Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7325913?dq=5,266,072
Timestamp: 2014-11-26 21:52:39
Document Index: 29275374

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 3', 'art 72', 'art 72', 'art 72', 'art 46', 'art 37', 'art 46', 'art 63', 'art 46', 'art 46', 'art 63', 'art 63', 'art 63', 'art 63', 'arts 257']

Patent US7325913 - Ink cartridge - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsAn ink cartridge, includes an ink chamber capable of storing ink, an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink may be supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite from the first side wall, a front wall, and a back...http://www.google.com/patents/US7325913?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7325913 - Ink cartridgeAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7325913 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/024,903Publication dateFeb 5, 2008Filing dateDec 30, 2004Priority dateNov 25, 2003Fee statusPaidAlso published asUS20050151812Publication number024903, 11024903, US 7325913 B2, US 7325913B2, US-B2-7325913, US7325913 B2, US7325913B2InventorsToyonori Sasaki, Shingo Hattori, Tomohiro Kanbe, Atsuhiro TakagiOriginal AssigneeBrother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (24), Non-Patent Citations (4), Referenced by (8), Classifications (12), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetInk cartridgeUS 7325913 B2Abstract An ink cartridge, includes an ink chamber capable of storing ink, an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink may be supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite from the first side wall, a front wall, and a back wall opposite the front wall, wherein a first distance between the first side wall and the second side wall is greater than a second distance between the front wall and the back wall, at least one of the front wall or the back wall includes a recess, which protrudes inwardly with respect to adjacent regions of the at least one of the front wall or the back wall, a third distance from the bottom surface to the top of the recess is more than about 4.5 mm, and a fourth distance from the adjacent regions of the at least one of the front wall or the back ball and an end of the recess is less than about 3 mm.
an opening in a bottom surface of the ink cartridge, through which the ink is supplied from the ink chamber to an image forming device;
the front wall includes a recess having a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end being located at a bottom edge of the front wall;
a third distance from the bottom end of the recess to the top end is at least about 4.5 mm; and
a depth of the recess into the front wall at the top end is less than about 3 mm.
4. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the depth is from about 2 mm to about 3 mm.
5. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the depth is about 3 mm.
6. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the depth is about 2.6 mm.
a bottom portion of the first side wall is closer to the second side wall than an upper portion of the first side wall;
a third distance from the bottom portion of the first side wall to the second side wall is less than about 39.5 mm;
33. The ink cartridge of claim 29, comprising:
wherein a second distance from the bottom surface and a bottom of the blocking member is less than about 4.5 mm.
34. The ink cartridge of claim 33, wherein the second distance is from about 3.5 mm to about 4.5 mm.
35. The ink cartridge of claim 33, wherein the second distance is about 4.5 mm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention also allows, among other things, various dimensions that permit the secure installation of the ink cartridge in an image forming device.
The ink cartridge 1 is mounted from a direction (arrow X direction) perpendicular to the mounting part 3. At this time, the ink extracting tube 12 and the air intake tube 13 contact a valve member 32 (see FIG. 2) of the respective valve devices 18,19 which is provided inside of the ink cartridge 1, push the respective valve members 32 up toward an ink chamber 16, and communicate with the inside of ink chamber 16.
A purge device 11 is outside the recording area and arranged so as to face the recording head 7. The purge device 11 is provided with a purge cap 11 a which covers a nozzle hole formation surface of the recording head 7, a waste ink tube 11 b which communicates with the purge cap 11 a, and a pump 11 c which intakes ink from the nozzle holes via the waste ink tube 11 b. When the purge processing is performed, the cartridge 8 is moved to a purge processing executing position, and the nozzle hole formation surface of the recording head 7 is covered by the purge cap 11 a. In this state, by driving the pump 11 c, poor ink that includes bubbles, dust or the like remaining inside the recording head 7 is vacuumed. The poor ink is then stored in an undepicted waste ink tank via the waste ink tube 11 b. The recording operation and the purge process are controlled under a central processing unit (CPU) (not shown) mounted on the inkjet recording apparatus 2.
