WO2010063502A1

WO2010063502A1 - Ink cartridge for ink-jet printers

Info

Publication number: WO2010063502A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/062530
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Sulser; Roland Steiner; Lucio Bianco
Original assignee: Pelikan Hardcopy Production Ag
Priority date: 2008-12-04
Filing date: 2009-09-28
Publication date: 2010-06-10
Also published as: EP2193922A1; EP2352648A1

Abstract

Ink cartridge (10) for ink-jet printers having filling level identification means arranged on a side face (11, 14, 15), in particular on the front face (11) or face which is at the front in the installation direction (19), said filling level identification means being active in the state fitted to the printer between a light transmitting part and a light receiver part, wherein the filling level identification means comprise a first light beam deflection surface (30) which is arranged outside the cartridge (10) and faces the light transmitting part, a deflection prism (21), which can be wetted by ink or have ink removed from it as a function of the filling level, within the cartridge (10), and a second light beam deflection surface (30) which is arranged outside the cartridge (10) and faces the light receiver part. The first light beam deflection surface (30) is part of a first triangular prism (20) and the second light beam deflection surface (30) is part of a second triangular prism (22), and these can preferably be combined with the deflection prism (21) to form one physical unit.

Description

Ink cartridge for inkjet printers

Description

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge for ink jet printers or the like. Recording apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

Especially with ink cartridges, which are connected via hose lines with a pressure head, it must be ensured that these hoses always remain filled with ink. Otherwise, there is a risk of local dehydration and interruption of ink supply. For this reason, it is also important that the level of an ink cartridge is monitored. For this purpose, printers have facilities that determine what the level of the ink cartridge is, in particular determine whether the ink cartridge is empty or will soon be empty, and then to prevent further printing. It is indicated that a cartridge exchange is required, The devices of the type mentioned include on the printer side a light emitting part and a light receiving part, wherein between these two parts of the printer cartridge associated filling level detection means are placeable. In the prior art according to DE 10 2007 001 084 A1, the ink cartridge for this purpose on an opaque or alternatively light-reflecting flag comprehensive level indicator, wherein the flag is connected to a within the ink cartridge or the housing thereof arranged float, so in that the flag can be moved with decreasing fill level either into or out of the region of a light barrier arranged in the printer. Alternatively, the flag may be arranged on a rotatably mounted float device. If a predetermined level is reached, the light barrier is released, ie the light beam passes unhindered from the light transmitting part through the cartridge to the light receiver part. This triggers a predetermined procedure indicating that cartridge replacement is required.

In another state of the art, the fiber detection means comprise a first light beam redirecting surface located outside the cartridge facing the light emitting part, a deflecting prism that can be wetted or degenerated within the cartridge by ink, and a second light beam located outside the cartridge and facing the light receiving part -Umlenkfläche. When the deflecting prism disposed inside the cartridge is wetted by the condition of the film, the light beam directed into the deflecting prism by the first light beam deflecting surface enters the ink and is absorbed there. If the filling level falls below the deflecting prism, it is dehusked and the light steel entering the circumferential prism is deflected further by total reflection, so that it exits again from the deflecting prism. The emerging light beam is then through the second light beam deflection in the Lichtempfängertei! directed. Then again, the signal already mentioned that the cartridge is soer and must be replaced.

This latter solution has the disadvantage that the first and second light beam deflection surface must each be provided with a separate light-reflecting surface. For this purpose, the corresponding surfaces are provided in the prior art with high-gloss aluminum foils. The effort for the production of the first and second light beam deflection surfaces is correspondingly large. Also, these deflection can be easily damaged by improper treatment and thus made unusable.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to improve the latter version of an ink cartridge to the effect that the level detection means, in particular light beam deflection means can be made easier with the result that the ink cartridge is generally easier and cheaper to manufacture.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1, wherein advantageous developments, modifications and constructive details are described in the subclaims, in particular in the claims 7 ff.

One of the essential aspects of the present invention resides in the fact that the first and second Uchtstrahi deflection surface are part of the deflectable prism that can be inked or de-inked, which in turn is part of the top of an extension of the ink receiving space projecting forward over the front of the cartridge , In this design principle, the first and second light beam deflection surfaces as well as the light beam deflection prism coming into contact with the ink are an integral part of the cartridge. The production of such a cartridge by injection molding is very simple. In particular, it should be emphasized that due to the extremely compact embodiment and a short beam path justified by it, it is also possible to use very small, faint light sources with low excitation energy, in order to reliably detect the fill level within the ink cartridge.

A particularly simple and accordingly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the first and second light beam Umlenkfiächen as well as the deflectable by ink or entverbindbare deflection prism defines a V-shaped Lichtstrahl- deflection, the tip of which is directed into the extension of the ink receiving space inside. The thus formed light beam deflection element defines a kind of V double prism. The entire level detection device is a one-piece, integrated reflection device. The light beam deflection surfaces arranged in a V-shaped manner are preferably, but not necessarily, aligned parallel to one another.

