opposite front face 40, a top face 41, a bottom
face 43
opposite top face 41, and side faces 44 opposite each other. Each of top face
41 and
bottom face 43 is connected to front face 40 and rear face 42, and each of
side faces 44
is connected to front face 40, rear face 42, top face 41, and bottom face 43.
Each of
front face 40, top face 41, rear face 42, bottom face 43, and side faces 44 is
substantially
parallel to its opposing face, and substantially perpendicular to the other
faces. Case
32 has a width from one of side faces 44 to the other of side faces 44, a
depth from front
face 40 to rear face 42, and a height from top face 41 to bottom face 43. The
height of
case 32 is greater than the width of case 32, and the depth of case 32 is
greater than the
height of case 32. Case 32 comprises an ink chamber 36 formed therein, and ink
chamber 36 is configured to store ink. Case 32 comprises at least one
translucent resin
material, e.g., a transparent resin material or a semi-transparent resin
material, which
allows light to pass therethrough..
[0040] In an embodiment, a shape of case 32 in the expansion and contraction
directions is not altered when coil spring 34 expands and contracts. The
entire
moveable member 33 is configured to substantially simultaneously move in a
first
direction relative to case 32 when coil spring 34 member expands, and the
entire
moveable member 33 is configured to substantially simultaneously move relative
to
case 32 in a second direction opposite the first direction when coil spring 34
contracts,
[0041] Case 32 comprises a translucent portion 39, and rails 55 and 56 at top
face 41 and bottom face 43, respectively, A pivotable member 60 is pivotally
disposed
within ink chamber 36. Translucent portion 39 is positioned at front face 40
and
extends away from ink chamber 36. The translucent portion 39 is integral with
one 32,
and comprises the same material as frame 32. When ink cartridge 30 is
installed in
multi-function device 10, translucent portion 39 is irradiated with light
emitted from a
sensor 103 of multi-function device 10.
[0042] In an embodiment, those portions of case 32 other than translucent
portion 39 may be covered with an opaque member to avoid the deterioration of
ink
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disposed in ink chamber 36 due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In
another
embodiment, case 32 may comprise a frame which comprises front face 40, top
face 41,
rear face 42, and bottom face 43, and each of side faces 44 may comprise a
film
connected to, e.g., adhered to, the frame, such as by welding.
[0043] Translucent portion 39 projects outward from a center portion of front
face 40 of case 32 in a direction away from ink chamber 36. Translucent
portion 39 is
defined by five rectangular walls and has an inner space 46 foamed therein
which has a
substantially a hollow box shape. For example, translucent portion 39 is
defined by a
front wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall 47. The front
wall
extends parallel to front face 40 and is separated from front face 40 by a
predetermined
distance. The pair of side walls is connected to front face 40 and the front
wall, the top
wall is connected to the top ends of the front wall and the side walls, and
bottom wall 47
is connected to bottom ends of the front wall and the side walls. Moreover,
the width
of the front wall is less than the width of front face 40.
[0044] Inner space 46 of translucent portion 39 is configured to be ixi fluid
communication with ink chamber 36, e.g., there is no wall positioned between
inner
space 46 and ink chamber 36. An indicating portion 62 of the pivotable member
60 is
configured to move within inner space 46, e.g., between a first position and a
second
position within inner space 46. For example, when indicating portion 62 is at
the first
position, indicating portion 62 contacts bottom wall 47 of translucent portion
39, as
indicated by a solid line in Fig. 3 (b), and when indicating portion 62 is
positioned at the
second position, indicating portion 62 is separated form bottom wall 47 of
translucent
portion 39, as indicated by a dotted line in Fig. 3(b).
