EP2095956A1 - Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Tintenpatrone - Google Patents

Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Tintenpatrone Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2095956A1
EP2095956A1 EP08003696A EP08003696A EP2095956A1 EP 2095956 A1 EP2095956 A1 EP 2095956A1 EP 08003696 A EP08003696 A EP 08003696A EP 08003696 A EP08003696 A EP 08003696A EP 2095956 A1 EP2095956 A1 EP 2095956A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
ink chamber
film
pattern
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP08003696A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2095956B1 (de
Inventor
Tomohiro Kanbe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brother Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brother Industries Ltd filed Critical Brother Industries Ltd
Priority to DE200860000450 priority Critical patent/DE602008000450D1/de
Priority to EP20080003696 priority patent/EP2095956B1/de
Publication of EP2095956A1 publication Critical patent/EP2095956A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2095956B1 publication Critical patent/EP2095956B1/de
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—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
    • B41J2/17553—Outer structure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a method for manufacturing an ink cartridge comprising a film which defines at least a portion of an ink chamber.
  • a known ink cartridge is configured to be mounted to and removed from an inkjet recoding apparatus.
  • the known ink cartridge has an ink chamber configured to store ink, and when the ink cartridge is mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus, ink is supplied from the ink chamber to the inkjet recording apparatus.
  • the ink chamber is defined by a frame and a pair of films adhered to opposite side faces of the frame.
  • Such a known ink cartridge is described in JP-A-2007-144808 for example.
  • the frame has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape having six faces.
  • the frame has openings formed through two opposing faces which have the largest area among the six faces, and the openings are covered and closed by a corresponding one of the films adhered to the frame.
  • the frame also includes an ink supply opening configured to supply ink from the interior of the ink chamber to the exterior of the ink chamber, and an air intake opening configured to draw air into the ink chamber.
  • Ink droplets may adhere to an inner wall surface of the frame when ink is gradually consumed.
  • the ink cartridge may have walls or ribs extending in the gravitational direction, and ink droplets may be guided downward along the walls or the ribs. Nevertheless, when at least a portion of ink chamber is defined by films, it is difficult to provide walls, ribs, or the like on the inner surfaces of the films. Consequently, ink droplets adhering to the inner surfaces of the films do not run downward, and a substantial amount of ink may remain on the inner surfaces of the films.
  • a technical advantage of the present invention is that an ink cartridge is manufactured, such that ink in the ink cartridge may be consumed efficiently.
  • a method for manufacturing an ink cartridge comprises the step of connecting at least one film to a frame.
  • the at least one film and the frame define an ink chamber therein, and the ink cartridge comprises the at least one film and the frame.
  • the method also comprises the step of positioning a patterned member adjacent to the at least one film.
  • the patterned member comprises a first pattern, and the first pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the method comprises the step of forming a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern on the at least one film by generating a pressure differential between a pressure inside the ink chamber and a pressure outside the ink chamber, in which the pressure differential draws the at least one film into contact with at least a portion of the first pattern.
  • the second pattern is formed on the at least one film. Therefore, ink droplets on the at least one film run downward in the ink chamber along the second pattern. Such ink may be dispensed to an exterior of the ink chamber, and therefore ink may be consumed efficiently
  • the patterned member may comprise a cover member configured to cover the at least one film. Therefore, the patterned member may protect the at least one film.
  • the second portion may comprise a plurality of rib members which extend from the cover member.
  • the plurality of rib members may contact and apply a force to the at least one film to form the second pattern in the at least one film. With the plurality of rib members, the second pattern readily may be formed.
  • the first portion may comprise a plurality of grooves which are formed in the cover member.
  • an inner surface of the plurality of grooves may contact and apply a force to the at least one film to form the second pattern in the at least one film. With the plurality of grooves, the second pattern readily may be formed.
  • the method further may comprise the steps of discharging air from the ink chamber prior to forming the second pattern, and introducing ink into the ink chamber after discharging air from the ink chamber and prior to forming the second pattern.
