EP2095955A1 - Packaging arrangement - Google Patents
Packaging arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2095955A1 EP2095955A1 EP08003695A EP08003695A EP2095955A1 EP 2095955 A1 EP2095955 A1 EP 2095955A1 EP 08003695 A EP08003695 A EP 08003695A EP 08003695 A EP08003695 A EP 08003695A EP 2095955 A1 EP2095955 A1 EP 2095955A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- face
- ink
- ink chamber
- wall
- ink cartridge
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17513—Inner structure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
- B41J2/17523—Ink connection
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17533—Storage or packaging of ink cartridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17553—Outer structure
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a packaging arrangement in which an ink cartridge is enclosed in a packaging member, and a pressure inside the packaging member is less than a pressure outside the packaging member.
- a known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to and removed from a known inkjet recoding apparatus.
- the known ink cartridge has an ink chamber configured to store ink, and when the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording apparatus, ink is supplied from the ink chamber to the recording apparatus.
- the ink chamber is defined by a frame and a pair of films which are adhered to opposite faces of the frame.
- Such a known ink cartridge is described in JP-A-2007-144808 for example.
- ink is stored in the ink chamber, and the pressure inside the ink chamber is reduced to be less than the atmospheric pressure, which increases the degree of deaeration in the ink chamber, and thereby prevents generation of air bubbles in the ink chamber.
- the ink cartridge is packaged in a package bag, and the pressure inside the package bag is reduced to be less than the pressure in the ink chamber, which prevents air from entering the ink chamber through the pair of films.
- a technical advantage of the present invention is that deformation of a component of the ink cartridge is suppressed.
- a packaging arrangement comprises an ink cartridge and a packaging member enclosing the ink cartridge.
- the ink cartridge comprises a body, a movable member, and at least one resilient member.
- the body comprises a particular face, the body has at least a portion of an ink chamber defined therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink.
- the movable member is configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the body, and a distance between the second position and the particular face of the body is less than a distance between the first position and the particular face of the body.
- the at least one resilient member is disposed between the particular face of the body and the movable member.
- the at least one resilient member is configured to expand and to contract to move the movable member relative to the case between the first position and the second position, and the at least one resilient member applies a biasing force to the movable member to bias the movable member into the first position.
- a pressure inside the packaging member is less than a pressure outside the packaging member, and the movable member is retained in the second position when the ink cartridge is enclosed within the packaging member.
- the particular face of the body may have a first opening formed therethrough, and the body may comprise a sealing member configured to close the first opening.
- the movable member may comprise a particular wall facing the particular face of the body, and the particular wall may have a second opening formed therethrough at a position corresponding to the first opening. With this configuration, the sealing member may be accessed via the second opening.
- the body further may comprise a first face, and a second face opposite the first face, and each of first face and the second face may extend from the particular face.
- the movable member further may comprise a first wall covering at least a portion of the first face of the body, and a second wall covering at least a portion of the second face of the body.
- the ink cartridge further may comprise a particular rib disposed in the ink chamber and extending between the first face and the second face.
- the particular rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- the ink cartridge further may comprise a pivotable member disposed in the ink chamber and configured to move within the ink chamber based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber, and a supporting member positioned in the ink chamber.
- the supporting member may be configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, and the supporting member may comprise a further rib extending between the first face and the second face.
- the further rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- the supporting member is configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, the further rib may not hinder the movement of the pivotable member.
- the ink cartridge further may comprise a housing enclosing at least a portion of the body.
- a first portion of the housing may be positioned between the first wall and the at least a portion of the first face of the body, and a second portion of the housing may be positioned between the second wall and the at least a portion of the second face of the body.
- the body further may comprise a first face, and a second face opposite the first face. Each of first face and the second face may extend from the particular face.
- the movable member further may comprise a particular wall covering at least a portion of the particular face, a first wall covering at least a portion of the first ace of the body, and a second wall covering at least a portion of the second face of the body.
- the ink cartridge further may comprise a particular rib disposed in the ink chamber and extending between the first face and the second face.
- the particular rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- the ink cartridge further may comprise a pivotable member disposed in the ink chamber and configured to move within the ink chamber based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber, and a supporting member positioned in the ink chamber.
- the supporting member may be configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, and the supporting member may comprise a further rib extending between the first face and the second face.
- the further rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- the supporting member is configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, the further rib may not hinder the movement of the pivotable member.
- the ink cartridge further may comprise a housing enclosing at least a portion of the body.
- a first portion of the housing may be positioned between the first wall and the at least a portion of the first face of the body, and a second portion of the housing may be positioned between the second wall and the at least a portion of the second face of the body.
- the packaging arrangement further may comprise a retaining member configured to engage the body to retain the movable member in the second position.
- Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) are a front-face perspective view and a rear-face perspective view of an ink cartridge, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) .
- Figs. 3(A) and 3(B) are side views of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) , respectively, in which a movable member, such as a slider, is in a second position and a first position, respectively.
- a movable member such as a slider
- Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge of Fig. 1(A) taken along a line IV-IV of Fig. 1(A) .
- Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a container body, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 6 is a side view of the container body of Fig. 5 .
- Fig. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of container body of Fig. 5 , in which the container body comprises a pair of film walls.
- Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a pivotable member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a supporting member, such as a supporting block, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 10(A) is a front view of the supporting block of Fig. 9 .
- Fig. 10(B) is a left side view of the supporting block of Fig. 9 .
- Fig. 10(C) is a right side view of the supporting block of Fig.9 .
- Fig. 10(D) is a plane view of the supporting block of Fig. 9 .
- Fig. 11 is a side view of an ink cartridge assembly comprising the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) and an opener, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 12 is a side view of the ink cartridge assembly of Fig. 11 , in which a housing and the movable member are omitted.
- Fig. 13 is an exploded, perspective view of the opener of Fig. 11 .
- Fig. 14(A) is a side view of a seat of the opener of Fig. 11 .
- Fig. 14(B) is a bottom view of the seat of Fig. 14(A) .
- Fig. 14(C) is a front view of the seat of Fig. 14(A) .
- Fig. 14(D) is a cross-sectional view of the seat of Fig. 14(C) taken along a line XIVD-XIVD in Fig. 14(C) .
- Fig. 15(A) is a side view of a cover of the opener of Fig. 11 .
- Fig. 15(B) is a bottom view of the cover of Fig. 15(A) .
- Fig. 15(C) is a front view of the cover of Fig. 15(A) .
- Fig. 15(D) is a cross-sectional view of the cover of Fig. 15(C) taken along a line XVD-XVD in Fig. 15(C) .
- Fig. 16(A) is a side view of an operation member of the opener of Fig. 11 .
- Fig. 16(B) is a cross-sectional view of the operation member of Fig. 16(A) taken along a line XVIB-XVIB in Fig. 16(A) .
- Fig. 17 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge assembly of Fig. 11 .
- Fig. 18 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge assembly of Fig. 11 , in which the operation member is pressed.
- Fig. 19 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge assembly of Fig. 11 , in which the opener is removed from the ink cartridge.
- Fig. 20 is perspective view of a packaging arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- an ink cartridge 10 is depicted.
- An image recording apparatus e.g., an inkjet printer, uses ink cartridge 10 to form an image on a recording medium (not shown), e.g., paper.
- the ink cartridge 10 is configured to be mounted to and removed from a cartridge storage section (not shown) of the image recording apparatus.
- the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the cartridge storage section by inserting ink cartridge 10 in a direction indicated by an arrow 30 in Fig. 1 . After the ink cartridge 10 is mounted in the cartridge storage section, ink stored in the ink cartridge 10 is supplied to a recording head (not shown) of the image recording apparatus.
- the ink cartridge 10 has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape.
- a width of the ink cartridge 10, as indicated by an arrow 31, is relatively short, and each of a height of the ink cartridge 10, as indicated by an arrow 32, and a depth of the ink cartridge 10, as indicated by an arrow 33, is greater than the width of the ink cartridge 10.
- the ink cartridge 10 comprises a container body 20, a housing 26, a movable member, e.g., a slider 27, and at least one resilient member, e.g., a pair of coil springs 23 and 24.
- the housing 26 and the slider 27 encloses the container body 20.
- the housing 26 is configured to protect the container body 20. Substantially the entirety of the container body 20 other than a front face 41 of the container body 20 is covered by the housing 26.
- the housing 26 comprises a first cover member 21 and a second cover member 22 configured to sandwich the container body 20 from the right and left in Fig. 2 . In this embodiment, a pair of films 65 is covered by the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22.
- the first cover member 21 is attached to a right side face 46 of the container body 20.
- the first cover member 21 comprises a plurality of engaging claws 12 extending from an inner wall surface thereof, and the container body 20 comprises a plurality of engaging grooves 13 formed therein.
- the plurality of engaging claws 12 are fitted into the plurality of engaging grooves 13, respectively, such that the right side face 46 of the container body 20 is covered by the first cover member 21.
- the second cover member 22 is attached to a left side face 45 of the container body 20.
- the second cover member 22 comprises a plurality of engaging claws (not shown) extending from an inner wall surface thereof, and the plurality of engaging claws are fitted in the plurality of engaging grooves 13, respectively, such that the left side face 45 of the container body 20 is covered by the second cover member 22.
- the container body 20 may comprise a sealing member, e.g., an air communication valve mechanism 80, and an ink supply valve mechanism 90 positioned at the front face 41 thereof.
- the slider 27 is configured to protect the air communication valve mechanism 80 and the ink supply valve mechanism 90.
- the slider 27 may be coupled to the container body 20 by the coil springs 23 and 24 positioned therebetween, and is configured to move relative to the container body 20.
- An end of the coil spring 23 is received in a spring receiver 23A formed in an upper portion of the front face 41 of the container body 20, and an end of the coil spring 24 is received in a spring receiver 24A formed in a lower portion of the front face 41 of the container body 20.
- the slider 27 is configured to contact and slide on the front portion 28 of the housing 26 between a first position and a second position in the depth direction, as indicated by the arrow 33, when coil springs 23 and 24 expand and contract.
- the slider 27 is positioned closer to the front face 41 of the container body 20 than when the slider 27 is in the first position, and when the slider 27 is at the first position, as depicted in Fig. 3(B) , the slider 27 is positioned further from the front face 41 of the container body 20 than when the slider 27 is in the second position.
- the slider 27 moves from the first position to the second position.
- an opening 110 formed through the slider 27 is positioned adjacent to the air communication valve mechanism 80, and the ink supply valve mechanism 90 extends outside the slider 27 via an opening 111 formed through the slider 27.
- the predetermined amount of force is released from the slider 27, the slider 27 subsequently moves from the second position to the first position, the opening 110 of the slider 27 moves away from the air communication valve mechanism 80, and the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is positioned within the slider 27.
- the container body 20 has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape having the front face 41, a rear face 42 opposite the front face 41, a top face 43, a bottom face 44 opposite top face 43, the left side face 45, and the right side face 46 opposite the left side face 45.
- Each of the top face 43 and the bottom face 44 is connected to the front face 41 and the rear face 42
- each of the left side face 45 and the right side face 46 is connected to the front face 41, the rear face 42, the top face 43, and the bottom face 44.
- the area of the left side face 45 and the area of the right side face 46 are each greater than each of the area of the front face 41, the area of the rear face 42, the area of the top face 43, and the area of the bottom face 44.
- the container body 20 comprises a frame 50, a pivotable member 70, a supporting member, e.g., a supporting block 170, a protecting member 150, the air communication valve mechanism 80, the ink supply valve mechanism 90, and the pair of films 65.
- the frame 50 defines the six faces 41-46 of the container body 20, such that the six faces 41-46 of the container body 20 correspond to six faces of the frame 50.
- the frame 50 is formed of a translucent resin material, e.g., a transparent material or a semi-transparent material, and light passes therethrough.
- the frame 50 is manufactured by injection-molding polypropylene.
- the frame 50 may be manufactured by injection-molding polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, or the like.
- the frame 50 comprises an outer peripheral wall 51 and a plurality of inner walls or inner ribs 52.
- the inner walls or inner ribs 52 are positioned inside the outer peripheral wall 51.
- the outer peripheral wall 51 and the inner walls or inner ribs 52 are integral and define the frame 50.
- the outer peripheral wall 51 and the inner walls or inner ribs 52 extend from the left side face 45 to the right side face 46 of the frame 50.
- the outer peripheral wall 51 has a substantially square or rectangular perimeter extending along the front face 41, the top face 43, the rear face 42, and the bottom surface 44 defining a space in the interior thereof. Accordingly, openings 57 are formed on the left side face 45 and the right side face 46, respectively, of the frame 50, such that the left side face 45 and the right side face 46 of the frame 50 are opened.
- the pair of films 65 e.g., translucent films, is connected to, e.g., adhered to, the side faces 45 and 46, respectively, of the frame 50 via an adhesion method, e.g., a thermal adhesion method. More specifically, the pair of films 65 is adhered to both ends of the outer peripheral wall 51 in the width direction 31.
- the openings 57 are closed by the pair of films 65, and a space surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 51 and the pair of films 65 comprises an ink chamber 100 configured to store ink therein.
- a container-shaped frame which is opened only on the right side face 46 may be used instead of the frame 50. In this case, the ink chamber 100 is defined by the film 65 adhered to the right side face 46 of the container-shaped frame.
- the frame 50 comprises a partitioning plate 53, extending from the outer peripheral wall 51, which partitions an upper space of the ink chamber 100 at the center in the width direction 31.
- the inner walls or inner ribs 52 extend from the outer peripheral wall 51 or the partitioning plate 53.
- the pair of films 65 is also adhered to the inner walls or inner ribs 52 at both ends thereof in the width direction 31. Consequently, the inner walls or inner ribs 52 restrict the ability of the pair of films 65, the first cover member 21, and/or the second cover member 22 to move inward, such that the inner walls or inner ribs 52 limit an amount of deformation of the pair of films 65.
