BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to ink containers for providing ink to inkjet printers.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an ink container that is configured
for insertion into a receiving station within an inkj et printing system to establish
reliable electrical connection therewith.
[0002] Inkjet printers frequently make use of an inkjet printhead mounted within a carriage
that is moved relative to a print media, such as paper. As the printhead is moved
relative to the print media, a control system activates the printhead to deposit or
eject ink droplets onto the print media to form images and text. Ink is provided to
the printhead by a supply of ink that is either integral with the printhead, as in
the case of a disposable print cartridge, or by a supply of ink that is replaceable
separate from the printhead.
[0003] One type of previously used printing system makes use of the ink supply that is carried
with the carriage. This ink supply has been formed integral with the printhead, whereupon
the entire printhead and ink supply are replaced when ink is exhausted. Alternatively,
the ink supply can be carried with the carriage and be separately replaceable from
the printhead. For the case where the ink supply is separately replaceable, the ink
supply is replaced when exhausted. The printhead is then replaced at the end of printhead
life. Regardless of where the ink supply is located within the printing system, it
is critical that the ink supply provide a reliable supply of ink to the inkjet printhead.
[0004] One type of ink supply is disclosed in European Patent Application 0 551 752 A2 which
is directed to controlling recording head information in an inkjet recording apparatus.
The recording apparatus includes a recording head attached to a head base plate. An
ink tank comprising a tank case having an ink supply hole is attachable to the head
base plate. An engagement feature is disposed on the tank case and is configured for
engagement with a corresponding engagement feature of the head base plate, Electrical
transmission paths allow information to be transferred from the ink tank to the recording
head. Another type of ink supply is disclosed in European Patent Application 0 590
669 A1 which is directed to an apparatus for mounting an inkjet cartridge to a printing
system. The cartridge includes a front wall having an electrical connector including
electrical terminals. The electrical terminals of the cartridge front wall are adapted
to engage electrical terminals of an electrical connector of a cartridge support means.
The cartridge support means includes shoe portions adapated to receive foot protions
on a base wall of the cartridge to align the electrical terminals of the cartridge
with the electrical terminals of the support means.
[0005] There is an ever present need for inkjet printing systems that make use of replaceable
ink containers that are easy to install and remove. The installation of the ink container
should produce reliable functional connection to the printer. These ink containers
should be relatively easy to manufacture, thereby tending to reduce the ink supply
cost. Reduction of the ink supply cost tends to reduce the per page printing cost
of the printing system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a replaceable ink container for providing
ink to an inkjet printing system. The replaceable ink container comprises an ink container
housing having a leading end surface, defined relative to a direction of insertion
of the ink container housing into the printing system, and a side surface having at
least one fluid outlet. The ink container housing includes an engagement feature disposed
on the leading end surface. The engagement feature defines a pivot axis about which
the ink container housing pivots during insertion into the inkjet printing system.
Also included with the replaceable ink container is a plurality of electrical contacts
disposed on the leading end surface of the ink container housing at least partially
between the pivot axis and the side surface so that pivoting the ink container housing
about the pivot axis during insertion causes the plurality of electrical contacts
on the ink container housing to move toward corresponding electrical contacts associated
with the printing system to establish electrical interconnection therebetween.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method as set forth in the accompanying
claim 7.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007]
Fig. 1 is one exemplary embodiment of an ink jet printing system of the present invention
shown with a cover opened to show a plurality of replaceable ink containers of the
present invention.
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the inkjet printing system shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of a portion of a scanning carriage
showing the replaceable ink containers of the present invention positioned in a receiving
station that provides fluid communication between the replaceable ink containers and
one or more printheads.
Fig. 4 is a side plan view of a portion of the scanning carriage showing guiding and
latching features associated with each of the replaceable ink container and the receiving
station for securing the replaceable ink container, thereby allowing fluid communication
with the printhead.
Fig. 5 is a receiving station shown in isolation for receiving one or more replaceable
ink containers of the present invention.
Figs. 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are isometric views of a three-color replaceable ink container
of the present invention shown in isolation.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a single color replaceable ink container of the present
invention.