  • the step of forming the second pattern may comprise the substep of reducing the pressure outside the ink chamber.
  • the method further may comprise the step of positioning the ink cartridge in a packaging member prior to forming the second pattern.
  • the step of forming the second pattern may comprise the substep of reducing the pressure outside the ink chamber to be less than the pressure inside the ink chamber.
  • 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 perspective view of a container body, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the container body of Fig. 4 .
  • Fig. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of container body of Fig. 4 , in which the container body comprises a pair of films.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a pivotable member, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a side view of a first cover member, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an inner wall surface of the first cover member is depicted.
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a packaging arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a film, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which projections are formed on the film.
  • Fig. 11 is a side view of a first cover member, according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which an inner wall surface of the first cover member is depicted.
  • Fig. 12 is a side view of a first cover member, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which an inner wall surface of the first cover member is depicted.
  • Fig. 13 is a side view of a first cover member, according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which an inner wall surface of the first cover member is depicted.
  • an ink cartridge 10 is depicted.
  • An image recording apparatus e.g., an inkjet printer uses an 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 an 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 , respectively.
  • a pair of films 65 is covered by the first cover member 21 and the second cover member 22.
  • the first cover member 21 is attached to a right side face 46 of the container body 20.
  • the first cover member 21 comprises a plurality of engaging claws 12 extending from an inner wall surface thereof, and the container body 20 comprises a plurality of engaging grooves 13 formed therein.
  • the plurality of engaging claws 12 are fitted into the plurality of engaging grooves 13, respectively, such that the right side face 46 of the container body 20 is covered by the first cover member 21.
  • the second cover member 22 is attached to a left side face 45 of the container body 20.
  • the 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 comprises 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 is 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.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 extends outside the slider 27 via an opening formed through the slider 27.
  • the container body 20 has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape having the front face 41, a rear face 42 opposite the front face 41, a top face 43, a bottom face 44 opposite top face 43, the left side face 45, and the right side face 46 opposite the left side face 45.
  • Each of the top face 43 and the bottom face 44 is connected to the front face 41 and the rear face 42
  • each of the left side face 45 and the right side face 46 is connected to the front face 41, the rear face 42, the top face 43, and the bottom face 44.
  • the area of the left side face 45 and the area of the right side face 46 each are greater than each of the area of the front face 41, the area of the rear face 42, the area of the top face 43, and the area of the bottom face 44.
  • the container body 20 comprises a frame 50, a pivotable member 70, 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 comprises 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 a plurality of 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 covered and closed by the pair of films 65, such that the frame 50 and the pair of films 65 define 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 also is 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 be 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 formed through the pivotable member 70.
  • the frame 50 comprises a cylindrical ink introduction chamber 105 formed in the rear face 42 of the frame 50 adjacent to the lower end of the rear face 42.
  • the ink introduction chamber 105 extends from the rear face 42 towards the ink chamber 100.
  • the ink introduction chamber 105 is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber 100. Ink is introduced into the ink chamber 100 through the ink introduction chamber 105 during the manufacturing process of the ink cartridge 10.
  • the 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 can be 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.
  • the air communication valve mechanism 80 When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the air communication valve mechanism 80 is positioned above the translucent portion 140.
  • the air communication valve mechanism 80 is configured to selectively open and close an opening 81 formed through an upper portion of the front face 41 of the frame 50, such that air communication valve mechanism 80 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber 100 and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 via the opening 81.
  • the air communication valve mechanism 80 comprises a valve member 87, a spring 86, a stopper 83, and a cap 85.
  • the stopper 83 has an opening formed therethrough.
  • the stopper 83 is partially positioned in the opening 81, but does not close the opening 81 completely because the opening is formed through the stopper 83.
  • the valve member 87 is configured to move between an opened position in which the valve member 87 is separated from the stopper 83, and a closed position in which the valve member 87 contacts the stopper 83.
