CA2585307A1 - Leak detection structure - Google Patents
Leak detection structure Download PDFInfo
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- CA2585307A1 CA2585307A1 CA002585307A CA2585307A CA2585307A1 CA 2585307 A1 CA2585307 A1 CA 2585307A1 CA 002585307 A CA002585307 A CA 002585307A CA 2585307 A CA2585307 A CA 2585307A CA 2585307 A1 CA2585307 A1 CA 2585307A1
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- leak detection
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- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 89
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract 7
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 78
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005041 Mylar™ Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17566—Ink level or ink residue control
Landscapes
- Ink Jet (AREA)
- Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
- Cylinder Crankcases Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
- External Artificial Organs (AREA)
Abstract
One embodiment of a leak detection structure (64) includes a sensor (19) having a leak detection surface (54) and a wicking structure (66) positioned adjacent the leak detection surface (54), the wicking structure (66) adapted for wicking a fluid onto the leak detection surface (54).
Description
LEAK DETECTION STRUCTURE
Background Printing mechanisms may include a printhead for printing an image on a media.
One or more inks are usually supplied to the printhead from one or more ink reservoirs.
Unfortunately, if inlc leaks from an ink reservoir it may harm components within the printing mechanism. Certain printing inecllanisms tllerefore include a sensor that is positioned within the printing mechanism to detect an ink leak and in response alert the user in some manner.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a printing mechanism that includes an exemplary lealc detection structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exernplaiy embodiment of an ink supply including an exeinplary lealc detection structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the exemplaiy leak detection structure shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the exemplary lealc detection structure shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another exemplaiy leak detection structure in accordance witll another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another exemplary lealc detection structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a printing mechanism 10 for printing an image on one embodiment of a media 12. Printing mechanism 10 may be a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a camera or the like, any combination thereof, or any device suitable for imaging. Media 12 may include paper, fabric, mylar, transparency foils, cardboard, or any other medium suitable for imaging thereon.
Printing mechanism 10 includes a print cartridge 14 for printing an image on media 12.
Print cartridge 14 is operatively connected to an ink supply 16, such as, for example, by a connection tube 18 or the like. In this manner, iiilc contained within inlc supply 16 can then be delivered to print cartridge 14. A sensor 19 is positioned within printing mechanism 10 so as to detect a leakage of ink from inlc supply 16. Sensor 19 may be operatively connected to a controller 20 wherein controller 20 may activate a notification device 22, such as a visual or an audible alert device, which may alert a user that an inlc lealc has occurred. Controller 20 may also function to shut down operation of printing mechanism 10 if a lealc is detected.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of ink supply 16.
In this example, ink supply 16 includes a chassis 24 that is connected to a first ink container 26, such as a flexible ink container or a bag (shown in a small size for ease of illustration), and a second inlc container 28, such as a rigid container or a bottle. Bag 26 is secured on an upwardly extending projection 30 of chassis 24, which includes a support fin 30a, wherein an interior 32 of bag 26 and an interior 34 of projection 30 are in fluidic communication with connection tube 18 (see FIG. 1), and therefore, in connection witli print cartridge 14 (see FIG. 1). In this manner, inlc 36 contained within bag 26 is delivered to print cartridge 14. In the embodiinent shown, bag 26 is "heat staked," e.g., welded or heat sealed, to projection 30 and fin 30a along a heat sealing region 26a of bag 26.
As further illustrated in the example in Fig. 2, ink supply 16 includes an ink reservoir 38 that is defined by an upwardly extending wall 40 that extends around a perimeter 42 of chassis 24. Ink reservoir 38 is structured to retain at least a portion of ink that leaks from bag 26. Here, leaking ink will likely flow downwardly into ink reservoir 38 by the force of gravity. The leaking ink may also flow downwardly as a result of air pressure or the like. Wa1140 includes a securement structure, such as an outwardly extending ridge 44, that is utilized to retain bottle 28 thereon. In the exemplaiy embodiment shown, bottle 28 is secured to chassis 24, with an intervening o-ring 45, by a clamp ring 47 positioned therearound.