[0045] Pivotable member 60 is used to determine whether the amount of ink
stored in the ink chamber 36 is greater than or equal to a s'ufcient amount of
ink
Pivotable member 60 comprises indicating portion 62 at one end thereof, and a
float
portion 64 at the other end thereof. Pivotable member 60 also comprises a
shaft 66
which is connected to indicating portion 62 and float portion 64. Shaft 66
extends in
the width direction of case 32, and shaft 66 is supported by supporting
portions disposed
on inner surfaces of walls defining side faces 44; respectively, such that
pivotable
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l I
11
member 60 pivots about shaft 66 in directions indicated by arrows 67 and 68 in
Fig.
3(b).
[0046] The specific gravity of float portion 64 is less than the specific
gravity
of ink stored in the ink chamber 36. Float portion 64 has a hollow formed
therein, and
floats on liquid, such that the float portion 64 moves upward and downward
based on
the amount of ink within the ink chamber 36, and pivotable member 60 pivots
based on
the movement of float portion 64. Alterllativ'ely, float portion 64 may be a
solid
element comprising a material having a specific gravity less than the specific
gravity of
ink.
[0047] Indicating portion 62 is configured to indicate whether the amount of
ink in the ink chamber 36 is greater thm or equal to a sufficient amount of
ink. When
pivotable member 60 pivots counterclockwise in Fig. 3(b), indicating portion
62
contacts bottom wall 47 of translucent portion 39, such that further movement
of
pivotable member 60 is prevented and indicating portion 62 remains at the
first position.
When pivotable member 60 pivots clockwise in Fig. 3(b), indicating portion 62
moves
away from bottom wall 47 of the translucent portion 39. When float portion 64
contacts a bottom surface of the ink chamber 36, further movement of pivotable
member 60 is prevented, and indicating portion 62 remains at the second
position apart
from bottom wall 47 of translucent portion 39 by a predetermined distance.
(0048] Pivotable member 60 comprises a first portion extending from shaft
66 to indicating portion 62, and a second portion extending from shaft 66 to
float
portion 64. The mass of the first portion of pivotable member 60 is less than
the mass
of the second portion of pivotable member 60. Therefore, the second portion of
pivotable member 60 is heavier than the first portion of pivotable member 60
in air.
Accordingly, when the ink chamber 36 does not store a sufficient amount of ink
therein,
e.g_, when the ink chamber 36 is empty of ink, pivotable member 60 pivots
clockwise -
about shaft- 66 in Fig. 3(b), and indicating portion 62 separates from bottom
wall 47 of
detecting window 39. When the lower end of float portion 64 contacts the
bottom
surface of ink chamber 36, pivotable member 60 stops pivoting and the
indicating
portion 62 remains at the second position. ' When indicator portion 62 is at
the second
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
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position, it is determined that the amount of ink in ink chamber 36 is less
than a
sufficient amount of ink.
[0049] In contrast, when the amount of ink in ink chamber 36 is greater than
or equal to a sufficient amount of ink, and float portion 64 is submerged in
the ink, a
buoyancy force acts on float portion 64. The buoyancy force causes the
pivotable
member 60 to pivot counterclockwise about shaft 66 in Pig. 3(b). When
pivotable
member 60 pivots counterclockwise, indicating portion 62 contacts bottom wall
47 of
translucent portion 39, and pivotable member 60 stops pivoting and indicating
portion
62 remains at the first position. When indicating portion 62 is at the first
position, it is
determined that the amount of ink in ink chamber 36 is greater than or equal
to a
sufficient amount of ink,
[0050] Specifically, whether the amount of ink in ink chamber 36 is greater
than or equal to the predetermined amount of ink is determined based on the
position of
indicating portion 62 in the inner space 46, e.g., the position of indicating
portion 62 is
detected by a photo interrupter or viewed by a user.
[0051] Front face 40 has an opening 52 formed. therethrough adjacent to an
end of front face 40 connected to bottom face 43, and the interior of ink
chamber 36 is
configured to be in fluid communication with the exterior of case 32 via
opening 52.
Ink cartridge 30 comprises an ink supply portion 51 positioned at front face
40 of case
32 adjacent to the end of front face 40 connected to bottom face 43. Ink
supply portion
51 comprises a cylindrical rubber member having an inner hole 53 formed
therethrough.