An ink supply port 21 for communicating with the ink chamber 16 and the second chamber 17 is formed in the partition wall 1 c. A thin film member 31, which can be broken when the ink supply port 21 is closed, is formed of a resin material integrated with the container wall 1 a at the lower end portion of a cylindrical wall 22 which extends from the partition wall 1 c and surrounds the ink supply port 21. Furthermore, an air intake opening 26 for communicating with the ink chamber 16 and the second chamber 17 is formed in the partition wall 1 c, and a thin film member 51 which can be broken when the air intake opening 26 is closed is formed of a resin material integrated to the container wall 1 a at the lower end portion of a cylindrical wall 24 which depends from the partition wall 1 c and surrounds the air intake opening 26. Thus, when the ink cartridge 1 is transported, the ink chamber 16 is sealed by the thin film members 31,51, and it is possible to prevent the ink within the ink chamber 16 from leaking to the second chamber 17 via the ink supply port 21 and the air intake opening 26.
To make the space between a later-described pointed part 72 and the film member 51 smaller than the space between the pointed part 72 and the film member 31, the cylindrical walls 22 and 24 are formed such that the amount that the cylindrical wall 24 extends from the partition wall 1 c is larger than the amount that the cylindrical wall 22 extends from the partition wall 1 c. The valve device 18 is fixed inside the barrel-shaped body 30 and the valve device 19 is fixed inside the second barrel-shaped body 50. The valve devices 18,19 can selectively communicate between the inside and the outside of the ink chamber 16 and cut off communication between the inside and the outside of the ink chamber 16.
For example, in the above examples, the outside dimensions of the valve devices 18 and 19 are set a little smaller than the inside dimensions of the barrel-shaped bodies 30 and 50, and they are fixed by being pressed by the holding wall 42. However, it is acceptable to make the outside dimensions of the valve devices 18 and 19 a little bigger than the inside dimensions of the barrel-shaped bodies 30 and 50 and fix them by pushing the valve devices 18 and 19 into the barrel-shaped bodies 30,50.
Unlike the first embodiment, film members 31,51 are not used and accordingly a pointed part 72 is not used to rupture the film members 31,51. As such, when the valve member 32 is pushed up, ink exists in the barrel shaped bodies 30,50. However, since the circular projecting component 39 is urged against the valve seat part 46 a by the projection part 37, the ink chamber 16 and the top of the barrel shaped bodies 30,50 are reliably sealed in order to prevent ink from leaking.
In the middle of the valve seat part 46 a, the opening 41 is formed to expose the center of the valve member 32 to the outside and, in the lower portion, a sealing part 63 which surrounds the opening 41 is projected toward the opposite side of the urging part 46 b. In the embodiments, the distance F from the bottom wall of the cover 1 f and a contact point of the valve member 32 and the valve seat part 46 a is 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance F is less than about 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance F is about 4.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance F can vary from 4.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm.
FIGS. 14A-14C are views of an ink cartridge 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In FIGS. 14A-14C, the exterior structure of the ink cartridge 1 is shown. FIG. 14A illustrates a side view of the ink cartridge 1; FIG. 14B illustrates an end view of the ink cartridge; and FIG. 14C illustrates a bottom view of the ink cartridge. The external structure of the ink cartridge 1 can accommodate the internal features of the various other embodiments of ink cartridges described in the present application, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2,7,13, etc.
As shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, the ink cartridge 1 includes a container wall 1 a, a cover 1 b located on top of the container wall 1 a and a bottom portion 1 f located at the bottom of the container wall 1 a. The cover 1 b includes a flat surface 1 j located on top of the container wall 1 a and a protrusion 1 i that extends from the flat surface 1 j so that a user can easily grasp the ink cartridge 1. The protrusion 1 i has a tapered shape, such that the length and width of the protrusion is less at its uppermost portion than at its base, which adjoins the flat surface 1 j. The bottom portion if includes, at a right end as shown in FIG. 14A, a lip 100. The lip 100 includes a lowermost surface that protrudes from a bottom surface 102 of the bottom portion 1 f and is flush with the lowermost surfaces of the sealing part 63. The bottom portion 1 f also includes an inclined portion 104 that inclines upward in relation to an upper flat surface 105 of the bottom portion 1 f. The bottom portion 1 f further includes a lip 112 located at the center of the bottom portion 1 f between the surfaces 102,105.
As shown if FIG. 14B, the container wall 1 a includes an upper portion 106 and a lower portion 108. The lower portion 108 includes a container protrusion 110 extending vertically along and away from an end surface of the container wall 1 a. The container protrusion 110 is surrounded on either side by canal portions 116 and 118. As should be appreciated, the protrusion 110 can be located anywhere as long as the protrusion 110 is located between a light-emitting portion and a light receiving portion of a sensor. Adjacent to a bottom end of the container protrusion 110 is a bottom portion protrusion 111, which extends vertically along and away from an end surface of the bottom portion 1 f. As shown in FIG. 14C, the bottom portion 1 f includes engaging protrusions 120 and 122 located at the lip 100 with a space situated between each the engaging protrusions 120 and 122. As also shown in FIG. 14C, the bottom portion if includes an opening 123, in which an ink port 124 is provided. The bottom portion further includes an opening 125, in which an air communication port 126 is provided. As such, the ink cartridge 1 can be securely mounted in an image forming device. The various features shown in FIGS. 14A-14C and described above, and particularly the position, configuration and size of such features, are provided to ensure stability of the ink cartridge 1, when it is installed in an image forming device. Secure installation prevents movement of the cartridge during operation, and thus prevents leakage, introduction of impurities to the cartridge and other events that could ultimately adversely affect print quality.
As shown in FIG. 14D, in the embodiments, the distance X1 from the flat surface 1 j of the cover 1 b to the bottom of the lip 100 is 50.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X1 is less than about 50.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X1 is about 50.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X1 can vary from 50.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X1, the inkjet recording apparatus 2 can be made compact and the ink cartridge 1 can be adequately secured within the inkjet recording apparatus 2. In embodiments, the distance X2 from the flat surface 1 j of the cover 1 b to the bottom surface 102 of the bottom portion 1 f is 48 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X2 is less than about 48 mm, for example, 47.7 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X2 is about 48 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X2 can vary from 48 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X2, the bottom of the sealing part 63 sufficiently extends from the bottom surface so that the ink cartridge 1 can be adequately secured onto the inkjet recording apparatus 2. In embodiments, the distance X3 from the top of the cover 1 b to the bottom of the lip 100 is 71.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X3 is less than about 71.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X3 is greater than about 71.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X3 is about 71.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X3 can vary from 71.5 mm by �1 mm or �1.5 mm.
In embodiments, the distance X4 from the flat surface 1 j to the surface 105 is 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X4 is less than about 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X4 is about 36.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X4 can vary from 36.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X4, a sufficient amount of ink can be stored in the ink cartridge 2 while maintaining a secure connection between the ink cartridge 1 and the inkjet recording apparatus 2. In embodiments, the distance X5 from the flat surface 1 j to the bottom of the top half 106 is 17 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X5 is less than about 17 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X5 is about 17 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X5 can vary from 17 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X5, the blocking member 92 can effectively rotate in the projection 110 while maintaining a sufficient amount of ink in the ink cartridge 1. In embodiments, the distance X6 from the bottom of the top half 106 to the surface 102 is 31.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X6 is less than about 31.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X6 is about 31.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X6 can vary from 31.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X6, a protrusion can be inserted into the canal portions 116,118 in order to rigidly maintain the ink cartridge 1 in the inkjet recording apparatus 2. In embodiments, the distance X7 from the bottom of the top half 106 and the bottom of the lip 100 is 34 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X7 is less than about 34 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X7 is about 34 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X7 can vary from 34 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm.