Bag 26 is secured on chassis 24 and inside bottle 28. Bottle 28 with bag 26 therein, therefore, functions as a double wall ink supply container which may function to reduce ink leakage to the outside of bottle 28. Accordingly, such a double wall ink supply container may limit ink damage to components of printing mechanism 10 that may be positioned outside of bottle 28. Damage to components of printing mechanism 10 (see FIG. 1) may also be reduced by positioning a sensor witliin bottle 28 so as to detect an ink leaked from bag 26, before the ink leaks from bottle 28.
Ink supply 16 further includes sensor 19 which, in this example, is secured on chassis 24 outside of bag 26 and inside of bottle 28. Sensor 19 is configured to detect the presence of ink. As such, sensor 19 and/or operative components of sensor 19 are positioned within ink reservoir 38 such that if inlc lealcs from bag 26 and flows downwardly into ink reservoir 38 it is detected. When sensor 19 detects the presence of leaked ink it notifies or otherwise signals controller 20 or other like circuitry (see FIG.
1). In Fig. 2, sensor 19 includes as operative components first and second contact pads 50 and 52, respectively, that are positioned nearby or adjacent one another.
In this embodiment, pads 50 and 52 each define a detection surface 54 and 56, respectively. In the embodiment shown, detection surfaces 54 and 56 are gold contact pads.
Detection surfaces 54 and 56 may be positioned in a plane 58 (e.g., as shown in end view in FIG.
4) that is perpendicular to a plane 60 of a base 62 of chassis 24. In the exemplary embodiment sensor 19 is a flexible circuit including a plurality of traces that are in electrical contact with detection surfaces 54 and 56 such that an electrical conductivity between surfaces 54 and 56 may be signaled to controller 20.
Sensor 19 is configured to measure or otherwise detect changes in one or more electrical parameters using detection surfaces 54 and 56. The electrical parameters will change in some manner when leaked inlc contacts detection surfaces 54 and/or 56. The measured/detected electrical paraineters may include resistance, impedance, capacitance, etc.
Background Printing mechanisms may include a printhead for printing an image on a media.
One or more inks are usually supplied to the printhead from one or more ink reservoirs.
Unfortunately, if inlc leaks from an ink reservoir it may harm components within the printing mechanism. Certain printing inecllanisms tllerefore include a sensor that is positioned within the printing mechanism to detect an ink leak and in response alert the user in some manner.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a printing mechanism that includes an exemplary lealc detection structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of an exernplaiy embodiment of an ink supply including an exeinplary lealc detection structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the exemplaiy leak detection structure shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the exemplary lealc detection structure shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another exemplaiy leak detection structure in accordance witll another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of another exemplary lealc detection structure in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a printing mechanism 10 for printing an image on one embodiment of a media 12. Printing mechanism 10 may be a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a camera or the like, any combination thereof, or any device suitable for imaging. Media 12 may include paper, fabric, mylar, transparency foils, cardboard, or any other medium suitable for imaging thereon.
Printing mechanism 10 includes a print cartridge 14 for printing an image on media 12.
Print cartridge 14 is operatively connected to an ink supply 16, such as, for example, by a connection tube 18 or the like. In this manner, iiilc contained within inlc supply 16 can then be delivered to print cartridge 14. A sensor 19 is positioned within printing mechanism 10 so as to detect a leakage of ink from inlc supply 16. Sensor 19 may be operatively connected to a controller 20 wherein controller 20 may activate a notification device 22, such as a visual or an audible alert device, which may alert a user that an inlc lealc has occurred. Controller 20 may also function to shut down operation of printing mechanism 10 if a lealc is detected.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of ink supply 16.
In this example, ink supply 16 includes a chassis 24 that is connected to a first ink container 26, such as a flexible ink container or a bag (shown in a small size for ease of illustration), and a second inlc container 28, such as a rigid container or a bottle. Bag 26 is secured on an upwardly extending projection 30 of chassis 24, which includes a support fin 30a, wherein an interior 32 of bag 26 and an interior 34 of projection 30 are in fluidic communication with connection tube 18 (see FIG. 1), and therefore, in connection witli print cartridge 14 (see FIG. 1). In this manner, inlc 36 contained within bag 26 is delivered to print cartridge 14. In the embodiinent shown, bag 26 is "heat staked," e.g., welded or heat sealed, to projection 30 and fin 30a along a heat sealing region 26a of bag 26.