The cylindrical rubber member comprises a first portion and. a second portion.
The
first portion of the cylindrical rubber member is press fitted in opening 52,
and the
second. portion of the cylindrical rubber member extends outward from front
face 40.
Opening 52 and inner hole 53 are aligned, such that the interior of ink
chamber 36 is
configured to be in fluid communication with the exterior of case 32 via
opening 52 and
inner hole 53, A film (not shown) is positioned on an end.of the cylindrical
rubber
member to cover inner hole 53. When ink cartridge 30 is installed in cartridge
accommodating case 101, a connecting portion 111 is connected to ink supply
portion
51. such that a needle (not shown) of connecting portion 111 penetrates
through the film
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
13
and enters timer hole 53. Then, ink is supplied from ink chamber 36 to a
recording
head (hot shown) of multi-function device 10 via=irak supply portion 51 and
connecting
portion 111.
[0052] An air intake hole 50 is formed through front face 40, and the interior
of ink chamber 36 is configured to be in fluid communication with the exterior
of case
32 via air intake hole 50. Before ink cartridge 30 is used, a sticker (not
shown) covers
the air intake hole 50, and the sticker prevents fluid communication between
the interior
of the ink chamber 36 and the exterior of case 32 via air intake hole 50. When
a user
intends to use ink cartridge 30, the user removes the sticker, and thereby ink
chamber 36
is brought into fluid comnmunication with the exterior of case 32 via air
intake hole 50.
[0053] Case 32 comprises a spring seat 48 formed on and extending
outwardly from rear face 42 at a middle portion of rear face 42 in the height
direction of
case 32. An end of coil spring 34 is connected and fixed to spring seat 49.
[0054] Rail 55 extends outwardly from top face 41 and extends from a
portion adjacent to front face 40 to a portion adjacent to rear face 42 in the
depth
direction of case 32. The depth direction of case 32 is indicated by an
arrow.69 in Fig.
3(b). Rail 56 extends outwardly from bottom face 43 and extends from a portion
adjacent to front face 40 to a portion adjacent to rear face 42 in the depth
direction of
case 32,
(0055] Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, movable member 33 is configured to
support case 32, such that ;movable member 33 moves relative to case 32, e.g.,
slides on
case 32 when coil spring 34 expands and contracts. Movable member 33 comprises
a
first plate portion 90, a second plate portion 91 opposite first plate portion
90, and a
third plate portion 92 connected to first plate portion 90 and second plate
portion 91.
First plate portion 90 and second plate portion 91 are parallel to each other,
and third
plate portion 92 is perpendicular to each of first plate portion 90 and second
plate
portion 91. Each of first plate portion 90 and second plate portion 91 has a
f4st end 96
and a second end opposite first end 96, and third plate portion 92 has a first
end and a
second end opposite the first end. The first end of third plate potion 92 is
connected to
the second end of first plate portion 90, arid the second end of third plate
portion 92 is
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
14
connected to the second end of the second plate portion 91. Case 32 is
surrounded by
first plate portion 90, second plate portion 91, and third plate portion 92.
First plate
portion 90 faces top face 41, second plate portion 91 faces bottom face 43,
and third
plate portion 92 faces rear face 42.
[0056] First plate potion 90 has a first groove 88 formed in the surface
facing
top face 41, and first groove 88 extends from first end 96 of first plate
portion 90
towards the second end of first plate portion 90. First plate portion 90
engages top
face 41, e.g., first groove 88 extends parallel to rail 55, and rail 55 is
positioned within
first groove 88. Second plate potion 91 has a second groove 89 formed in the
surface
facing bottom face 43, and second groove 89 extends from first end 96 of
second plate
portion 91 towards the second end of second plate portion 91. Second plate
portion 91
engages bottom face 43, e.g., second groove 89 extends parallel to rail. 56,
and rail 56 is
positioned within second groove 89. Each of first groove 88 and second groove
89 has
a wide portion 97 adjacent to first end 96, and the width of wide portion 97
increases as
wide portion 97 approaches first end 96. During the manufacture of ink
cartridge 30,
rails 55 and 56 readily slide in first groove 88 and second groove 89 with the
aid of
wide portions 97,
[0057] Third plate portion 92 comprises a spring seat 94 formed on and
extending outwardly from the surface facing rear face 42 at a middle portion
of third
plate portion 92 in the height direction of case 32. An end of coil spring 34
is
connected and fixed to spring seat 94.
