BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a liquid container comprising a liquid
chamber and movable member which indicates whether an amount of liquid stored in the
liquid container is sufficient.
2. Description of Related Art
[0002] A known ink cartridge is used with a known inkjet recording apparatus, and is configured
to supply ink to a recording head of the inkjet recording apparatus when the ink cartridge
is mounted to the inkjet recording apparatus. Another known ink cartridge has a mechanism
which indicates an amount of ink in the ink cartridge to a user of the inkjet recording
apparatus, or to a controller of the inkjet recording apparatus in order to prevent
the inkjet recording apparatus from performing printing with an empty ink cartridge.
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 7,246,894 B2 describes an ink cartridge which has an ink chamber and a movable member pivotally
positioned in the ink chamber. The movable member has a signal blocking portion at
one end thereof and a float portion at the other end thereof. The specific gravity
of the float portion is less than the specific gravity of ink within the ink chamber.
The movable member has a pivot center between the signal blocking portion and the
float portion. The movable member is attached at the pivot center to a frame defining
the ink chamber. The ink cartridge has a translucent portion, and the translucent
portion has an inner space formed therein. The inner space of the translucent portion
is in fluid communication with the ink chamber. The translucent portion has a plurality
of walls, and the plurality of walls defines the inner space. A rib extends from one
of the plurality of walls into the inner space. The float portion is configured to
move based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber, and the movable member pivots
about the pivot center based on the movement of the float portion. When the amount
of ink within the ink chamber increases and ink surface within the ink chamber moves
up, the float portion moves up, following the movement of the ink surface. When the
float portion moves up, the signal blocking portion moves down. When the ink surface
within the ink chamber reached a predetermined level, the signal blocking portion
contacts the rib within the translucent portion. Even when ink surface moves further
up, the pivotal movement of the movable member is restricted by the signal blocking
portion contacting the rib, and therefore the float does not follow the movement of
the ink surface. Consequently, when the amount of in within the ink chamber is equal
to or greater than a predetermined amount, the signal blocking portion contacts the
rib. When the ink within the ink chamber is supplied to the inkjet recording apparatus
and the amount of ink within the ink chamber decreases from the predetermined amount
to an amount less than the predetermined amount, the float portion moves down, following
the movement of the ink surface. When the float portion moves down, the signal blocking
portion moves up away from the rib. The inkjet recording apparatus determines whether
or not the amount of ink within the ink chamber is sufficient by monitoring the movement
of the signal blocking portion within the translucent portion.
[0004] When the signal blocking portion begins to separate from the rib, the ink surface
is positioned below the translucent portion. Therefore, when the signal blocking portion
begins to separate from the rib, the inner space of the translucent portion is filled
with air. Nevertheless, a small amount of ink may remain in the inner space of the
translucent portion. When the signal blocking portion begins to separate from the
rib, a gap is formed between the signal blocking portion and the rib, and a capillary
force in the gap draws the ink remaining in the inner space of the translucent portion
to the gap between the signal blocking portion and the rib. The surface tension of
the ink positioned between the signal blocking portion and the rib pulls the signal
blocking portion, which attempts to move away from the rib, toward the rib. Therefore,
the pivotal movement of the movable member is hindered, and the timing at which the
movable member begins to pivot varies from one cartridge to another. Once inkjet recording
apparatus detects the movement of the movable member and determines that the amount
of ink within the ink chamber is not sufficient, the inkjet recording apparatus beings
to count how many ink droplets are ejected from the recording head. When the counted
number of ink droplets reaches a predetermined value, the inkjet recording apparatus
stops printing and indicates to a user that the ink cartridge is empty. Ideally, the
predetermine value is set such that the amount of ink ejected from the recording head
corresponds to the amount ink remaining within the ink chamber when the inkjet recording
apparatus begins to count the number of ink droplets. Nevertheless, because the timing
at which the movable member begins to pivot varies from one cartridge to another,
the predetermine value need to be set to be less than the ideal value to prevent the
ink cartridge from becoming empty before the inkjet recording apparatus stops printing,
which means that some amount of ink remains unused in some ink cartridges when the
inkjet recording apparatus stops printing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Therefore, a need has arisen for a liquid container, such as an ink cartridge, which
overcomes these and other shortcomings of the related art. A technical advantage of
the present invention is that a movable member of a liquid container pivots smoothly.
[0006] According to the present invention, a liquid container comprises a case comprising
a liquid chamber therein for storing liquid therein, a liquid supply portion configured
to supply liquid from an interior of the liquid chamber to an exterior of the liquid
chamber, and a movable member positioned within the liquid chamber. The movable member
comprises a pivot center, a first portion extending from the pivot center at least
in a first direction, and a second portion extending from the pivot center at least
in a second direction which is different from the first direction. The movable member
is pivotally supported at the pivot center and configured to pivot about the pivot
center. The first portion comprises a detection portion, and the second portion comprises
a float portion and a contact surface. A specific gravity of the float portion is
less than a specific gravity of the liquid within the liquid chamber, and the float
portion moves based on an amount of liquid within the liquid chamber, and the movable
member pivots based on a movement of the float portion. The liquid container further
comprises a regulating member configured to contact the contact surface when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount,
and a pivotal movement of the movable member is regulated by the regulating member
contacting the contact surface. When the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber
decreases from the predetermined amount to an amount less than the predetermined amount,
the float portion moves such that the contact surface separates from the regulating
member, and when the contact surface initially separates from the regulating member,
the contact surface is positioned within the liquid.
[0007] Because the contact surface is positioned within the liquid when the contact surface
initially separates from the regulating member, the contact surface separates from
the regulating member smoothly. More specifically, even if liquid exists between the
contact surface and the regulating member, the liquid is connected to and surrounded
by the bulk of liquid within the liquid chamber, and therefore the surface tension
of the liquid, which pulls the contact member toward the regulating member, is small,
e.g., is substantially zero. Therefore, the movable member pivots smoothly, and the
timing at which the movable member begins to pivot does not vary significantly from
one liquid container to another.
[0008] The case may comprise an inner wall surface defining the liquid chamber, and the
inner wall surface may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top
surface. The liquid supply portion may be positioned closer to the bottom surface
than to the top surface. A distance between at least a portion of the first portion
of the movable member and the top surface may be less than a distance between the
second portion of the movable member and the top surface when the amount of liquid
within the liquid chamber is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. The
movable member may be configured to pivot in a particular plane. The first portion
of the movable member may be separated from the inner wall surface in the particular
plane when the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber is equal to or greater than
the predetermined amount.