As further illustrated in the example in Fig. 2, ink supply 16 includes an ink reservoir 38 that is defined by an upwardly extending wall 40 that extends around a perimeter 42 of chassis 24. Ink reservoir 38 is structured to retain at least a portion of ink that leaks from bag 26. Here, leaking ink will likely flow downwardly into ink reservoir 38 by the force of gravity. The leaking ink may also flow downwardly as a result of air pressure or the like. Wa1140 includes a securement structure, such as an outwardly extending ridge 44, that is utilized to retain bottle 28 thereon. In the exemplaiy embodiment shown, bottle 28 is secured to chassis 24, with an intervening o-ring 45, by a clamp ring 47 positioned therearound.
Bag 26 is secured on chassis 24 and inside bottle 28. Bottle 28 with bag 26 therein, therefore, functions as a double wall ink supply container which may function to reduce ink leakage to the outside of bottle 28. Accordingly, such a double wall ink supply container may limit ink damage to components of printing mechanism 10 that may be positioned outside of bottle 28. Damage to components of printing mechanism 10 (see FIG. 1) may also be reduced by positioning a sensor witliin bottle 28 so as to detect an ink leaked from bag 26, before the ink leaks from bottle 28.
Ink supply 16 further includes sensor 19 which, in this example, is secured on chassis 24 outside of bag 26 and inside of bottle 28. Sensor 19 is configured to detect the presence of ink. As such, sensor 19 and/or operative components of sensor 19 are positioned within ink reservoir 38 such that if inlc lealcs from bag 26 and flows downwardly into ink reservoir 38 it is detected. When sensor 19 detects the presence of leaked ink it notifies or otherwise signals controller 20 or other like circuitry (see FIG.
1). In Fig. 2, sensor 19 includes as operative components first and second contact pads 50 and 52, respectively, that are positioned nearby or adjacent one another.
In this embodiment, pads 50 and 52 each define a detection surface 54 and 56, respectively. In the embodiment shown, detection surfaces 54 and 56 are gold contact pads.
Detection surfaces 54 and 56 may be positioned in a plane 58 (e.g., as shown in end view in FIG.
4) that is perpendicular to a plane 60 of a base 62 of chassis 24. In the exemplary embodiment sensor 19 is a flexible circuit including a plurality of traces that are in electrical contact with detection surfaces 54 and 56 such that an electrical conductivity between surfaces 54 and 56 may be signaled to controller 20.
Sensor 19 is configured to measure or otherwise detect changes in one or more electrical parameters using detection surfaces 54 and 56. The electrical parameters will change in some manner when leaked inlc contacts detection surfaces 54 and/or 56. The measured/detected electrical paraineters may include resistance, impedance, capacitance, etc.
For example, in a nominal, non-leak state, detection surfaces 54 and 56 would be in contact with air. Accordingly, sensor 19 will detect an electrical parameter associated with the air. For example, sensor 19 may measure the resistance between detection surfaces 54 and 56 through the air. If the measured resistance is above a predetermined threshold level, such as a resistance level of about 8 mega ohms, then a "no leak"
condition may be repoi-ted to controller 20 (see FIG. 1). In a leak state, for example, both of detection surfaces 54 and 56 may be in contact with leaked ink which may provide a conductivity path between surfaces 54 and 56. The ink may have a lower electrical resistance value than air, which may be at or below a predetermined threshold level, such as at a resistance level of about 6 mega ohms or lower, such that a"lealc"
condition may be detected by controller 20. The predetermined threshold measurement level may be set at any value desired and in some embodiments, may be varied during use.
Still referring to FIG. 2, ink supply 16 may further include a leak detection structure 64 that may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with sensor 19.