  • the opening of the stopper 83 is not closed by the valve member 87, such that the opening 81 is opened.
  • the opening of the stopper 83 is closed by the valve member 87, such that the opening 81 is closed.
  • valve member 87 is resiliently urged by the spring 86 toward the stopper 83, such that the valve member 87 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of the spring 86 is applied to the valve member 87.
  • the opening 81 may be covered with a film instead of using the atmospheric air communication valve mechanism 80.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is positioned below the translucent portion 140.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is configured to selectively open and close an opening 91 formed through a lower portion of the front face 41 of the frame 50, such that the ink supply valve mechanism 90 selectively allows and prevents fluid communication between the interior of the ink chamber 100 and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 via the opening 91.
  • the ink supply valve mechanism 90 comprises a valve member 97, a spring 96, a spring receiver 94, a stopper 93, and a cap 95.
  • the stopper 93 has an opening formed therethrough.
  • the stopper 93 is partially positioned in the opening 91, but does not close the opening 91 completely because the opening is formed through the stopper 93.
  • the valve member 97 is configured to move between an opened position in which the valve member 97 is separated from the stopper 93, and a closed position in which the valve member 97 contacts the stopper 93.
  • the opening of the stopper 93 is not closed by the valve member 97, such that the opening 91 is opened.
  • the opening of the stopper 93 is closed by the valve member 97, such that the opening 91 is closed.
  • valve member 97 is resiliently urged by the spring 96 toward the stopper 93, such that the ink supply valve mechanism 90 is in the closed position unless a force substantially opposite and greater than the biasing force of the spring 96 is applied to the valve member 97.
  • the valve member 97 is pushed by a tube of the image recording apparatus against the biasing force of the spring 96, and the opening 91 is opened. Consequently, ink in the ink chamber 100 is allowed to flow from the opening 91 to the image recording apparatus via the tube.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44.
  • the opening 91 has a center line C which is perpendicular to a plane on which the opening 91 is formed.
  • the plane on which the opening 91 is formed is parallel to the width direction 31 and the height direction 32, and the center line C of the opening 91 is parallel to the depth direction 33.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44, the plane on which the opening 91 is formed is parallel to the width direction 31 and the depth direction 33, and the center line C of the opening 91 is parallel to the height direction 32.
  • the pivotable member 70 is configured to indicate whether the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein.
  • the indicating portion 72 is positioned at a first end of the pivotable member 70, and a float portion 73 is positioned at a second end of the pivotable member 70.
  • the pivotable member 70 has the shaft hole 78 formed therethrough.
  • the shaft hole 78 is positioned between the first end of the pivotable member 70 and the second end of the pivotable member 70.
  • the shaft 77 is inserted into the shaft hole 78, and the shaft 77 supports the pivotable member 70, such that the pivotable member 70 pivots about the shaft 77 in a direction indicated by an arrow 35 in Fig. 5 .
  • the shaft 77 is supported by the cylindrical tube 67 formed on the rib 74 at one end thereof, and by the supporting block 170 at the other end thereof.
  • the shaft 77 may be integral with the pivotable member 70.
  • the specific gravity of float portion 73 is less than the specific gravity of ink stored in the ink chamber 100.
  • the float portion 73 has a hollow formed therein, and floats on ink, such that the float portion 70 moves upward and downward based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber 100, and the pivotable member 70 pivots based on the movement of float portion 73.
  • the float portion 73 does not have the hollow, and comprises a material having a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of ink.
  • the indicating portion 72 contacts the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, such that further movement of the pivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the lower position.
  • the indicating portion 72 moves away from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, and the float portion 73 contacts a bottom surface of the ink chamber 100.
  • the float portion 73 contacts the bottom surface of the ink chamber 100, further movement of the pivotable member 70 is prevented, and the indicating portion 72 is at the upper position and separated from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140 by a predetermined distance.