[0009] When liquid is supplied from the interior of the liquid chamber to the exterior of
the liquid chamber via the liquid supply portion positioned adjacent to the bottom
surface, the liquid surface within the liquid chamber moves away from the top surface
toward the bottom surface. Because the distance between the at least a portion of
the first portion of the movable member and the top surface is less than the distance
between the second portion of the movable member and the top surface, when liquid
is supplied to the exterior of the liquid chamber and the liquid surface moves down,
the at least a portion of the first portion of the movable member is exposed from
the liquid surface earlier than the second portion of the movable member. When liquid
is further supplied to the exterior of the liquid chamber and the amount of liquid
within the liquid chamber decreases from the predetermined amount to the amount less
than the predetermined amount, the movable member pivots. Because the first portion
of the movable member is separated from the inner wall surface in the particular plane
when the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber is equal to or greater than the
predetermined amount, it is difficult for liquid to remain between the at least a
portion of the first portion of the movable member and the inner wall surface in the
particular plane when the movable member begins to pivot. Therefore, the problem that
the surface tension of liquid positioned between the at least a portion of the first
portion of the movable member and the inner wall surface pulls the at least a portion
of the first portion of the movable member toward the inner wall surface may not occur.
[0010] The case may comprise an inner wall surface defining the liquid chamber. At least
a portion of the first portion of the movable member may be positioned higher than
the second portion of the movable member when the amount of liquid within the liquid
chamber is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. The movable member may
be configured to pivot in a particular plane. The first portion of the movable member
may be separated from the inner wall surface in the particular plane when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber is equal to or greater than the predetermined
amount.
[0011] The second sentence of the previous paragraph means that when the liquid container
is positioned in an in-use orientation, the at least a portion of the first portion
of the movable member may be positioned higher than the second portion of the movable
member when the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber is equal to or greater
than the predetermined amount. The in-use orientation is an orientation in which the
liquid container is positioned when the liquid container is used to supply liquid
to the exterior of the liquid chamber via the liquid supply portion. If the liquid
container is used as a cartridge, such as an ink cartridge, configured to be mounted
to a main device, such as an inkjet printer, the in-use orientation is an orientation
in which the liquid container is positioned when the liquid container is mounted to
the main device.
[0012] Because the at least a portion of the first portion of the movable member is positioned
higher than the second portion of the movable member, when liquid is supplied to the
exterior of the liquid chamber and the liquid surface moves down, the at least a portion
of the first portion of the movable member is exposed from the liquid surface earlier
than the second portion of the movable member. When liquid is further supplied to
the exterior of the liquid chamber and the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber
decreases from the predetermined amount to the amount less than the predetermined
amount, the movable member pivots. Because the first portion of the movable member
is separated from the inner wall surface in the particular plane when the amount of
liquid within the liquid chamber is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount,
it is difficult for liquid to remain between the at least a portion of the first portion
of the movable member and the inner wall surface in the particular plane when the
movable member begins to pivot. Therefore, the problem that the surface tension of
liquid positioned between the at least a portion of the first portion of the movable
member and the inner wall surface pulls the at least a portion of the first portion
of the movable member toward the inner wall surface may not occur.
[0013] The case may comprise an inner wall surface defining the liquid chamber, and the
inner wall surface may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top
surface. The liquid supply portion may be positioned closer to the bottom surface
than to the top surface. A distance between the contact surface and the bottom surface
may be less than a distance between a pivot center and the bottom surface.
[0014] When liquid is supplied from the interior of the liquid chamber to the exterior of
the liquid chamber via the liquid supply portion positioned adjacent to the bottom
surface, the liquid surface within the liquid chamber moves toward the bottom surface.
Because the contact surface is positioned closer to the bottom surface than the pivot
center, the movable member can be configured such that the contact surface begins
to separate the regulating member and that the movable member begins to pivot when
the liquid surface reaches relatively a low level. Because the detection portion begins
to move when the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber becomes relatively a small
amount, the fact that the liquid chamber is nearly or almost empty can be indicated.
[0015] The contact surface may be positioned lower than the pivot center when the liquid
container is positioned in the in-use orientation
[0016] When liquid is supplied from the interior of the liquid chamber to the exterior of
the liquid chamber, the liquid surface within the liquid chamber moves down. Because
the contact surface is positioned lower than the pivot center, the movable member
can be configured such that the contact surface begins to separate the regulating
member and that the movable member begins to pivot when the liquid surface reaches
relatively a low level. Because the detection portion begins to move when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber becomes relatively a small amount, the fact that
the liquid chamber is nearly or almost empty can be indicated.
[0017] The case may comprise an inner wall surface defining the liquid chamber, and the
inner wall surface may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top
surface. The liquid supply portion may be positioned closer to the bottom surface
than to the top surface. A distance between a center of the float portion and the
bottom surface may be less than a distance between a pivot center and the bottom surface.
[0018] When liquid is supplied from the interior of the liquid chamber to the exterior of
the liquid chamber via the liquid supply portion positioned adjacent to the bottom
surface, the liquid surface within the liquid chamber moves toward the bottom surface.
Because the center of the float portion is positioned closer to the bottom surface
than the pivot center, the movable member can be configured such that the float portion
begins to move and the movable member begins to pivot when the liquid surface reaches
relatively a low level. Because the detection portion begins to move when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber becomes relatively a small amount, the fact that
the liquid chamber is nearly or almost empty can be indicated.
[0019] A center of the float portion may be positioned lower than the pivot center when
the liquid container is positioned in the in-use orientation.
[0020] When liquid is supplied from the interior of the liquid chamber to the exterior of
the liquid chamber via the liquid supply portion, the liquid surface within the liquid
chamber moves down. Because the center of the float portion is positioned lower than
the pivot center, the movable member can be configured such that the float portion
begins to move and the movable member begins to pivot when the liquid surface reaches
relatively a low level. Because the detection portion begins to move when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber becomes relatively a small amount, the fact that
the liquid chamber is nearly or almost empty can be indicated.
[0021] The case may have a width in a width direction, a height in a height direction, and
a depth in a depth direction, and the width direction, the height direction, and the
depth direction are perpendicular to each other. The liquid chamber may comprises
a first liquid chamber and a second liquid chamber, and a width of the second liquid
chamber may be less than a width of the first liquid chamber in the width direction,
and the movable member may move in a plane parallel to the height direction and the
depth direction. When the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber is equal to or
greater than the predetermined amount, the detection portion may be positioned within
the second liquid chamber, and the second portion of the movable member may be positioned
within the first liquid chamber.