Leak detection structure 64 is configured to function to move ink leaked into ink reservoir 38 upwardly onto, and to retain the ink on, detection surfaces 54 and 56 of sensor 19. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, leak detection structure 64 includes a first rib 66 positioned adjacent first detection surface 54 and a second rib 68 positioned adjacent second detection surface 56. Ribs 66 and 68 may be spaced from detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, a predetermined distance, as will be described in more detail below. Ribs 66 aild 68, therefore, may define a wicking and/or a capillary structure such that ink retained in ink reservoir 38 may be moved by wicking and/or capillary action upwardly between ribs 66 and 68 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, and into contact with detection surfaces 54 and 56.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are a detailed perspective view and a partial cross-sectional side view, respectively, of leak detection structure 64 shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, ribs 66 and 68 extend upwardly from a base 70 of leak detection structure 64, wherein base 70 is positioned against a lower region 72 of sensor 19. Each of ribs 66 and 68 may include a wiclcing surface 74 and 76, respectively, positioned adjacent to and spaced from each of detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively. In the embodiment shown, wiclcing surfaces 74 and 76 may be inclined with respect to plane 58 so as to define an angle 77 therebetween. Angle 77 may be any angle suited for a particular sensor or detection surface. In the exemplary embodiment shown, angle 77 is about 15 degrees. In other embodiments, angle 77 may be a low as zero degrees, i.e., parallel to the detection surfaces, about five degrees from the detection surfaces, and as high or higher than about thirty degrees. In another embodiment, one or both of wicking surface 74 and 76 are inclined with respect to plane 58 such that an upper region of the wicking surfaces may be closer to plane 58 than a lower region of wicking surface 74 and 76. In still another embodiment, plaile 58 of detection surfaces 54 and 56 are inclined with respect to a vertical plane.
Wicking surfaces 74 and 76 may be spaced from detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, a distance 78 in a lower region of surfaces 74 and 76, and may be spaced from detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, a distance 80 in an upper region of surfaces 74 and 76. Distances 78 and 80 may be any distance or spacing sufficient to facilitate movement of ink 36 (see FIG. 2) upwardly between wicking surfaces 74 and 76 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, by capillary or surface tension forces.
Accordingly, distances 78 and 80 may vary from one printing mechanism to another based on the surface tension properties of ink 36 (see FIG. 2) contained within ink supply 16 (see FIG. 1), and which may leak into ink reservoir 38 of chassis 24 (see FIG.
2). In the exemplary embodiment shown, wherein ink 36 (see FIG. 2) includes inkjet ink suited for printing on a sheet of paper, distances 78 and 80 may be in a range of zero to about 20 millimeters. In certain embodiments, distances 78 and 80 are less than about 5 millimeters.
Due to the wicking properties of leak detection structure 64, once ink rises to a level 82 within ink reservoir 38, the ink may be moved by capillary and/or wicking action upwardly in direction 84 between wicking surfaces 74 and 76 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, to a height 86, for example, such that a conductivity path is created between detection surfaces 54 and 56 through the ink, thereby allowing sensor 19 to detect the presence of leaked ink. In other embodiments, level 82 may be contiguous with a floor 92 of ink reservoir 38, or may be positioned at any level as desired.
The space between wicking surfaces 74 and 76 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, may be referred to as a wicking and/or capillary path 90. Here, path 90 has a width 94 that may be sufficient to allow ink 36 (see FIG. 2) to move upwardly along path 90 and siinultaneously onto detection surfaces 54 and 56 by capillary action and/or surface tension forces. Moreover, width 94 may be sufficient to retain ink 36 (see FIG.
2) within path 90 due to capillary and/or surface tension forces. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, width 94 of path 90 varies from distance 78 in a lower region of detection surfaces 54 and 56 to distance 80 in an upper region of detection surface 54 and 56. Due to leak detection structure 64 positioned adjacent to or in contact with detection surfaces 54 and 56, an ink leak is detected prior to inlc reservoir 38 filling completely to a level as high as detection surfaces 54 and 56, such as a level 88. The difference in a volume of ink at level 82 and a volume of ink at level 88 within ink reservoir 38 can be quite large, such that incorporation of ink detection structure 64 in printing mechanism 10 (see FIG. 1) may significantly reduce the ainount of ink present in ink reservoir 38 before a leak may be detected. Thus, incorporation of inlc detection structure 64 in printing mechanism 10 (see FIG. 1) tends to significantly reduce the ainount of time that may pass from an initial lealc before a lealc may be detected.