Fig. 8 is a top plan view of an electrical storage device that is electrically connected
to a plurality of electrical contacts.
Fig. 9a, 9b, and 9c depict the method of the present invention for inserting the replaceable
ink container into the supply station.
Fig. 10 is a greatly enlarged plan view of a leading edge of the replaceable ink container
shown in Fig. 6a shown with a pivot axis shown in dashed lines.
Fig. 11a and 11b are greatly enlarged representations showing the pivoting of the
replaceable ink container about the pivot axis during insertion of the replaceable
ink container into the supply station.
Fig. 12 is a top plan representation of the ink container installed in the supply
station to establish electrical connection between the ink container and the supply
station.
Fig. 13a and 13b depict the passage of the replaceable ink container over an upstanding
fluid inlet on the receiving station viewed from a side view and an end view, respectively.
Figs. 14a, 14b and 14c depict a method for removing the replaceable ink container
from the receiving station.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a printing system 10
shown with its cover open, that includes at least one replaceable ink container 12
that is installed in a receiving station 14. With the replaceable ink container 12
properly installed into the receiving portion 14, ink is provided from the replaceable
ink container 12 to at least one inkjet printhead 16. The inkjet printhead 16 is responsive
to activation signals from a printer portion 18 to deposit ink on print media. As
ink is ejected from the printhead 16, the printhead 16 is replenished with ink from
the ink container 12. In one disclosed embodiment the replaceable ink container 12,
receiving station 14, and inkjet printhead 16 are each part of a scanning carriage
that is moved relative to a print media 22 to accomplish printing. The printer portion
18 includes a media tray 24 for receiving the print media 22. As the print media 22
is stepped through a print zone, the scanning carriage 20 moves the printhead 16 relative
to the print media 22. The printer portion 18 selectively activates the printhead
16 to deposit ink on print media 22 to thereby accomplish printing.
[0009] The scanning carriage 20 is moved through the print zone on a scanning mechanism
which includes a slide rod 26 on which the scanning carriage 20 slides as the scanning
carriage 20 moves through a scan axis. A positioning means (not shown) is used for
precisely positioning the scanning carriage 20. In addition, a paper advance mechanism
(not shown) is used to step the print media 22 through the print zone as the scanning
carriage 20 is moved along the scan axis. Electrical signals are provided to the scanning
carriage 20 for selectively activating the printhead 16 by means of an electrical
link such as a ribbon cable 28.
[0010] An important aspect of the present invention is the method and apparatus for inserting
the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14 such that the ink container 12
forms proper fluidic and electrical interconnect with the printer portion 18. It is
essential that both proper fluidic and electrical connection be established between
the ink container 12 and the printer portion 18. The fluidic interconnection allows
a supply of ink within the replaceable ink container 12 to be fluidically coupled
to the printhead 16 for providing a source of ink to the printhead 16. The electrical
interconnection allows information to be passed between the replaceable ink container
12 and the printer portion 18. Information passed between the replaceable ink container
12 and the printer portion 18 can include information related to the compatibility
of replaceable ink container 12 with printer portion 18 and operation status information
such as the ink level information, to name some examples.
[0011] The method and apparatus of the present invention, as will be discussed with respect
to Figs. 2 through 14 depict those features which allow the replaceable ink container
12 to be inserted into the receiving station 14 in such a manner that reliable electrical
and fluidic connection is established between the replaceable ink container 12 and
the receiving station 14. In addition, the method and apparatus of the present invention
allows for the insertion and removal of the replaceable printing component 12 from
the printer portion 18 in a reliable fashion while allowing the overall height of
the printer portion 18, represented by dimension designated as "h" in Fig. 1 to be
a relatively small dimension, thereby providing a relatively low profile printing
system 10. It is important that the printing system 10 have a low profile to provide
a more compact printing system as well as to allow the printer portion to be used
in a variety of printing applications.
[0012] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic representation of the inkjet printing system 10
of the present invention shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is simplified to illustrate a single
printhead 16 connected to a single ink container 12.