In a preferred embodiment of the ink cartridge designed according to the invention, an ink outlet is formed on the front side near or at the bottom thereof, wherein the aforementioned Füüstandserkennungsmitte! then preferably arranged above it.

Furthermore, a preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first and second light beam deflection surfaces and the preferably parallel extending surfaces of the deflection prism, which come into contact with ink, each at an angle of> 80 °, in particular between about 80 ° and about 140 ° depending on the material of the deflection prism or the components that comprise the light beam deflection surfaces include. This embodiment is suitable in particular, when the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part lie on a common Horizontalünie.

It can still be provided that the upper, i. externally accessible outer surfaces of the V-shaped beam Umlenkeiements are mirrored, provided that an even greater proportion of the irradiated amount of light to be reflected, for. To compensate for losses due to scattering in the plastic or at a non-ideal angle of incidence.

An alternative embodiment for achieving the object is achieved in that the first light beam deflection surface is part of a first triangular prism and the second light beam deflection surface is part of a second triangular prism, and in that an overhanging the front of the cartridge forward projection of the ink receiving space is formed whose upper side comprises the deflecting prism such that the tip opposite the upper side is directed into the extension.

The two aforementioned triangular prisms can be produced together with the cartridge or the cartridge housing as an injection molded part. Alternatively, a plugging, gluing, clipping od. Like. Attachment to the cartridge housing conceivable (- modular design). A holder over resilient elements is within the range of preferred attachment. The light beam deflection surfaces are within the triangle prisms, so facing each other, so that separate light-reflecting measures are not essential.

In a preferred embodiment, first and second triangular prisms are each positioned so that the sides of the catheter each extend perpendicular to the incident as well as the emergent light and the light beam steering takes place on the hypotenuse side. Preferably, the triangular prisms in cross-section each define an isosceles right-angled triangle where the adjacent and opposite cathets are the same length.

The two triangular prisms can be arranged either at the same or different height above the deflecting prism disposed within the cartridge, Preferably, an ink outlet is formed near or at the bottom of the front of the cartridge. The level detection means may then be arranged above the same.

In a specific embodiment, the forwardly projecting extension of the ink receiving space is formed above the ink outlet, the upper side of which comprises the deflection prism. The cross-section of this deflecting prism also preferably defines an isosceles right-angled triangle in horizontally arranged transmitter / emitter and receiver.

In the specific embodiment, the emitted light beam from the light emitting part of the light beam is deflected via the first triangular prism with the aid of total reflection on the deflection prism arranged underneath, which is in sufficiently full ink cartridge in contact with the ink. In this case, the light beam is then absorbed in the ink, As soon as the deflection prism is de-meshed, takes place in the deflection prism further total reflection, so that the light beam passes to the second triangular prism, which is associated with the light receiving part. About this second triangular prism then the light beam to Lichtempfängertei! diverted. This triggers a signal indicating that the ink cartridge is empty and ready to be replaced. Thus, if the arranged within the ink cartridge deflecting prism is wetted with ink, the light beam is not deflected there, but only deflected into the ink and absorbed there If the level so far that the deflecting prism is de-crosslinked, the light beam on the then takes place there Total reflection forward to the second triangular prism.

The constructions according to the invention eliminate both the known float device and the separate reflecting surfaces which have to be created by appropriate measures, either by the application of light-reflecting films or the vapor deposition of a light-reflecting layer. Nevertheless, if a particularly weak light source is used and / or a material is used that tends, for example, to a greater Tyndal scattering of the light, nevertheless the upper "V" sloping sides of the triangular prisms can be carried out in a mirrored manner.

As already stated above, an essential aspect of the present invention is based on the fact that outer light beams or deflection surfaces arranged outside the cartridge are an integral part of a light which is disposed over a side surface, in particular a front surface. Side of the cartridge projecting extension of the ink receiving space of the ink cartridge, said extension inner, depending on the level by ink wettable or entknübare light beam deflection surfaces. The latter define a deflecting prism extending into the ink accommodating space or into the aforementioned extension of the ink accommodating space, which defines the top of the forwardly protruding extension of the ink accommodating space. Another concrete embodiment of this basic principle is characterized in that both the outer and the inner prismatic light beam deflection surfaces are not directed inward, ie in the ink receiving space or in the extension of the same, but out of this, in particular to form a pointed - Roof-like top of an over a side surface, in particular on the front side of the cartridge projecting extension of the ink receiving space of the ink cartridge. Concretely, the level detection means comprise a first outside, ie disposed on an outer surface of the cartridge and the light emitting part facing light beam deflection, a first inside, ie on an inner surface of the cartridge depending on the level by ink wettable or entsobenbare light beam deflection surface, a second within the Cartridge depending on the level by ink or entknübare light beam deflection surface, and - a second arranged outside the cartridge and the light receiver part facing light beam deflection surface.

These first and second light beam deflection surfaces are each directed outwardly approximately parallel to each other so as to enclose relative to one another a predetermined angle, which is preferably <150 °.