[0058] Each of first plate portion 90 and second plate portion 91 extends
adjacent to and away from front face 40 in the second direction in which
translucent
portion 39 and ink supply portion 51 extends outwardly from front face 40.
Each of
first plate portion 90 and second plate portion 91 extends farther outwardly
from front
face 40 than translucent portion 39 and ink supply portion 51 extends from
front face 40
in the second direction, independent of whether coil spring 34 is in an
expanded or
contracted position.
10059] In another embodiment, first plate portion 90 or second plate portion
91 may be omitted.
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, ink cartridge 30 is
manufactured, as follows. An end of coil spring 34 is connected and fixed to
spring
seat 94 of third plate portion 94, Case 32 is then inserted from rear face 42
side into a
space 87 which is surrounded by first plate portion 90, second plate portion
91, and
third plate portion 92. Rails 55 and 56 is then inserted into first and second
grooves 88
and 89, respectively, via wide portions 97. After that, the other end of coil
spring 34 is
connected and fixed to spring seat 48 of case 32. The direction in which
movable
member 33 and case 32 slides relative to each other is parallel to the
direction in which
coil sprng 34 expands and contracts.
(0061] Referring to pig. 5(a), when ink cartridge 30 is dropped and collides
with a surface 23 with third plate portion 92 facing downward, third plate
portion 92
contacts the surface 23, and the impact of the collision is at least partially
absorbed by
coil spring 34. Moreover, referring to rig. 5(b), when the corner of first
plate portion
90 and third plate portion 92 contacts surface 23, a component of the impact
in the
depth direction of case 32 is absorbed by coil spring 34. Consequently, -case,
32 is
protected from the impact, and case 32 may not be damaged by the impact.
[00621 Moreover, when ink cartridge 30 is transferred, e.g., during shipment
of ink cartridge 30 from a factory, ink cartridge 30 may vibrate.
Nevertheless, the
vibration may not be transferred to case 32 because coil spring 34 absorbs the
vibration.
Consequently, the vibration may not generate air bubbles, in ink chamber 36,
[0063] Referring to rigs. 6(a) and 6(b), when ink cartridge 30 is dropped
and collides with surface 23 with from face 40 facing downward, either first
end 96 of
first plate portion 90 or first end 96 of second plate portion 91, or both,
contacts the
surface 23, and at least a portion of the impact of the collision is absorbed
by coil, spring
34, Consequently, case 32 is protected from the impact, and case 32 may not be
damaged by the impact. Moreover, because each of first plate portion 90 and
second
plate portion 91 extends further outwardly from front face 40 than translucent
portion
39 and ink supply portion 51 extends from front face 40, ink supply portion 51
and
translucent.portion 39 do not contact surface 23. Consequently, the impact is
not
directly transferred to ink supply portion 51 or translucent portion 39, or
both, which
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
16
prevents ink supply portion S1 and translucent portion 39 from being damaged.
10064] Referring to Fig_ 7, cartridge accommodating case 101 comprises a
case main body 105 and a lock lever 106. Case main body 105 comprises an
accommodating chamber 108 formed therein. Case main body 105 has an opening
110
formed =L=herethrottgh, which is positioned adjacent to opening 18 of case 14
of printer
portion 12. Ink cartridge 30 is selectively installed in and removed from
accommodating chamber 108 via opening 110.