- a lower portion of the ink chamber 100 e.g., a space 102 below the partitioning panel 53, is not partitioned in the width direction 31 and extends from the left side face 45 to the right side face 46, such that the pivotable member 70 and the supporting block 170 are positioned therein.
- each of the pair of films 65 comprises a plurality of layered, synthetic resin films.
- each of the pair of films 65 comprises three layers.
- the innermost layer is formed of a polypropylene, which is the same material as the frame 50.
- the innermost layer of the pair of films 65 is adhered to the frame 50.
- the outermost layer is formed of a polyethylene terephthalate, and the layer sandwiched by the innermost layer and the outermost layer is formed of a nylon.
- each of the pair of films 65 may be formed of a metal foil sandwiched by synthetic resins.
- each of the pair of films 65 may be formed of a pulp, a metal, or a natural resin.
- the frame 50 comprises a rib 74 positioned at a right-side face 46 side of the outer peripheral wall 51, such that the rib 74 is positioned adjacent to a corner between the front face 41 and the bottom face 44.
- a cylindrical tube 67 extends from the rib 74 towards the left side face 45.
- a shaft 77 having a column shape has a first end fitted into the cylindrical tube 67, and a second end which is supported by the supporting block 170. The shaft 77 extends through a shaft hole 78 of the pivotable member 70.
- the frame 50 comprises a cylindrical ink introduction chamber 105 formed in the rear face 42 of the frame 50 adjacent to the lower end of the rear face 42.
- the ink introduction chamber 105 extends from the rear face 42 towards the ink chamber 100.
- the ink introduction chamber 105 is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber 100. Ink is introduced into the ink chamber 100 through the ink introduction chamber 105 during the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 10. More specifically, air is removed from the interior of the ink chamber 100 until the pressure in the ink chamber 100 is reduced to a predetermined pressure.
- the predetermined pressure is selected, such that after a sufficient amount of ink is introduced into the ink chamber 100 e.g., the ink chamber 100 is substantially full, the pressure in the ink chamber 100 is slightly less than the atmospheric pressure.
- the frame 50 comprises a translucent portion 140 positioned at the front face 41 and extending away from the ink chamber 100. An amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 100 is optically or visually detected via the translucent portion 140.
- the translucent portion 140 is integral with frame 50, and is formed of the same material as frame 50, e.g., the translucent portion 140 is formed of a translucent resin material which allows light to pass therethrough.
- the translucent portion 140 projects outward from a center portion of front face 41 of the frame 50 away from the ink chamber 100.
- the translucent portion 140 comprises five rectangular walls and have a substantially a hollow box shape.
- the translucent portion 140 comprises a front wall 140A, a pair of side walls 140B, a top wall 140C, and a bottom wall 140D.
- the front wall 140A extends parallel to the front face 41 and is separated from the front face 41 by a predetermined distance.
- the pair of side walls 140B are connected to the front face 41 and the front wall 140A, the top wall 140C is connected to top ends of the front wall 140A and the side walls 140B, and the bottom wall 140D is connected to bottom ends of the front wall 140A and the side walls 140B.
- the width of the front wall 140A is less than the width of the front face 41.
- the translucent portion 140 is configured to receive light emitted from an optical sensor, e.g., a photo interrupter.
- an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter.
- a light emitting portion of a photo interrupter faces one of the side walls 140B and a light receiving portion of the photo interrupter faces the other of the side walls 140B.
- the light emitted from the light emitting portion of the photo interrupter may pass through the side walls 140B and reach the light receiving portion of the photo interrupter.
- the translucent portion 140 has an inner space 142 formed therein, which is defined by the front wall 140A, the side walls 140B, the top wall 140C, and the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140.
- the inner space 142 is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the ink chamber 100.
- An indicating portion 72 of the pivotable member 70 is configured to move within the inner space 142 between an upper position and a lower position based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber 100.
- At least one engaging claw 144 is formed on each of the side walls 140B of the translucent portion 140. Each engaging claw 144 extends outward from one of the side walls 140B in a direction perpendicular to the side walls 140B. Each engaging claw 144 has a hook shape.
- the air communication valve mechanism 80 When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the air communication valve mechanism 80 is positioned above the translucent portion 140.
- the air communication valve mechanism 80 is configured to selectively open and close an opening 81 formed through an upper portion of the front face 41 of the frame 50, such that air communication valve mechanism 80 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber 100 and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 via the opening 81.
- the air communication valve mechanism 80 comprises a valve member 87, a rod 88 extending from the valve member 87, an urging member, e.g., a spring 86, a stopper 83, and a cap 85.
- the stopper 83 has an opening formed therethrough.
- the stopper 83 is partially positioned in the opening 81, but does not close the opening 81 completely because the opening is formed through the stopper 83.
- the valve member 87 is configured to move between an opened position in which the valve member 87 is separated from the stopper 83, and a closed position in which the valve member 87 contacts the stopper 83.
- the opening of the stopper 83 is not closed by the valve member 87, such that the opening 81 is opened.
- the opening of the stopper 83 is closed by the valve member 87, such that the opening 81 is closed.
- the valve member 87 is resiliently urged by the spring 86 toward the stopper 83, such that the valve member 87 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of the spring 86 is applied to the valve member 87.
- the ink supply valve mechanism 90 When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is positioned below the translucent portion 140.
- the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is configured to selectively open and close an opening 91 formed through a lower portion of the front face 41 of the frame 50, such that the ink supply valve mechanism 90 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber 100 and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 via the opening 91.
- the ink supply valve mechanism 90 comprises a valve member 97, a spring 96, a spring receiver 94, a stopper 93, and a cap 95.
- the stopper 93 has an opening formed therethrough.
- the stopper 93 is partially positioned in the opening 91, but does not close the opening 91 completely because the opening is formed through the stopper 93.
- the valve member 97 is configured to move between an opened position in which the valve member 97 is separated from the stopper 93, and a closed position in which the valve member 97 contacts the stopper 93.
- the opening of the stopper 93 is not closed by the valve member 97, such that the opening 91 is opened.
- the opening of the stopper 93 is closed by the valve member 97, such that the opening 91 is closed.
- valve member 97 is resiliently urged by the spring 96 toward the stopper 93, such that the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of the spring 96 is applied to the valve member 97.
- the valve member 97 is pushed by a tube of the image recording apparatus against the biasing force of the spring 96, and the opening 91 is opened. Consequently, ink in the ink chamber 100 is allowed to flow from the opening 91 to the image recording apparatus via the tube.
- a supporting member 115 is be positioned on the top face 43 of the frame 50 adjacent to the front face 41 of the frame 50.
- the supporting member 115 is integral with the frame 50.
- the supporting member 115 is configured to support the slider 27, such that the slider 27 slides with respect to the container body 20.
- the supporting member 115 also is configured to restrict the sliding range of the slider 27.
- the slider 27 is slidably supported by the supporting member 115 and a supporting member 116.
- the supporting member 115 comprises a seat 118 extending away from the top face 43 in a direction perpendicular to the top face 43, and a hook-shaped engaging claw 15 which is positioned at and extends from the front end of the seat 118 in a direction perpendicular to the top face 43.
- the supporting member 116 is formed on the bottom face 44 of the frame 50 adjacent to the front face 41 of the frame 50.
- the supporting member 116 has substantially the same shape as the supporting member 115.
- the supporting member 116 is integral with the frame 50, and comprises a seat 124 extending away from the bottom face 44 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom face 44, and a hook-shaped engaging claw 16 which is positioned at and extends from the front end of the seat 124 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom face 44.
- the pivotable member 70 is configured to indicate whether the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein.
- the indicating portion 72 is positioned at a first end of the pivotable member 70, and a float portion 73 is positioned at a second end of the pivotable member 70.
- the pivotable member 70 has the shaft hole 78 formed therethrough.
- the shaft hole 78 is positioned between the first end of the pivotable member and the second end of the pivotable member.
- the shaft 77 is inserted into the shaft hole 78, and the shaft 77 supports the pivotable member 70, such that the pivotable member 70 pivots about the shaft 77 in a direction indicated by an arrow 35 in Fig. 6 .
- the shaft 77 is supported by the cylindrical tube 67 formed on the rib 74 at one end thereof, and by the supporting block 170 at the other end thereof.
- the shaft 77 may be integral with the pivotable member 70.
- the specific gravity of float portion 73 is less than the specific gravity of ink stored in the ink chamber 100.
- the float portion 73 has a hollow formed therein, and floats on ink, such that the float portion 70 moves upward and downward based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber 100, and the pivotable member 70 pivots based on the movement of float portion 73.
- the float portion 73 does not have the hollow, and comprises a material having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of ink.
- the indicating portion 72 contacts the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, such that further movement of the pivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the lower position.
- the indicating portion 72 moves away from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, and the float portion 73 contacts a bottom surface of the ink chamber 100.
- the float portion 73 contacts the bottom surface of the ink chamber 100, further movement of the pivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicating portion 72 is at the upper position and separated from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140 by a predetermined distance.
- the pivotable member 70 comprises a first portion 75 extending from the shaft hole 78 to the indicating portion 72, and a second portion 76 extending from the shaft hole 78 to the float portion 73.
- the mass of the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 is less than the mass of the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70, such that when the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70 and the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 are in the same medium as each other, the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70 is heavier than the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70. Accordingly, when the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber is less than a sufficient amount of ink, the pivotable member 70 pivots counterclockwise about the shaft 77 in Fig.
- the indicating portion 72 separates from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140.
- the pivotable member 70 stops pivoting and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the upper position.
- the indicating portion 72 is at the upper position, it is determined that the ink chamber 100 has an insufficient amount of ink stored therein.
- the float portion 73 is submerged in the ink, and a buoyancy force acts on the float portion 73.
- the buoyancy force is great enough to cause the pivotable member 70 to pivot clockwise about the shaft 77 in Fig. 6 .
- the indicating portion 72 contacts the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, and the pivotable member 70 stops pivoting and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the lower position.
- the indicating portion 72 is at the lower position, it is determined that the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein.
- Whether or not the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein is determined by a user viewing the position of the indicating portion 72 in the inner space 142, or by using an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter, to monitor the position of the indicating portion 72.
- an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter
- the protecting member 150 is positioned around the pivotable member 70.
- the protecting member 150 is manufactured by bending a linear steel wire.
- the protecting member 150 comprises a U-shaped portion 150A which is received by a hook 131 formed on the frame 50, and ends 150B of the protecting member 150 are inserted into a hole (not shown) formed through the rib 74 and a hole 183 formed through the supporting block 170, respectively.
- the supporting block 170 is depicted.
- a portion of the outer peripheral wall 51 and a portion of the protecting member 150 are illustrated in broken lines for the convenience of description.
- the supporting block 170 is configured to support the shaft 77 and to support the pair of films 65 which may bend toward the ink chamber 100.
- the supporting block 170 is positioned in a lower portion of the ink chamber 100, e.g., in the space 102.
- the supporting block 170 is configured to be removable from the frame 50.
- the supporting block 170 comprises a plate 171 and a plurality of ribs 174-177.
- the plate 171 and the ribs 174-177 are formed of the same material as the frame 50.
- the rib 174 and the rib 175 extend in a direction perpendicular to a first surface 172 of the plate 171.
- Each of the ribs 174 and 175 is substantially L-shaped, as shown in Fig. 10(B) .
- the rib 174 and the rib 175 are positioned adjacent to an upper end 187 of the plate 171.
- the rib 174 and the rib 175 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. Consequently, an opening 179 which has a substantially C-shape is formed by the plate 171, the rib 174, and the rib 175.
- a portion of the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 is positioned in the opening 179, and the pivotable member 70 is pivotable within the range defined by the opening 179.
- the supporting block 170 also comprises a supporting portion 189 extending from the rib 175 substantially in the depth direction 33.
- the supporting portion 189 extends from substantially a widthwise center of the rib 175 toward the direction away from the rib 174.
- the rib 176 and the rib 177 are positioned on the supporting portion 189.
- the rib 176 and the rib 177 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the ribs 174-177 are positioned at dispersed places in the space 102.
- Each of the rib 176 and the rib 177 is substantially L-shaped. Each of the ribs 176 and 177 extends in the same direction as the ribs 174 and 175 extend, and has the same width W2 as the ribs 174 and 174. Each of the ribs 176 and 177 extends the same distance from the supporting portion 189 in opposite directions.
- the width W2 of the ribs 174-177 is selected, such that the pair of films 65 do not contact the pivotable member 70 when the pair of films 65 are drawn toward the ink chamber 100. More specifically, the width W2 of the ribs 174 and 175 is greater than a width W1 of the float portion 73, which is the portion of the pivotable member 70 which has the greatest width.
- a groove 182 is formed in a lower portion of the first surface 172 of the plate 172.
- the groove 182 has a substantially triangular shape.
- a hole 183 is formed through the plate 172 at a vertex 181 of the triangular groove 182.
- a cylindrical tube 185 is formed on a second surface 173 of the plate 172, and an end of the shaft 77 is received in the cylindrical tube 185.
- the supporting block 170 is attached to the rib 74 with the second surface 173 facing the rib 74, such that the shaft 77 is inserted into the shaft hole 78 of the pivotable member 70, one end of the shaft 77 is received in the cylindrical tube 185 of the supporting block 170, and the other end of the shaft 77 is received in the cylindrical tube 67 of the rib 74.
- the pivotable member 70 is thereby pivotably supported, and a portion of the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 is positioned in the opening 179.
- the ribs 174-177 extend perpendicular to and between the left side face 45 and the right side face 46.