The aforementioned angle is between about 40 ° to 140 °, in particular about 100 °, so that the first and second light beam deflection in the assembled state of the cartridge with the horizontal angle of about 35 ° to 70 °, in particular about 40 °.

It should also be mentioned at this point that in combination, but also independently of the aforementioned embodiments of a level detection device, a so-called mounting detection device may be provided which is effective between the light emitting part and the light receiver part or a separate light beam detector, in such a way that the assembly and / or disassembly of the ink cartridge can be detected. For this purpose, the light beam facing surface of the mounting detection device extends at an angle of> 90 ° to incident light beam, and is further structured. In particular, it has a wave structure. This ensures that, for example, during the assembly or disassembly of the ink cartridge from the ink outlet squirting ink droplets are held on the mounting detection device or on the structured surface and not drip on the underlying outer Lichtstrahl-Umienk- surfaces.

The abovementioned area of the mounting detection device facing the light beam is preferably part of a light beam interruption element movably mounted relative to the ink cartridge, which permits any, in particular asymmetrical, signal sequence upon assembly and disassembly of the ink cartridge. This light beam interrupting element is preferably formed like a finger with a circular or elliptical cross-section.

The cartridge may also have an upper, in particular arranged at the upper front edge breaker nose, the irradiated surfaces are inclined both in the vertical and in the horizontal and have a horizontal Rregel- or wave structure such that the wave troughs and peaks about extend horizontally. This surface shape also serves to arrest ink droplets that accidentally reach these surfaces. These should therefore not drip onto the light beam deflection surfaces of the filling level detection device.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an inventively designed ink cartridge will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This shows in

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an inventive design

Ink cartridge in perspective view from the front obliquely above;

Fig. 2, the ink cartridge of FIG. 1 from the front and partially in section below

Representation of the light beam with sufficiently filled ink cartridge;

FIG. 3 shows the ink cartridge in the illustration corresponding to FIG. 2, the beam path of the light beam being shown from the light-emitting part to the light-receiving part when the cartridge is empty; FIG. Fig. 4 u. 5 shows a second embodiment of an ink cartridge according to the invention in a representation corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3;

Fig. 6 shows the level detection means of the second embodiment in section and on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 7 is a comparison with FIG. 6 additionally enlarged view of

Level detection means of the second embodiment in section, in particular with representation of the beam path through this level detection means;

Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of an inventively designed

Ink cartridge in perspective view obliquely from above in front;

FIG. 9 shows the ink cartridge according to FIG. 8 in a perspective view obliquely from above; FIG.

10 shows a fourth embodiment of an inventively designed

Ink cartridge in perspective view obliquely from the front;

Fig. 11 shows a fifth embodiment of an inventively designed

Ink cartridge in perspective view obliquely from above in front;

FIG. 12 shows the joint detection means of the fifth embodiment in section and on an enlarged scale, in particular with reference to FIG

Beam path through these level detection means;

13 shows a part, namely a movably mounted light beam

Interruption element of a mounting detection device in perspective view and greatly enlarged scale; and

14 is an arranged at the upper front edge of an ink cartridge additional light beam breaker means for determining the proper assembly or disassembly of the ink cartridge in the printer or in the cartridge receptacle, in perspective view obliquely from above in front and on a greatly enlarged scale. The ink cartridge shown in Fig. 1 is indicated by the reference numeral 10. This has a flat parallelepiped shape with a mounting direction front or front 11, top 12, bottom 13, back 14 and side surfaces 15 and 16. On the front side 11 is near the bottom 13 an ink outlet 17 and near the top 12 an air inlet 18th educated. Ink outlet and air inlet are on the front side 11 before. Since these are design features known per se, a more detailed description is unnecessary at this point. Ink outlet and air inlet are associated with corresponding printer side ports. The mounting direction is indicated in FIG. 1 by the arrow 19.

On the front side 11 further level detection means are arranged. These comprise a first light beam deflection surface arranged outside the cartridge 10 and facing a light transmitting part, not shown here, in the form of a first triangular prism 20, a deflecting prism 21 within the cartridge 10 depending on the filling level by ink, and a second outside the cartridge 10 The two triangular prisms 20, 22 are preferably positioned or dimensioned so that the sides 23, 25 and 24, 26 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) are arranged and dimensioned to a light receiver part (not shown here) ) each extend perpendicular to the incident / outgoing light beam 28, 29 or deflected light beam 28 ', 29', and that the Lichtstrahlumienkung takes place on at least one oblique side 30. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the light emitting part is indicated by the reference numeral 31 and the light receiver part by the reference numeral 32. As already mentioned, these two parts are designed on the printer side.

In the illustrated embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first and second triangular prisms 20, 22 are arranged at the same height above the deflecting prism 21 arranged inside the cartridge 10. The two triangular prisms 20, 22 and also arranged within the cartridge 10 deflecting prism 21 are further integral to each of the cartridge 10 and the cartridge housing. They are thus integrally connected to the cartridge housing and preferably produced as Spritzgußteii. As already mentioned, the prisms could also be designed and fastened as separate insert components.