[0065] Case main body 105 has a wall 114 defining an end of accommodating
chamber 108 opposite from opening 110, and an optical sensor 103 is provided
at wall-
114, Optical sensor 103 is a photo interrupter comprising a light emitting
portion and
a light receiving portion. When ink cartridge 30 is installed in accommodating
chamber 108, translucent portion 39 is positioned between the light emitting
portion and
the light receiving portion, Depending on the position of indicating portion
62 in
translucent portion 39, the intensity of light received by the light receiving
portion
varies. Based on the intensity of light received by the light receiving
portion, it is
determined whether the amount of ink in ink cartridge 30 is greater than or
equal to a
sufficient amount of ink.
[0066] A connecting portion 111 is provided at wall 114 below optical sensor
103. Connecting portion 111 extends from wall 144 towards the interior of
accommodating chamber 108. When ink cartridge 30 is installed in accommodating
chamber 108, connecting portion 111 is connected to ink supply portion 51,
such that a
needle (not shown) provided at connecting portion 111 penetrates through the
fibm (not
shown) of ink supply portion 51 and enters inner hole 53. Connecting portion
111 has
a through hole 124 formed therethrough, and one end. of through hole 14 is
connected to
the needle and the other end of through hole 14 is connected to a flexible
tube (not
shown) which is connected to a recording head (not shown).
[0067] Case main body 105 comprises a bottom wall 117, and a space 113 is
formed between bottom wall 117 and connecting portion 111. When ink cartridge
30
is installed in accommodating chamber 108, first end 96 of second plate
portion 91 is
positioned within space 113.
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
17
[0068] The upper end of lock lever 106 is coupled to case main body 105 above
opening 110, such that lock lever 106 pivots about the upper end of lock lever
106.
Lock lever 106 is configured to expose accommodating Chamber 108 through
opening
110 when lock lever 106 is opened, and to cover opening 110 when lock lever
106 is
closed, Lock lever 106 comprises a pressing portion 125 and a claw 126.
Pressing
portion 125 extends from a middle portion of an inner surface 129 of lock
lever 106.
Claw 126 is positioned at the lower end of look lever 106. Bottom wall 117 has
a
cut-out 127 formed in the outer surface of bottom wall. 117 below opening 110,
and
claw 126 is configured to engage cut-out 127.
[0069] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the process of installing ink cartridge 30
in
cartridge accommodating case 101 is described. Ink cartridge 30 is inserted
into
accommodating chamber 108 until ink supply portion, 51 contacts connecting
portion
111, translucent portion 39 enters between the light emitting portion and the
light
receiving portion of optical sensor 103, and first end 96 of second plate
portion 91
enters space 113.
[0070] Lock lever 106 is then pivoted towards the case main body 105 until
pressing portion 125 contacts third plate potion 92. When lock lever 106
pivots further,
coil spring 34 contracts and movable member 33 moves towards wall 114, while
case 32
remains stationary. When lock lever 106 pivots further, claw 126 engages cut
out 127,
and lock lever 160 is completely closed and is fixed to case main body 105.
Lock
lever 106 retains ink cartridge 30 in case main body 105 and ink supply
portion 51 is
pressed against connecting portion 111 by coil spring 34.
[0071] With this configuration., ink cat-tage 30 is installed in cartridge
accommodating case 101 securely. Moreover, ink cartridge 30 is pressed in an
installation direction as indicated by an arrow 70 in Figs. 8 and 9 with a
constant force
depending on the elasticity of coil spring 34. Furthermore, because ink supply
portion
51 is pressed against connecting portion 111 tightly, ink is prevented from
leaking
between ink supply portion 51 and connecting portion 111.
[0072] When a user intends to remove ink cartridge 30 from cartridge
accommodating case 101, the user disengages claw 126 from cut-out 127.