In embodiments, the distance X8 from the top of the inclined portion 104 to the surface 102 is 14 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X8 is less than about 14 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X8 is about 14 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X8 can vary from 14 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X9 from the surface 105 to the surface 102 is 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X9 is less than about 11.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X9 is greater than about 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X9 is about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X9 can vary from 11.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X10 between the flat surface 1 j and the recess 112 is 43.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X10 is less than about 43.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X10 is about 43.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X10 can vary from 43.15 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X10, a protrusion can be placed in the recess 112 in order to stabilize the ink cartridge 2 relative to the inkjet recording device 2. In embodiments, the distance X11 between the recess 112 and the surface 102 is 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X11 is less than about 4.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X11 is greater than about 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X11 is about 4.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X11 can vary from 4.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm.
As shown in FIG. 14G, in embodiments, the distance X12 between left and right sides of the container wall 1 a is 48.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X12 is less than about 48.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X12 is about 48.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X12 can vary from 48.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X12, the inkjet recording apparatus 2 can be made compact and the ink cartridge 1 can be adequately secured within the inkjet recording apparatus 2. In embodiments, the distance X13 from the right side of the container wall 1 a to the grooves 116, 118 is 42.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X13 is less than about 42.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X13 is greater than about 42.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X13 is about 42.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X13 can vary from 42.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm.
In embodiments, the distance X14 between the left and right sides of the bottom of the protrusion 1 i is 26.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X14 is less than about 26.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X14 is greater than about 26.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X14 is about 26.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X14 can vary from 26.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design for the protrusion 1 i in order to easily manipulate the ink cartridge 2. In other embodiments, the distance X14 is 31.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X14 is less than about 31.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X14 is greater than about 31.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X14 is about 31.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X14 can vary from 31.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X15 between the left and right sides of the top of the protrusion 1 i is 24 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X15 is less than about 24 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X15 is greater than about 24 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X15 is about 24 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X15 can vary from 24 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design for the protrusion 1 i in order to easily manipulate the ink cartridge 2. In some embodiments, the distance X15 is 29 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X15 is less than about 29 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X15 is greater than about 29 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X15 is about 29 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X15 can vary from 29 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X16 between the left and right side of the bottom portion 1 f is 41 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X16 is less than about 41 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X16 is about 41 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X16 can vary from 41 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X16, the ink cartridge 1 can be adequately secured within the inkjet recording apparatus 2.
As shown in FIG. 14I, in embodiments, the distance X17 between the center of the ink port 124 and the air communication port 126 is 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X17 is less than about 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X17 is about 22 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X17 can vary from 22 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X17, the ink cartridge 1 can be made compact by placing the ink port 124 and the air communication port 126 relatively close to each other. In embodiments, the distance X18 between the right and left sides of the bottom portion 1 f is 39.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X18 is less than about 39.5 mm, for example, 39.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X18 is about 39.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X18 can vary from 39.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. As an alternative, the right and left sides of the bottom portion 1 f can have two distances. For example, one side of the bottom portion can have the distance X18 as shown in FIG. 14 i and the other side of the bottom portion can have a shorter distance, distance X20. The distance X20 between the right and left sides of the bottom portion 1 f is 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X20, is less than about 36.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X20 can be about 36.5 mm. Again, by providing the above described distances X20, the ink cartridge 1 can be made compact and can be stably placed in the inkjet recording apparatus 2. In embodiments, the distance X19 between the right side of the bottom portion 1 f and the center of the grooves 116,118 is 43 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X19 is less than 43 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X19 is about 43 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X19 can vary from 43 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm.