Above the ink outlet 17 is formed on the front side 11 of the cartridge 10 to the front projecting extension 33 of the ink receiving space, the upper side of the deflection prism 21 comprises such that the top opposite tip 34 is directed into the extension 33 and the ink outlet 17 out. In Fig. 2, the beam path of the Lichtsendi! 31 emitted light beam at sufficiently high level of the ink cartridge 10 is shown. The light beam 28 is deflected within the first triangular prism on its oblique side 30, in the case of a right-angled triangle of the hypotenuse side, down. The deflection prism 21 is wetted with ink. As a result, there is no further deflection of the light beam 28 'there. This is instead deflected into the ink 27 and absorbed by it. The Druckerseseittge light receiver part receives no signal. This indicates that the ink cartridge is still full. Only when the level drops so far that the deflection prism 21 is de-meshed, there is a total reflection corresponding to FIG. 3 such that the light beam is deflected to the second triangular prism 22. There, the light beam 29 'emerging from the umienkprisma 21 undergoes a further deflection towards the printer-side light receiver part 32. There, too, a total reflection takes place, namely within the second triangular prism 22 on its oblique side. The printer then receives a light signal 29, which is a

Interruption of the printing process and an indicator triggers that the ink cartridge must be replaced by a new one.

The illustrated embodiment and description can be seen that no separate measures for the deflection of the light beam are required. The deflection takes place within the cartridge-integrated prisms 20, 21, 22.

It should be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, at the top 12 of the ink cartridge 10, a guide web 35 is formed, which is narrower than the top or the distance between the front and rear side surface 15, 16. Furthermore, the upper guide web extends 35 not over the entire length of the ink cartridge or top 12. The front 11 facing the end of the upper guide bar 35 is tapered towards the top 12 and formed like a ramp.

Also at the bottom 13, a guide web 36 is formed, whose width is smaller than the distance between the two flat sides or side surfaces 15, 16. This guide web starts at the front side 11 and extends over about half the length of the ink cartridge 10. It closes a recess 37, which extends to a rear side 14 extending projection 38 back. Immediately before the projection 38, the recess 37 is additionally recessed. This additional recess is identified by the reference numeral 39. The projection 38 and the recess 39 are used to engage a printer-side pivot lever, by means of which the ink cartridge from the Montagestetiung is pulled out, and so far until they easily gripped between two fingers and completely out of the printer or from the corresponding Recording can be pulled out.

Characterized in that the upper guide web 35 of the back 14 and the lower guide bar 36 of the front 11 are assigned, results over the entire length a longitudinal guide of the cartridge 10 within an associated cartridge receptacle in the printer, without it being necessary, the guide webs over the entire Form length of the print cartridge. This can be in addition to high reliability and additional Materia! save on. This is not of secondary importance for mass products as here.

The latter design features are claimed in combination with the invention claimed here, but also independently, as an inventive development,

The statements in connection with the guide webs 35 and 36 and the recess 37 and recess 39 also apply in connection with a further embodiment of an ink cartridge designed according to the invention, as will now be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

In this ink cartridge, all parts including the ink cartridge according to Figs. 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals. In this regard, reference is made to the above description.

The second embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5 is distinguished from the first embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 primarily by the fact that it has no additional triangular prisms for the first and second light beam deflection surface 30. Rather, these deflecting surfaces 30 are an integral part of the projection 33 of the ink receiving space projecting forward over the front side 11 of the cartridge 10. The upper side of this extension 33 is V-shaped and defines a V-shaped light beam deflecting element with outer first and second light beams. Umienkfiächen 30 and inner inked or demagnetized deflection surfaces that define the ink or demagnetizable deflecting prism 21, here again the tip 34 in the extension 33 is directed into it. This embodiment is characterized by a high degree of compactness with unchanged high reliability. The proposed arrangement of surfaces can be made together with the remaining parts of the front of the ink cartridge as a unitary injection molded part. Another advantage lies in the extremely short light beam path, with the result that less energy is required to obtain a functionally reliable level measurement.

FIG. 4 illustrates the situation in which sufficient ink is still present in the ink cartridge 10. The ink deflecting prism 21 or the inner Lichtstrahi deflecting surfaces 30 'thereof is or are still completely wetted with ink. The light beam 28 emitted from the light emitting part 31 is deflected downward by the first outer light beam deflection surface 30 formed on the outside of the V-shaped light beam deflection element. Since the ink-facing side of the Umienkprismas 21 is wetted with ink, there is no further deflection of the light beam on this side. This is instead deflected into the ink 27 and absorbed by it. The printer side light receiver part 32 receives no signal. This indicates that the ink cartridge is still full. Only when the level drops so far that the deflection prism 21 or the prism associated with this light beam deflection surfaces 30 'is dewined or are, takes place there a total reflection according to Fig. 5 such that the light beam to the second outer light beam Umienkfläche 30th is diverted. There, the light beam undergoes a further deflection towards the printer-side light receiver part 32. In the area of the first outer and also second outer light beam deflection surface 30, a total reflection takes place in each case. The printer then receives a light signal which triggers an interruption of the printing process and an indication that the ink cartridge must be replaced by a new one.