[0013] The inkjet printing system 10 of the present invention includes the printer portion
18 and the ink container 12, which is configured to be received by the printer portion
18. The printer portion 18 includes the inkjet printhead 16 and a controller 29. With
the ink container 12 properly inserted into the printer portion 18, an electrical
and fluidic coupling is established between the ink container 12 and the printer portion
18. The fluidic coupling allows ink stored within the ink container 12 to be provided
to the printhead 16. The electrical coupling allows information to be passed between
an electrical storage device 80 disposed on the ink container 12 and the printer portion
18. The exchange of information between the ink container 12 and the printer portion
18 is to ensure the operation of the printer portion 18 is compatible with the ink
contained within the replaceable ink container 12 thereby achieving high print quality
and reliable operation of the printing system 10.
[0014] The controller 29, among other things, controls the transfer of information between
the printer portion 18 and the replaceable ink container 12. In addition, the controller
29 controls the transfer of information between the printhead 16 and the controller
29 for activating the printhead to selectively deposit ink on print media. In addition,
the controller 29 controls the relative movement of the printhead 16 and print media.
The controller 29 performs additional functions such as controlling the transfer of
information between the printing system 10 and a host device such as a host computer
(not shown).
[0015] In order to ensure the printing system 10 provides high quality images on print media,
it is necessary that the operation of the controller 29 account for the particular
replaceable ink container 12 installed within the printer portion 18. The controller
29 utilizes the parameters that are provided by the electrical storage device 80 to
account for the particular replaceable ink container 12 installed in the printer portion
18 to ensure reliable operation and high quality print images.
[0016] Among the parameters, for example, that can be stored in the electrical storage device
80 associated with the replaceable ink container 12 can include the following: a date
code associated with the replaceable ink container 12, a date code of initial insertion
of the ink container 12, system coefficients, ink type and ink color, ink container
size, printer model number or identification number and cartridge usage information,
just to name a few.
[0017] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the scanning carriage 20 showing a pair
of replaceable ink containers 12 properly installed in the receiving station 14. An
inkjet printhead 16 is in fluid communication with the receiving station 14. In the
preferred embodiment, the inkjet printing system 10 shown in Fig. 1 includes a tri-color
ink container containing three separate ink colors and a second ink container containing
a single ink color. In this preferred embodiment, the tri-color ink container contains
cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, and the single color ink container contains black
ink for accomplishing four-color printing. The replaceable ink containers 12 can be
partitioned differently to contain fewer than three ink colors or more than three
ink colors if more are required. For example, in the case of high fidelity printing,
frequently six or more colors are used to accomplish printing.
[0018] The scanning carriage portion 20 shown in Fig. 3 is shown fluidically coupled to
a single printhead 16 for simplicity. In the preferred embodiment, four inkjet printheads
16 are each fluidically coupled to the receiving station 14. In this preferred embodiment,
each of the four printheads are fluidically coupled to each of the four colored inks
contained in the replaceable ink containers. Thus, the cyan, magenta, yellow and black
printheads 16 are each coupled to their corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow and black
ink supplies, respectively. Other configurations which make use of fewer printheads
than four are also possible. For example, the printhead 16 can be configured to print
more than one ink color by properly partitioning the printhead 16 to allow a first
ink color to be provided to a first group of ink nozzles and a second ink color to
be provided to a second group of ink nozzles, with the second group of ink nozzles
different from the first group. In this manner, a single printhead 16 can be used
to print more than one ink color allowing fewer than four printheads 16 to accomplish
four-color printing. The fluidic path between each of the replaceable ink containers
12 and the printhead 16 will be discussed in more detail with respect to Fig. 4.
[0019] Each of the replaceable ink containers 12 include a latch 30 for securing the replaceable
ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. The receiving station 14 in the preferred
embodiment includes a set of keys 32 that interact with corresponding keying features
(not shown) on the replaceable ink container 12. The keying features on the replaceable
ink container 12 interact with the keys 32 on the receiving station 14 to ensure that
the replaceable ink container 12 is compatible with the receiving station 14.