[0022] Because the detection portion is positioned within the second liquid chamber having
a narrow width, the movement of the detection portion readily can be detected, for
example, by sandwiching the second liquid chamber by a light emitting element and
a light receiving element of an optical sensor. On the other hand, because the second
portion of the movable member is positioned within the first liquid chamber having
a wider width, the first liquid chamber and the movable member can be configured such
that the second portion of the movable member other than the contact surface does
not contact the inner wall surface of the first liquid chamber. Therefore, a problem
that the pivotal movement of the movable member is hindered due to contact between
the second portion of the movable member and the inner wall surface of the first liquid
chamber may not occur.
[0023] The first portion of the movable member may comprise a first sub-portion extending
in the first direction and a second sub-portion extending in a third direction which
is different from the first direction.
[0024] The case may comprise an inner wall surface defining the liquid chamber, and a portion
of the inner wall surface may be positioned between the detection portion and the
liquid supply portion. The detection portion of the movable member may be separated
from the portion of the inner wall surface when the amount of liquid within the liquid
chamber is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount.
[0025] Other features and technical advantages of the present invention will be apparent
to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description
of the invention and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby,
and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Figs. 1(A) and 1(B) are a front-face perspective view and a rear-face perspective
view of an ink cartridge, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Fig. 2 is a side view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B), in which: the ink
cartridge is positioned in an in-use orientation; a right side wall of a case and
a right side wall of a translucent portion of the case are omitted; and an amount
of ink within ink chambers is greater than a predetermined amount such that an ink
surface within a first ink chamber is positioned at a level L1 and a movable member
is positioned in a first position.
Fig. 3 is a side view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B), in which: the ink
cartridge is positioned in the in-use orientation; the right side wall of the case
and the right side wall of the translucent portion are omitted; and the amount of
ink within ink chambers is equal to the predetermined amount such that the ink surface
within the first ink chamber is positioned at a level L2 and the movable member is
positioned in the first position.
Fig. 4 is a side view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B), in which: the ink
cartridge is positioned in the in-use orientation; the right side wall of the case
and the right side wall of the translucent portion are omitted; and the amount of
ink within ink chambers is less than the predetermined amount such that the ink surface
within the first ink chamber is positioned at a level L3 and the movable member is
positioned in the second position.
Fig. 5 is a rear-face perspective view of the ink cartridge of Figs. 1(A) and 1(B),
in which an ink supply portion, an air intake hole, and some of reinforcing walls
are omitted, and the case and the translucent portion are depicted in alternate long
and short dash lines.
Figs. 6(A) and 6(B) are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the
movable member, respectively.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line VII-VII in Fig. 2.
Fig. 8 shows distances between elements of the ink cartridge shown in Fig. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Embodiments of the present invention and their features and technical advantages
may be understood by referring to Figs. 1(A)-8, like numerals being used for like
corresponding portions in the various drawings.
[0028] Referring to Figs. 1(A) and 1(B), an ink cartridge 10 as an example of a liquid container
according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The ink cartridge
10 is configured to be used in combination with an ink-jet printer (not shown). The
ink cartridge 10 is configured to be removably mounted to a mounting portion of the
printer. When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the mounting portion, ink is supplied
from the ink cartridge 10 to a recording head (not shown) of the printer.
[0029] The ink cartridge 10 has a substantially flat, hexahedron shape. A width of the ink
cartridge 10 in a width direction, as indicated by an arrow 31, is relatively short,
and each of a height of the ink cartridge 10 in a height direction, as indicated by
an arrow 32, and a depth of the ink cartridge 10 in a depth direction, as indicated
by an arrow 33, is greater than the width of the ink cartridge 10. The ink cartridge
10 is inserted into a printer in a direction indicated by an arrow 30.
[0030] Referring to Figs. 1(A)-4, the ink cartridge 10 comprises a case 20, a movable member
70, and an ink supply portion 90. The case 20 comprises a first ink chamber 100 therein
for storing ink. The case 20 is formed of a translucent resin material, such as a
transparent or semi-transparent resin material, e.g., a resin comprising polyacetal,
nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like, or any combination thereof, to allow
light to pass therethrough. The case 20 comprises a front wall 41, a rear wall 42,
a top wall 43, and a bottom wall 44. The case 20 also comprises a right side wall
45 and a left side wall 46 which oppose each other, and each of the side walls 45
and 46 is connected to the front wall 41, the rear wall 42, the top wall 43, and the
bottom wall 44. Each of the side walls 45 and 46 has a surface area which is greater
than each of a surface area of the front wall 41, a surface area of the rear wall
42, a surface area of the top wall 43, and a surface area of the bottom wall 44. The
case 20 further comprises reinforcing walls 52, 53, and 54 positioned within the first
ink chamber 100 and extending from one of the side walls 45 and 46 to the other of
the side walls 45 and 46 to reinforce the rigidity of the case 20. When the ink cartridge
10 is mounted to the printer, the ink cartridge 10 is positioned in an in-use orientation.
When the ink cartridge 10 is positioned in the in-use orientation, the top wall 43
is positioned above the bottom wall 44 as in Figs. 2 to 4.
[0031] The case 20 comprises an inner wall surface defining the first ink chamber 100. The
inner wall surface comprises a top surface 100a and a bottom surface 100b opposite
the top surface 100a.
[0032] The ink supply portion 90 is positioned at the front wall 41 at a position adjacent
to the bottom wall 44. The ink supply portion 90 is positioned closer to the bottom
surface 100b than to the top surface 100a. A valve (not shown) is disposed within
the ink supply portion 90. When the ink cartridge is not mounted to the mounting portion
of the printer, the valve is closed, and fluid communication between the interior
of the first ink chamber 100 and the exterior of the ink cartridge 10 via the ink
supply portion 90 is prevented. When the ink cartridge is mounted to the mounting
portion of the printer, a pipe (not shown) positioned in the mounting portion enters
the ink supply portion 90 and pushes the valve to open within the ink supply portion
90. When the valve is opened, the first ink chamber 100 is brought into fluid communication
with the exterior of the ink cartridge 10 via the ink supply portion 90, and ink is
supplied from the interior of the first ink chamber 100 to the recording head of the
printer via the pipe. Such a valve is known and described in, for example,
US2007/0070138 A1.
[0033] An air intake hole 80 is formed through the top wall 43. Before the ink cartridge
10 is used, a sticker (not shown) is placed on the top wall 43 to cover the air intake
hole 80, and fluid communication between the interior of the first ink chamber 100
and the exterior of the ink cartridge 10 via the air intake hole 80 is prevented.
When a user intends to use the ink cartridge 10, the user removes the sticker from
the top wall 43, and thereby the first ink chamber 100 is brought into fluid communication
with the exterior of the ink cartridge 10 via the air intake hole 80.