- the supporting block 170 is positioned in the space 102 of the ink chamber 100, even though the pair of films 65 are drawn towards the ink chamber 100 due to the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the ink chamber 100 when ink is introduced into the ink chamber 100, the inner surfaces of the pair of films 65 contact ribs 174-177 of the supporting block 170. Therefore, deformation of the pair of films 65 is suppressed, which maintains the capacity of the ink chamber 100 at a maximum capacity. Moreover, when an external force is applied to the housing 26, which causes the housing 26 to deform toward the container body 20, the deformation of the housing 26 is suppressed by the ribs 174-177.
- the slider 27 has a container shape, and is configured to accommodate a front portion of the container body 20 therein.
- the slider 27 has a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the front portion of the container body 20.
- the slider comprises a front wall 161 facing and covering the front face 41 of the container body 20, a top wall 163 covering at least a portion of the top face 43 of the container body 20, a bottom wall 164 covering at least a portion of the bottom face 44 of the container body 20, a left wall 165 covering at least a portion of the left side face 45 of the container body 20, and a right wall 166 covering at least a portion of the right side face 46 of the container body 20.
- a portion of the front portion 28 of the housing 26 is positioned between the top wall 163 and the at least a portion of the top face 43, another portion of the front portion 28 is positioned between the bottom wall 164 and the at least a portion of the bottom face 44, still another portion of the front portion 28 is positioned between the left wall 165 and the at least a portion of the left side face 45, and yet another portion of the front portion 28 is positioned between the right wall 166 and the at least a portion of the right side face 46.
- the walls 161, and 163-166 define a space therein, which is configured to accommodate the front portion of the container body 20.
- the slider 27 comprises supporting bars 168 and 169, slide grooves 17 and 18, and the openings 110 and 111.
- the supporting bar 168 is configured to support the coil spring 23, and the supporting bar 169 is configured to support the coil spring 24.
- the supporting bars 168 and 169 are positioned on a surface of the front wall 161 facing the front face 41 of the container body 20.
- the supporting bar 168 is at a position corresponding to the spring receiver 23A, and the supporting bar 169 is at a position corresponding to the spring receiver 24A.
- the supporting bars 168 and 169 extend from the surface of the front wall 161 in the depth direction 33 of the container body 20.
- the supporting bar 168 is inserted into the coil spring 23 and the supporting bar 169 is inserted into the coil spring 24. Accordingly, the coil springs 23 and 24 are supported by the supporting bars 168 and 169, respectively.
- the direction of expansion and contraction of the coil springs 23 and 24 is limited in the depth direction of the container body 20.
- the coil springs 23 and 24 are compression coil springs, e.g., the coil springs 23 and 24 are compressed and stored in the spring receivers 23A and 24A, respectively, when the front portion of the container body 20 is inserted into the slider 27. Therefore, the coil springs 23 and 24 urge or bias slider 27 in the direction away from the front face 41 of the container body 20 independent of the position of the slider 27.
- the slide groove 17 is formed in the top wall 163, and a cross-sectional shape of the slide groove 17 has a substantially inverted U-shape.
- the supporting member 115 is inserted into the slide groove 17, and a projecting strip 120 extends from a bottom surface of the top wall 163 toward an interior of the slide groove 17. Therefore, the slide groove 17 is narrowed by the projecting strip 120.
- the slide groove 18 is formed in the bottom wall 164, and a cross-sectional shape of the slide groove 18 is substantially a U-shape.
- the supporting member 116 is inserted into the slide groove 18, and a projecting strip 126 extends from a top surface of the bottom wall 164 toward an interior of the slide groove 18. Therefore, the slide groove 18 is narrowed by the projecting strip 126.
- the supporting member 115 is inserted into the slide groove 17, and the supporting member 116 is inserted into the slide groove 18.
- the supporting member 115 is inserted into the slide groove 17, the projecting strip 120 and the engaging claw 15 contact each other. Then, when the supporting member 115 is further inserted, the supporting member 115 bends downward, and the engaging claw 15 moves to be positioned over the projecting strip 120.
- the engaging claw 15 has moved over the projecting strip 120, the slider 27 and the container body 20 are not be disassembled because the engaging claw 15 is received by the projecting strip 120.
- the supporting member 116 is also inserted into the slide groove 18 in the same manner.
- the slider 27 When the front portion of the container body 20 is inserted into the slider 27, the slider 27 is urged away from the front face 41 by the coil springs 23 and 24. Therefore, unless an external force is applied to the slider 27, the slider 27 remains in the first position (shown in Fig 3(B) ) corresponding to the slider's 27 furthest distance from front face 41 of the container body 20. The slider 27 remains in the first position by the contact between the projecting strip 120 and the engaging claw 15 and the contact between the projecting strip 126 and the engaging claw 16. Nevertheless, when an external force greater than the biasing force is applied to the front wall 161 of the slider 27, the slider 27 slides from the first position to the second position (shown in Fig. 3(A) ) corresponding to the slider's 27 closest distance to front face 41 of the container body 20.
- the opening 110 is formed through the front wall 161 adjacent to the upper end of the front wall 161.
- the opening 110 is formed at a position corresponding to the air communication valve mechanism 80.
- the opening 110 allows a guide 204 and a rod 244 of an opener 200 (see Fig. 11 ) to be inserted therethrough, and has a substantially circular shape.
- the opening 111 is formed through the front wall 161 adjacent to the lower end of the front wall 161.
- the opening 111 is formed at a position corresponding to the ink supply valve mechanism 90.
- the opening 111 has a size which is sufficient to allow the cap 95 of the ink supply valve mechanism 90 to be inserted therein, and when the slider 27 is slid from the first position (see Fig. 3(B) ) to the second position (see Fig. 3 (A) ), the cap 95 emerges from the opening 111.
- the ink cartridge assembly comprises the ink cartridge 10 and an opener 200.
- the opener 200 is configured to cover the air communication valve mechanism 80 and the ink supply valve mechanism 90 when the opener 200 is attached to the ink cartridge 10, and is also configured to cause the air communication valve mechanism 80 to open the opening 81.
- the opener 200 comprises a seat 206, a cover 208, an operation member 210, and a shaft 212.
- the seat 206 is configured to be directly attached to the ink cartridge 10.
- the seat 206 is formed of the same resin material as the frame 50, and is manufactured using injection-molding.
- the seat 206 has a hollow shape opening in an attachment direction 224 along which the opener 200 is attached to the ink cartridge 10.
- the attachment direction 224 is parallel to a direction in which the rod 88 extends from the valve member 87 of the air communication valve mechanism 80.
- the seat 206 comprises an attachment portion 214 configured to be attached to and contact the ink cartridge 10.
- the seat 206 also comprises the two arms 218 and 219 extending from the attachment portion 214 in the attachment direction 224.
- the arms 218 and 219 are separated by a particular distance in the height direction of the seat 206.
- the arm 218 is positioned at a position corresponding to the engaging claw 15 of the supporting member 115, and the arm 219 is positioned at a position corresponding to the engaging claws 144 of the translucent portion 140.
- the arm 218 is substantially hook shaped. Supporting portions 226 are positioned between a proximal end 218A and a distal end 218B of the arm 218. Referring to Fig. 14(C) , the supporting portions 226 connect the inner wall surface of the seat 206 and the arm 218. Accordingly, the arm 218 is supported by the supporting portions 226 in the interior of the seat 206. Because the arm 218 is supported in this manner, when no external force is applied to the proximal end 218A of the arm 218, the arm 218 is in an engaging position, as indicated by a solid line in Fig. 18 , in which the arm 218 is engageable with the container body 20.
- the arm 219 is substantially hook shaped.
- the arm 219 is bifurcated from a proximal end 219A to a pair of distal ends 219B, such that the arm 219 is separated into two branches towards the distal ends 219B.
- the positions of the two bifurcated distal ends 219B correspond to the two engaging claws 144 of the translucent portion 140, respectively.
- Supporting portions 228 are positioned between the proximal end 219A and the distal ends 219B of the arm 219. Referring to Fig. 14(C) , the supporting portions 228 connect the inner wall surface of the seat 206 with the arm 219.
- the arm 219 is supported by the supporting portions 228 in the interior of the seat 206. Because the arm 219 is supported in this manner, when no external force is applied to the proximal end 219A of the arm 219, the arm 219 is in an engaging position, as indicated by a solid line in Fig. 18 , in which the arm 219 is engageable with the container body 20. Nevertheless, when an external force is applied to the proximal end 219A of the arm in the attachment direction 224, the arm 219 moves, and the distal ends 219B retract outward, i.e., downward in Fig. 14(D) , such that the arm 219 moves to a releasing position, as indicated by a broken line in Fig. 18 , in which the arm 219 is disengaged from the container body 20.
- a hook-shaped engaging claw 221 is formed on the distal end 218B of the arm 218, and the engaging claw 221 is configured to engage the engaging claw 15 of the supporting member 115.
- Hook-shaped engaging claws 222 are formed on the distal ends 219B of the arm 219, respectively, and the engaging claws 222 are configured to engage the engaging claws 144 of the translucent portion 140, respectively.
- the seat 206 is attached to the container body 20 by the engagement between the engaging claw 221 and the engaging claw 15 and the engagement between the engaging claws 222 and the engaging claws 144, respectively.
- the attachment portion 214 comprises a substantially cylindrical guide 204.
- the guide 204 is positioned at a position corresponding to the opening 110 of the slider 27. When the seat 206 is attached to the ink cartridge 10, the guide 204 is inserted into the opening 110.
- the guide 204 has an inner hole (not numbered) formed therethrough, and a rod 244 of the operation member 210 is configured to be inserted into the inner hole of the guide 204.
- a bearing 232 is formed through the seat 206.
- the cover 208 is attached to the seat 206 and is configured to be pivotable about the shaft 212 which is inserted into the bearing 232 and a bearing 236 of the cover 208.
- a storage section 234 is formed in the interior of the seat 206.
- the storage section 234 is configured to store the operation member 210 and to slidably support the operation member 210 therein.
- the storage section 234 is defined by a side wall of the seat 206 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the operation member 210.
- the cover 208 comprises an engaging claw 238.
- the engaging claw 238 engages a catch 225 positioned on the seat 206.
- a lever portion 240 positioned at the end of the cover 208 receives a force, the lever portion 240 moves to disengage the engaging claw 238 from the catch 225.
- the cover 208 comprises a storage section 241 configured to receive, e.g., store, a pressing portion 246 of the operation member 210 therein.
- the storage section 241 is configured to store the pressing portion 246 therein at least when the cover 200 is closed with respect to the seat 206.
- the operation member 210 is configured to be stored in the storage section 234 of the seat 206.
- the operation member 210 has a mushroom shape, and comprises the rod 244 and the pressing portion 246.
- the rod 244 has a cylindrical shape.
- the diameter of the rod 244 is less than the diameter of the inner hole of the guide 204, and therefore, the rod 244 is inserted into the inner hole of the guide 204.
- the pressing portion 246 is connected to an end of the rod 244.
- the pressing portion 246 comprises two engaging claws 248.
- a method of assembling the opener 200 is described.
- the bearing 232 of the seat 206 and the bearing 236 of the cover 208 are aligned, and then the shaft 212 is inserted into the bearings 232 and 236.
- the operation member 210 is stored in the storage section 234.
- the rod 244 is inserted into the inner hole of the guide 204.
- the engaging claws 248 are fitted into elongated holes 229 formed through the side wall of the seat 206.
- the engaging portion of the engaging claws 248, which engage the elongated holes 229, respectively, has a surface area which is less than the surface area of the elongated holes 229 in the elongated direction of the elongated holes 229, e.g., a width of the engaging portion of the elongating claws 248 is less than a diameter of the elongated holes 229.
- the engaging claws 248 are configured to slide within the elongated holes 229 between one end of the elongated holes 229 and the other end of the elongated holes 229.
- the operation member 210 is configured to move between a projected position in which the pressing portion 246 projects from the seat 206, and a retracted position in which the pressing portion 246 is retracted into the seat 206.
- the operation member 210 is separated from the air communication valve mechanism 80.
- the rod 244 contacts and pushes the valve member 87 of the air communication valve mechanism 80 to open the opening 81.
- the cover 208 is rotated towards the seat 206, such that the claw 238 of the cover 208 engages the catch 225 of the seat 206, which completes the method of assembling.
- a method of attaching the opener 200 to the ink cartridge 10 is described. After ink is introduced into the ink chamber 100 and the pressure in the ink chamber 100 is reduced to be less than the atmospheric pressure, the slider 27 is pressed to the second position, and then the opener 200 is attached to the ink cartridge 10.
- the attachment portion 214 of the opener 200 is aligned to the front wall 161 of the slider 27, and the guide 204 is positioned to face the opening 110.
- the guide 204 is inserted into the opening 110.
- the engaging claw 221 of the arm 218 contacts the engaging claw 15.
- the arm 218 is resiliently deformed, and the engaging claw 221 moves over the engaging claw 15 and engage the engaging claw 15.
- the engaging claws 222 of the arm 219 contacts the engaging claws 144, the arm 219 is resiliently deformed, and the engaging claws 222 move over the engaging claws 144, such that the engaging claw 222 engage the engaging claws 144.
- the opener 200 engages the container body 20 to attach to the ink cartridge 10.
- the air communication valve mechanism 80 is covered by the opener 200 and is protected by the opener 200 with the opener 200 attached to the ink cartridge 10. Moreover, the slider 27 is retained at the second position against the biasing force of the coils springs 23 and 24.
- a method of removing the opener 200 from the ink cartridge 10 is described.
- the lever portion 240 of the cover 208 is pressed to release the engagement between the cover 208 and the seat 206. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 18 , the cover 208 is rotated to expose the pressing portion 246 of the operation member 210.