[0020] Fig. 4 is a side plan view of the scanning carriage portion 20 shown in Fig. 2. The
scanning carriage portion 20 includes the ink container 12 shown properly installed
into the receiving station 14, thereby establishing fluid communication between the
replaceable ink container 12 and the printhead 16.
[0021] The replaceable ink container 12 includes a reservoir portion 34 for containing one
or more quantities of ink. In the preferred embodiment, the tri-color replaceable
ink container 12 has three separate ink containment reservoirs, each containing ink
of a different color. In this preferred embodiment, the monochrome replaceable ink
container 12 is a single ink reservoir 34 for containing ink of a single color.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir 34 has a capillary storage member (not
shown) disposed therein. The capillary storage member is a porous member having sufficient
capillarity to retain ink to prevent ink leakage from the reservoir 34 during insertion
and removal of the ink container 12 from the printing system 10. This capillary force
must be sufficiently great to prevent ink leakage from the ink reservoir 34 over a
wide variety of environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure changes.
In addition, the capillarity of the capillary member is sufficient to retain ink within
the ink reservoir 34 for all orientations of the ink reservoir as well as a reasonable
amount of shock and vibration the ink container may experience during normal handling.
The preferred capillary storage member is a network of heat bonded polymer fibers
described in US Patent Application entitled "Ink Reservoir for an Inkjet Printer"
attorney docket 10991407 filed on October 29, 1999, serial number 09/43 0,400, (now
granted as US 6 460 985) assigned to the assignee of the present invention.
[0023] Once the ink container 12 is properly installed into the receiving station 14, the
ink container 12 is fluidically coupled to the printhead 16 by way of fluid interconnect
36. Upon activation of the printhead 16, ink is ejected from the ejection portion
38 producing a negative gauge pressure, sometimes referred to as backpressure, within
the printhead 16. This negative gauge pressure within the printhead 16 is sufficient
to overcome the capillary force resulting from the capillary member disposed within
the ink reservoir 34. Ink is drawn by this backpressure from the replaceable ink container
12 to the printhead 16. In this manner, the printhead 16 is replenished with ink provided
by the replaceable ink container 12.
[0024] The fluid interconnect 36 is preferably an upstanding ink pipe that extends upwardly
into the ink container 12 and downwardly to the inkjet printhead 16. The fluid interconnect
36 is shown greatly simplified in Fig. 4. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnect
36 is a manifold that allows for offset in the positioning of the printheads 16 along
the scan axis, thereby allowing the printhead 16 to be placed offset from the corresponding
replaceable ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnect
36 extends into the reservoir 34 to compress the capillary member, thereby forming
a region of increased capillarity adjacent the fluid interconnect 36. This region
of increased capillarity tends to draw ink toward the fluid interconnect 36, thereby
allowing ink to flow through the fluid interconnect 36 to the printhead 16. As will
be discussed, it is crucial that the ink container 12 be properly positioned within
the receiving station 14 such that proper compression of the capillary member is accomplished
when the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving station. Proper compression
of the capillary member is necessary to establish a reliable flow of ink from the
ink container 12 to the printhead 16.
[0025] The replaceable ink container 12 further includes a guide feature 40, an engagement
feature 42, a handle 44 and a latch feature 30 that allow the ink container 12 to
be inserted into the receiving station 14 to achieve reliable fluid interconnection
with the printhead 16 as well as form reliable electrical interconnection between
the replaceable ink container 12 and the scanning carriage 20 as will be discussed
with respect to Figs. 9a through 9c and 10a through 10b.