  • the pivotable member 70 comprises a first portion 75 extending from the shaft hole 78 to the indicating portion 72, and a second portion 76 extending from the shaft hole 78 to the float portion 73.
  • the mass of the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 is less than the mass of the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70, such that when the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70 and the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70 are in the same medium as each other, the second portion 76 of the pivotable member 70 is heavier than the first portion 75 of the pivotable member 70. Accordingly, when the amount of ink stored in the ink chamber is less than a sufficient amount of ink, the pivotable member 70 pivots counterclockwise about the shaft 77 in Fig.
  • the indicating portion 72 separates from the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140.
  • the pivotable member 70 stops pivoting, and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the upper position.
  • the indicating portion 72 is at the upper position, it is be determined that the ink chamber 100 has an insufficient amount of ink stored therein.
  • the float portion 73 is submerged in the ink, and a buoyancy force acts on the float portion 73.
  • the buoyancy force is great enough to cause the pivotable member 70 to pivot clockwise about the shaft 77 in Fig. 5 .
  • the indicating portion 72 contacts the bottom wall 140D of the translucent portion 140, and the pivotable member 70 stops pivoting and the indicating portion 72 is positioned at the lower position.
  • the indicating portion 72 is at the lower position, it is determined that the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein.
  • Whether or not the ink chamber 100 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein is determined by a user viewing the position of the indicating portion 72 in the inner space 142, or by using an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter, to monitor the position of the indicating portion 72.
  • an optical sensor e.g., a photo interrupter
  • the protecting member 150 is positioned around the pivotable member 70.
  • the protecting member 150 is manufactured by bending a linear steel wire.
  • the protecting member 150 comprises a U-shaped portion 150A which is received by a hook 131 formed on the frame 50, and ends 150B of the protecting member 150 are inserted into a hole (not shown) formed through the rib 74 and a hole 183 formed through the supporting block 170, respectively.
  • an inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 comprises a first pattern which faces the opening 57 on the right side face 46 of the frame 50.
  • the first pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the first pattern is a reticulated pattern.
  • the first portion comprises a flat surface 112, and the second portion comprises a plurality of rib members 110 which extend from the flat surface 112.
  • the rib members 110 extend towards the film 65.
  • Each of the rib members 110 has a base connected to the flat surface 112, and a peak positioned away from the flat surface 122.
  • the height of the rib members 110 from the base to the peak is substantially the same, and, in this embodiment, is between about 0.2 millimeters and about 0.3 millimeters.
  • the rib members 110 comprise a plurality of first rib members 110A, and a plurality of second rib members 110B which intersect the first rib members 110A.
  • Each of the first rib members 110A has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the first rib member 110A and a second end of the first rib member 110A corresponds to the length of the first rib member 110A.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first rib member 110A and a peak of the second end of the first rib member 110A is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44 of the frame 50, and a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first rib member 110A and a peak of the second end of the first rib member 110A is non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • each of the second rib members 110B has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the second rib member 110B and a second end of the second rib member 110B corresponds to the length of the second rib member 110B.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the second rib member 110B and a peak of the second end of the second rib member 110B is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44 of the frame 50, and a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the second rib member 110B and a peak of the second end of the second rib member 110B is non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • Each of the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B extends linearly from the first end of the first rib member 110A to the second end of the first rib member 110A, and from the first end of the second rib member 110B to the second end of the second rib member 110B, respectively.
  • Each of the first rib members 110A extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the first rib member 110A is positioned higher than a right portion of the first rib member 110A in Fig. 8 .
  • each of the second rib members 110B extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the first rib member 110B is positioned lower than a right portion of the second rib member 110B.
  • the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B extend in directions intersecting a horizontal plane which is perpendicular to the gravitational direction.
  • the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B form a reticulated pattern with rhombs which are longer in the height direction 32 of the first cover member 21.
  • Each of the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B extends from a first end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., an upper end of the ink chamber 100, to a second end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., a lower end of the ink chamber 100.