As shown in FIG. 14F, in embodiments, the outer diameter X21 of the sealing part 63 is 12 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X21 is less than about 12 mm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter X21 is about 12 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X21 can vary from 12 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the inner diameter X22 of the sealing part 63 is 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X22 is less than about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter X22 is about 10 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X22 can vary from 10 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distances X21 and X22, the ink cartridge 1 can reliably supply ink to an inkjet recording apparatus 2. In embodiments, the distance X23 between the left and right sides of the engaging protrusion 120 is 7 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X23 is less than about 7 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X23 is about 7 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X23 can vary from 7 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X23, the ink cartridge 1 can remain upright in the inkjet recording apparatus 2.
As shown in FIG. 14H, in embodiments, the distance X24 between the left and right sides of the top of the protrusion 1 i is 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X24 is less than about 10 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X24 is greater than about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X24 is about 10 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X24 can vary from 10 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X25 between the left and right side of the bottom of the protrusion 1 i is 12.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X25 is less than about 12.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X25 is greater than about 12.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X25 is about 12.5 mm. In embodiments, the distance X26 between the left and right sides of the top of the container wall 1 a is 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X26 is less than about 22 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X26 is about 22 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X26 can vary from 22 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design for the container wall 1 a in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X26 is 31 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X26 is less than about 31 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X26 is about 31 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X26 can vary from 31 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X26, an adequate supply of ink can be stored in the ink cartridge 1 while maintaining a compact design for the inkjet recording apparatus 2.
In embodiments, the distance X27 between the left and right sides of the bottom of the bottom portion 1 f is 19.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X27 is less than about 19.5 mm, for example, 19.4 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X27 is about 19.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X27 can vary from 19.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. In other embodiments, the distance X27 is 28.5 mm. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the distance X27 is less than about 28.5 mm, for example, 28.2 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X27 is about 28.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X27 can vary from 28.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing distances X16 and X27 as described above, a slender, compact ink cartridge 1 can be produced. In embodiments, the distance X28 between the left and right sides of the bottom of the container wall 1 a is 20 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X28, is less than about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X28 is about 20 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X28 can vary from 20 mm�0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X28 is 29 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X28 is less than about 29 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X28 is about 29 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X28 can vary from 29 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm.
In embodiments, the distance X29 between the left and right side of the groove 116 is 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X29 is less than about 6.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X29 is greater than about 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X29 is about 6.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X29 can vary from 6.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X29 is 1 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X29 is less than about 11 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X29 is about 11 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X29 can vary from 11 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X30 between the left and right side of the protrusion 110 is 4.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X30 is less than about 4.5 mm, for example, 4.2 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X30 is about 4.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X30 can vary from 4.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance X30, the blocking member 92 can effectively rotate in the projection 110 while maintaining a sufficient amount of ink in the ink cartridge 1.
As shown in FIGS. 14I and 14F, in embodiments, the distance X31 between both sides of the protrusion 110 is 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X31 is less than about 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X31 is about 1.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X31 can vary from 1.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X32 between a center side portion of the container wall 1 a and the recess 112 is 16 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X32 less than 16 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X32 is about 16 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X32 can vary from 16 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X32 is 24.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X32 is less than about 24.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X32 is about 24.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X32 can vary from 24.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X33 between a center side portion of the container wall 1 a and the recess 112 is 3 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X33 is less than about 3 mm, for example, 2.6 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X33 is about 3 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X33 is about 3 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X33 can vary from 3 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the distances X11 and X33, the lip 112 can prevent the ink cartridge 1 from being incorrectly installed.
In embodiments, the distance X34 between the sides of the engaging protrusion 120 is 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X34 is less than about 7.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X34 is about 7.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X34 can vary from 7.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. However, one color may be used in a greater amount than others, necessitating an alternate design in order to store more ink. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the distance X34 is 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X34 is less than about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X34 is about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X34 can vary from 11.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. In embodiments, the distance X35 between the engaging protrusions 120,122 is 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X35 is less than about 5.5 mm. However, in other embodiments, the distance X35 is greater than about 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance X35 is about 5.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance X35 can vary from 5.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. By providing the described variants on the distances X34, X35, the ink cartridge 1 can remain stably upright in the inkjet recording apparatus 2.