[0026] The receiving station 14 includes a guide rail 46, an engagement feature 48 and a
latch engagement feature 50. The guide rail 46 cooperates with the guide rail engagement
feature 40 and the replaceable ink container 12 to guide the ink container 12 into
the receiving station 14. Once the replaceable ink container 12 is fully inserted
into the receiving station 14, the engagement feature 42 associated with the replaceable
ink container engages the engagement feature 48 associated with the receiving station
14, securing a front end or a leading end of the replaceable ink container 12 to the
receiving station 14. The ink container 12 is then pressed downward to compress a
spring biasing member 52 associated with the receiving station 14 until a latch engagement
feature 50 associated with the receiving station 14 engages a hook feature 54 associated
with the latch member 30 to secure a back end or trailing end of the ink container
12 to the receiving station 14. It is the cooperation of the features on the ink container
12 with the features associated with the receiving station 14 that allow proper insertion
and functional interfacing between the replaceable ink container 12 and the receiving
station 14. The receiving station 14 will now be discussed in more detail with respect
to Fig. 5.
[0027] Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the ink receiving station 14 shown in isolation.
The receiving station 14 shown in Fig. 5 includes a monochrome bay 56 for receiving
an ink container 12 containing a single ink color and a tri-color bay 58 for receiving
an ink container having three separate ink colors contained therein. In this preferred
embodiment, the monochrome bay 56 receives a replaceable ink container 12 containing
black ink, and the tri-color bay receives a replaceable ink container containing cyan,
magenta, and yellow inks, each partitioned into a separate reservoir within the ink
container 12. The receiving station 14 as well as the replaceable ink container 12
can have other arrangements of bays 56 and 58 for receiving ink containers containing
different numbers of distinct inks contained therein. In addition, the number of receiving
bays 56 and 58 for the receiving station 14 can be fewer or greater than two. For
example, a receiving station 14 can have four separate bays for receiving four separate
monochrome ink containers 12 with each ink container containing a separate ink color
to accomplish four-color printing.
[0028] Each bay 56 and 58 of the receiving station 14 includes an aperture 60 for receiving
each of the upright fluid interconnects 36 that extends therethrough. The fluid interconnect
36 is a fluid inlet for ink to exit a corresponding fluid outlet associated with the
ink container 12. An electrical interconnect 62 is also included in each receiving
bay 56 and 58. The electrical interconnect 62 includes a plurality of electrical contacts
64. In the preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts 64 are an arrangement of
four spring-loaded electrical contacts with proper installation of the replaceable
ink container 12 into the corresponding bay of the receiving station 14. Proper engagement
with each of the electrical connectors 62 and fluid interconnects 36 must be established
in a reliable manner.
[0029] The guide rails 46 disposed on either side of the fluid interconnects within each
bay 56 and 58 engage the corresponding guide feature 40 on either side of the ink
container 12 to guide the ink container into the receiving station. When the ink container
12 is fully inserted into the receiving station 14, the engagement features 48 disposed
on a back wall 66 of the receiving station 14 engage the corresponding engagement
features 42 shown in Fig. 3 on the ink container 12. The engagement features 48 are
disposed on either side of the electrical interconnect 62. A biasing means 52 such
as a leaf spring is disposed within the receiving station 14. The leaf spring 52 provides
a biasing force that tends to urge the ink container 12 upward from a bottom surface
68 of the receiving station 14. The leaf spring aids in the latching of the ink container
12 to the receiving station 14 as well as aiding the removal of the ink container
12 from the receiving station as will be discussed with respect to Figs. 10 and 11.
[0030] Figs. 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d show front plan, side plan, back plan, and bottom plan views,
respectively, of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present invention. As shown
in Fig. 6a, the replaceable ink container 12 includes a pair of outwardly projecting
guide rail engagement features 40. In the preferred embodiment, each of these guide
rail engagement features 40 extend outwardly in a direction orthogonal to upright
side 70 of the replaceable ink container 12. The engagement features 42 extend outwardly
from a front surface or leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. The engagement features
42 are disposed on either side of an electrical interface 74 and are disposed toward
a bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The electrical interface
74 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78, with each of the electrical contacts
78 electrically connected to an electrical storage device 80.