- the pressing portion 246 is pressed toward the container body 20
- the distal end of the rod 244 applies a force to the rod 88 extending from the valve member 87 to push the rod 88 toward the ink chamber 100.
- valve member 87 then moves from the closed position in which the valve member 87 closes the opening 81 to the open position in which the valve member 87 opens the opening 81 against a biasing force of the spring 86. This allows the ink chamber 100 of the container body 20 to communicate with the atmosphere, such that the pressure in the ink chamber 100 is equalized with the atmospheric pressure.
- the pressing portion 246 contacts the proximal end 218A of the arm 218 and the proximal end 219A of the arm 219, respectively.
- the arm 218 is flexed by a pressing force applied to the proximal end 218A, the distal end 218B is retracted outward, i.e., upward in Fig. 18 , and the arm 218 moves to the releasing position as indicated by the broken line in Fig. 18 , which releases the engagement of the engaging claws 221 and 15.
- the arm 219 is flexed by a pressing force applied to the proximal end 219A, which releases the engagement of the engaging claws 222 and 144.
- the opener 200 is removed from the ink cartridge 10 by pulling the opener 200.
- the opener 200 covers the opening 81 and the air communication valve mechanism 80, and when a force is applied to the operation member 210 to move the operation member 210 toward the container body 20, the operation member 210 applies a particular force to the valve member 87 to move the valve member 87 away from the opening 81 toward the ink chamber 100, and the operation member 210 also disengages engaging claws 221 and 222 from the engaging claws 15 and 144, respectively.
- the opening 81 is opened at substantially the same time that the engagement between the opener 200 and the ink container 20 is released. Therefore, the opening 81 is opened reliably before mounting the ink cartridge 10 to a recording apparatus. Consequently, when the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to a recording apparatus, backflow of ink from a recording head to the ink chamber 100 is prevented.
- the air communication valve mechanism 80 may be replaced by an adhesive member, e.g., a vinyl adhesive tape or film, which is attached to the container body 20 to cover and close the opening 81.
- the pressure in the ink chamber is equalized with the atmospheric pressure by the rod 244 puncturing at least one portion of the adhesive member and pushing the at least one portion of the adhesive member away from the opening 81 and toward the ink chamber 100.
- a packaging arrangement 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the ink cartridge 10 with the opener 200 attached thereto, and a packaging member, e.g., a package bag 252 configured to enclose the ink cartridge 10.
- the ink cartridge 10 is enclosed in the packaging bag 252.
- the ink cartridge 10 is shipped and sold in the packaging arrangement 250.
- the packaging bag 252 is liquid-proof, but has some gas permeability.
- the pressure inside the package bag 252 is depressurized to a pressure less than the pressure outside the package bag 252, e.g., the atmospheric pressure, by a suction pump (not shown).
- the pressure inside the package bag 252 and outside the ink chamber 100 is reduced to be less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100.
- This pressure differential suppresses air gradually entering the ink chamber 100 through the pair of films 65 and suppresses restoration of the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 to the atmospheric pressure when the ink cartridge 10 remains unused for a long time.
- the slider 27 When no external force is applied to the slider 27, the slider 27 is biased to the first position by coil springs 23 and 24.
- the slider 27 When the ink cartridge 10 is enclosed in the package bag 252 and the inside of the package bag 252 is depressurized while the slider 27 is in the first position, the slider 27 may be partly deformed by the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the package bag 252. More specifically, because the slider 27 has the inner space, the left side wall 165 and the right side wall 166 of the slider 27 may be deformed inward.
- the slider 27 when the ink cartridge 10 is enclosed in the package bag 252 in the depressurized state for a long time, the slider 27 may be subjected to the deformation. When the slider 27 is deformed, the slider 27 may not slide relative to the ink container 20. In order to avoid this deformation, the packaging arrangement 250 is manufactured as described below.
- the shaft 77, the arm 70, the supporting block 170, and the protecting member 150 are attached to the frame 50.
- the arm 70 and the supporting block 170 are manufactured in advance using the injection molding.
- the arm 70 is attached to the frame 50 such that the indicating portion 72 is positioned in the inner space 142 of the detection window 140.
- a resilient member e.g., rubber, is then press-fitted into the ink introduction chamber 105. After the resilient member is fitted in the ink introduction chamber 105, the openings 57 of the frame 50 are covered and closed by the pair of films 65 to define the ink chamber 100 therein.
- the film 65 is placed on the frame 50 to cover the left side face 45 of the frame 50, the film 65 is heated and adhered to the left side face 45 of the frame 50 by a thermal adhesion apparatus (not shown). Subsequently, another film 65 is placed on the frame 50 to cover the right side face 46 of the frame 50, and the film 65 is heated and adhered to the right side face 46 by the thermal adhesion apparatus.
- the air communication valve 80 is attached to the frame 50 at the opening 81. More specifically, the spring 86, the valve member 87, the stopper 83 and the cap 85 are attached to the frame 50. Subsequently, the ink supply valve 90 is attached to the frame 50 at the opening 91. More specifically, the spring receiver 94, the spring 96, the valve member 97, the stopper 93, and cap 95 are attached to the frame 50. With the openings 81 and 91 closed by the air communication valve 80 and the ink supply valve 90, the ink chamber 100 is sealed from the outside of the ink chamber 100.
- Air in the ink chamber 100 is then discharged through the opening 91. More specifically, a suction tube of a decompression device (not shown) is inserted through the opening 91 and pushes the ink supply valve 90 to open the opening 91, and the decompression device is activated to draw the air in the ink chamber 100.
- the decompression device is stopped, and the suction tube is pulled out of the opening 91.
- the opening 91 is closed by the ink supply valve 90. Therefore, the inside of the ink chamber 100 is maintained in a depressurized state.
- an ink introduction needle is inserted into the ink chamber 100 through the resilient member fitted in the ink introduction chamber 105 to introduce ink into the ink chamber 100. Since the inside of the ink chamber 100 is depressurized, ink is readily introduced into the ink chamber 100 through the ink introduction needle by the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the ink chamber 100. After a predetermined amount of ink has been introduced into the ink chamber 100, e.g., about 80% the capacity of the ink chamber 100, the ink introduction needle is pulled out of the resilient member.
- the ink introduction needle When the ink introduction needle is inserted through the resilient member and then removed, an opening formed through the resilient member by the ink introduction needle is closed by the resiliency of the resilient member.
- the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is about -60 kPa.
- the pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the ink chamber 100 causes the pair of films 65 to flex towards the ink chamber 100. Nevertheless, the supporting block 170 prevents the pair of films 65 from flexing.
- the housing 26 is attached to the frame 50. More specifically, the first cover member 21 is attached to the right side face 46 of the frame 50, and the second cover member 22 is attached to the left side face 45 of the frame 50. Consequently, the first cover member 21 is positioned outside the film 65 which closes the right side face 46 of the frame 50, and the second cover member 22 is positioned outside the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50.
- the slider 27 is then coupled to the ink container 20 via the coil springs 23 and 24.
- the slider 27 is moved to the second position against the urging forces of the coil springs 23 and 24.
- the opener 200 is attached to the ink cartridge 10 to retain the slider 24 in the second position.
- the ink cartridge 10 with the opener 200 attached thereto is then placed in the package bag 252.
- a portion of an opening of the package bag 252 is closed by adhering the edge of the opening while a part of the opening is not closed.
- the suction tube of the decompression device is then inserted into the package bag 252 through the unclosed part of the opening, and the decompression device is activated to discharge air in the package bag 252.
- the suction tube is pulled out and the unclosed part of the opening is closed by adhering the edge of the unclosed part of the opening. Accordingly, the pressure outside the ink chamber 100 and inside the package bag 252 is approximately 10 kPa less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100.
- the deformation of the slider 27 is suppressed by the front portion 28 of the housing 26 contacting the left side wall 45 and the right side wall 46 of the slider 27 because the slider 27 is in the second position.
- deformation of the housing 26 is suppressed by the outer wall 51 and the inner walls or inner ribs 52 of the frame 50 and the ribs 174-177 of the supporting block 170, each of which supports the housing 26 from inside.
- the packaging arrangement 250 is downsized.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a packaging arrangement in which an ink cartridge is enclosed in a packaging member, and a pressure inside the packaging member is less than a pressure outside the packaging member.
- A known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to and removed from a known inkjet recoding apparatus. The known ink cartridge has an ink chamber configured to store ink, and when the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording apparatus, ink is supplied from the ink chamber to the recording apparatus. The ink chamber is defined by a frame and a pair of films which are adhered to opposite faces of the frame. Such a known ink cartridge is described in
JP-A-2007-144808 - In the known ink cartridge, ink is stored in the ink chamber, and the pressure inside the ink chamber is reduced to be less than the atmospheric pressure, which increases the degree of deaeration in the ink chamber, and thereby prevents generation of air bubbles in the ink chamber. Moreover, the ink cartridge is packaged in a package bag, and the pressure inside the package bag is reduced to be less than the pressure in the ink chamber, which prevents air from entering the ink chamber through the pair of films.
- Nevertheless, in the known ink cartridge, when the ink cartridge is packaged in the package bag and the inside of the package bag is depressurized, a component of the ink cartridge may be deformed by the pressure differential between the pressure inside the package bag and the atmospheric pressure. Such deformation may adversely affect the operation of the ink cartridge.
- Therefore, a need has arisen for a packaging arrangement which overcome these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of the present invention is that deformation of a component of the ink cartridge is suppressed.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, a packaging arrangement comprises an ink cartridge and a packaging member enclosing the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge comprises a body, a movable member, and at least one resilient member. The body comprises a particular face, the body has at least a portion of an ink chamber defined therein, and the ink chamber is configured to store ink. The movable member is configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the body, and a distance between the second position and the particular face of the body is less than a distance between the first position and the particular face of the body. The at least one resilient member is disposed between the particular face of the body and the movable member. The at least one resilient member is configured to expand and to contract to move the movable member relative to the case between the first position and the second position, and the at least one resilient member applies a biasing force to the movable member to bias the movable member into the first position. A pressure inside the packaging member is less than a pressure outside the packaging member, and the movable member is retained in the second position when the ink cartridge is enclosed within the packaging member.
- With this arrangement, because the body supports the movable member from inside directly or indirectly, the deformation of the movable member is suppressed even when an external force is applied to the movable member due to the pressure differential between inside and outside the packaging member.
- The particular face of the body may have a first opening formed therethrough, and the body may comprise a sealing member configured to close the first opening. The movable member may comprise a particular wall facing the particular face of the body, and the particular wall may have a second opening formed therethrough at a position corresponding to the first opening. With this configuration, the sealing member may be accessed via the second opening.
- The body further may comprise a first face, and a second face opposite the first face, and each of first face and the second face may extend from the particular face. The movable member further may comprise a first wall covering at least a portion of the first face of the body, and a second wall covering at least a portion of the second face of the body.
- The ink cartridge further may comprise a particular rib disposed in the ink chamber and extending between the first face and the second face. With this configuration, the particular rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- The ink cartridge further may comprise a pivotable member disposed in the ink chamber and configured to move within the ink chamber based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber, and a supporting member positioned in the ink chamber. The supporting member may be configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, and the supporting member may comprise a further rib extending between the first face and the second face. With this configuration, the further rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more. Moreover, because the supporting member is configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, the further rib may not hinder the movement of the pivotable member.
- The ink cartridge further may comprise a housing enclosing at least a portion of the body. A first portion of the housing may be positioned between the first wall and the at least a portion of the first face of the body, and a second portion of the housing may be positioned between the second wall and the at least a portion of the second face of the body. With this configuration, because the body and the housing support the movable member, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- The body further may comprise a first face, and a second face opposite the first face. Each of first face and the second face may extend from the particular face. The movable member further may comprise a particular wall covering at least a portion of the particular face, a first wall covering at least a portion of the first ace of the body, and a second wall covering at least a portion of the second face of the body.
- The ink cartridge further may comprise a particular rib disposed in the ink chamber and extending between the first face and the second face. With this configuration, the particular rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- The ink cartridge further may comprise a pivotable member disposed in the ink chamber and configured to move within the ink chamber based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber, and a supporting member positioned in the ink chamber. The supporting member may be configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, and the supporting member may comprise a further rib extending between the first face and the second face. With this configuration, the further rib reinforces the rigidity of the body between the first face and the second face, and the first face and the second face support the first wall and the second wall of the movable member, respectively, directly or indirectly. Therefore, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more. Moreover, because the supporting member is configured to pivotably support the pivotable member, the further rib may not hinder the movement of the pivotable member.
- The ink cartridge further may comprise a housing enclosing at least a portion of the body. A first portion of the housing may be positioned between the first wall and the at least a portion of the first face of the body, and a second portion of the housing may be positioned between the second wall and the at least a portion of the second face of the body. With this configuration, because the body and the housing support the movable member, the deformation of the movable member may be suppressed more.
- The packaging arrangement further may comprise a retaining member configured to engage the body to retain the movable member in the second position.
- 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.