In order to discharge the recording sheet P into the upper discharge space 212 b as shown in FIG. 20, the ceiling of the upper discharge space 212 b (sheet accommodating section 210) need only be higher than the position at which the recording sheet P is discharged from the recording unit 221 (the top point of the discharge roller 228). Hence, the upper discharge space 212 b need not be formed unnecessarily high. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, a main control board 250 for controlling operations of the multifunction device 201 is disposed horizontally in a space above the sheet accommodating section 210. Also, the recording unit 221 is disposed behind the sheet accommodating section 210 such that the top portion of the recording unit 221 is substantially the same height as the main control board 250. In other words, the top of the main control board 250 and the top of the recording unit 221 are positioned in approximately the same plane as shown in FIG. 25. Accordingly, the space above the sheet accommodating section 210 is effectively used, while not increasing the height of the multifunction device 201. Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the cartridge holder 241, the ink cartridges 240, and the power supply unit 260 fit vertically between the top of the main control board 250 (a connector 251 disposed on the main control board 250) and the bottom of the sheet accommodating section 10, indicated by �H� in FIG. 25. Hence, the height of the multifunction device 201 can be made small, enabling the multifunction device 201 to be made even more compact.
As shown in FIG. 24, electronic parts 257 and various connectors are provided on the main control board 250. Specifically, two connectors 251 and 252 for connecting to a media card are disposed in the front left region of the main control board 250. A front cover 253 is disposed on the front surface of the lower frame 206. The front cover 253 is formed with two slots 253 a and 253 b through which media cards are inserted. The media cards inserted into the slots 253 a and 253 b form an electrical connection with the respective connectors 251 and 252 on the main control board 250. Since the main control board 250 is disposed above the sheet accommodating section 210 as shown in FIG. 25, the slots 253 a and 253 b (and the connectors 251 and 252) are disposed at a relatively high position, facilitating insertion of the media cards in the slots 253 a and 253 b. As shown in FIG. 24, a connector 254 for connecting to a personal computer or other external device and a LAN connector 255 for connecting to a LAN are disposed on the rear right region of the main control board 250. Further, a connector 256 for connecting to a network board 261 described later is mounted on the rear left region of the main control board 250. A plurality of other connectors is also provided along the peripheral edge of the main control board 250.
As should be appreciated, the width of the A4 sheet is 210 mm and the length of the A4 sheet is 297 mm. As shown in FIG. 31, in the embodiments, the distance Y1 from the left outer surface to the right outer surface of the multifunction device 201 is 304 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y1 is less than about 304 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y1 is about 304 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y1 can vary from 304 mm by �5 mm or �10 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y1 is set for a carriage 230 whose width in a main scanning direction is 47 mm. Thus, in order to print an image on the entire area of the recording sheet P (210 mm for the width of the A4 sheet+47 mm�2 for the dimension on both sides of the recording sheet P in order to accommodate the movement of the carriage 230=304 mm), the distance Y1 is set as discussed above.
In order to accommodate gears located on both sides of the A4 sheet in order to drive the carriage 230, additional space is required. In the embodiments, the distance Y3 from the left outer surface of the multifunction device 201 to the left surface of the recording sheet P when the recording sheet P is placed in the multifunction device 201 is 75.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y3 is less than about 75.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y3 is about 75.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y3 can vary from 75.5 mm by �5 mm or �10 mm. As should be appreciated, the distance Y3 also applies from the right outer surface of the multifunction device 201 to the right surface of the recording sheet P when the recording sheet P is placed in the multifunction device 201.