[0034] The case 20 comprises a translucent portion 140 positioned at a center portion of
the front wall 41 of the case 20, and the translucent portion 140 extends in a direction
away from the front wall 41. An amount of ink stored in the first ink chamber 100
is optically or visually detected through the translucent portion 140. The translucent
portion 140 is integral with the case 20, and is formed of the same material as the
case 20.
[0035] The translucent portion 140 comprises five walls, and has a substantially a hollow
box shape. For example, the translucent portion 140 comprises a front wall 140a, a
pair of side walls 140b, a top wall 140c, and a bottom wall 140d. Each of the front
wall 140a, side walls 140b, the top wall 140c, and the bottom wall 140d has substantially
a rectangular shape. The front wall 140a extends parallel to the front wall 41 and
is separated from the front wall 41 by a predetermined distance. The pair of side
walls 140b are connected to the front wall 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. Moreover, a width of the front wall 140a is less than a width of the front
wall 41 in the width direction 31.
[0036] The translucent portion 140 has a second ink chamber 142 formed therein, which is
defined by inner wall surfaces 142a, 142b, 142c and 142d of the front wall 140a, the
side walls 140b, the top wall 140c and the bottom wall 140d, respectively. The second
ink chamber 142 is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of the
first ink chamber 100, e.g., there is no wall positioned between the second ink chamber
142 and the first ink chamber 100. Referring to Fig. 5, a width of the second ink
chamber 142 is less than a width of the first ink chamber 100 in the width direction
31. Referring back to Figs. 1(A) to 4, the movable member 70 is configured to move
between a first position and a second position based on an amount of ink within the
first and second ink chambers 100 and 142. When the movable member 70 is in the first
position, a detection portion 72 of the movable member 70 is positioned within the
lower portion of the second ink chamber 142, as in Figs. 2 and 3. When the movable
member 70 is positioned in the second position, the detection portion 72 is positioned
within a middle portion of the second ink chamber 142 in the height direction 32,
as in Fig. 4.
[0037] When the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the printer, a lower portion of the translucent
portion 140 is configured to be sandwiched between a light-emitting element (not shown)
and a light-receiving element (not shown) of an optical sensor (not shown), e.g. a
photo interrupter, which is positioned in the printer. Light emitted by the light-emitting
element passes through the side walls 140b, and is received by the light-receiving
element when the detection portion 72 is positioned above the lower portion of the
second ink chamber 142, e.g., when positioned within the middle portion of the second
ink chamber 142. The light is blocked by the detection portion 72, and is not receive
by the light-receiving element when the detection portion 72 is positioned within
the lower portion of the second ink chamber 142. As such, the position of the detection
portion 72 can be monitored by the optical sensor.
[0038] The movable member 70 is configured to indicate whether the first and second ink
chambers 100 and 142 has a sufficient amount of ink stored therein. Referring to Figs.
2 to 6(B), the movable member 70 comprises a pivot center, e.g., a middle portion
78 having a shaft hole 78a formed therethrough. The case 20 further comprises a supporting
shaft 77 positioned within the first ink chamber 100 and extending from one of the
side walls 45 and 46 to the other of the side walls 45 and 46. The supporting shaft
77 extends in the width direction 31 through the shaft hole 78a, such that the movable
member 70 is supported at the middle portion 78 and pivots about the middle portion
78, i.e., about the supporting shaft 77 and the shaft hole 78a in a particular plane
which is substantially parallel to the height direction 32 and the depth direction
33. The movable member 70 comprises a first portion 75 extending from the middle portion
78, and the first portion 75 comprises the detection portion 72. More specifically,
the first portion 75 comprises a first sub-portion 62 extending in a first direction
from a first end of the first sub-portion 62 which is connected to the middle portion
78 to a second end of the first sub-portion 62, and a second sub-portion 63 extending
in a third direction from a first end of the second sub-portion 63 which is connected
to the second end of the first sub-portion 62 to a second end of the second sub-portion
63. The third direction is different from the first direction. The second end of the
second sub-portion 63 comprises the detection portion 72. The movable member 70 also
comprises a second portion 76 extending from the middle portion 78, and the second
portion 76 comprises a float portion 73. More specifically, the second portion 76
extends in a second direction from a first end of the second portion 76 which is connected
to the middle portion 78 to a second end of the second portion 76. The second direction
is different from the first direction. The second end of the second portion 76 comprises
the float portion 73.
[0039] The specific gravity of the float portion 73 is less than the specific gravity of
ink stored in the first and second ink chambers 100 and 142. The float portion 73
has a hollow formed therein, and the float portion 73 floats on ink, such that the
float portion 73 moves upward and downward based on the amount of ink within the first
and second ink chambers 100 and 142. The movable member 70 pivots based on the movement
of the float portion 73. In another embodiment, the float portion 73 may not have
the hollow, and may be formed of a material having a specific gravity less than the
specific gravity of ink.
[0040] The mass and the volume of the second portion 76 are greater than the mass and the
volume of the first portion 75, respectively.
[0041] The second portion 76 of the movable member 70 further comprises a contact portion
81 extending from the float portion 73, and the contact portion 81 comprises a contact
surface 81a.
[0042] As the amount of ink within the first and second ink chambers 100 and 142 increases,
the ink surface within the first and second ink chambers 100 and 142 moves up, and
the float portion 73 moves up, following the movement of the ink surface, such that
the movable member 70 pivots. Nevertheless, when the amount of ink within the first
and second ink chambers 100 and 142 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount
and the ink surface within the first ink chamber 100 is at a level L2 or higher than
the level L2, e.g., at a level L1, the contact surface 81a contacts a regulating member,
e.g., an end of the reinforcing wall 54 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, such that the float
portion 73 does not move further up. The pivotal movement of the movable member 70
is regulated by the contact surface 81a contacting the end of the reinforcing wall
54, such that the movable member 70 is positioned in the first position. When the
amount of ink within the first and second ink chambers 100 and 142 is equal to or
greater than a predetermined amount such that the movable member 70 is positioned
in the first position, the contact surface 81 a is positioned within the ink, i.e.,
is submerged in the ink. Referring to Figs. 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8, when the amount of ink
within the first and second ink chambers 100 and 142 is equal to or greater than a
predetermined amount such that the movable member 70 is positioned in the first position,
the first portion 75 of the movable member 70 is separated from the inner wall surfaces
of the case 20 in the particular plane. In particular, the detection portion 72 is
separated from inner wall surfaces 142a, 142b, 142c, and 142d of front wall 140a,
side walls 140b, top wall 140c, and the bottom wall 140d, respectively. Incidentally,
the inner wall surface 142d of the bottom wall 140d is positioned between the detection
portion 72 and the ink supply portion 90. Moreover, at least a portion of the first
portion 75 of the movable member 70 is positioned higher than the second portion 76
of the movable member 70. More specifically, a distance between at least a portion
of the first portion 75 of the movable member 70 and the top surface 100a is less
than a distance between the second portion 76 of the movable member 70 and the top
surface 100a. For example, a distance D1 between the detection portion 72 and the
top surface 100a is less than a distance D3 between the second portion 76 of the movable
member 70 and the top surface 100a in a direction perpendicular to the top surface
100a, and a distance D2 between the second end of the first sub-portion 62 of the
first portion 75 is less than the distance D3 in the direction perpendicular to the
top surface 100a, as shown in Fig. 8. Moreover, the contact surface 81a is positioned
lower than the middle portion 78 of the movable member 70. More specifically, a distance
D5 between the contact surface 81a and the bottom surface 100b is less than a distance
D4 between the middle portion 78 and the bottom surface 100b in a direction perpendicular
to the bottom surface 100b. Moreover, the center of the float portion 73 is positioned
lower than the middle portion 78 of the movable member 70. More specifically, a distance
D6 between the center of the float portion 73 and the bottom surface 100b is less
than the distance D4 in the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 100b. Moreover,
the detection portion 72 is positioned within the second ink chamber 142 and the second
portion 76 of the movable member 70 is positioned within the first ink chamber 100.