- 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 front-face perspective view and a rear-face perspective view of an ink cartridge, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the ink cartridge ofFigs. 1(A) and 1(B) . -
Figs. 3(A) and 3(B) are side views of the ink cartridge ofFigs. 1(A) and 1(B) , respectively, in which a movable member, such as a slider, is in a second position and a first position, respectively. -
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge ofFig. 1(A) taken along a line IV-IV ofFig. 1(A) . -
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a container body, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 6 is a side view of the container body ofFig. 5 . -
Fig. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of container body ofFig. 5 , in which the container body comprises a pair of film walls. -
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a pivotable member, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a supporting member, such as a supporting block, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 10(A) is a front view of the supporting block ofFig. 9 . -
Fig. 10(B) is a left side view of the supporting block ofFig. 9 . -
Fig. 10(C) is a right side view of the supporting block ofFig.9 . -
Fig. 10(D) is a plane view of the supporting block ofFig. 9 . -
Fig. 11 is a side view of an ink cartridge assembly comprising the ink cartridge ofFigs. 1(A) and 1(B) and an opener, according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 12 is a side view of the ink cartridge assembly ofFig. 11 , in which a housing and the movable member are omitted. -
Fig. 13 is an exploded, perspective view of the opener ofFig. 11 . -
Fig. 14(A) is a side view of a seat of the opener ofFig. 11 . -
Fig. 14(B) is a bottom view of the seat ofFig. 14(A) . -
Fig. 14(C) is a front view of the seat ofFig. 14(A) . -
Fig. 14(D) is a cross-sectional view of the seat ofFig. 14(C) taken along a line XIVD-XIVD inFig. 14(C) . -
Fig. 15(A) is a side view of a cover of the opener ofFig. 11 . -
Fig. 15(B) is a bottom view of the cover ofFig. 15(A) . -
Fig. 15(C) is a front view of the cover ofFig. 15(A) . -
Fig. 15(D) is a cross-sectional view of the cover ofFig. 15(C) taken along a line XVD-XVD inFig. 15(C) . -
Fig. 16(A) is a side view of an operation member of the opener ofFig. 11 . -
Fig. 16(B) is a cross-sectional view of the operation member ofFig. 16(A) taken along a line XVIB-XVIB inFig. 16(A) . -
Fig. 17 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge assembly ofFig. 11 . -
Fig. 18 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge assembly ofFig. 11 , in which the operation member is pressed. -
Fig. 19 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge assembly ofFig. 11 , in which the opener is removed from the ink cartridge. -
Fig. 20 is perspective view of a packaging arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention. - Embodiments of the present invention and their features and technical advantages may be understood by referring to
Figs. 1(A)-20 , like numerals being used for like corresponding portions in the various drawings. - Referring to
Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) , anink cartridge 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is depicted. An image recording apparatus (not shown), e.g., an inkjet printer, usesink cartridge 10 to form an image on a recording medium (not shown), e.g., paper. Theink cartridge 10 is configured to be mounted to and removed from a cartridge storage section (not shown) of the image recording apparatus. Theink cartridge 10 is mounted to the cartridge storage section by insertingink cartridge 10 in a direction indicated by anarrow 30 inFig. 1 . After theink cartridge 10 is mounted in the cartridge storage section, ink stored in theink cartridge 10 is supplied to a recording head (not shown) of the image recording apparatus. - The
ink cartridge 10 has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape. A width of theink cartridge 10, as indicated by anarrow 31, is relatively short, and each of a height of theink cartridge 10, as indicated by anarrow 32, and a depth of theink cartridge 10, as indicated by anarrow 33, is greater than the width of theink cartridge 10. - Referring to
Figs. 1(A)-3(B) , theink cartridge 10 comprises acontainer body 20, ahousing 26, a movable member, e.g., aslider 27, and at least one resilient member, e.g., a pair ofcoil springs housing 26 and theslider 27 encloses thecontainer body 20. - The
housing 26 is configured to protect thecontainer body 20. Substantially the entirety of thecontainer body 20 other than afront face 41 of thecontainer body 20 is covered by thehousing 26. Thehousing 26 comprises afirst cover member 21 and asecond cover member 22 configured to sandwich thecontainer body 20 from the right and left inFig. 2 . In this embodiment, a pair offilms 65 is covered by thefirst cover member 21 and thesecond cover member 22. - The
first cover member 21 is attached to aright side face 46 of thecontainer body 20. Thefirst cover member 21 comprises a plurality of engagingclaws 12 extending from an inner wall surface thereof, and thecontainer body 20 comprises a plurality of engaginggrooves 13 formed therein. The plurality of engagingclaws 12 are fitted into the plurality of engaginggrooves 13, respectively, such that theright side face 46 of thecontainer body 20 is covered by thefirst cover member 21. Similarly, thesecond cover member 22 is attached to aleft side face 45 of thecontainer body 20. Thesecond cover member 22 comprises a plurality of engaging claws (not shown) extending from an inner wall surface thereof, and the plurality of engaging claws are fitted in the plurality of engaginggrooves 13, respectively, such that theleft side face 45 of thecontainer body 20 is covered by thesecond cover member 22. - The
container body 20 may comprise a sealing member, e.g., an aircommunication valve mechanism 80, and an inksupply valve mechanism 90 positioned at thefront face 41 thereof. Theslider 27 is configured to protect the aircommunication valve mechanism 80 and the inksupply valve mechanism 90. Theslider 27 may be coupled to thecontainer body 20 by the coil springs 23 and 24 positioned therebetween, and is configured to move relative to thecontainer body 20. An end of thecoil spring 23 is received in aspring receiver 23A formed in an upper portion of thefront face 41 of thecontainer body 20, and an end of thecoil spring 24 is received in aspring receiver 24A formed in a lower portion of thefront face 41 of thecontainer body 20. - The
slider 27 is configured to contact and slide on thefront portion 28 of thehousing 26 between a first position and a second position in the depth direction, as indicated by thearrow 33, when coil springs 23 and 24 expand and contract. When theslider 27 is at the second position, as depicted inFig. 3(A) , theslider 27 is positioned closer to thefront face 41 of thecontainer body 20 than when theslider 27 is in the first position, and when theslider 27 is at the first position, as depicted inFig. 3(B) , theslider 27 is positioned further from thefront face 41 of thecontainer body 20 than when theslider 27 is in the second position. When a predetermined amount of force greater than a biasing force of the coil springs 23 and 24 is applied to theslider 27, theslider 27 moves from the first position to the second position. When theslider 27 is in the second position, anopening 110 formed through theslider 27 is positioned adjacent to the aircommunication valve mechanism 80, and the inksupply valve mechanism 90 extends outside theslider 27 via anopening 111 formed through theslider 27. When the predetermined amount of force is released from theslider 27, theslider 27 subsequently moves from the second position to the first position, theopening 110 of theslider 27 moves away from the aircommunication valve mechanism 80, and the inksupply valve mechanism 90 is positioned within theslider 27. - Referring to
Figs. 4-10 , thecontainer body 20 has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape having thefront face 41, arear face 42 opposite thefront face 41, atop face 43, abottom face 44 oppositetop face 43, theleft side face 45, and theright side face 46 opposite theleft side face 45. Each of thetop face 43 and thebottom face 44 is connected to thefront face 41 and therear face 42, and each of theleft side face 45 and theright side face 46 is connected to thefront face 41, therear face 42, thetop face 43, and thebottom face 44. Moreover, the area of theleft side face 45 and the area of theright side face 46 are each greater than each of the area of thefront face 41, the area of therear face 42, the area of thetop face 43, and the area of thebottom face 44. - The
container body 20 comprises aframe 50, apivotable member 70, a supporting member, e.g., a supportingblock 170, a protectingmember 150, the aircommunication valve mechanism 80, the inksupply valve mechanism 90, and the pair offilms 65. Theframe 50 defines the six faces 41-46 of thecontainer body 20, such that the six faces 41-46 of thecontainer body 20 correspond to six faces of theframe 50. - The
frame 50 is formed of a translucent resin material, e.g., a transparent material or a semi-transparent material, and light passes therethrough. In this embodiment, theframe 50 is manufactured by injection-molding polypropylene. Alternatively, theframe 50 may be manufactured by injection-molding polyacetal, nylon, polyethylene, or the like. - The
frame 50 comprises an outerperipheral wall 51 and a plurality of inner walls orinner ribs 52. The inner walls orinner ribs 52 are positioned inside the outerperipheral wall 51. The outerperipheral wall 51 and the inner walls orinner ribs 52 are integral and define theframe 50. The outerperipheral wall 51 and the inner walls orinner ribs 52 extend from theleft side face 45 to theright side face 46 of theframe 50. The outerperipheral wall 51 has a substantially square or rectangular perimeter extending along thefront face 41, thetop face 43, therear face 42, and thebottom surface 44 defining a space in the interior thereof. Accordingly,openings 57 are formed on theleft side face 45 and theright side face 46, respectively, of theframe 50, such that theleft side face 45 and theright side face 46 of theframe 50 are opened. - The pair of
films 65, e.g., translucent films, is connected to, e.g., adhered to, the side faces 45 and 46, respectively, of theframe 50 via an adhesion method, e.g., a thermal adhesion method. More specifically, the pair offilms 65 is adhered to both ends of the outerperipheral wall 51 in thewidth direction 31. Theopenings 57 are closed by the pair offilms 65, and a space surrounded by the outerperipheral wall 51 and the pair offilms 65 comprises anink chamber 100 configured to store ink therein. Alternatively, a container-shaped frame which is opened only on theright side face 46 may be used instead of theframe 50. In this case, theink chamber 100 is defined by thefilm 65 adhered to theright side face 46 of the container-shaped frame. - The
frame 50 comprises apartitioning plate 53, extending from the outerperipheral wall 51, which partitions an upper space of theink chamber 100 at the center in thewidth direction 31. The inner walls orinner ribs 52 extend from the outerperipheral wall 51 or thepartitioning plate 53. The pair offilms 65 is also adhered to the inner walls orinner ribs 52 at both ends thereof in thewidth direction 31. Consequently, the inner walls orinner ribs 52 restrict the ability of the pair offilms 65, thefirst cover member 21, and/or thesecond cover member 22 to move inward, such that the inner walls orinner ribs 52 limit an amount of deformation of the pair offilms 65. A lower portion of theink chamber 100, e.g., aspace 102 below thepartitioning panel 53, is not partitioned in thewidth direction 31 and extends from theleft side face 45 to theright side face 46, such that thepivotable member 70 and the supportingblock 170 are positioned therein. - In this embodiment, each of the pair of
films 65 comprises a plurality of layered, synthetic resin films. For example, each of the pair offilms 65 comprises three layers. The innermost layer is formed of a polypropylene, which is the same material as theframe 50. The innermost layer of the pair offilms 65 is adhered to theframe 50. The outermost layer is formed of a polyethylene terephthalate, and the layer sandwiched by the innermost layer and the outermost layer is formed of a nylon. In another embodiment, each of the pair offilms 65 may be formed of a metal foil sandwiched by synthetic resins. In yet another embodiment, each of the pair offilms 65 may be formed of a pulp, a metal, or a natural resin. - The
frame 50 comprises arib 74 positioned at a right-side face 46 side of the outerperipheral wall 51, such that therib 74 is positioned adjacent to a corner between thefront face 41 and thebottom face 44. Acylindrical tube 67 extends from therib 74 towards theleft side face 45. Ashaft 77 having a column shape has a first end fitted into thecylindrical tube 67, and a second end which is supported by the supportingblock 170. Theshaft 77 extends through ashaft hole 78 of thepivotable member 70. - The
frame 50 comprises a cylindricalink introduction chamber 105 formed in therear face 42 of theframe 50 adjacent to the lower end of therear face 42. Theink introduction chamber 105 extends from therear face 42 towards theink chamber 100. Theink introduction chamber 105 is configured to be in fluid communication with theink chamber 100. Ink is introduced into theink chamber 100 through theink introduction chamber 105 during the manufacturing process of theink cartridge 10. More specifically, air is removed from the interior of theink chamber 100 until the pressure in theink chamber 100 is reduced to a predetermined pressure. Because of the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of theink chamber 100, when a needle (not shown) is inserted into theink introduction chamber 105, ink is drawn into theink chamber 100 through the needle via theink introduction chamber 105. As ink is drawn into theink chamber 100, the pressure inside theink chamber 100 increases. Nevertheless, the predetermined pressure is selected, such that after a sufficient amount of ink is introduced into theink chamber 100 e.g., theink chamber 100 is substantially full, the pressure in theink chamber 100 is slightly less than the atmospheric pressure. - The
frame 50 comprises atranslucent portion 140 positioned at thefront face 41 and extending away from theink chamber 100. An amount of ink stored in theink chamber 100 is optically or visually detected via thetranslucent portion 140. Thetranslucent portion 140 is integral withframe 50, and is formed of the same material asframe 50, e.g., thetranslucent portion 140 is formed of a translucent resin material which allows light to pass therethrough. - The
translucent portion 140 projects outward from a center portion offront face 41 of theframe 50 away from theink chamber 100. Thetranslucent portion 140 comprises five rectangular walls and have a substantially a hollow box shape. For example, thetranslucent portion 140 comprises afront wall 140A, a pair ofside walls 140B, atop wall 140C, and abottom wall 140D. Thefront wall 140A extends parallel to thefront face 41 and is separated from thefront face 41 by a predetermined distance. The pair ofside walls 140B are connected to thefront face 41 and thefront wall 140A, thetop wall 140C is connected to top ends of thefront wall 140A and theside walls 140B, and thebottom wall 140D is connected to bottom ends of thefront wall 140A and theside walls 140B. Moreover, the width of thefront wall 140A is less than the width of thefront face 41. Thetranslucent portion 140 is configured to receive light emitted from an optical sensor, e.g., a photo interrupter. Whenink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, a light emitting portion of a photo interrupter faces one of theside walls 140B and a light receiving portion of the photo interrupter faces the other of theside walls 140B. The light emitted from the light emitting portion of the photo interrupter may pass through theside walls 140B and reach the light receiving portion of the photo interrupter. - The
translucent portion 140 has aninner space 142 formed therein, which is defined by thefront wall 140A, theside walls 140B, thetop wall 140C, and thebottom wall 140D of thetranslucent portion 140. Theinner space 142 is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of theink chamber 100. An indicatingportion 72 of thepivotable member 70 is configured to move within theinner space 142 between an upper position and a lower position based on an amount of ink in theink chamber 100. - At least one engaging