[0031] Opposite the leading end 72 is a trailing end 82 shown in Fig. 6c. The trailing end
82 of the replaceable ink container 12 includes the latch feature 30 having an engagement
hook 54. The latch feature 30 is formed of a resilient material which allows the latch
feature to extend outwardly from the trailing end thereby extending the engagement
feature outwardly toward the corresponding engagement feature associated with the
receiving station 14. As the latch member 30 is compressed inwardly toward the trailing
end 82, the latch member exerts a biasing force outwardly in order to ensure the engagement
feature 54 remains in engagement with the corresponding engagement feature 50 associated
with the receiving station 14 to secure the ink container 12 into the receiving station
14.
[0032] The replaceable ink container 12 also includes keys 84 disposed on the trailing end
of the replaceable ink container 12. The keys are preferably disposed on either side
of the latch 30 toward the bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12.
The keys 84, together with keying features 32 on the receiving station 14, interact
to ensure the ink container 12 is inserted in the correct bay 56 and 58 in the receiving
station 14. In addition, the keys 84 and the keying features 32 ensure that the replaceable
ink container 12 contains ink that is compatible both in color and in chemistry or
compatibility with the corresponding receiving bay 56 and 58 within the receiving
station 14.
[0033] The handle portion 44 disposed on a top surface 86 at the trailing edge 82 of the
replaceable ink container 12. The handle portion 44 allows the ink container 12 to
be grasped at the trailing edge 82 while inserted into the appropriate bay of the
receiving station 14. Positioning the handle portion above apertures 88 tends to reduce
the opportunity for the customer to get ink on their hands while inserting the ink
container 12 into the receiving station 14. In addition, the handle portion 44 is
disposed on the reservoir 34 opposite the electrical contacts 78 to reduce or eliminate
handling of the electrical contacts 78 during insertion of the ink container 12 into
the receiving station 14. This handling by a human hand can contaminate the electrical
contacts. Contamination of the electrical contact with salts and oils frequently found
in human skin can result in an unreliable or high resistance electrical connection
between the ink container 12 and the printer portion 18.
[0034] The ink container 12 includes apertures 88 disposed on the bottom surface 76 of the
replaceable ink container 12. The apertures 88 allow the fluid interconnect 36 to
extend through the reservoir 34 to engage the capillary member disposed therein. In
the case of the tri-color replaceable ink container 12, there are three fluid outlets
88, with each fluid outlet corresponding to a different ink color. In the case of
the tri-color chamber, each of three fluid interconnects 36 extend into each of the
fluid outlets 88 to provide fluid communication between each ink chamber and the corresponding
print head for that ink color.
[0035] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a monochrome ink container positioned for insertion
into the monochrome bay 56 in the receiving station 14 shown in Fig. 5. The monochrome
ink container shown in Fig. 7 is similar to the tri-color ink container shown in Figs.
6a through 6d except that only a single fluid outlet 88 is provided in the bottom
surface 76. The monochrome replaceable ink container 12 contains a single ink color
and therefore receives only a single corresponding fluid interconnect 36 for providing
ink from the ink container 12 to the corresponding printhead.
[0036] Fig. 8 is a greatly enlarged view of the electrical storage device 80 and electrical
contacts 78. In one preferred embodiment, the electrical storage device 80 and the
electrical contacts are mounted on a substrate 85. Each of the electrical contacts
78 is electrically connected to the electrical storage device 80. Each of the electrical
contacts 78 is electrically isolated from each other by the substrate 85. In one preferred
embodiment, the electrical storage device 80 is a semiconductor memory that is mounted
to the substrate 85. In the preferred embodiment, the substrate 85 is adhesively bonded
to the ink container 12.
[0037] In one preferred embodiment, there are four electrical contacts 78 representing contacts
for power and ground connections as well as clock and data connections. Insertion
of the replaceable ink container 12 into the printing portion 18 establishes electrical
connection between the electrical contacts 64 on the receiving station 14 and the
electrical contacts 78 on the replaceable ink container 12. With power and ground
applied to the electrical storage device 80, data is transferred between the printing
portion 18 and the replaceable ink container 12 at a rate established by the clock
signal. It is critical that electrical connection between the printer portion 18 and
the replaceable ink container 12 formed by electrical contacts 64 and 78, respectively,
be low resistance connections to ensure reliable data transfer. If the electrical
contacts 64 and 78 fail to provide a low resistance connection, then data may not
be properly transferred, or the data may be corrupted or inaccurate. Therefore, it
is critical that reliable, low resistance connection is made between the ink container
12 and the printing portion 18 to ensure proper operation of the printing system 10.