  • a portion of the rib members 110 is positioned adjacent to the first end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the second end of the ink chamber 100, and another portion of the rib members 110 is positioned adjacent to the second end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the first end of the ink chamber 100. Moreover, yet another portion of the rib members 110 is positioned substantially at a center of the ink chamber 100. Although it is not shown in the drawings, a plurality of rib members are also formed on the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22 in the same manner.
  • the film 65 positioned on the right side face 46 of the frame 50 and the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 face each other. If the film 65 is not flexed, the distance between the rib members 110 and the film 65 is substantially zero, and therefore, the rib members 110 contacts the film 65. When the film 65 is flexed outward, the film 65 tightly contacts the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21, and the first pattern of the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 is transferred to the film 65, such that a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • the rib members 110 contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 is plastically deformed, and projections 60, which correspond to the shape of the rib members 110, are formed on the surface of the film 65 (See Fig. 10 ).
  • the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22 also comprises rib members which are the same as or similar to those on the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21. Therefore, when the film 65 positioned on the left side face 45 tightly contacts the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22, the projections 60 are formed on the surface of the film 65 positioned on the left side face 45.
  • the rib members formed on the inner wall surface of the second cover member 22 may have a different shape from the rib members 110 formed on the first cover member 21.
  • the left side face 45 does not have any film, and hence the rib members 110 are formed only on the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21.
  • the packaging arrangement 120 comprises the ink cartridge 10 and a package bag 121 enclosing the ink cartridge 10. The interior of the package bag 121 is depressurized. When the ink cartridge 10 is shipped from a factory, the packaging arrangement 120 is stored in a container box.
  • the interior of the package bag 121 is depressurized by a suction pump or the like, such that the pressure inside the package bag 121 is less than the atmospheric pressure.
  • the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is also depressurized, such that the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is less than the atmospheric pressure.
  • the pressure inside the package bag 121 and outside the ink chamber 100 is less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100. This pressure differential prevents air from entering the ink chamber 100 through the films 65, such that the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is prevented from being restored to the atmospheric pressure when the ink cartridge 10 is left unused for a substantial amount of time.
  • a method of manufacturing the packaging arrangement 120 now is described in detail. Although the following manufacturing steps are described step by step, the order of steps can be changed, or some steps can be performed simultaneously.
  • the shaft 77, the pivotable member 70, the supporting block 170, and the protecting member 150 are attached to the frame 50.
  • the pivotable member 70 and the supporting block 170 are manufactured in advance using injection molding.
  • the pivotable member 70 is attached to the frame 50, such that the indicating portion 72 is positioned in the inner space 142 of the translucent portion 140.
  • a resilient member e.g., rubber, is press-fitted into the ink introduction chamber 105. After the resilient member is fitted in the ink introduction chamber 105, the openings 57 of the frame 50 are covered and closed by the pair of films 65, respectively, such that the frame 50 and the pair of films 65 define the ink chamber 100 therein.
  • the 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 of the frame 50. More specifically, the spring 86, the valve member 87, the stopper 83, and the cap 85 are attached to the frame at the opening 81 of the frame 50.
  • the ink supply valve 90 is attached to the frame 50 at the opening 91 of the frame 50. More specifically, the spring receiver 94, the spring 96, the valve member 97, the stopper 93, and cap 95 are attached to the frame 50 at the opening 91 of the frame 50.
  • air in the ink chamber 100 is discharged through the opening 91. More specifically, a suction tube of a decompression device (not shown) is inserted into the opening 91, such that the suction tube applies a force to the ink supply valve 90 to open the opening 91. Then, the decompression device is activated to draw the air from the ink chamber 100. When the air in the ink chamber 100 is drawn by the decompression device, and the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is lowered to a predetermined pressure, the decompression device is stopped, and the suction tube is removed from the opening 91. When the suction tube is removed from the opening 91, the opening 91 is closed by the ink supply valve 90. Therefore, the interior of the ink chamber 100 is maintained in a depressurized state.