claw 144 is formed on each of theside walls 140B of thetranslucent portion 140. Each engagingclaw 144 extends outward from one of theside walls 140B in a direction perpendicular to theside walls 140B. Each engagingclaw 144 has a hook shape. - When the
ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the aircommunication valve mechanism 80 is positioned above thetranslucent portion 140. The aircommunication valve mechanism 80 is configured to selectively open and close anopening 81 formed through an upper portion of thefront face 41 of theframe 50, such that aircommunication valve mechanism 80 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of theink chamber 100 and the exterior of theink chamber 100 via theopening 81. The aircommunication valve mechanism 80 comprises avalve member 87, arod 88 extending from thevalve member 87, an urging member, e.g., aspring 86, astopper 83, and acap 85. - The
stopper 83 has an opening formed therethrough. Thestopper 83 is partially positioned in theopening 81, but does not close theopening 81 completely because the opening is formed through thestopper 83. Thevalve member 87 is configured to move between an opened position in which thevalve member 87 is separated from thestopper 83, and a closed position in which thevalve member 87 contacts thestopper 83. When thevalve member 87 is positioned in the opened position, the opening of thestopper 83 is not closed by thevalve member 87, such that theopening 81 is opened. When thevalve member 87 is positioned in the closed position, the opening of thestopper 83 is closed by thevalve member 87, such that theopening 81 is closed. Thevalve member 87 is resiliently urged by thespring 86 toward thestopper 83, such that thevalve member 87 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of thespring 86 is applied to thevalve member 87. - When the
ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the inksupply valve mechanism 90 is positioned below thetranslucent portion 140. The inksupply valve mechanism 90 is configured to selectively open and close anopening 91 formed through a lower portion of thefront face 41 of theframe 50, such that the inksupply valve mechanism 90 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of theink chamber 100 and the exterior of theink chamber 100 via theopening 91. The inksupply valve mechanism 90 comprises avalve member 97, aspring 96, aspring receiver 94, astopper 93, and acap 95. Thestopper 93 has an opening formed therethrough. Thestopper 93 is partially positioned in theopening 91, but does not close theopening 91 completely because the opening is formed through thestopper 93. Thevalve member 97 is configured to move between an opened position in which thevalve member 97 is separated from thestopper 93, and a closed position in which thevalve member 97 contacts thestopper 93. When thevalve member 97 is positioned in the opened position, the opening of thestopper 93 is not closed by thevalve member 97, such that theopening 91 is opened. When thevalve member 97 is positioned in the closed position, the opening of thestopper 93 is closed by thevalve member 97, such that theopening 91 is closed. Thevalve member 97 is resiliently urged by thespring 96 toward thestopper 93, such that the inksupply valve mechanism 90 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of thespring 96 is applied to thevalve member 97. When theink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image recording apparatus, thevalve member 97 is pushed by a tube of the image recording apparatus against the biasing force of thespring 96, and theopening 91 is opened. Consequently, ink in theink chamber 100 is allowed to flow from theopening 91 to the image recording apparatus via the tube. - A supporting
member 115 is be positioned on thetop face 43 of theframe 50 adjacent to thefront face 41 of theframe 50. The supportingmember 115 is integral with theframe 50. The supportingmember 115 is configured to support theslider 27, such that theslider 27 slides with respect to thecontainer body 20. The supportingmember 115 also is configured to restrict the sliding range of theslider 27. Theslider 27 is slidably supported by the supportingmember 115 and a supportingmember 116. The supportingmember 115 comprises aseat 118 extending away from thetop face 43 in a direction perpendicular to thetop face 43, and a hook-shaped engagingclaw 15 which is positioned at and extends from the front end of theseat 118 in a direction perpendicular to thetop face 43. - The supporting
member 116 is formed on thebottom face 44 of theframe 50 adjacent to thefront face 41 of theframe 50. The supportingmember 116 has substantially the same shape as the supportingmember 115. The supportingmember 116 is integral with theframe 50, and comprises aseat 124 extending away from thebottom face 44 in a direction perpendicular to thebottom face 44, and a hook-shaped engagingclaw 16 which is positioned at and extends from the front end of theseat 124 in a direction perpendicular to thebottom face 44. - Referring to
Figs. 6-8 , thepivotable member 70 is configured to indicate whether theink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein. The indicatingportion 72 is positioned at a first end of thepivotable member 70, and afloat portion 73 is positioned at a second end of thepivotable member 70. - The
pivotable member 70 has theshaft hole 78 formed therethrough. Theshaft hole 78 is positioned between the first end of the pivotable member and the second end of the pivotable member. Theshaft 77 is inserted into theshaft hole 78, and theshaft 77 supports thepivotable member 70, such that thepivotable member 70 pivots about theshaft 77 in a direction indicated by anarrow 35 inFig. 6 . Theshaft 77 is supported by thecylindrical tube 67 formed on therib 74 at one end thereof, and by the supportingblock 170 at the other end thereof. Alternatively theshaft 77 may be integral with thepivotable member 70. - The specific gravity of
float portion 73 is less than the specific gravity of ink stored in theink chamber 100. Thefloat portion 73 has a hollow formed therein, and floats on ink, such that thefloat portion 70 moves upward and downward based on the amount of ink within theink chamber 100, and thepivotable member 70 pivots based on the movement offloat portion 73. In another embodiment, thefloat portion 73 does not have the hollow, and comprises a material having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of ink. - When the
pivotable member 70 pivots clockwise inFig. 6 , the indicatingportion 72 contacts thebottom wall 140D of thetranslucent portion 140, such that further movement of thepivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicatingportion 72 is positioned at the lower position. Similarly, when thepivotable member 70 pivots counterclockwise inFig. 6 , the indicatingportion 72 moves away from thebottom wall 140D of thetranslucent portion 140, and thefloat portion 73 contacts a bottom surface of theink chamber 100. When thefloat portion 73 contacts the bottom surface of theink chamber 100, further movement of thepivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicatingportion 72 is at the upper position and separated from thebottom wall 140D of thetranslucent portion 140 by a predetermined distance. - The
pivotable member 70 comprises afirst portion 75 extending from theshaft hole 78 to the indicatingportion 72, and asecond portion 76 extending from theshaft hole 78 to thefloat portion 73. The mass of thefirst portion 75 of thepivotable member 70 is less than the mass of thesecond portion 76 of thepivotable member 70, such that when thesecond portion 76 of thepivotable member 70 and thefirst portion 75 of thepivotable member 70 are in the same medium as each other, thesecond portion 76 of thepivotable member 70 is heavier than thefirst portion 75 of thepivotable member 70. Accordingly, when the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber is less than a sufficient amount of ink, thepivotable member 70 pivots counterclockwise about theshaft 77 inFig. 6 , and the indicatingportion 72 separates from thebottom wall 140D of thetranslucent portion 140. When the lower end of thefloat portion 73 contacts the bottom surface of theink chamber 100, thepivotable member 70 stops pivoting and the indicatingportion 72 is positioned at the upper position. When the indicatingportion 72 is at the upper position, it is determined that theink chamber 100 has an insufficient amount of ink stored therein. - In contrast, when a sufficient amount of ink is stored in the
ink chamber 100, thefloat portion 73 is submerged in the ink, and a buoyancy force acts on thefloat portion 73. The buoyancy force is great enough to cause thepivotable member 70 to pivot clockwise about theshaft 77 inFig. 6 . When thepivotable member 70 pivots clockwise, the indicatingportion 72 contacts thebottom wall 140D of thetranslucent portion 140, and thepivotable member 70 stops pivoting and the indicatingportion 72 is positioned at the lower position. When the indicatingportion 72 is at the lower position, it is determined that theink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein. - Whether or not the
ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein is determined by a user viewing the position of the indicatingportion 72 in theinner space 142, or by using an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter, to monitor the position of the indicatingportion 72. - Referring to
Figs. 6 and7 , the protectingmember 150 is positioned around thepivotable member 70. The protectingmember 150 is manufactured by bending a linear steel wire. The protectingmember 150 comprises aU-shaped portion 150A which is received by ahook 131 formed on theframe 50, and ends 150B of the protectingmember 150 are inserted into a hole (not shown) formed through therib 74 and ahole 183 formed through the supportingblock 170, respectively. - Referring to
Figs. 7 ,9 , and10 , the supportingblock 170 is depicted. InFig. 9 , a portion of the outerperipheral wall 51 and a portion of the protectingmember 150 are illustrated in broken lines for the convenience of description. The supportingblock 170 is configured to support theshaft 77 and to support the pair offilms 65 which may bend toward theink chamber 100. The supportingblock 170 is positioned in a lower portion of theink chamber 100, e.g., in thespace 102. The supportingblock 170 is configured to be removable from theframe 50. - The supporting
block 170 comprises aplate 171 and a plurality of ribs 174-177. Theplate 171 and the ribs 174-177 are formed of the same material as theframe 50. - The
rib 174 and therib 175 extend in a direction perpendicular to afirst surface 172 of theplate 171. Each of theribs Fig. 10(B) . Therib 174 and therib 175 are positioned adjacent to anupper end 187 of theplate 171. Therib 174 and therib 175 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. Consequently, anopening 179 which has a substantially C-shape is formed by theplate 171, therib 174, and therib 175. A portion of thefirst portion 75 of thepivotable member 70 is positioned in theopening 179, and thepivotable member 70 is pivotable within the range defined by theopening 179. - The supporting
block 170 also comprises a supportingportion 189 extending from therib 175 substantially in thedepth direction 33. The supportingportion 189 extends from substantially a widthwise center of therib 175 toward the direction away from therib 174. Therib 176 and therib 177 are positioned on the supportingportion 189. Therib 176 and therib 177 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the ribs 174-177 are positioned at dispersed places in thespace 102. - Each of the
rib 176 and therib 177 is substantially L-shaped. Each of theribs ribs ribs ribs portion 189 in opposite directions. - The width W2 of the ribs 174-177 is selected, such that the pair of
films 65 do not contact thepivotable member 70 when the pair offilms 65 are drawn toward theink chamber 100. More specifically, the width W2 of theribs float portion 73, which is the portion of thepivotable member 70 which has the greatest width. - A
groove 182 is formed in a lower portion of thefirst surface 172 of theplate 172. Thegroove 182 has a substantially triangular shape. Ahole 183 is formed through theplate 172 at avertex 181 of thetriangular groove 182. When oneend 150B of the protectingmember 150 is pushed along thegroove 182 toward thevertex 181 with the supportingblock 170 disposed in thespace 102, theend 150B is guided to thevertex 181, and then is inserted into thehole 183. Theend 150B of the protectingmember 150 is thereby readily inserted into thehole 183. - A
cylindrical tube 185 is formed on asecond surface 173 of theplate 172, and an end of theshaft 77 is received in thecylindrical tube 185. The supportingblock 170 is attached to therib 74 with thesecond surface 173 facing therib 74, such that theshaft 77 is inserted into theshaft hole 78 of thepivotable member 70, one end of theshaft 77 is received in thecylindrical tube 185 of the supportingblock 170, and the other end of theshaft 77 is received in thecylindrical tube 67 of therib 74. Thepivotable member 70 is thereby pivotably supported, and a portion of thefirst portion 75 of thepivotable member 70 is positioned in theopening 179. Moreover, the ribs 174-177 extend perpendicular to and between theleft side face 45 and theright side face 46. - Because the supporting
block 170 is positioned in thespace 102 of theink chamber 100, even though the pair offilms 65 are drawn towards theink chamber 100 due to the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of theink chamber 100 when ink is introduced into theink chamber 100, the inner surfaces of the pair offilms 65 contact ribs 174-177 of the supportingblock 170. Therefore, deformation of the pair offilms 65 is suppressed, which maintains the capacity of theink chamber 100 at a maximum capacity. Moreover, when an external force is applied to thehousing 26, which causes thehousing 26 to deform toward thecontainer body 20, the deformation of thehousing 26 is suppressed by the ribs 174-177. - Referring to
Figs. 1-4 , theslider 27 is depicted. Theslider 27 has a container shape, and is configured to accommodate a front portion of thecontainer body 20 therein. Theslider 27 has a flat shape corresponding to the outer shape of the front portion of thecontainer body 20. The slider comprises afront wall 161 facing and covering thefront face 41 of thecontainer body 20, atop wall 163 covering at least a portion of thetop face 43 of thecontainer body 20, abottom wall 164 covering at least a portion of thebottom face 44 of thecontainer body 20, aleft wall 165 covering at least a portion of theleft side face 45 of thecontainer body 20, and aright wall 166 covering at least a portion of theright side face 46 of thecontainer body 20. A portion of thefront portion 28 of thehousing 26 is positioned between thetop wall 163 and the at least a portion of thetop face 43, another portion of thefront portion 28 is positioned between thebottom wall 164 and the at least a portion of thebottom face 44, still another portion of thefront portion 28 is positioned between theleft wall 165 and the at least a portion of theleft side face 45, and yet another portion of thefront portion 28 is positioned between theright wall 166 and the at least a portion of theright side face 46. Thewalls 161, and 163-166 define a space therein, which is configured to accommodate the front portion of thecontainer body 20. - The
slider 27 comprises supportingbars slide grooves openings bar 168 is configured to support thecoil spring 23, and the supportingbar 169 is configured to support thecoil spring 24. The supportingbars front wall 161 facing thefront face 41 of thecontainer body 20. The supportingbar 168 is at a position corresponding to thespring receiver 23A, and the supportingbar 169 is at a position corresponding to thespring receiver 24A. - The supporting
bars front wall 161 in thedepth direction 33 of thecontainer body 20. When the front portion of thecontainer body 20 is inserted into theslider 27 when thecoil spring 23 is stored in thespring receiver 23A and thecoil spring 24 is stored in thespring receiver 24A, the supportingbar 168 is inserted into thecoil spring 23 and the supportingbar 169 is inserted into thecoil spring 24. Accordingly, the coil springs 23 and 24 are supported by the supportingbars container body 20. - The coil springs 23 and 24 are compression coil springs, e.g., the coil springs 23 and 24 are compressed and stored in the