By way of example, in one test case, wherein ink detection structure 64 was not incorporated in printing mechanism 10, ink was detected by sensor 19 when 2.6 cubic centimeters (cc) of inlc was leaked from bag 26. After incorporation of leak detection structure 64 into printing mechanism 10 adjacent sensor 19, ink was detected by sensor 19 when 0.6 cc of ink was leaked from bag 26. Accordingly, leak detection structure 64 may allow detection of a lealc upon leakage of a significantly smaller amount of ink than devices that do not include ink detection structure 64. Detection of a lealc at an earlier time, i.e., after lealcage of a lesser amount of ink, may result in preventative measures being taken at an earlier time, thereby potentially reducing damage to printing mechanism 10.
FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiinent of a leak detection structure 64.
In this embodiment, leak detection structure 64 includes a solid wal196 and sensor 19 includes a pair of detection surfaces 98. In this embodiment, wall 96 may define a wicking surface 100 that may define a plane 102 (seen in side view) that may be parallel to a plane 104 (seen in side view) of pair of detection surfaces 98. Wall 96 may be spaced from sensor 19 and from pair of detection surfaces 98 by a spacing 106, wherein spacing 106 may extend downwardly to floor 92 of chassis 24 and ink reservoir 38.
condition may be repoi-ted to controller 20 (see FIG. 1). In a leak state, for example, both of detection surfaces 54 and 56 may be in contact with leaked ink which may provide a conductivity path between surfaces 54 and 56. The ink may have a lower electrical resistance value than air, which may be at or below a predetermined threshold level, such as at a resistance level of about 6 mega ohms or lower, such that a"lealc"
condition may be detected by controller 20. The predetermined threshold measurement level may be set at any value desired and in some embodiments, may be varied during use.
Still referring to FIG. 2, ink supply 16 may further include a leak detection structure 64 that may be positioned adjacent to or in contact with sensor 19.
Leak detection structure 64 is configured to function to move ink leaked into ink reservoir 38 upwardly onto, and to retain the ink on, detection surfaces 54 and 56 of sensor 19. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, leak detection structure 64 includes a first rib 66 positioned adjacent first detection surface 54 and a second rib 68 positioned adjacent second detection surface 56. Ribs 66 and 68 may be spaced from detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, a predetermined distance, as will be described in more detail below. Ribs 66 aild 68, therefore, may define a wicking and/or a capillary structure such that ink retained in ink reservoir 38 may be moved by wicking and/or capillary action upwardly between ribs 66 and 68 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, and into contact with detection surfaces 54 and 56.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are a detailed perspective view and a partial cross-sectional side view, respectively, of leak detection structure 64 shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, ribs 66 and 68 extend upwardly from a base 70 of leak detection structure 64, wherein base 70 is positioned against a lower region 72 of sensor 19. Each of ribs 66 and 68 may include a wiclcing surface 74 and 76, respectively, positioned adjacent to and spaced from each of detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively. In the embodiment shown, wiclcing surfaces 74 and 76 may be inclined with respect to plane 58 so as to define an angle 77 therebetween. Angle 77 may be any angle suited for a particular sensor or detection surface. In the exemplary embodiment shown, angle 77 is about 15 degrees. In other embodiments, angle 77 may be a low as zero degrees, i.e., parallel to the detection surfaces, about five degrees from the detection surfaces, and as high or higher than about thirty degrees. In another embodiment, one or both of wicking surface 74 and 76 are inclined with respect to plane 58 such that an upper region of the wicking surfaces may be closer to plane 58 than a lower region of wicking surface 74 and 76. In still another embodiment, plaile 58 of detection surfaces 54 and 56 are inclined with respect to a vertical plane.
Wicking surfaces 74 and 76 may be spaced from detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, a distance 78 in a lower region of surfaces 74 and 76, and may be spaced from detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, a distance 80 in an upper region of surfaces 74 and 76. Distances 78 and 80 may be any distance or spacing sufficient to facilitate movement of ink 36 (see FIG. 2) upwardly between wicking surfaces 74 and 76 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, by capillary or surface tension forces.