[0043] When ink is supplied from the first and second ink chambers 100 and 142 to the exterior
of the ink cartridge 10, and the amount of ink within the first and second ink chambers
100 and 142 decreases from the predetermined amount to an amount less than the predetermined
amount, the float portion 73 moves down, following the ink surface, and separates
from the end of the reinforcing wall 54. Because the contact surface 81a is positioned
within the ink when the amount of ink within the first and second ink chambers 100
and 142 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the contact surface 81a
is positioned within the ink when the contact surface 81a initially separates form
the end of the reinforcing wall 54. Therefore, the timing at which the movable member
70 begins to pivot does not vary significantly from one ink cartridge to another.
When the float portion 73 moves down, the movable member 70 pivots such that the detection
portion 72 moves up.
[0044] Referring to Fig, 4, as the amount of ink within the first and second ink chambers
100 and 142 further decreases, the float portion 73 moves further down toward the
bottom surface 100b. When the ink surface within the first ink chamber 100 reaches
a level L3, the float portion 73 contacts the bottom surface 100b such the movable
member 70 stops pivoting in the second position as shown in Fig. 4, and the movable
member 70 remains in the second position when the amount of ink within the first and
second ink chamber 100 and 142 further decreases.
[0045] When the movable member 70 is in the first position, in which the detection portion
72 is positioned within the lower portion of the second ink chamber 142, it is determined
that the first and second ink chambers 100 and 142 have a sufficient amount of ink.
When the movable member 70 moves from the first position to the second position, in
which the detection portion 72 is positioned within the middle portion of the second
ink chamber 142 in the height direction 32, it is determined that the first and second
ink chambers 100 and 142 do not have a sufficient amount of ink. Whether or not the
first and second ink chambers 100 and 142 have a sufficient amount of ink stored therein
is determined by a user viewing the position of the detection portion 72 in the second
ink chamber 142, or by using the optical sensor to monitor the position of the detection
portion 72. For example, once the printer detects the movement of the movable member
70 by the optical sensor and determines that the first and second ink chambers 100
and 142 do not have a sufficient amount of ink, the printer begins to count how many
ink droplets are ejected from the recording head. When the counted number of ink droplets
reaches a predetermined value, the printer stops printing and indicates to a user
that the ink cartridge 10 is empty. Ideally, the predetermined value is set such that
the amount of ink ejected from the recording head corresponds to the amount of ink
remaining in the ink cartridge 10 when the printer begins to count the number of ink
droplet. Because the timing at which the movable member 70 begins to pivot does not
vary significantly from one ink cartridge to another according to the present invention,
the predetermined value can be set to be equal to or close to the ideal value, which
means that the amount of ink remains unused in the ink cartridge 10 when the printer
stops printing is small or almost zero, and therefore ink is consumed efficiently.
[0046] The detection portion 72 comprises a plurality of pin members 131 and 132. The pin
member 131 is positioned at an upper front end of the detection portion 72. The pin
member 132 is positioned at the lower end of the detection portion 72. Each of the
pin members 131 and 132 has a column shape and is integral with the movable member
70. Each of the pin members 131 and 132 extends in the width direction 31, i.e., extends
left to right in Fig. 7. Each of the pin members 131 and 132 projects from both sides
of detection portion 72 towards side walls 140b. If the detection portion 72 moves
in the width direction 31, the pin members 131 and 132 may contact the inner wall
surface 142b of the side wall 140b, such that detection portion 72 does not contact
the inner wall surface 142b of the side wall 140b. Consequently, the distance between
the detection portion 72 and the inner wall surfaces 142b of the side walls 140b is
maintained within a predetermined distance range. Therefore, the movement of the detection
portion 72 is smoothened without being affected by the surface tension of the ink
between the side walls 140b and the detection portion 72, and the width of the translucent
portion 140 can be made relatively narrow.
[0047] Ends of the pin members 131 and 132 are spherical. Therefore, even if the ends of
the pin member 131 and 132 contact the inner wall surface of the side wall 140b, it
is a single point of contact. Therefore, the movement of the detection portion 72
is not be significantly affected by such contact between the pin member 131 and 132
and the inner wall surface of the side wall 140b.
[0048] While the invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments,
it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications
of the exemplary embodiments described above may be made without departing from the
scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from a consideration of the specification or practice of the invention disclosed
herein. It is intended that the specification and the described examples are considered
merely as exemplary of the invention, with the true scope of the invention being indicated
by the flowing claims.