spring receivers container body 20 is inserted into theslider 27. Therefore, the coil springs 23 and 24 urge orbias slider 27 in the direction away from thefront face 41 of thecontainer body 20 independent of the position of theslider 27. - The
slide groove 17 is formed in thetop wall 163, and a cross-sectional shape of theslide groove 17 has a substantially inverted U-shape. The supportingmember 115 is inserted into theslide groove 17, and a projectingstrip 120 extends from a bottom surface of thetop wall 163 toward an interior of theslide groove 17. Therefore, theslide groove 17 is narrowed by the projectingstrip 120. Theslide groove 18 is formed in thebottom wall 164, and a cross-sectional shape of theslide groove 18 is substantially a U-shape. The supportingmember 116 is inserted into theslide groove 18, and a projectingstrip 126 extends from a top surface of thebottom wall 164 toward an interior of theslide groove 18. Therefore, theslide groove 18 is narrowed by the projectingstrip 126. - During insertion of the front portion of the
container body 20 into theslider 27, the supportingmember 115 is inserted into theslide groove 17, and the supportingmember 116 is inserted into theslide groove 18. When the supportingmember 115 is inserted into theslide groove 17, the projectingstrip 120 and the engagingclaw 15 contact each other. Then, when the supportingmember 115 is further inserted, the supportingmember 115 bends downward, and the engagingclaw 15 moves to be positioned over the projectingstrip 120. When the engagingclaw 15 has moved over the projectingstrip 120, theslider 27 and thecontainer body 20 are not be disassembled because the engagingclaw 15 is received by the projectingstrip 120. The supportingmember 116 is also inserted into theslide groove 18 in the same manner. - When the front portion of the
container body 20 is inserted into theslider 27, theslider 27 is urged away from thefront face 41 by the coil springs 23 and 24. Therefore, unless an external force is applied to theslider 27, theslider 27 remains in the first position (shown inFig 3(B) ) corresponding to the slider's 27 furthest distance fromfront face 41 of thecontainer body 20. Theslider 27 remains in the first position by the contact between the projectingstrip 120 and the engagingclaw 15 and the contact between the projectingstrip 126 and the engagingclaw 16. Nevertheless, when an external force greater than the biasing force is applied to thefront wall 161 of theslider 27, theslider 27 slides from the first position to the second position (shown inFig. 3(A) ) corresponding to the slider's 27 closest distance tofront face 41 of thecontainer body 20. - The
opening 110 is formed through thefront wall 161 adjacent to the upper end of thefront wall 161. Theopening 110 is formed at a position corresponding to the aircommunication valve mechanism 80. Theopening 110 allows aguide 204 and arod 244 of an opener 200 (seeFig. 11 ) to be inserted therethrough, and has a substantially circular shape. - The
opening 111 is formed through thefront wall 161 adjacent to the lower end of thefront wall 161. Theopening 111 is formed at a position corresponding to the inksupply valve mechanism 90. Theopening 111 has a size which is sufficient to allow thecap 95 of the inksupply valve mechanism 90 to be inserted therein, and when theslider 27 is slid from the first position (seeFig. 3(B) ) to the second position (seeFig. 3 (A) ), thecap 95 emerges from theopening 111. - Referring to
Figs. 11-19 , an ink cartridge assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The ink cartridge assembly comprises theink cartridge 10 and anopener 200. Theopener 200 is configured to cover the aircommunication valve mechanism 80 and the inksupply valve mechanism 90 when theopener 200 is attached to theink cartridge 10, and is also configured to cause the aircommunication valve mechanism 80 to open theopening 81. Theopener 200 comprises aseat 206, acover 208, anoperation member 210, and ashaft 212. - The
seat 206 is configured to be directly attached to theink cartridge 10. Theseat 206 is formed of the same resin material as theframe 50, and is manufactured using injection-molding. Theseat 206 has a hollow shape opening in anattachment direction 224 along which theopener 200 is attached to theink cartridge 10. Theattachment direction 224 is parallel to a direction in which therod 88 extends from thevalve member 87 of the aircommunication valve mechanism 80. Theseat 206 comprises anattachment portion 214 configured to be attached to and contact theink cartridge 10. Theseat 206 also comprises the twoarms attachment portion 214 in theattachment direction 224. Thearms seat 206. Thearm 218 is positioned at a position corresponding to the engagingclaw 15 of the supportingmember 115, and thearm 219 is positioned at a position corresponding to the engagingclaws 144 of thetranslucent portion 140. - Referring to
Fig. 14(D) , thearm 218 is substantially hook shaped. Supportingportions 226 are positioned between aproximal end 218A and adistal end 218B of thearm 218. Referring toFig. 14(C) , the supportingportions 226 connect the inner wall surface of theseat 206 and thearm 218. Accordingly, thearm 218 is supported by the supportingportions 226 in the interior of theseat 206. Because thearm 218 is supported in this manner, when no external force is applied to theproximal end 218A of thearm 218, thearm 218 is in an engaging position, as indicated by a solid line inFig. 18 , in which thearm 218 is engageable with thecontainer body 20. Nevertheless, when an external force is applied to theproximal end 218A of thearm 218 in theattachment direction 224, thearm 218 moves, and thedistal end 218B is retracted outward i.e., upward inFig. 14(D) , such that thearm 218 moves to a releasing position, as indicated by a broken line inFig. 18 , in which thearm 218 is disengaged from thecontainer body 20. - Referring to
Fig. 14(D) , thearm 219 is substantially hook shaped. Thearm 219 is bifurcated from aproximal end 219A to a pair of distal ends 219B, such that thearm 219 is separated into two branches towards the distal ends 219B. The positions of the two bifurcated distal ends 219B correspond to the twoengaging claws 144 of thetranslucent portion 140, respectively. Supportingportions 228 are positioned between theproximal end 219A and the distal ends 219B of thearm 219. Referring toFig. 14(C) , the supportingportions 228 connect the inner wall surface of theseat 206 with thearm 219. Accordingly, thearm 219 is supported by the supportingportions 228 in the interior of theseat 206. Because thearm 219 is supported in this manner, when no external force is applied to theproximal end 219A of thearm 219, thearm 219 is in an engaging position, as indicated by a solid line inFig. 18 , in which thearm 219 is engageable with thecontainer body 20. Nevertheless, when an external force is applied to theproximal end 219A of the arm in theattachment direction 224, thearm 219 moves, and the distal ends 219B retract outward, i.e., downward inFig. 14(D) , such that thearm 219 moves to a releasing position, as indicated by a broken line inFig. 18 , in which thearm 219 is disengaged from thecontainer body 20. - A hook-shaped
engaging claw 221 is formed on thedistal end 218B of thearm 218, and the engagingclaw 221 is configured to engage the engagingclaw 15 of the supportingmember 115. Hook-shapedengaging claws 222 are formed on the distal ends 219B of thearm 219, respectively, and the engagingclaws 222 are configured to engage the engagingclaws 144 of thetranslucent portion 140, respectively. Referring toFigs. 11 and12 , theseat 206 is attached to thecontainer body 20 by the engagement between the engagingclaw 221 and the engagingclaw 15 and the engagement between the engagingclaws 222 and the engagingclaws 144, respectively. - The
attachment portion 214 comprises a substantiallycylindrical guide 204. Theguide 204 is positioned at a position corresponding to theopening 110 of theslider 27. When theseat 206 is attached to theink cartridge 10, theguide 204 is inserted into theopening 110. Theguide 204 has an inner hole (not numbered) formed therethrough, and arod 244 of theoperation member 210 is configured to be inserted into the inner hole of theguide 204. - A
bearing 232 is formed through theseat 206. Thecover 208 is attached to theseat 206 and is configured to be pivotable about theshaft 212 which is inserted into thebearing 232 and abearing 236 of thecover 208. - Referring to
Fig. 14(C) , astorage section 234 is formed in the interior of theseat 206. Thestorage section 234 is configured to store theoperation member 210 and to slidably support theoperation member 210 therein. Thestorage section 234 is defined by a side wall of theseat 206 having a shape corresponding to the shape of theoperation member 210. - Referring to
Figs. 13 and15 , thecover 208 comprises an engagingclaw 238. When thecover 208 is moved to be positioned onto theseat 206, the engagingclaw 238 engages acatch 225 positioned on theseat 206. When alever portion 240 positioned at the end of thecover 208 receives a force, thelever portion 240 moves to disengage the engagingclaw 238 from thecatch 225. - The
cover 208 comprises astorage section 241 configured to receive, e.g., store, apressing portion 246 of theoperation member 210 therein. Thestorage section 241 is configured to store thepressing portion 246 therein at least when thecover 200 is closed with respect to theseat 206. - Referring to
Figs. 13 and16 , theoperation member 210 is configured to be stored in thestorage section 234 of theseat 206. Theoperation member 210 has a mushroom shape, and comprises therod 244 and thepressing portion 246. - The
rod 244 has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of therod 244 is less than the diameter of the inner hole of theguide 204, and therefore, therod 244 is inserted into the inner hole of theguide 204. Thepressing portion 246 is connected to an end of therod 244. Thepressing portion 246 comprises twoengaging claws 248. - Referring to
Fig. 13 , a method of assembling theopener 200 is described. In this exemplary method, the bearing 232 of theseat 206 and the bearing 236 of thecover 208 are aligned, and then theshaft 212 is inserted into thebearings operation member 210 is stored in thestorage section 234. When theoperation member 210 is stored in thestorage section 234, therod 244 is inserted into the inner hole of theguide 204. Then, the engagingclaws 248 are fitted into elongatedholes 229 formed through the side wall of theseat 206. - The engaging portion of the engaging
claws 248, which engage theelongated holes 229, respectively, has a surface area which is less than the surface area of theelongated holes 229 in the elongated direction of theelongated holes 229, e.g., a width of the engaging portion of the elongatingclaws 248 is less than a diameter of theelongated holes 229. The engagingclaws 248 are configured to slide within theelongated holes 229 between one end of theelongated holes 229 and the other end of theelongated holes 229. More specifically, theoperation member 210 is configured to move between a projected position in which thepressing portion 246 projects from theseat 206, and a retracted position in which thepressing portion 246 is retracted into theseat 206. When theopener 200 is attached to theink cartridge 10, and theoperation member 210 is in the projected position, theoperation member 210 is separated from the aircommunication valve mechanism 80. Nevertheless, when theoperation member 210 moves from the projected position to the retracted position, therod 244 contacts and pushes thevalve member 87 of the aircommunication valve mechanism 80 to open theopening 81. After theoperation member 210 is stored in thestorage section 234, thecover 208 is rotated towards theseat 206, such that theclaw 238 of thecover 208 engages thecatch 225 of theseat 206, which completes the method of assembling. - Referring to
Fig. 17 , a method of attaching theopener 200 to theink cartridge 10 is described. After ink is introduced into theink chamber 100 and the pressure in theink chamber 100 is reduced to be less than the atmospheric pressure, theslider 27 is pressed to the second position, and then theopener 200 is attached to theink cartridge 10. For example, theattachment portion 214 of theopener 200 is aligned to thefront wall 161 of theslider 27, and theguide 204 is positioned to face theopening 110. Then, when theopener 200 moves in a direction perpendicular to thefront wall 161, theguide 204 is inserted into theopening 110. Subsequently, when theopener 200 is further pressed, the engagingclaw 221 of thearm 218 contacts the engagingclaw 15. When this occurs, thearm 218 is resiliently deformed, and the engagingclaw 221 moves over the engagingclaw 15 and engage the engagingclaw 15. Similarly, the engagingclaws 222 of thearm 219 contacts the engagingclaws 144, thearm 219 is resiliently deformed, and the engagingclaws 222 move over the engagingclaws 144, such that the engagingclaw 222 engage the engagingclaws 144. Accordingly, theopener 200 engages thecontainer body 20 to attach to theink cartridge 10. - The air
communication valve mechanism 80 is covered by theopener 200 and is protected by theopener 200 with theopener 200 attached to theink cartridge 10. Moreover, theslider 27 is retained at the second position against the biasing force of the coils springs 23 and 24. - Referring to
Figs. 17-19 , a method of removing theopener 200 from theink cartridge 10 is described. Thelever portion 240 of thecover 208 is pressed to release the engagement between thecover 208 and theseat 206. Subsequently, as shown inFig. 18 , thecover 208 is rotated to expose thepressing portion 246 of theoperation member 210. When thepressing portion 246 is pressed toward thecontainer body 20, the distal end of therod 244 applies a force to therod 88 extending from thevalve member 87 to push therod 88 toward theink chamber 100. Thevalve member 87 then moves from the closed position in which thevalve member 87 closes theopening 81 to the open position in which thevalve member 87 opens theopening 81 against a biasing force of thespring 86. This allows theink chamber 100 of thecontainer body 20 to communicate with the atmosphere, such that the pressure in theink chamber 100 is equalized with the atmospheric pressure. - When a further force is applied to the
pressing portion 246, thepressing portion 246 contacts theproximal end 218A of thearm 218 and theproximal end 219A of thearm 219, respectively. When this occurs, thearm 218 is flexed by a pressing force applied to theproximal end 218A, thedistal end 218B is retracted outward, i.e., upward inFig. 18 , and thearm 218 moves to the releasing position as indicated by the broken line inFig. 18 , which releases the engagement of the engagingclaws arm 219 is flexed by a pressing force applied to theproximal end 219A, which releases the engagement of the engagingclaws opener 200 is removed from theink cartridge 10 by pulling theopener 200. As such, when engagingclaws claws opener 200 covers theopening 81 and the aircommunication valve mechanism 80, and when a force is applied to theoperation member 210 to move theoperation member 210 toward thecontainer body 20, theoperation member 210 applies a particular force to thevalve member 87 to move thevalve member 87 away from theopening 81 toward theink chamber 100, and theoperation member 210 also disengages engagingclaws claws - In this manner, by operating the
pressing portion 246 of theoperation member 210, theopening 81 is opened at substantially the same time that the engagement between theopener 200 and theink container 20 is released. Therefore, theopening 81 is opened reliably before mounting theink cartridge 10 to a recording apparatus. Consequently, when theink cartridge 10 is mounted to a recording apparatus, backflow of ink from a recording head to theink chamber 100 is prevented. - In another embodiment of the present invention, the air
communication valve mechanism 80 may be replaced by an adhesive member, e.g., a vinyl adhesive tape or film, which is attached to thecontainer body 20 to cover and close theopening 81. The pressure in the ink chamber is equalized with the atmospheric pressure by therod 244 puncturing at least one portion of the adhesive member and pushing the at least one portion of the adhesive member away from theopening 81 and toward theink chamber 100. - Referring to