One aspect of the present invention to establish reliable electrical connection between
the ink container 12 and the printing portion 18 is discussed in more detail in Figs
10, 11a and 11b.
[0038] Fig. 9a, 9b, and 9c is a sequence of figures to illustrate the technique of the present
invention for inserting the replaceable ink container 12 into the receiving station
14 to form reliable electrical and fluidic connections with the receiving station
14.
[0039] Fig. 9a shows the ink container 12 partially inserted into the receiving station
14. In the preferred embodiment, the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving
station 14 by grasping the handle portion 44 and inserting the ink container into
the receiving station 14 with the leading edge or leading face 72 first. As the leading
edge 72 enters the receiving station 14 the outwardly extending guide members 40 on
the ink container engage each of the pair of guide rails 46. The guide rails 46 guide
the ink container 12 in a horizontal or linear motion toward the back wall 66 of the
receiving station 14. The guide rails 46 then guide the replaceable ink container
in both a horizontal direction toward the back wall 66 and a vertical direction toward
the bottom surface of the receiving station 14 such that the engagement feature 42
on the ink container 12 is received by a corresponding engagement feature 48 on the
back wall 66 of the receiving station 14 as shown in Fig. 9b. The insertion of the
ink container 12 requires only an insertion force to urge the ink container linearly
along the guide rail 46. The gravitational force acting on the ink container 12 tends
to cause the ink container to follow the guide rails 46 as the guide rails extend
in a downward direction to allow engagement of engagement features 42 and 48. The
guide rail engagement features 40 are preferably gently rounded surfaces to slide
freely along the guide rails 46.
[0040] Fig. 9b shows the ink container 12 inserted into the receiving station 14 such that
the engagement feature 42 is in engagement with the engagement feature 48 associated
with the receiving station 14. A downward force is applied to the ink container 12
as represented by arrows 90 to compress the leaf spring 52 and to urge the trailing
end 82 of the ink container 12 downwardly toward the bottom surface 68 of the receiving
station 14. The keys 84 must properly correspond to the keying feature 32 on the receiving
station 14. If the keys 84 on the ink container 12 do not correspond to the keying
features 32, the keying system will prevent further insertion of the ink container
12 into the receiving station 14. This keying system made up of keys 84 and the keying
features 32 prevent ink containers that are not compatible with the receiving station
14 from further insertion into the receiving station 14. Further insertion of the
ink container 12 into the receiving station 14 could result in contact of the fluid
interconnect 36 with the capillary member within the ink container 12, thereby contaminating
the fluid interconnect 36 with incompatible ink. Incompatible ink mixing in the fluid
interconnect 36 can result in precipitation which can damage the printhead 16. In
addition to inks of incompatible chemistries, the ink container can have an incompatible
color which can result in color mixing, thereby reducing the output print quality.
[0041] The keys 84 on the ink container 12 and the keying features 32 on the receiving station
14 allow for the complete insertion of the proper ink container 12 into the proper
receiving station 14. The downward force applied to the trailing end 82 of the ink
container 12 causes the ink container 12 to pivot about a pivot axis compressing the
leaf spring 52, thereby moving the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12 toward
the bottom surface 68 of the receiving station 14. As the ink container 12 is urged
downward into the receiving station 14, the resilient latch 30 is compressed slightly
inward toward the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12. Once the ink container
12 is urged downward sufficiently far, the engagement feature 54 on the latch 30 engages
with a corresponding engagement feature 50 on the receiving station 14 to secure the
ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 as shown in Fig. 9c.