  • an ink introduction needle is inserted into the ink chamber 100 through the resilient member fitted in the ink introduction chamber 105 to introduce ink into the ink chamber 100. Because the interior of the ink chamber 100 is depressurized, ink is readily introduced into the ink chamber 100 by the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the ink chamber 100. After a predetermined amount of ink has been introduced into the ink chamber 100, e.g., about 80% the capacity of the ink chamber 100, the ink introduction needle is removed from the resilient member. When the ink introduction needle is inserted through the resilient member and then removed, an opening formed through the resilient member by the ink introduction needle is closed by the resiliency of the resilient member.
  • the pressure inside the ink chamber 100 is about -60 kPa.
  • the films 65 are caused to flex toward the ink chamber 100 by the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the ink chamber 100. Nevertheless, the supporting block 170 supports the films 65 from the interior of the ink chamber 100.
  • the housing 26 is attached to the frame 50. More specifically, the first cover member 21 is attached to the right side face 46 of the frame 50, and the second cover member 22 is attached to the left side face 45 of the frame 50. Consequently, the first cover member 21 is positioned outside the film 65 which closes the right side face 46 of the frame 50, and the second cover member 22 is positioned outside the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50.
  • the films 65 flex inwardly because the interior of the ink chamber 100 is depressurized, and therefore, in this embodiment, the films 65 are positioned at a distance of about 0.3 millimeters at maximum apart from the cover members 21 and 22, respectively.
  • the slider 27 is coupled to the container body 20 via the coil springs 23 and 24.
  • the ink cartridge 10 is positioned in the package bag 121 through an opening of the package bag 121, and then a portion of the opening of the package bag 121 is closed by adhering the edge of the opening, such that a part of the opening is not closed.
  • the suction tube of the decompression device is inserted into the package bag 121 through the unclosed part of the opening, and the decompression device is activated to discharge air from the package bag 121.
  • the suction tube is removed, and the unclosed part of the opening is closed by adhering the edge of the unclosed part of the opening.
  • the pressure outside the ink chamber 100 and inside the package bag 121 is about 10 kPa less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100. In another embodiment, the pressure inside the package bag 121 and outside the ink chamber 100 may be at least 2 kPa less than the pressure inside the ink chamber 100.
  • the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the ink chamber 100 draws the film 65, which closes the right side face 46 of the frame 50, into tight contact with the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21. Consequently, the rib members 110 contact and apply a force to the film 65 to deform the film 65 plastically, such that the projections 60 which correspond to the shape of the rib members 110 are formed on the surface of the film 65.
  • the film 65 remains in tight contact with the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 at least until the package bag 121 is opened.
  • the projections 60 are formed after the packaging arrangement 120 is manufactured and before a user opens the package bag 121 to use the ink cartridge 10.
  • the projections 60 are also formed on the surface of the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50 in the same manner.
  • the rib members 110 comprise the first rib members 110A and the second rib members 110B. Therefore, referring to Fig. 10 , the projections 60 on the film 65 comprise a plurality of first projections 60A which correspond to the first rib members 110A, and a plurality of second projections 60B which correspond to the second rib members 110B. Each of the first and the second projections 60A and 60B are raised from a flat surface of the film 65 to extend into the ink chamber 100. Each of the projections 60 has a base connected to the flat surface of the film 65, and a peak positioned away from the flat surface of the film 65.
  • the height of the projections 60 from the base to the peak is substantially the same, and, in this embodiment, is between about 0.2 millimeters and about 0.3 millimeters.
  • the first projections 60A intersect the second projections 60B.
  • Each of the first projections 60A has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the first projection 60A and a second end of the first projection 60A corresponds to the length of the first projection 60A.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first projection 60A and a peak of the second end of the first projection 60A is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44 of the frame 50, and a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the first projection 60A and a peak of the second end of the first projection 60A is non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • each of the second projection 60B has a width and a length which is greater than the width, and a distance between a first end of the second projection 60B and a second end of the second projection 60B corresponds to the length of the second projection 60B.