With the distance Y3, in some embodiments, the distance Y1 is 361 mm (210 mm for the width of the A4 sheet+75.5 mm�2 for the distance on both sides of the recording sheet P in order to accommodate the movement of the carriage 230 and other gears=361 mm).
As discussed above, the length of the A4 sheet is 297 mm. In the embodiments, the distance Y2 from the front outer surface of the multifunction device 201 to the rear outer surface of the multifunction device 201 is 322 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y2 is less than about 322 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y2 is about 322 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y2 can vary from 322 mm by �5 mm or �10 mm. By providing the described variants on the distance Y2, a sufficient amount of space is available for the recording sheet P to turn within the multifunction device 201.
At both sides of the recording sheet P, two spaces are created. One of the two spaces is used for disposing the power supply unit 260 and the network board 261. The ink cartridges 240 are disposed in the other one of the two spaces. The space on the left side of the recording sheet P will be described. The space between the left side and the right side of the recording sheet P will also be described for storing the waste liquid absorbing member 238 and the drive motor 275. As shown in FIG. 31, the space from the rear outer surface of the multifunction device 201 has a distance Y5 and a distance Y1 for disposing of the waste liquid absorbing member 238 and the drive motor 275. In the embodiments, the distance Y5 from the rear outer surface of the multifunction device 201 is 25 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y5 is less than about 25 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y5 is about 25 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y5 can vary from 25 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm.
The space from the front outer surface of the multifunction device 201 has a distance Y6 and a distance Y3 for disposing of the power supply unit 260. In the embodiments, the distance Y6 from the front outer surface of the multifunction device 201 is 178 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y6 is less than about 178 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y6 is about 178 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y6 can vary from 178 mm by �5 mm or �10 mm. The resultant space from the distance Y5 and the distance Y6 is Y4 for storing the network board 261. In the embodiments, the distance Y4 is 119 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y4 is less than about 119 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y4 is about 119 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y4 can vary from 119 mm by �5 mm or �10 mm.
As discussed above, the ink cartridges 240 are disposed in one of the two spaces. In the example of FIG. 31, the ink cartridges are disposed on the right. In the embodiments, a distance Y8 is provided for disposing of the flexible tubes 242 and a distance Y9 is provided for disposing of wires in order to connect the control board 250 to each of the electrical components in the multifunction device 201. Therefore, in the embodiments, the distance Y7 remains for disposing of the ink cartridges 240. In the embodiments, the distance Y7 is 123 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y7 is less than about 123 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y7 is about 123 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y7 can vary from 123 mm by �5 mm or �10 mm.
An ink cartridge for cyan ink, a cartridge for magenta ink, a cartridge for yellow ink and a cartridge for black ink are arranged in the lengthwise direction of the multifunction device 201. Even though the distance Y7 is provided as discussed above, spaces for disposing locking arms are needed. One locking arm occupies a distance of about 9 mm, therefore four locking arms occupy a distance of about 9 mm�4=36 mm. As a result, ink cartridges can occupy a distance of about 123 mm−36 mm=87 mm.
The ink cartridges 240 are disposed so as to be located within a base surface of the multifunction device 201 and a top of the control board 250. As shown in FIG. 25, in the embodiments, the distance H is 79.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance H is less than about 79.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance H is about 79.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance H can vary from 79.5 mm by �5 mm or �10 mm. The distance H is defined by the height of the sheet supply tray 211, the height of sheet discharge portion, and the height of the control board 250. The sheet supply tray can accommodate 100 sheets and the sheet discharge portion can accommodate 100 discharged sheets. In the embodiments, the distance Y16 needed below the attached ink cartridge 240 for disposing ink tubes is 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y16 is less than about 11.5 mm. In some embodiments, the distance Y16 is about 11.5 mm. In further embodiments, the distance Y16 can vary from 11.5 mm by �0.5 mm or �1 mm. Therefore, the distances X1, X2 and X3 of the ink cartridge 1 (corresponding to a similar distance for the ink cartridge 240) is set as discussed above.
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