1. A liquid container (10) comprising:
a case (20) comprising a liquid chamber (100, 142) therein, the liquid chamber (100,
142) storing liquid therein;
a liquid supply portion (90) configured to supply liquid from an interior of the liquid
chamber (100, 142) to an exterior of the liquid chamber (100, 142);
a movable member (70) positioned within the liquid chamber (100, 142), wherein the
movable member (70) comprises:
a pivot center (78), wherein the movable member (70) is pivotally supported at the
pivot center (78) and configured to pivot about the pivot center (78);
a first portion (75) extending from the pivot center (78) at least in a first direction,
wherein the first portion (75) comprises a detection portion (72); and
a second portion (76) extending from the pivot center (78) at least in a second direction
which is different from the first direction, and the second portion (76) comprises
a float portion (73) and a contact surface (81a), and wherein a specific gravity of
the float portion (73) is less than a specific gravity of the liquid within the liquid
chamber (100, 142), and the float portion (73) moves based on an amount of liquid
within the liquid chamber (100, 142), and the movable member (70) pivots based on
a movement of the float portion (73); and
a regulating member (54) configured to contact the contact surface (81a) when the
amount of liquid within the liquid chamber (100, 142) is equal to or greater than
a predetermined amount, and a pivotal movement of the movable member (70) is regulated
by the regulating member (54) contacting the contact surface (81a),
wherein when the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber (100, 142) decreases from
the predetermined amount to an amount less than the predetermined amount, the float
portion (73) moves such that the contact surface (81a) separates from the regulating
member (54), and when the contact surface (81a) initially separates from the regulating
member (54), the contact surface (81a) is positioned within the liquid.
2. The liquid container (10) of claim 1, wherein
the case (20) comprises an inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d)
defining the liquid chamber (100, 142), and a portion (142d) of the inner wall surface
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) is positioned between the detection portion (72)
and the liquid supply portion (90), and
the detection portion (72) of the movable member (70) is separated from the portion
(142d) of the inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber (100, 142) is equal to or greater than the predetermined
amount.
3. The liquid container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein:
the case (20) comprises an inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d)
defining the liquid chamber (100, 142), and the inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a,
142b, 142c, 142d) comprises a top surface (100a) and a bottom surface (100b) opposite
the top surface (100a);
the liquid supply portion (90) is positioned closer to the bottom surface (100b) than
to the top surface (100a);
a distance between at least a portion of the first portion (75) of the movable member
(70) and the top surface (100a) is less than a distance between the second portion
(76) of the movable member (70) and the top surface (100a) when the amount of liquid
within the liquid chamber (100, 142) is equal to or greater than the predetermined
amount;
the movable member (70) is configured to pivot in a particular plane; and
the first portion (75) of the movable member (70) is separated from the inner wall
surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) in the particular plane when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber (100, 142) is equal to or greater than the predetermined
amount.
4. The liquid container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:
the case (20) comprises an inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d)
defining the liquid chamber (100, 142), and the inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a,
142b, 142c, 142d) comprises a top surface (100a) and a bottom surface (100b) opposite
the top surface (100a);
the liquid supply portion (90) is positioned closer to the bottom surface (100b) than
to the top surface (100a); and
a distance between the contact surface (81a) and the bottom surface (100b) is less
than a distance between a pivot center (78) and the bottom surface (100b).
5. The liquid container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
the case (20) comprises an inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d)
defining the liquid chamber (100, 142), and the inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a,
142b, 142c, 142d) comprises a top surface (100a) and a bottom surface (100b) opposite
the top surface (100a);
the liquid supply portion (90) is positioned closer to the bottom surface (100b) than
to the top surface (100a); and
a distance between a center of the float portion (73) and the bottom surface (100b)
is less than a distance between a pivot center (78) and the bottom surface (100b).
6. The liquid container (10) of claim 1, wherein:
the case (20) comprises an inner wall surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d)
defining the liquid chamber (100, 142),
at least a portion of the first portion (75) of the movable member (70) is positioned
higher than the second portion (76) of the movable member (70) when the amount of
liquid within the liquid chamber (100, 142) is equal to or greater than the predetermined
amount;
the movable member (70) is configured to pivot in a particular plane; and
the first portion (75) of the movable member (70) is separated from the inner wall
surface (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) in the particular plane when the amount
of liquid within the liquid chamber (100, 142) is equal to or greater than the predetermined
amount.
7. The liquid container (10) of any one of claims 1 and 6, wherein the contact surface
(81a) is positioned lower than the pivot center (78).
8. The liquid container (10) of any one of claims 1, 6, and 7, wherein a center of the
float portion (73) is positioned lower than the pivot center (78).
9. The liquid container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:
the case (20) has a width in a width direction (31) , a height in a height direction
(32), and a depth in a depth direction (33), and the width direction (31), the height
direction (32), and the depth direction (33) are perpendicular to each other;
the liquid chamber (100, 142) comprises a first liquid chamber (100) and a second
liquid chamber (142), and a width of the second liquid chamber (142) is less than
a width of the first liquid chamber (100) in the width direction (31), and the movable
member (70) moves in a plane parallel to the height direction (32) and the depth direction
(33); and
when the amount of liquid within the liquid chamber (100, 142) is equal to or greater
than the predetermined amount, the detection portion (72) is positioned within the
second liquid chamber (142), and the second portion (76) of the movable member (70)
is positioned within the first liquid chamber (100).
10. The liquid container (10) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first portion (75)
of the movable member (70) comprises a first sub-portion (62) extending in the first
direction and a second sub-portion (63) extending in a third direction which is different
from the first direction.
1. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10), aufweisend:
ein Gehäuse (20), das eine Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) aufweist, wobei die Flüssigkeitskammer
(100, 142) eine Flüssigkeit aufnimmt;
einen Flüssigkeitszufuhrabschnitt (90), der so gestaltet ist, dass er Flüssigkeit
von innerhalb der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) nach außerhalb der Flüssigkeitskammer
(100, 142) liefert;
ein bewegliches Element (70), das in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) angeordnet
ist, wobei das bewegliche Element (70) aufweist:
einen Drehpunkt (78), wobei das bewegliche Element (70) schwenkbar am Drehpunkt (78)
gelagert ist und so gestaltet ist, dass es sich um den Drehpunkt (78) dreht;
einen ersten Abschnitt (75), der mindestens in einer ersten Richtung vom Drehpunkt
(78) ausgeht, wobei der erste Abschnitt (75) einen Erfassungsabschnitt (72) aufweist;
und
einen zweiten Abschnitt (76), der mindestens in einer zweiten Richtung, die sich von
der ersten Richtung unterscheidet, vom Drehpunkt (78) ausgeht, und wobei der zweite
Abschnitt (76) einen Schwimmer (73) und eine Kontaktfläche (81a) aufweist, und wobei
das spezifische Gewicht des Schwimmers (73) geringer ist als das spezifische Gewicht
der Flüssigkeit in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) und der Schwimmer (73) sich abhängig
von einer Flüssigkeitsmenge in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) bewegt und das bewegliche
Element (70) sich abhängig von einer Bewegung des Schwimmers (73) dreht; und
ein Reglerelement (54), das so gestaltet ist, dass es die Kontaktfläche (81 a) berührt,
wenn die Flüssigkeitsmenge in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) mindestens so groß
ist wie eine vorgegebene Menge, wobei eine Drehbewegung des beweglichen Elements (70)
von dem Reglerelement (54), das die Kontaktfläche (81a) berührt, geregelt wird,
wobei der Schwimmer sich so bewegt, dass die Kontaktfläche (81 a) sich vom Reglerelement
(54) trennt, wenn die Flüssigkeitsmenge in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) von der
vorgegebenen Menge auf eine Menge abnimmt, die kleiner ist als die vorgegebene Menge,
und die Kontaktfläche (81 a) zu Beginn der Trennung der Kontaktfläche (81a) und des
Reglerelements (54) in der Flüssigkeit angeordnet ist.
2. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei
das Gehäuse (20) eine die Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) begrenzende Innenwandfläche
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) aufweist und ein Abschnitt (142d) der Innenwandfläche
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) zwischen dem Erfassungsabschnitt (72) und dem
Flüssigkeitszufuhrabschnitt (90) angeordnet ist, und
der Erfassungsabschnitt (72) des beweglichen Elements (70) vom Abschnitt (142d) der
Innenwandfläche (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) getrennt ist, wenn die Flüssigkeitsmenge
in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) mindestens so groß ist wie die vorgegebene Menge.
3. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 2, wobei:
das Gehäuse (20) eine die Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) begrenzende Innenwandfläche
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) aufweist und die Innenwandfläche (100a, 100b,
142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) eine Oberseite (100a) und eine der Oberseite (100a) entgegengesetzte
Unterseite (100b) aufweist;
der Flüssigkeitszufuhrabschnitt (90) näher an der Unterseite (100b) als an der Oberseite
(100a) angeordnet ist;
ein Abstand zwischen mindestens einem Abschnitt des ersten Abschnitts (75) des beweglichen
Elements (70) und der Oberseite (100a) kleiner ist als ein Abstand zwischen dem zweiten
Abschnitt (76) des beweglichen Elements (70) und der Oberseite (100a), wenn die Flüssigkeitsmenge
in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) mindestens so groß ist wie die vorgegebene Menge;
das bewegliche Element (70) so gestaltet ist, dass es sich in einer bestimmten Ebene
dreht; und
der erste Abschnitt (75) des beweglichen Elements (70) von der Innenwandfläche (100a,
100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) in der bestimmten Ebene getrennt ist, wenn die Flüssigkeitsmenge
in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) mindestens so groß ist wie die vorgegebene Menge.
4. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei:
das Gehäuse (20) eine die Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) begrenzende Innenwandfläche
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) aufweist und die Innenwandfläche (100a, 100b,
142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) eine Oberseite (100a) und eine der Oberseite (100a) entgegengesetzte
Unterseite (100b) aufweist;
der Flüssigkeitszufuhrabschnitt (90) näher an der Unterseite (100b) als an der Oberseite
(100a) angeordnet ist und
ein Abstand zwischen der Kontaktfläche (81a) und der Unterseite (100b) kleiner ist
als ein Abstand zwischen einem Drehpunkt (78) und der Unterseite (100b).
5. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei:
das Gehäuse (20) eine die Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) begrenzende Innenwandfläche
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) aufweist und die Innenwandfläche (100a, 100b,
142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) eine Oberseite (100a) und eine der Oberseite (100a) entgegengesetzte
Unterseite (100b) aufweist;
der Flüssigkeitszufuhrabschnitt (90) näher an der Unterseite (100b) als an der Oberseite
(100a) angeordnet ist und
ein Abstand zwischen einem Mittelpunkt des Schwimmers (73) und der Unterseite (100b)
kleiner ist als ein Abstand zwischen einem Drehpunkt (78) und der Unterseite (100b).
6. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei:
das Gehäuse (20) eine die Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) begrenzende Innenwandfläche
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) aufweist,
mindestens ein Abschnitt des ersten Abschnitts (75) des beweglichen Elements (70)
höher angeordnet ist als der zweite Abschnitt des beweglichen Elements (70), wenn
die Flüssigkeitsmenge in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) mindestens so groß ist
wie die vorgegebene Menge;
das bewegliche Element (70) so gestaltet ist, dass es sich in einer bestimmten Ebene
dreht; und
der erste Abschnitt (75) des beweglichen Elements (70) von der Innenwandfläche (100a,
100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) in der bestimmten Ebene getrennt ist, wenn die Flüssigkeitsmenge
in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) mindestens so groß ist wie die vorgegebene Menge.
7. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 und 6, wobei die Kontaktfläche
(81a) tiefer angeordnet ist als der Drehpunkt (78).
8. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1, 6 und 7, wobei ein Mittelpunkt
des Schwimmers (73) tiefer angeordnet ist als der Drehpunkt (78).
9. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, wobei:
das Gehäuse eine Breite in einer Breitenrichtung (31), eine Höhe in einer Höhenrichtung
(32) und eine Tiefe in einer Tiefenrichtung (33) aufweist und die Breitenrichtung
(31), die Höhenrichtung (32) und die Tiefenrichtung (33) senkrecht zueinander sind;
die Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142) eine erste Flüssigkeitskammer (100) und eine zweite
Flüssigkeitskammer (142) umfasst und eine Breite der zweiten Flüssigkeitskammer (142)
in der Breitenrichtung (31) geringer ist als eine Breite der ersten Flüssigkeitskammer
(100) und das bewegliche Element (70) sich in einer Ebene parallel zur Höhenrichtung
(32) und zur Tiefenrichtung (33) bewegt; und
der Erfassungsabschnitt (72) in der zweiten Flüssigkeitskammer (142) angeordnet ist
und der zweite Abschnitt (76) des beweglichen Elements (70) in der ersten Flüssigkeitskammer
(100) angeordnet ist, wenn die Flüssigkeitsmenge in der Flüssigkeitskammer (100, 142)
mindestens so groß ist wie die vorgegebene Menge.
10. Flüssigkeitsbehälter (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei der erste Abschnitt
(75) des beweglichen Elements (70) einen ersten Unterabschnitt (62), der in der ersten
Richtung verläuft, und einen zweiten Unterabschnitt (63), der in einer dritten Richtung
verläuft, die sich von der ersten Richtung unterscheidet, aufweist.