  • a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the second projection 60B and a peak of the second end of the second projection 60B is slanted with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • the opening 91 is formed through the bottom face 44 of the frame 50, and a line intersecting a peak of the first end of the second projection 60B and a peak of the second end of the second projection 60B is non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91.
  • Each of the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extends linearly from the first end of the first projection 60A to the second end of the first projection 60A, and from the first end of the second projection 60B to the second end of the second projection 60B, respectively.
  • Each of the first projections 60A extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the first projection 60A is positioned higher than a right portion of the first projection 60A in Fig. 10 .
  • each of the second projections 60B extends in a direction which is slanted or non-perpendicular with respect to the center line C of the opening 91, such that a left portion of the second projection 60B is positioned lower than a right portion of the second projection 60B.
  • the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extend in directions intersecting a horizontal plane which is perpendicular to the gravitational direction.
  • the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B form a reticulated pattern with rhombs which are longer in the height direction 32 of the ink cartridge 10.
  • Each of the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extends from a first end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., an upper end of the ink chamber 100, to a second end of the ink chamber 100, e.g., a lower end of the ink chamber 100.
  • a portion of the projections 60 is positioned adjacent to the first end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the second end of the ink chamber 100, and another portion of the projections 60 is positioned adjacent to the second end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the first end of the ink chamber 100. Moreover, yet another portion of the projections 60 is positioned substantially at a center of the ink chamber 100.
  • the directions in which the first projections 60A and the second projections 60B extend are selected based on the wettability of the surface of the films 65 on the ink-chamber-100 side.
  • the container body 20 comprises the projections 60 formed on the films 65 and extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal plane when the container body 20 is positioned, such that the height of the ink cartridge 10 extends substantially parallel to the gravitational direction, e.g., when the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to an image recording apparatus. Therefore, ink droplets on the film 65 run downward in the ink chamber 100 along the projections 60, and are supplied to the image recording apparatus through the opening 91. Accordingly, ink is consumed efficiently.
  • the float portion 73 moves based on the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100. Because the ink in the ink chamber 100 runs downward along the projections 60, the float portion 73 readily moves based on the amount of ink in the ink chamber 100. Therefore, an ink amount determination is accurately performed.
  • the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 comprises a third pattern according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the third pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the first portion comprises a flat surface 112
  • the second portion comprises a plurality of rib members 115 which extend from the flat surface 112.
  • the rib members 115 extend in the height direction 32 of the first cover member 21.
  • the rib members 115 are positioned side by side in a horizontal direction, which is parallel to the depth direction 33.
  • the third pattern is transferred to the film 65 positioned on the right side face 46, such that a fourth pattern corresponding to the third pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • the rib members 110 contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 are plastically deformed, and projections (not shown) corresponding to the rib members 115 are formed on the film 65.
  • the projections on the film 65 extend perpendicular to the horizontal plane from an upper end of the ink chamber 100 to a lower end of the ink chamber 100. Projections are also formed on the surface of the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50 in the same manner.
  • the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 comprises a fifth pattern according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fifth pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the first portion comprises a flat surface 112
  • the second portion comprises a plurality of rib members 116 which extend from the flat surface 112.
  • the rib members 116 extend in the height direction 32 of the first cover member 21 at predetermined intervals in the height direction 32.
  • a length of each of the rib members 116 is less than the height of the opening 57 in the height direction 32.
  • the rib members 116 are positioned in row in the height direction 32.
  • the rib members 116 are also positioned side by side in a horizontal direction, which is parallel to the depth direction 33.
  • the fifth pattern is transferred to the film 65 positioned on the right side face 46, such that a sixth pattern corresponding to the fifth pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • the rib members 116 contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 are plastically deformed, and projections (not shown) corresponding to the rib members 116 are formed on the film 65.