Accordingly, distances 78 and 80 may vary from one printing mechanism to another based on the surface tension properties of ink 36 (see FIG. 2) contained within ink supply 16 (see FIG. 1), and which may leak into ink reservoir 38 of chassis 24 (see FIG.
2). In the exemplary embodiment shown, wherein ink 36 (see FIG. 2) includes inkjet ink suited for printing on a sheet of paper, distances 78 and 80 may be in a range of zero to about 20 millimeters. In certain embodiments, distances 78 and 80 are less than about 5 millimeters.
Due to the wicking properties of leak detection structure 64, once ink rises to a level 82 within ink reservoir 38, the ink may be moved by capillary and/or wicking action upwardly in direction 84 between wicking surfaces 74 and 76 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, to a height 86, for example, such that a conductivity path is created between detection surfaces 54 and 56 through the ink, thereby allowing sensor 19 to detect the presence of leaked ink. In other embodiments, level 82 may be contiguous with a floor 92 of ink reservoir 38, or may be positioned at any level as desired.
The space between wicking surfaces 74 and 76 and detection surfaces 54 and 56, respectively, may be referred to as a wicking and/or capillary path 90. Here, path 90 has a width 94 that may be sufficient to allow ink 36 (see FIG. 2) to move upwardly along path 90 and siinultaneously onto detection surfaces 54 and 56 by capillary action and/or surface tension forces. Moreover, width 94 may be sufficient to retain ink 36 (see FIG.
2) within path 90 due to capillary and/or surface tension forces. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, width 94 of path 90 varies from distance 78 in a lower region of detection surfaces 54 and 56 to distance 80 in an upper region of detection surface 54 and 56. Due to leak detection structure 64 positioned adjacent to or in contact with detection surfaces 54 and 56, an ink leak is detected prior to inlc reservoir 38 filling completely to a level as high as detection surfaces 54 and 56, such as a level 88. The difference in a volume of ink at level 82 and a volume of ink at level 88 within ink reservoir 38 can be quite large, such that incorporation of ink detection structure 64 in printing mechanism 10 (see FIG. 1) may significantly reduce the ainount of ink present in ink reservoir 38 before a leak may be detected. Thus, incorporation of inlc detection structure 64 in printing mechanism 10 (see FIG. 1) tends to significantly reduce the ainount of time that may pass from an initial lealc before a lealc may be detected.
By way of example, in one test case, wherein ink detection structure 64 was not incorporated in printing mechanism 10, ink was detected by sensor 19 when 2.6 cubic centimeters (cc) of inlc was leaked from bag 26. After incorporation of leak detection structure 64 into printing mechanism 10 adjacent sensor 19, ink was detected by sensor 19 when 0.6 cc of ink was leaked from bag 26. Accordingly, leak detection structure 64 may allow detection of a lealc upon leakage of a significantly smaller amount of ink than devices that do not include ink detection structure 64. Detection of a lealc at an earlier time, i.e., after lealcage of a lesser amount of ink, may result in preventative measures being taken at an earlier time, thereby potentially reducing damage to printing mechanism 10.
FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiinent of a leak detection structure 64.
In this embodiment, leak detection structure 64 includes a solid wal196 and sensor 19 includes a pair of detection surfaces 98. In this embodiment, wall 96 may define a wicking surface 100 that may define a plane 102 (seen in side view) that may be parallel to a plane 104 (seen in side view) of pair of detection surfaces 98. Wall 96 may be spaced from sensor 19 and from pair of detection surfaces 98 by a spacing 106, wherein spacing 106 may extend downwardly to floor 92 of chassis 24 and ink reservoir 38.
Accordingly, an ink wicking pathway 108 extends upwardly directly from floor 92 of chassis 24. Ink leaked into ink reservoir 38 (see FIG. 2), therefore, may quickly come into contact with pathway 108 such that even a very small amouiit of leaked ink may generate a volume of ink sufficient to be wicked along pathway 108 to as to allow detection of the ink lealc by sensor 19 and controller 20 (see FIG. 1).
FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a leak detection structure 64.