The embodiment and description shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 show that all the functional deflections of the light beam are obtained within a single V-shaped section, which is the upper side of the projection 33 of the ink receiving space projecting forward over the front side 11 of the cartridge 10 Are defined.

The upper part of the extension 33 ultimately includes three deflection or Dreieckprisrnen, namely next to the ink facing Umlenkprisma 21 nor the two offset in the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 upwardly arranged triangle prisms 20, 22. These two triangle prisms are at the Ausfrührungsform according to the figures 4 and 5 an integral part of the ink facing deflection prism 21, as Fig. 6 can be seen very clearly. In FIG. 6, the two triangular prisms 20, 22 are connected directly to the deflecting prism 21 facing the ink and are fused into a unitary component, namely the upper portion of the extension 33.

This ensures that regardless of the fill level of the cartridge, the radiation path does not leave the fill level detection means in the area of the fill level detection means. That is, the beam path remains within the fill level detection means and can not be disturbed by external influences. Only the incident light beam 28 and the outgoing light beam 29 are outside the level detection means, which is necessary due to the system.

With reference to FIG. 7 it can be seen that the angle which the outer light beam deflection surfaces 30 as well as the inner deflection surfaces 30 'of the

Include deflection prisms 21 together, not necessarily must be 90 °. The preferred angle depends inter alia on the ink on the one hand and on the material from which the level detection means are formed, on the other hand. So, for example, when using the material polypropylene, the following conditions are assumed:

Refractive indices:

Air: n _A ι _r K 1.00 Polypropylene: n _PP ^ 1.5 Ink: n _Ink ~ 1.40

This results in the following critical critical angle between the aforementioned light deflection surfaces;

PP / air: θ _c = asin (n _A , _r / n _PP ) ~ 42 ° PP / ink: Θ _c = asin (n _ink / n _PP ) ~ 69 °

In this constellation, one chooses an angle θ _c of about 49 °, so that the angle, which include the aforementioned light beam deflection surfaces together, is about 98 °. Experiments have shown that it comes in the range of Θ _c 42 ° to 69 ° (corresponding to a V-angle of 84 ° to 139 °) with ink-free, thus dehumidified surfaces of the deflection prism to a fourfold total reflection. At smaller Θ _c , the jet only refracts at the first interface PP / air and exits into the less dense medium. In order to achieve complete reflection when the surface is not wetted, Θ _c must be at least 42 °. If Θ _{c is} greater than 69 °, it will always, so even with adherent ink for total reflection. For practice, it is therefore expedient to choose an angle which is sufficiently removed from the two abovementioned limits. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the angle Θ _{c is} 49 °. At this angle a reliable function is ensured even with production-related manufacturing tolerances.

In the embodiment according to Figures 8 and 9, the level detection means are formed according to Figures 1 to 3, but with the difference that the above the deflecting prism 21 arranged light beam deflection surfaces 30 Teii a triangular member whose tip is directed down to the deflection prism , This component can be formed either as an integral component of the ink cartridge or its front side 11 or as a separate component, as indicated in Fig. 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the component comprising the light beam deflection surfaces 30 can be plugged onto the front side and held between two forwardly projecting vertical webs 41, in particular held in a clamping manner. The light beam deflection surfaces can be mirrored if necessary. With regard to its cross-sectional contour, the component comprising the light beam deflection surfaces 30 can be approximately described as follows: A T-shaped part is formed on the floor of a rooftop house standing on the roof. The two aforementioned vertical webs 41 hold this component between the transverse web of the T-shaped element and the bottom of the house element standing on the roof.

Moreover, the Strahiengang between transmitter 31 and receiver 32 is approximately as shown and explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

In an embodiment in which the component comprising the light beam deflection surfaces 30 is exchangeable as shown in FIG. 8, it is of course possible to adapt this component to particular external conditions without the ink cartridge otherwise having to be changed. Particularly noteworthy are in the embodiment of Figures 8 and 9 nor formed on the bottom and top guide and positioning ears, with the aid of the ink cartridge within an associated receiving housing easier to assemble or disassemble. This type of training of guide elements is extremely flexible. In particular, it allows an adaptation to different receiving geometries in the cartridge receiving housing. For example, an undesirable hooking or hooking during insertion or removal of the cartridge in or out of a receiving housing depending on the receiving geometry can be reliably avoided (for example, serves as shown in Fig. 8 separate "oblique ear" 44th

At the lower back another cross bar 45 is formed, which serves for easier removal of the ink cartridge 10 from an associated receiving housing, in particular a removal by a pivotally mounted pull-out hook, which engages behind the cross bar 45 from the bottom.

It should also be mentioned that the ink cartridge according to FIG. 10 (but may also be provided for the other embodiments of the ink cartridge) has a ventilation opening or a ventilation channel, the or a liquid-tight, but air-permeable blocking element, in particular in the form of a associated with a film-like membrane. This membrane can be mounted on the inside or outside of the ventilation opening.