  • One of the projections is positioned adjacent to the upper end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the lower end of the ink chamber 100, another one of the projections is positioned adjacent to the lower end of the ink chamber 100 and distal to the upper end of the ink chamber 100, and yet another one of the projections is positioned substantially at a center of the ink chamber 100. Projections are also formed on the surface of the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50 in the same manner.
  • the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 comprises a seventh pattern according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the seventh pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the first portion comprises a flat surface 112
  • the second portion comprises a plurality of rib members 117 which extend from the flat surface 112.
  • the rib members 117 extend from the upper end of the ink chamber 100 to a lower end of the ink chamber 100 in zigzag patterns.
  • the rib members 117 are positioned side by side in a horizontal direction, which is parallel to the depth direction 33.
  • the seventh pattern is transferred to the film 65 on the right side face 46, such that a eighth pattern corresponding to the seventh pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • the rib members 117 contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 are plastically deformed, and projections (not shown) corresponding to the rib members 116 are formed on the film 65. Projections are also formed on the surface of the film 65 which closes the left side face 45 of the frame 50 in the same manner.
  • the inner wall surface of the first cover member 21 or the second cover member 22 comprises a ninth pattern.
  • the ninth pattern comprises a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion.
  • the second portion comprises a flat surface 112, and the first portion comprise a plurality of grooves recessed in the direction away from the film 65.
  • the ninth pattern is transferred to the film 65, such that a tenth pattern corresponding to the ninth pattern is formed on the film 65.
  • An inner surface of the grooves contact and apply a force to the film 65, such that the film 65 are plastically deformed, and projections (not shown) corresponding to the grooves are formed on the film 65. The projections extend away from the ink chamber 100.
  • the projections 60 are formed on the film 65 before the film 65 is adhered to the frame 50. Nevertheless, it may be more difficult to adhere the film 65 to the frame 50 if the projections 60 are formed on the film 65 in advance because the film 65 may be at least partially deformed due to the projections 60.
  • the pivotable member 70 may be omitted.

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EP20080003696 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Tintenpatrone Expired - Fee Related EP2095956B1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200860000450 DE602008000450D1 (de) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Tintenpatrone
EP20080003696 EP2095956B1 (de) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Tintenpatrone

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20080003696 EP2095956B1 (de) 2008-02-28 2008-02-28 Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Tintenpatrone

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EP2095956B1 EP2095956B1 (de) 2009-12-23

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030184626A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-10-02 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Ink Cartridge
US20050057624A1 (en) 2003-07-25 2005-03-17 Yukihiro Hanaoka Liquid container
EP1693213A2 (de) 2000-01-21 2006-08-23 Seiko Epson Corporation Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldruckvorrichtung mit einer derartigen Tintenpatrone
EP1772270A2 (de) 2005-09-29 2007-04-11 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone
EP1792736A1 (de) * 2003-09-30 2007-06-06 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldrucker
EP1886821A2 (de) * 2006-08-11 2008-02-13 Seiko Epson Corporation Flüssigkeitseinspritzverfahren und Flüssigkeitsbehälter

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1693213A2 (de) 2000-01-21 2006-08-23 Seiko Epson Corporation Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldruckvorrichtung mit einer derartigen Tintenpatrone
US20030184626A1 (en) 2002-03-28 2003-10-02 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Ink Cartridge
US20050057624A1 (en) 2003-07-25 2005-03-17 Yukihiro Hanaoka Liquid container
EP1792736A1 (de) * 2003-09-30 2007-06-06 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone und Tintenstrahldrucker
EP1772270A2 (de) 2005-09-29 2007-04-11 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Tintenpatrone
EP1886821A2 (de) * 2006-08-11 2008-02-13 Seiko Epson Corporation Flüssigkeitseinspritzverfahren und Flüssigkeitsbehälter

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DE602008000450D1 (de) 2010-02-04

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