INK CARTRIDGES

Abstract

An ink cartridge includes a movable member which includes a sliding member and a float portion. The sliding member includes a signal blocking portion, and the signal blocking portion is configured to move in a first direction from a first position within a translucent portion to a second position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber. Moreover, the float portion is operationally coupled to the sliding member, and the float portion is disposed within the ink chamber. The float portion is configured to move independent of the first portion in a second direction from a third position to a fourth position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber. For example, the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction or may be slanted with respect to the first direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby, and the features and technical advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 a perspective view of an ink cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is side view of the ink cartridge of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) are diagrams of an guide component and a slide member, respectively, of the ink cartridge of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4( a)-4(c) are diagrams depicting a method of detecting an amount of ink within an ink chamber of the ink cartridge of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b) are diagrams depicting a method installing the ink cartridge of FIG. 1 into a printer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an ink cartridge, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, comprising: an ink chamber comprising a wall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;a translucent portion positioned at the wall, wherein the translucent portion is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber, and the translucent portion has an inner space formed therein; anda movable member comprising: a sliding member comprising a signal blocking portion, wherein the signal blocking portion is configured to move in a first direction from a first position within the inner space of the translucent portion to a second position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber; anda float portion operationally coupled to the sliding member, wherein the float portion is disposed within the ink chamber and is configured to move in a second direction from a third position to a fourth position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber, wherein the second direction is slanted with respect to the first direction.

2. The ink cartridge of claim 1, further comprising an ink supply portion having an opening formed therethrough, wherein the ink supply portion is positioned at the wall adjacent to the second end of the wall, and the translucent portion is positioned between the first end of the wall and the ink supply portion.

3. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the second position is outside of the inner space of the translucent portion.

4. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein the movable member further comprises an extender portion coupled to each of the sliding member and the float portion, such that the float portion is operationally coupled to the sliding member via the extender portion, wherein the extender portion has a guide path formed therethrough, and the sliding member further comprises a pin member which couples the sliding portion to the extender portion via the guide path.

5. The ink cartridge of claim 4, wherein the guide path comprises a first portion which extends in the second direction, and a second portion which is slanted with respect to the first portion.

6. An ink cartridge, comprising: an ink chamber comprising a wall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;a translucent portion positioned at the wall, wherein the translucent portion is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber, and the translucent portion has an inner space formed therein; anda movable member comprising: a sliding member comprising a signal blocking portion, wherein the signal blocking portion is configured to move in a first direction from a first position within the inner space of the translucent portion to a second position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber; anda float portion operationally coupled to the sliding member, wherein the float portion is disposed within the ink chamber and is configured to move in a second direction from a third position to a fourth position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber, wherein the first direction is non-parallel with respect to the second direction.

7. The ink cartridge of claim 6, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

8. The ink cartridge of claim 6, further comprising an ink supply portion having an opening formed therethrough, wherein the ink supply portion is positioned at the wall adjacent to the second end of the wall, and the translucent portion is positioned between the first end of the wall and the ink supply portion.

9. The ink cartridge of claim 6, wherein the second position is outside of the inner space of the translucent portion.

10. The ink cartridge of claim 6, wherein the movable member further comprises an extender portion coupled to each of the sliding member and the float portion, such that the float portion is operationally coupled to the sliding member via the extender portion, wherein the extender portion has a guide path formed therethrough, and the sliding member further comprises a pin member which couples the sliding portion to the extender portion via the guide path.

11. The ink cartridge of claim 10, wherein the guide path comprises a first portion which extends in the second direction, and a second portion which is slanted with respect to the first portion.

12. An ink cartridge, comprising: an ink chamber comprising a wall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;a translucent portion positioned at the wall, wherein the translucent portion is configured to be in fluid communication with the ink chamber, and the translucent portion has an inner space formed therein; anda movable member comprising: a sliding member comprising a signal blocking portion, wherein the signal blocking portion is configured to move in a first direction from a first position within the inner space of the translucent portion to a second position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber; anda float portion operationally coupled to the sliding member, wherein the float portion is disposed within the ink chamber and is configured to move in a second direction from a third position to a fourth position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber, wherein the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.