When forming a ventilation channel, the membrane preferably extends over the opening into the ink receiving space air outlet opening. The cross section of the air discharge opening opening into the ink receiving space is preferably enlarged in relation to the cross section of the ventilation channel, so that a correspondingly increased "permeation area" of the membrane extending across the air outlet opening is obtained in the range of about 100 to 180 kPa, in particular in the range of about 140 to 160 kPa according to JIS L 1092. The barrier element, in particular the membrane used for it, is either hydrophobic and / or oophobic treated, depending on the ink used , in particular the membrane used for it, is in the range of 3 to 9 s / 100 cm ³ according to JIS P 8117. The ventilation opening or the ventilation channel can also be associated with a non-return valve which can only be revealed in the direction of the ink receiving space. This is an alternative solution.

The inlet opening of the ventilation duct is preferably located immediately above the ink outlet 17, or extends at least partially annularly around it.

Preferably, the ink outlet and the inlet opening of the ventilation channel associated therewith can be sealed by a common sealing film 47, which can be removed or ruptured when the ink cartridge is inserted. This sealing film 47 extends over the opening of an annular projection 48, within which the ink outlet 17 and the associated therewith and not shown in Fig. 10 inlet port of the ventilation duct are arranged.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of manufacturing technology, the side 11 of the ink receiving chamber defining the ink outlet 17 is a separately manufactured housing wall, here front wall, next to the ink outlet 17 at least the ventilation duct together with air inlet and outlet and semi-permeable membrane or check valve, e.g. in the form of a valve flap.

Both the upper wall and the bottom wall each have in the mounting direction extending guide rails 49, 50. In this regard, it is known per se measures that require no further explanation. These guide rails correspond to complementary guide grooves in the ink cartridge associated receiving housings or cartridge receptacles of an ink jet printer od. Like. Printing device.

With regard to the aforementioned measures for the ventilation of the ink cartridge during operation for the purpose of a sufficient pressure equalization within the ink receiving space, reference is additionally made to the content of the German Patent Application No. 10 2009 026 081.1, which is also based on the Applicant.

A fifth embodiment of an ink cartridge designed according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. Parts which illustrate the fifth embodiment of an ink cartridge together with the above-described has the same reference numbers. These parts will not be described separately here.

The embodiment according to FIGS. 11 f differs from the embodiments described above in particular in that the upper side of the projection 33 projecting beyond the front side 11 of the ink receiving space of the ink cartridge 10, which comprises both the outer and the inner light straightening deflection surfaces, is pointed roof-like , This upper side comprises the filling level detection means, namely a first light beam deflection surface 30 arranged outside the cartridge 10 and facing the light transmitting part 31, a first light beam deflection surface 51 within the cartridge 10 depending on the fill level by ink 27 or a second one within the light source Cartridge 10 depending on the level by ink 27 or de-energizable light beam deflection surface 52, and a second arranged outside the cartridge 10 and the light receiver part 32 facing the light beam deflection surface 30th

The corresponding beam path is shown schematically in FIG. 12. The first Lichtstrahi deflection surfaces 30, 51 and the second light beam deflection surfaces 52, 30 are in the embodiment of FIG. 12 each extending parallel to each other outwardly and include relative to each other a predetermined angle α, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, the angle a ≤ 150 °, namely preferably 100 ° ± 20 °. In this case, the first Lichtstrahi deflection surfaces 30 and 51 and second light beam deflection surfaces 52 and 30 in the assembled state of the cartridge 10 with the horizontal angle (90 ° -θ) with θ of 50 °. Experiments have shown that with ink-free, thus dehumidified inner Lichtstrahi deflection 51, 52 it comes in the range of Θ = 42 ° -69 ° to a fourfold refraction, so that a horizontally incident light beam on the opposite side also emerges horizontally, as shown in Fig. 12. With larger Θ, total reflection occurs at the first air / PP interface; at smaller Θ the beam reaches even at full cartridge, ie wetted areas with ink 51, 52 always the light receiver part 32. To obtain a reliable function of the level detection device shown, it is therefore advantageous if the angle Θ a sufficient distance from the above two Has limits of 42 ° on the one hand and 69 ° on the other. An advantageous angle θ is about 50 °, which corresponds to an angle a = 100 ° between the Areas 30/30 'and 51/52 corresponds. Then the reliability is guaranteed even with production-related manufacturing tolerances.

As regards the critical critical angle between the light beam deflection surfaces, reference is made to the corresponding explanations to FIG.