Fig. 20 , apackaging arrangement 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises theink cartridge 10 with theopener 200 attached thereto, and a packaging member, e.g., apackage bag 252 configured to enclose theink cartridge 10. - The
ink cartridge 10 is enclosed in thepackaging bag 252. Theink cartridge 10 is shipped and sold in thepackaging arrangement 250. - The
packaging bag 252 is liquid-proof, but has some gas permeability. The pressure inside thepackage bag 252 is depressurized to a pressure less than the pressure outside thepackage bag 252, e.g., the atmospheric pressure, by a suction pump (not shown). Moreover, the pressure inside thepackage bag 252 and outside theink chamber 100 is reduced to be less than the pressure inside theink chamber 100. This pressure differential suppresses air gradually entering theink chamber 100 through the pair offilms 65 and suppresses restoration of the pressure inside theink chamber 100 to the atmospheric pressure when theink cartridge 10 remains unused for a long time. - When no external force is applied to the
slider 27, theslider 27 is biased to the first position bycoil springs ink cartridge 10 is enclosed in thepackage bag 252 and the inside of thepackage bag 252 is depressurized while theslider 27 is in the first position, theslider 27 may be partly deformed by the pressure differential between the inside and outside of thepackage bag 252. More specifically, because theslider 27 has the inner space, theleft side wall 165 and theright side wall 166 of theslider 27 may be deformed inward. In particular, when theink cartridge 10 is enclosed in thepackage bag 252 in the depressurized state for a long time, theslider 27 may be subjected to the deformation. When theslider 27 is deformed, theslider 27 may not slide relative to theink container 20. In order to avoid this deformation, thepackaging arrangement 250 is manufactured as described below. - The
shaft 77, thearm 70, the supportingblock 170, and the protectingmember 150 are attached to theframe 50. Thearm 70 and the supportingblock 170 are manufactured in advance using the injection molding. Thearm 70 is attached to theframe 50 such that the indicatingportion 72 is positioned in theinner space 142 of thedetection window 140. A resilient member, e.g., rubber, is then press-fitted into theink introduction chamber 105. After the resilient member is fitted in theink introduction chamber 105, theopenings 57 of theframe 50 are covered and closed by the pair offilms 65 to define theink chamber 100 therein. More specifically, after thefilm 65 is placed on theframe 50 to cover theleft side face 45 of theframe 50, thefilm 65 is heated and adhered to theleft side face 45 of theframe 50 by a thermal adhesion apparatus (not shown). Subsequently, anotherfilm 65 is placed on theframe 50 to cover theright side face 46 of theframe 50, and thefilm 65 is heated and adhered to theright side face 46 by the thermal adhesion apparatus. - After that, the
air communication valve 80 is attached to theframe 50 at theopening 81. More specifically, thespring 86, thevalve member 87, thestopper 83 and thecap 85 are attached to theframe 50. Subsequently, theink supply valve 90 is attached to theframe 50 at theopening 91. More specifically, thespring receiver 94, thespring 96, thevalve member 97, thestopper 93, and cap 95 are attached to theframe 50. With theopenings air communication valve 80 and theink supply valve 90, theink chamber 100 is sealed from the outside of theink chamber 100. - Air in the
ink chamber 100 is then discharged through theopening 91. More specifically, a suction tube of a decompression device (not shown) is inserted through theopening 91 and pushes theink supply valve 90 to open theopening 91, and the decompression device is activated to draw the air in theink chamber 100. When the air in theink chamber 100 is drawn by the decompression device, and the pressure inside theink chamber 100 is lowered to a predetermined pressure, the decompression device is stopped, and the suction tube is pulled out of theopening 91. When the suction tube is pulled out of theopening 91, theopening 91 is closed by theink supply valve 90. Therefore, the inside of theink chamber 100 is maintained in a depressurized state. - After the interior of the
ink chamber 100 is depressurized, an ink introduction needle is inserted into theink chamber 100 through the resilient member fitted in theink introduction chamber 105 to introduce ink into theink chamber 100. Since the inside of theink chamber 100 is depressurized, ink is readily introduced into theink chamber 100 through the ink introduction needle by the pressure differential between the inside and outside of theink chamber 100. After a predetermined amount of ink has been introduced into theink chamber 100, e.g., about 80% the capacity of theink chamber 100, the ink introduction needle is pulled out of the resilient member. When the ink introduction needle is inserted through the resilient member and then removed, an opening formed through the resilient member by the ink introduction needle is closed by the resiliency of the resilient member. In this embodiment, after ink is introduced into theink chamber 100, the pressure inside theink chamber 100 is about -60 kPa. The pressure differential between the inside and the outside of theink chamber 100 causes the pair offilms 65 to flex towards theink chamber 100. Nevertheless, the supportingblock 170 prevents the pair offilms 65 from flexing. - Subsequently, the
housing 26 is attached to theframe 50. More specifically, thefirst cover member 21 is attached to theright side face 46 of theframe 50, and thesecond cover member 22 is attached to theleft side face 45 of theframe 50. Consequently, thefirst cover member 21 is positioned outside thefilm 65 which closes theright side face 46 of theframe 50, and thesecond cover member 22 is positioned outside thefilm 65 which closes theleft side face 45 of theframe 50. Theslider 27 is then coupled to theink container 20 via the coil springs 23 and 24. - Subsequently, before the
ink cartridge 10 is placed in thepackage bag 252, theslider 27 is moved to the second position against the urging forces of the coil springs 23 and 24. - The
opener 200 is attached to theink cartridge 10 to retain theslider 24 in the second position. Theink cartridge 10 with theopener 200 attached thereto is then placed in thepackage bag 252. - Subsequently, a portion of an opening of the
package bag 252 is closed by adhering the edge of the opening while a part of the opening is not closed. The suction tube of the decompression device is then inserted into thepackage bag 252 through the unclosed part of the opening, and the decompression device is activated to discharge air in thepackage bag 252. - In this embodiment, after the pressure inside the
package bag 252 is reduced to approximately -70 kPa, the suction tube is pulled out and the unclosed part of the opening is closed by adhering the edge of the unclosed part of the opening. Accordingly, the pressure outside theink chamber 100 and inside thepackage bag 252 is approximately 10 kPa less than the pressure inside theink chamber 100. - With the
packaging arrangement 250 described above, even though theink cartridge 10 is enclosed in thepackage bag 252 in a depressurized state, the deformation of theslider 27 is suppressed by thefront portion 28 of thehousing 26 contacting theleft side wall 45 and theright side wall 46 of theslider 27 because theslider 27 is in the second position. Moreover, deformation of thehousing 26 is suppressed by theouter wall 51 and the inner walls orinner ribs 52 of theframe 50 and the ribs 174-177 of the supportingblock 170, each of which supports thehousing 26 from inside. - Because the
slider 27 is retained in the second position by theopener 200, thepackaging arrangement 250 is downsized. - 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. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or from a practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the described examples are consider exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention indicated by the following claims.
Claims (8)
- A packaging arrangement (250), comprising:an ink cartridge (10), comprising:a body (20) comprising a particular face (41), wherein the body (20) has at least a portion of an ink chamber (100) defined therein, and the ink chamber (100) is configured to store ink;a movable member (27) configured to move between a first position and a second position relative to the body (20), wherein a distance between the second position and the particular face (41) of the body (20) is less than a distance between the first position and the particular face (41) of the body (20); andat least one resilient member (23, 24) disposed between the particular face (41) of the body (20) and the movable member (27), wherein the at least one resilient member (23, 24) is configured to expand and to contract to move the movable member (27) relative to the case between the first position and the second position, and the at least one resilient member (23, 24) applies a biasing force to the movable member (27) to bias the movable member (27) into the first position; anda packaging member (252) enclosing the ink cartridge (10), wherein a pressure inside the packaging member (252) is less than a pressure outside the packaging member (252), and the movable member (27) is retained in the second position when the ink cartridge (10) is enclosed within the packaging member (252).
- The packaging arrangement (250) of claim 1, wherein the particular face (41) of the body (20) has a first opening (81) formed therethrough, and the body (20) comprises a sealing member (80) configured to close the first opening (81), wherein the movable member (27) comprises a particular wall (161) facing the particular face (41) of the body (20), and the particular wall (161) has a second opening (110) formed therethrough at a position corresponding to the first opening (81).
- The packaging arrangement (250) of claim 2, wherein the body (20) further comprises:a first face (45); anda second face (46) opposite the first face (45), wherein each of first face (45) and the second face (46) extends from the particular face (41), wherein the movable member (27) further comprises:a first wall (165) covering at least a portion of the first face (45) of the body (20); anda second wall (166) covering at least a portion of the second face (46) of the body (20).
- The packaging arrangement (250) of claim 1, wherein the body (20) further comprises:a first face (45); anda second face (46) opposite the first face (45), wherein each of first face (45) and the second face (46) extends from the particular face (41), wherein the movable member (27) further comprises:a particular wall (161) covering at least a portion of the particular face (41);a first wall (165) covering at least a portion of the first face (45) of the body (20); anda second wall (166) covering at least a portion of the second face (46) of the body (20).
- The packaging arrangement (250) of claim 3 or 4, wherein the ink cartridge (10) further comprises a particular rib (52) disposed in the ink chamber (100) and extending between the first face (45) and the second face (46).
- The packaging arrangement (250) of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the ink cartridge (10) further comprises:a pivotable member (70) disposed in the ink chamber (100) and configured to move within the ink chamber (100) based on an amount of ink in the ink chamber (100); anda supporting member (170) positioned in the ink chamber (100), wherein the supporting member is (170) configured to pivotably support the pivotable member (70), and the supporting member (170) comprises a further rib (174, 175, 176, 177) extending between the first face (45) and the second face (46).
- The packaging arrangement (250) of any one of claims 3-6, wherein the ink cartridge (10) further comprises a housing (26) enclosing at least a portion of the body (20), a first portion of the housing (26) is positioned between the first wall (165) and the at least a portion of the first face (45) of the body (20), and a second portion of the housing (26) is positioned between the second wall (166) and the at least a portion of the second face (46) of the body (20).
- The packaging arrangement (250) of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a retaining member (200) configured to engage the body (20) to retain the movable member (27) in the second position.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE200860002548 DE602008002548D1 (en) | 2008-02-28 | 2008-02-28 | packaging arrangement |
EP20080003695 EP2095955B1 (en) | 2008-02-28 | 2008-02-28 | Packaging arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP20080003695 EP2095955B1 (en) | 2008-02-28 | 2008-02-28 | Packaging arrangement |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2095955A1 true EP2095955A1 (en) | 2009-09-02 |
EP2095955B1 EP2095955B1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
Family
ID=39415354
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP20080003695 Expired - Fee Related EP2095955B1 (en) | 2008-02-28 | 2008-02-28 | Packaging arrangement |
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EP (1) | EP2095955B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602008002548D1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014128160A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2014-08-28 | Oce-Technologies B.V. | Liquid container |
JP2017177788A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-05 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Tank set and liquid consuming device |
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US20050168540A1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-04 | Wilson John F. | Printing-fluid venting assembly |
EP1769922A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-04 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink cartridge with plug |
EP1772270A2 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-11 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink Cartridge |
JP2007144808A (en) | 2005-11-28 | 2007-06-14 | Brother Ind Ltd | Ink cartridge package and manufacturing method for the same |
EP1886821A2 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2008-02-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid injecting method and liquid container |
-
2008
- 2008-02-28 EP EP20080003695 patent/EP2095955B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-02-28 DE DE200860002548 patent/DE602008002548D1/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
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US6464339B1 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2002-10-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Fluid interconnect port seal with lock-out tab |
US20050168540A1 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-04 | Wilson John F. | Printing-fluid venting assembly |
EP1769922A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-04 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink cartridge with plug |
EP1772270A2 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-11 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink Cartridge |
JP2007144808A (en) | 2005-11-28 | 2007-06-14 | Brother Ind Ltd | Ink cartridge package and manufacturing method for the same |
EP1886821A2 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2008-02-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Liquid injecting method and liquid container |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014128160A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2014-08-28 | Oce-Technologies B.V. | Liquid container |
US9327507B2 (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2016-05-03 | Océ-Technologies B.V. | Liquid container |
JP2017177788A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2017-10-05 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Tank set and liquid consuming device |
JP2021192989A (en) * | 2016-03-31 | 2021-12-23 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Tank set and liquid consuming device |
US11584136B2 (en) | 2016-03-31 | 2023-02-21 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Tank set and liquid-consuming apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2095955B1 (en) | 2010-09-15 |
DE602008002548D1 (en) | 2010-10-28 |
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