1. Récipient de liquide (10) comprenant :
un boîtier (20) comprenant une chambre de liquide (100, 142) à l'intérieur de celui-ci,
la chambre de liquide (100, 142) stockant le liquide à l'intérieur de celle-ci ;
une partie d'alimentation de liquide (90) configurée pour alimenter le liquide à partir
d'un intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) jusqu'à un extérieur de la chambre
de liquide (100, 142) ;
un élément mobile (70) positionné à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142),
dans lequel l'élément mobile (70) comprend :
un pivot central (78), dans lequel l'élément mobile (70) est supporté de manière pivotante
au niveau du pivot central (78) et configuré pour pivoter autour du pivot central
(78) ;
une première partie (75) s'étendant à partir du pivot central (78) au moins dans une
première direction, dans lequel la première partie (75) comprend une partie de détection
(72) ; et
une seconde partie (76) s'étendant à partir du pivot central (78) au moins dans une
seconde direction qui est différente de la première direction, et la seconde partie
(76) comprend une partie de flotteur (73) et une surface de contact (81a), et dans
lequel une gravité spécifique de la partie de flotteur (73) est inférieure à une gravité
spécifique du liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) et la partie
de flotteur (73) se déplace en fonction d'une quantité de liquide à l'intérieur de
la chambre de liquide (100, 142), et l'élément mobile (70) pivote en fonction d'un
mouvement de la partie de flotteur (73) ; et
un élément de régulation (54) configuré pour entrer en contact avec la surface de
contact (81a) lorsque la quantité de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide
(100, 142) est égale ou supérieure à une quantité prédéterminée, et un mouvement pivotant
de l'élément mobile (70) est régulé par l'élément de régulation (54) qui est en contact
avec la surface de contact (81a),
dans lequel lorsque la quantité de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide
(100, 142) diminue de la quantité prédéterminée à une quantité inférieure à la quantité
prédéterminée, la partie de flotteur (73) se déplace de sorte que la surface de contact
(81a) se sépare de l'élément de régulation (54), et lorsque la surface de contact
(81a) se sépare initialement de l'élément de régulation (54), la surface de contact
(81a) est positionnée à l'intérieur du liquide.
2. Récipient de liquide (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
le boîtier (20) com prend une surface de paroi interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c,
142d) définissant la chambre de liquide (100, 142), et une partie (142d) de la surface
de paroi interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) est positionnée entre la partie
de détection (72) et la partie d'alimentation de liquide (90), et
la partie de détection (72) de l'élément mobile (70) est séparée de la partie (142d)
de la surface de paroi interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) lorsque la quantité
de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) est égale ou supérieure
à la quantité prédéterminée.
3. Récipient de liquide (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel
:
le boîtier (20) comprend une surface de paroi interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c,
142d) définissant la chambre de liquide (100, 142) et la surface de paroi interne
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) comprend une surface supérieure (100a) et une
surface inférieure (100b) opposée à la surface supérieure (100a) ;
la partie d'alimentation de liquide (90) est positionnée plus à proximité de la surface
inférieure (100b) que de la surface supérieure (100a) ;
une distance entre au moins une partie de la première partie (75) de l'élément mobile
(70) et la surface supérieure (100a) est inférieure à une distance entre la seconde
partie (76) de l'élément mobile (70) et la surface supérieure (100a) lorsque la quantité
de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) est égale ou supérieure
à la quantité prédéterminée ;
l'élément mobile (70) est configuré pour pivoter dans un plan particulier ; et
la première partie (75) de l'élément mobile (70) est séparée de la surface de paroi
interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) dans le plan particulier lorsque la quantité
de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) est égale ou supérieure
à la quantité prédéterminée.
4. Récipient de liquide (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel
:
le boîtier (20) comprend une surface de paroi interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c,
142d) définissant la chambre de liquide (100, 142) et la surface de paroi interne
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) comprend une surface supérieure (100a) et une
surface inférieure (100b) opposée à la surface supérieure (100a) ;
la partie d'alimentation de liquide (90) est positionnée plus à proximité de la surface
inférieure (100b) que de la surface supérieure (100a) ; et
une distance entre la surface de contact (81a) et la surface inférieure (100b) est
inférieure à une distance entre un pivot central (78) et la surface inférieure (100b).
5. Récipient de liquide (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel
:
le boîtier (20) comprend une surface de paroi interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c,
142d) définissant la chambre de liquide (100, 142) et la surface de paroi interne
(100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) comprend une surface supérieure (100a) et une
surface inférieure (100b) opposée à la surface supérieure (100a) ;
la partie d'alimentation de liquide (90) est positionnée plus à proximité de la surface
inférieure (100b) que de la surface supérieure (100a) ; et
une distance entre un centre de la partie de flotteur (73) et la surface inférieure
(100b) est inférieure à une distance entre un pivot central (78) et la surface inférieure
(100b).
6. Récipient de liquide (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel :
le boîtier (20) comprend une surface de paroi interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c,
142d) définissant la chambre de liquide (100, 142),
au moins une partie de la première partie (75) de l'élément mobile (70) est positionnée
plus haut que la seconde partie (76) de l'élément mobile (70) lorsque la quantité
de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) est égale ou supérieure
à la quantité prédéterminée ;
l'élément mobile (70) est configuré pour pivoter dans un plan particulier ; et
la première partie (75) de l'élément mobile (70) est séparée de la surface de paroi
interne (100a, 100b, 142a, 142b, 142c, 142d) dans le plan particulier lorsque la quantité
de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) est égale ou supérieure
à la quantité prédéterminée.
7. Récipient de liquide (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 et 6, dans lequel
la surface de contact (81a) est positionnée plus bas que le pivot central (78).
8. Récipient de liquide (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1, 6 et 7, dans
lequel un centre de la partie de flotteur (73) est positionné plus bas que le pivot
central (78).
9. Récipient de liquide (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel
:
le boîtier (20) a une largeur dans le sens de largeur (31), une hauteur dans le sens
de la hauteur (32), et une profondeur dans le sens de la profondeur (33), et le sens
de la largeur (31), le sens de la hauteur (32) et le sens de la profondeur (33) sont
perpendiculaires entre eux ;
la chambre de liquide (100, 142) comprend une première chambre de liquide (100) et
une seconde chambre de liquide (142) et une largeur de la seconde chambre de liquide
(142) est inférieure à une largeur de la première chambre de liquide (100) dans le
sens de la largeur (31), et l'élément mobile (70) se déplace dans un plan parallèle
au sens de la hauteur (32) et au sens de la profondeur (33) ; et
lorsque la quantité de liquide à l'intérieur de la chambre de liquide (100, 142) est
égale à ou supérieure à la quantité prédéterminée, la partie de détection (72) est
positionnée à l'intérieur de la seconde chambre de liquide (142) et la seconde partie
(76) de l'élément mobile (70) est positionnée à l'intérieur de la première chambre
de liquide (100).
10. Récipient de liquide (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, dans lequel
la première partie (75) de l'élément mobile (70) comprend une première sous-partie
(62) s'étendant dans la première direction et une seconde sous-partie (63) s'étendant
dans une troisième direction qui est différente de la première direction.