In this embodiment, leak detection structure 64 includes a wicking material, such as an absorbent material 110 that extends upwardly from floor 92 of chassis 24 and is positioned adjacent to and in contact with pair of detection surfaces 98 of sensor 19. In this embodiment, a wicking and/or capillary pathway 112 of ink 36 (see FIG. 2) may extend through absorbent material 110 itself. Absorbent material 110 may, for example, include an open cell foam or any other type of material that may facilitate ink being drawn into and upwardly within the material so as to come into contact with detection surfaces 98 of sensor 19. Absorbent material 110 may include a foam, a woven fiber, a plastic fiber, or the like. In this embodiment, ink is draw upwardly and into contact wit11 pair of detection surfaces 98 so as to define a conductivity pathway therebetween that may be sensed by controller 20 (FIG. 1). In an absence of ink within absorbent material 110, sensor 20 detects a conductivity of air between pair of detection surfaces 98.
Similar to the inlc wicking pathway 90 of FIG. 4 and pathway 108 of FIG. 5, absorbent material 110 provides wicking pathway 112 through which ink moves by a wicking action. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiments shown, ink moves upwardly through an air space, such as pathway 90 (FIG. 4), 108 (FIG. 5) or 112 (FIG.
6) and into contact with a detection surface, wherein the pathway is defined by an upwardly extending structure positioned near or adjacent to the detection surfaces.
Other variations and modifications of the concepts described herein may be utilized and fall within the scope of the claims below.
FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a leak detection structure 64.
In this embodiment, leak detection structure 64 includes a wicking material, such as an absorbent material 110 that extends upwardly from floor 92 of chassis 24 and is positioned adjacent to and in contact with pair of detection surfaces 98 of sensor 19. In this embodiment, a wicking and/or capillary pathway 112 of ink 36 (see FIG. 2) may extend through absorbent material 110 itself. Absorbent material 110 may, for example, include an open cell foam or any other type of material that may facilitate ink being drawn into and upwardly within the material so as to come into contact with detection surfaces 98 of sensor 19. Absorbent material 110 may include a foam, a woven fiber, a plastic fiber, or the like. In this embodiment, ink is draw upwardly and into contact wit11 pair of detection surfaces 98 so as to define a conductivity pathway therebetween that may be sensed by controller 20 (FIG. 1). In an absence of ink within absorbent material 110, sensor 20 detects a conductivity of air between pair of detection surfaces 98.
Similar to the inlc wicking pathway 90 of FIG. 4 and pathway 108 of FIG. 5, absorbent material 110 provides wicking pathway 112 through which ink moves by a wicking action. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiments shown, ink moves upwardly through an air space, such as pathway 90 (FIG. 4), 108 (FIG. 5) or 112 (FIG.
6) and into contact with a detection surface, wherein the pathway is defined by an upwardly extending structure positioned near or adjacent to the detection surfaces.
Other variations and modifications of the concepts described herein may be utilized and fall within the scope of the claims below.
Claims (10)
1. A leak detection structure (64), comprising:
a sensor (19) including a leak detection surface (54); and a wicking structure (66) positioned adjacent said leak detection surface (54), said wicking structure (66) adapted for wicking a fluid into contact with said leak detection surface (54).
a sensor (19) including a leak detection surface (54); and a wicking structure (66) positioned adjacent said leak detection surface (54), said wicking structure (66) adapted for wicking a fluid into contact with said leak detection surface (54).
2. A leak detection structure (64) according to claim 1 wherein said wicking structure (66) includes a wicking surface (74) spaced from said leak detection surface (54) so as to define therebetween a wicking path (90) for said fluid.
3. A leak detection structure (64) according to claim 1 wherein said wicking structure (66) comprises an absorbent material (110) positioned in contact with said leak detection surface (54), said absorbent material (110) adapted for absorbing said fluid therein.
4. A leak detection structure (64) according to claim 2 wherein said wicking structure (66) comprises a rib (66) that includes said wicking surface (74), and wherein said wicking surface (74) defines a plane positioned with respect to a plane of said leak detection surface at an angle (77) in a range of zero to thirty degrees.
5. A leak detection structure (64) according to claim 2 wherein said wicking path (90) defines a width (94) sufficient to retain said fluid within said path due to surface tension forces.