The embodiment according to FIG. 11 also comprises a mounting detection device, which is effective between the light-transmitting part 31 and the light-receiving part 32 in such a way that the assembly and / or disassembly of the dancing cartridge 10 can be detected. Specifically, the mounting detection device 46 has a relative to the ink cartridge 10, namely relative to the level detection means 30, 33 movably mounted light beam interruption element 4b, which allows any, especially asymmetric Signaifolge during assembly or disassembly of the ink cartridge. The light beam interrupting element 4b is moved or entrained by an active during assembly / disassembly of the ink cartridge, also movable relative to this driver, in particular in the form of a plunger 3, but each delayed in time to move the plunger 3. The entrainment of the light beam Interrupting element 4b takes place in such a way that the associated light beam receiver 32 in each case generates a different number of signals (interruption signals) during assembly and disassembly of the ink cartridge, in particular only a signal during assembly, but not during disassembly of the ink cartridge.

The driver or plunger 3 is movable during assembly of the ink cartridge 10 against the action of an elastic element in the ink cartridge or in a container defining this inside. The mounting direction is indicated in Fig. 11 by the arrow 19. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the plunger 3 projects beyond the front side 11 lying in the mounting direction. When the cartridge 10 is mounted, the plunger can then be pressed against the action of the mentioned compression spring into the cartridge container, the plunger 3 after a first path the light beam interruption element 4b takes over a predetermined second distance. The

Light beam interruption element 4b has an at least during assembly of the ink cartridge 10 through the light beam between the light emitting part 31 and Lichtempfängerteii therethrough movable opaque flag in the form of a breaker finger, as shown enlarged in Fig. 13, this breaker finger extends approximately parallel to the front side eleventh and the longitudinal extension of the same, ie in the embodiment shown here approximately vertically downwards. It is held by a longitudinally displaceable bar 4a. According to Fig. 11 is the as Plunger 3 ausgebiidete driver parallel to the bar 4a of the light beam interruption tion element mounted longitudinally displaceable, reference being made again with reference to the concrete construction to DE 10 2009 026 107.9 of the applicant.

Of particular importance is that the light beam interruption element 4b, which is formed like a finger, has a kegeistumpfformige basic structure, that is, starting from the bar 4a tapers downwards approximately conically. Furthermore, it is important that the surface of the light beam interrupting element 4b designed as a finger is structured, namely formed with transverse grooves. Specifically, the surface describes a continuous wave in the longitudinal direction of the breaker finger. This surface structure is intended to ensure that accidental ink splashes stick to the breaker finger and do not drip onto the underlying light beam deflection surfaces 30.

The cross section of the breaker finger 4b may be circular or elliptical in shape, with the longer axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal extent of the bar 4a.

The embodiment according to FIG. 10 has an equally functioning mounting detector 46, with the only difference that the finger-like light beam interrupting element 4b has smooth surfaces.

At the upper front edge of the cartridge 10 is still an upper breaker nose 7 is formed, in particular integrally formed. This is thus located at the upper end of the front side 11 of the ink cartridge 10. It has three approximately parallel extending webs 5, 8 and 9 (see Fig. 14), said webs are two mutually parallel and each forward and upward open Limiting recording rooms, in the first a Lichtsendeteil and on the other a Lichtempfängertei! when installing the ink cartridge dips. Thus, at this point, the assembly or disassembly of a cartridge is detected. When mounting the light beam between the light emitting part and the light receiver part is interrupted by the central web 5. This middle web 5 has a structured surface, namely, the surface is wavy on both sides of the central web 5, Furthermore, the basic structure of the central web 5 is such that the irradiated surfaces in both the vertical and in the horizontal direction each have a wedge-shaped Limit body. The central web 5 is therefore formed twice wedge-shaped, the light beam interrupting surfaces 6 of the central web 5 so in no case extend at right angles to the light beam of the mounting detecting device, which is a separate mounting detecting device, which may be provided in addition to the mounting detecting device 46. Alternatively, only the upper mounting detection device can be provided. Ultimately, this also depends on the design of the cartridge holder or the associated printer and the detection means integrated there.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, as far as they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

S e c tio ns:

1 recording room

2 recording room

3 pestles

4a bar

4b light beam interruption element (breaker finger)

5 middle jetty

6 corrugated surfaces

7 lead

8 side bridge

9 side bridge

10 ink cartridge

11 front

12 top

13 bottom

14 back side

15 side surface

16 side surface

17 ink outlet

18 air intake

19 arrow (mounting direction)

20 first triangle prism

21 deflecting prism

22 second triangle prism

23 side of the catheter

24 side of the catheter 25 side of the catheter

26 side of the catheter

27 ink

28 incident light beam

28 'deflected light beam

29 outgoing light beam

29 'deflected light beam

30 oblique side / hypotenuse side / outer light deflection surface

30 'inner beam deflection surface

31 light transmission part

32 light receiver part

33 extension

34 tip

35 upper guide bar

36 lower guide bar

37 recess

38 advantage

39 deepening

40 V-shaped light beam deflection element

41 vertical bar

42 guide ears

43 guide ears

44 slanted ear

45 crossbar

46 mounting detector (light beam interrupting member)