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
18
Consequently, coil spring 34 expands, which causes movable member 33 to push
up
lock lever 106 and causes ink cartridge 30 to be partially ejected from case
main body
105. The user then grasps the rear portion of movable member 33 and removes
ink
cartridge 30 from cartridge accommodating case 101. Thus, ink cartridge 30 is
readily
removed from cartridge accommodating case 101.
[0073] If the shape of case 32 in the expansion and contraction directions
were
altered when coil spring 34 expands and contracts, the shape of case 32 might
be
deformed when ink is consumed from ink chamber 36, and coil spring 34 might be
fully
expanded when ink stored in the ink chamber 36 is almost used up. In such a
case,
when the user disengages claw 126 from cut-out 127, coil spring 34 might not
expand
further, which might not cause movable member 33 to push up lock lever 106 and
not
cause ink cartridge 30 to be partially ejected from case main body 105.
Nevertheless,
in an embodiment, the shape of case 32 in the expansion and contraction
directions is
not be altered when coil, spring 34 expands and contracts, Therefore, ink
cartridge 30
is readily removed from cartridge accommodating case 101.
[0074] In an embodiment, the entire moveable member 33 is configured to
substantially simultaneously move in a first direction relative to case 32
when coil
spring 34 member expands, and the entire moveable member 33 is configured to
substantially simultaneously move relative to case 32 in a second direction
opposite the
first direction when coil spiting 34 contracts. Therefore, the impact of the
collision is
sufficiently absorbed by coil spring 34. If the entire moveable member 33 were
not
configured to substantially simultaneously move relative to case 32, the
impact of the
collision might not be absorbed by coil spring 34 sufficiently. In particular,
if some
portion of the movable member 33 were stationary relative to case 32 and
attached to
case 32, such a portion might be damaged by the impact.
[0075] Referring to Fig. 10, an ink cartridge 140 according to another
embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment, movable
member 33 comprises a first plate portion 142 and a second plate portion 143
instead of
first plate pardon 90 and second plate portion 91. A cross-sectional shape of
each of
first plate portion 142 and second plate portion 143 is trapezoidal. The upper
base of
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
= i i
19
the trapezoidal cross seetional.shape of first plate portion 142 is shorter
than the lower
base of the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of first plate portion 142. The
upper base
of the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of second plate portion 143 is longer
than the
lower base of the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of second plate portion
143. Case
32 does not convprise rails 55 and 56, but comprises a groove 144 and a groove
145
formed in top face 41 and bottom face 43, respectively. Groove 144 extends
from the
coiner of top face 41 and front face 40 to the comer of top face 41 and rear
face 42 in
the depth direction of case 32, and groove 145 extends from the corner of
bottom face
43 and front face 40 to the corner of bottom face 43 and rear face 42 in the
depth
direction of case 32. A cross-sectional. shape of each of groove 144 and
groove 145 is
trapezoidal. The upper base of the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of groove
144 is
shorter than the lower base of the trapezoidal cross-sectional shape of groove
144. The
upper base of the trapezoidal-cross sectional shape of groove 145 is longer
than the
lower base of the trapezoidal-cross sectional shape of groove 145. First plate
portion
142 and second plate portion 143 are inserted into groove 144 and groove 145,
respectively, such that first plate portion 142 and second plate portion 143
slides in
groove 144 and groove 145, respectively. Because of the trapezoidal cross-
sectional
shape of first plate portion 142, second plate portion 143, groove 144, and
groove 145,
case 32 and movable member 30 are coupled securely, and Zak cartridge 140 may
be
disassembled only when movable member 3 0 slides off case 32 in the depth
direction of
case 32.
[0076] Referring to Figs. 11(a) and 11(b), an ink cartridge 150 according to
yet another embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In this
embodiment,
movable member 33 father comprises a fourth plate portion 152 extending from
first
end 96 of first plate portion 90 downwardly awl substantially perpendicular to
first plate
portion 90, The lower end of fourth plate portion 152 is positioned above and
adjacent
to translucent portion 39. Fourth plate portion 152 may be manufactured
separately
from movable member 33, and may be attached to movable member 33 via
ultrasonic
welding,
[0077) When ink cartridge 150 contacts a surface with front face 40 facing
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
downward, front face 40 is protected by fourth plate portion 152. For example,
when
ink cartridge 150 contacts a surface with an amount of force greater than a
predetermined amount of force, and coil spring 32 expands too much, the
sliding motion
of case 32 to the front face 40 side is restricted by forth plate portion 152.