6. A leak detection structure (64) according to claim 1 wherein said leak detection surface (54) comprises first and second contact pads (50, 52), and wherein said wicking structure (66) is adapted for wicking a fluid simultaneously onto said first and second contact pads (50, 52) so as to define an conductively path between said pads and through said fluid.
7. A leak detection structure (64) according to claim 6 further comprising a controller (20), and wherein said sensor (19) indicates to said controller that a leak is detected when a resistance of said conductivity path between said pads reaches a resistance of 8 mega ohms or less.
8. A leak detection structure (64) according to claim 3 wherein said absorbent material (110) is chosen from the group consisting of foam, woven fiber, plastic fiber.
9. A printing mechanism (10), comprising:
an ink sensor (19); and a capillary structure (64) positioned adjacent said ink sensor, said capillary structure defining a capillary ink path (90) onto said sensor.
an ink sensor (19); and a capillary structure (64) positioned adjacent said ink sensor, said capillary structure defining a capillary ink path (90) onto said sensor.
10. A printing mechanism (10) according to claim 9 wherein said sensor (19) includes an ink detection surface (54) and said capillary structure includes a capillary surface (74) spaced from said ink detection surface so as to define said capillary ink path (90) therebetween.
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US62291904P | 2004-10-27 | 2004-10-27 | |
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US10/976,573 | 2004-10-29 | ||
US10/976,573 US7454955B2 (en) | 2004-10-29 | 2004-10-29 | Leak detection structure |
PCT/US2005/033343 WO2006049711A1 (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2005-09-19 | Leak detection structure |
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CA2585307A1 true CA2585307A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 |
CA2585307C CA2585307C (en) | 2013-04-09 |
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CA2585307A Expired - Fee Related CA2585307C (en) | 2004-10-27 | 2005-09-19 | Leak detection structure |
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JP (1) | JP4542585B2 (en) |
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JP5332835B2 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2013-11-06 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Ink cartridge and recording apparatus |
JP6127654B2 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2017-05-17 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Liquid cartridge |
JP6641684B2 (en) * | 2014-11-10 | 2020-02-05 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Liquid ejection device |
US9676183B1 (en) | 2016-07-12 | 2017-06-13 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Drop detection with ribs to align emitters and detectors |
CN110167758B (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2021-07-20 | 锡克拜控股有限公司 | Inkjet printhead apparatus and method and system for detecting ink leakage |
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JPH01260339A (en) * | 1988-04-12 | 1989-10-17 | Tsuuden:Kk | Leaked liquid sensor |
JP3167598B2 (en) * | 1995-10-13 | 2001-05-21 | キヤノン株式会社 | Ink tank and inkjet recording device |
US6164743A (en) * | 1996-04-17 | 2000-12-26 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Ink container with an inductive ink level sense |
US5918267A (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 1999-06-29 | Raychem Corporation | Leak detection |
JP2000314670A (en) * | 1999-04-30 | 2000-11-14 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Method for detecting water leakage in cooling piping |
US6402277B1 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2002-06-11 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Ink leak detection system in inkjet printing devices |
JP3684336B2 (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2005-08-17 | サンクス株式会社 | Leak sensor |
JP3849762B2 (en) * | 2001-09-04 | 2006-11-22 | 株式会社山武 | Optical unit for liquid detection |
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DE112005002445T5 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
GB2434338B (en) | 2008-08-13 |
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BRPI0516672A (en) | 2008-09-16 |
GB2434338A (en) | 2007-07-25 |
AU2005301276A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 |
PL382399A1 (en) | 2007-09-03 |
MX2007005021A (en) | 2007-07-09 |
ATE432826T1 (en) | 2009-06-15 |
GB0708130D0 (en) | 2007-06-06 |
PL1812239T3 (en) | 2009-11-30 |
EP1812239B1 (en) | 2009-06-03 |
AU2005301276B2 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
CA2585307C (en) | 2013-04-09 |
BRPI0516672B1 (en) | 2018-02-14 |
JP2008517809A (en) | 2008-05-29 |
EP1812239A1 (en) | 2007-08-01 |
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