47 sealing film

48 ring projection

49 guide rail

50 guide bar

51 first inner deflection surface

52 second inner deflection surface

Claims

P a te n ta nsp ar che

An ink cartridge (10) for ink jet printers having on a side surface (11, 14, 15, 16), in particular in the mounting direction (19) front or front side (11) arranged level detection means in the mounted on the printer state between a light emitting part (31) and a light receiver portion (32) are effective, wherein the level detection means

a first light beam deflection surface (30) arranged outside the cartridge (10) and facing the light transmission part (31),

- A deflection within the cartridge (10) depending on the level by ink (27) or de-energizable deflection prism (21), and - a second outside of the cartridge (10) and arranged

Lichtempfängerteil (32) facing Lichtstrahi deflection surface (30), dadu rc hge ke nnzeichnet that ß the first and second light beam deflection surface (30) with the deflection prism (21) are combined to form a common component, which part of a side surface (11, 14, 15) of the cartridge (10) projecting extension (33) of the

Ink tank of the ink cartridge (10) is.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, dadu rc hgekennzeichnet that ß the first and second light beam Umlenkfiächen (30) and the deflection prism

(21) define a V-shaped light beam deflection member (40) having its tip (34) directed into the extension (33) of the ink receiving space.

3. Ink cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that ß on the front side (11) of the cartridge (10) near the underside (13) a Ttntenauslaß (17) is formed, wherein the filling level detection means (21, 30 and 20, 21 , 22) are arranged above it.

4. The ink cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that ß the first and second light beam deflection surfaces (30) and extending parallel to the light beam deflection of the Umlenkprismas (21) each at an angle of> 80 °, in particular between about 80 ° and 140 °.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the level detection means are each an integral part of the cartridge or of the cartridge housing.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the light beam deflection surfaces are mirror-inverted, such that when the surface is dimmed

State a greater proportion of at least the incident light beam is reflected.

7. The ink cartridge, in particular according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the first beam deflection surface is part of a first triangular prism and the second light beam deflection surface is part of a second triangular prism

(22), and in that a projection (33) of the ink accommodating space projecting forward over a side surface (11, 14, 15), in particular the front side (11) of the cartridge (10) is formed, the top of which comprises the deflecting prism (21) in such a way that the tip (34) lying opposite the upper or hypotenuse side is directed into the extension (33).

8. The ink cartridge as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the first (20) and second (22) triangular prisms are each positioned such that the catheter sides (23, 24; 25, 26) are perpendicular to the incident (28) or respectively Extending (29) light beam extend, and that the light beam deflection takes place respectively on the Hypotenusenseite (30).

9. The ink cartridge according to claim 7 or 8, dadurchge ke nn ze zen et, as ß the first (20) and second (22) triangular prism either at the same or different height above the within the cartridge (10) arranged Umlenkprisma (21) are arranged ,

10. The ink cartridge according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that on the front side (11) of the cartridge (10) near the bottom (13) an ink outlet (17) is formed, and in that the Füüstandserkennungsmittel (20, 21, 22) are arranged above the same, in such a way that the two triangular prisms (20, 22) as an independent light beam deflecting above as an integral part of over the front side (11) of the cartridge (10) projecting forward projection (33) formed Umlenkprismas (21) lie.

11, ink cartridge (10) for inkjet printer with on a side surface (11, 14, 15), in particular in the mounting direction (19) front or front side

(11) arranged level detection means which in the mounted on the printer state between a Lichtsendi! (31) and a light receiver portion (32) are effective, wherein the level detection means a first outside of the cartridge (10) arranged and the light emitting part (31) facing the light beam deflection surface (30), a first within the cartridge (10) depending on the level by Ink (27) light beam deflecting surface (51), which can be moved or widened within the cartridge (10), depending on the filling level by ink (27), or a second light beam deflection surface (52), and - a second one outside the cartridge ( 10) arranged and the

Light receiver part (32) facing light beam deflection surface (30), wherein the first (30, 51) and second (52, 30) light beam deflection surfaces are each directed outwardly approximately parallel to each other so as to enclose a predetermined angle (α) relative to each other.

12. The ink cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the angle (κ) which the first (30, 51) and second (52, 30) light beam deflection surfaces enclose relative to each other is <150 °,

13. The ink cartridge according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that ß the first (30, 51) and second (52, 30) light beam deflection surfaces a pointed top surface of a side surface (11, 14, 15), in particular on the front side ( 11) of the cartridge (10) projecting extension (33) of the ink receiving space of the ink cartridge (10) define.

14. The ink cartridge as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first (30, 51) and second (52, 30) light beam surface areas in the installed state of the cartridge (10) have an angle with the horizontal. (90 ° -Θ) of each 35 ° -70 °, in particular about 40 ° include, so that the angle (α) between about 40 ° - 140 °, in particular about 100 ° ± 20 °, preferably about 80 °.

15, ink cartridge, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that ß a mounting detection device is provided, which between the light emitting part (31) and light receiver part (32) or a separate light beam detector is effective, such that the assembly and / or disassembly of the ink cartridge (10) is detectable, wherein the light beam facing

Surface of the mounting detection device extends at an angle of greater than 90 ° to the incident light beam and is further formed structured, in particular having a wave structure.