[0078] Referring to Figs. 12(a)-15, an ink cartridge 160 according to still
another embodiment of the present invention is depicted, In this embodiment,
movable member 33 further comprises a grasping portion 162 formed on and
extending
from the outer surface of third plate portion 92, Ink cartridge 160 is
configured to be
installed in a cartridge accommodating case 165. When a user intends to
install. or
remove ink cartridge 160 in or from cartridge accommodating case 165, the user
grasps
grasping portion 162.
[0079] The position of grasping portion 162 depends on the color of ink
stored in ink cartridge 160. Referring to Fig. 13, a grasping portion 162K of
an ink
cartridge 160K storing black ink is positioned adjacent to the upper end of
third plate
portion 92, a grasping portion 162C of- an ink cartridge 160C storing cyan ink
is - "
positioned below grasping portion 162K of ink cartridge 160K, a grasping
portion 162Y
of an ink cartridge 160Y storing yellow ink is positioned below grasping
portion 162C
of ink cartridge 160C, and a grasping portion 162M of an ink cartridge 160M
storing
magenta ink is positioned adjacent to the lower end of thud plate portion 92
and below
grasping portion 162Y of ink cartridge 160Y. When ink cartridges 160K, 160C.
160Y,
and 162M are placed side by side, grasping portions 162K, 162C, 162Y, and 162M
are
offset in the height direction of case 32. Therefore, a user readily grasps
grasping
portions 162K, 162C, 162Y, and 162M without interference from adjacent
grasping
portions 162K,162C,162Y, and 162M.
[0080) Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, lock lever 106 comprises a recess 167
formed ill inner surface 129 of lock lever 106 instead of pressing portion
125. When
ink cartridge 160 is=installed in cartridge accommodating case 165, grasping
portion 162
is accommodated in recess 167. The shape and the position of recess 167
corresponds
to the shape and the position of grasping portion 162. The position of recess
167
depends on the color of ink which is stored in the installed ink cartridge
160,
CA 02675489 2009-08-20
i i
21
[0081] Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, the process of installing ink cartridge
160 in
cartridge accommodating case 165 is described. Ink cartridge 160 is inserted
into
accommodating chamber 108 until ink supply portion 51 contacts connecting
portion
111. Lock lever 106 is then pivoted towards the case mama body 105, grasping
portion
162 enters recess 167, and an end 163 of grasping portion 162 contacts a
bottom 168 of
recess 167. When lock lever 106 pivots further, coil spring 34 contracts and
movable
member 33 moves towards wall 114, and case 32 remains stationary. When lock
lever
160 pivots further, claw 126 engages cutout 127, and lock lever 160 is
completely
closed and fixed to case main body 105.
[0082] Because the position of recess 167 depends on the color of ink which
the
installed ink cartridge 160 stores therein, if ink cartridge 160K is
inadvertently installed
in cartridge accommodating case 165 configwed to accommodate ink cartridge
160C,
recess 167 does not accommodate grasping portion 162K. Consequently, a user
readily notices that the user installed the ink cartridge in a wrong one of
cartridge
accommodating cases 165.
[0083] While the invention has been described in connection with exemplary
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that ocher
variations and
modifications of the exemplary embodiments described above may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent
to
those skilled in the = art from a consideration of the specification or
practice of the
invention disclosed herein.. It is intended that the specification and the
described
examples are considered merely as exemplary of the invention, with the true
scope of
the invention being indicated by the flowing claims.
Industrial Applicability
[0084] The ink cartridge of the present invention is widely used for home and
office uses.