[0042] With the ink container 12 properly secured in the receiving station 14 as shown in
Fig. 9c the fluid interconnect 36 extends into the reservoir 34 to compress the capillary
member, thereby forming a region of increased capillarity adjacent the fluid interconnect
36. This region of increased capillarity tends to draw ink toward the fluid interconnect
36, thereby allowing ink to flow through the fluid interconnect 36 to the printhead
16. In the preferred embodiment, the ink container 12 when inserted into the receiving
station 14 is oriented in a gravitational frame of reference so that a gravitational
force acts on ink within the ink container 12 tending to draw ink toward the bottom
surface 76 of the ink container 12. Thus ink within the ink container 12 is drawn
to the bottom surface 76 where this ink is drawn toward the fluid interconnect 36
by capillary attraction thereby tending to reduce or minimize stranding of ink within
the ink container 12.
[0043] Fig. 10 shows a front plan view of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present
invention. The front plan view or leading edge 72 of the ink container 12 includes
the engagement features 42 disposed toward the bottom surface 76 of the leading edge
72 of the ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the engagement feature 42
is a pair of engagement features disposed on opposite sides of the leading edge 72
of the ink container 12. As discussed previously with respect to the insertion sequence
for the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14 shown in Figs. 9a, 9b, and
9c, once partially inserted the ink container 12 is pivoted about a pivot axis 92
to fully insert the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14.
[0044] The pivot axis 92 is shown in Fig. 10 and is disposed proximate the engagement features
42. The pivot axis is defined by the engagement features 42 on the ink container 12
which interact with corresponding engagement features 48 disposed on the back wall
66 of the supply station 14. Once the ink container 12 is partially inserted into
the receiving station 14 as shown in Fig. 9b, the downward force as represented by
arrows 90 to fully insert the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14, results
in the pivoting of the ink container 12 about the pivot axis 92. The engagement features
42 engage the corresponding engagement features 48 on the receiving station to trap
the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. This trapping of the leading edge 42
prevents upward motion of the leading edge 72 as the downward force 90 is applied
to the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12 producing a pivot motion about the
pivot axis 92.
[0045] If, for example, the engagement features 42 on the ink container 12 did not properly
engage the engagement features 48 on the receiving station 14, then as the downward
force 90 were applied at the trailing 82 of the ink container 12, the leading edge
72 of the ink container would rise upward due to the engagement of the fluid interconnect
36 extending into the apertures 88 and engaging the capillary member within the reservoir
34 and urging the leading edge 72 upwards as the trailing edge 82 is urged downward
by the downward force 90. Therefore, it is essential that the engagement features
42 properly engage the corresponding engagement features 48 on the receiving station
14 to properly pivot the ink container 12 about the pivot axis 92 during insertion
of the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14. It is both the engagement features
42 and their engagement with the corresponding engagement features on the receiving
station 14 that defines the pivot axis 92.
[0046] The ink container 12 as shown in Fig. 10 also includes a plurality of electrical
contacts 78, each of which is electrically connected to the electrical storage device
80 all of which are mounted on the substrate 85. The substrate 85 is in turn disposed
on the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. It is important that the electrical
contacts 78 be disposed at least partially between the pivot axis 92 and the bottom
surface 76 of the ink container 12. As will be discussed with respect to Figs. 11a
and 11b, it is the positioning of the electrical contacts 78 below the pivot axis
92 that allows the electrical contacts 78 to move forward during the pivoting of the
ink container 12 that allows proper electrical engagement between the ink container
12 and the receiving station 14.
[0047] Figs. 11a and 11b are simplified representations of the pivoting of the ink container
12 into the receiving station 14 as shown previously in Figs. 9b and 9c. Figs. I 1a
and 11b are greatly simplified to better illustrate the positioning of the electrical
contacts 78 on the ink container 12 and how this positioning during the pivoting of
the ink container 12 about the pivot axis 92 ensures proper engagement of the electrical
contacts 78 on the ink container 12 with the electrical contacts 64 on the receiving
station 14.
[0048] Fig. 11a and 11b are side plan views of the ink container 12 and receiving station
14 shown greatly enlarged and partially broken away. The pivot axis 92 is represented
by a circle having a cross centered thereon. The pivot axis 92 is a point on the ink
container about which the ink container 12 pivots during the insertion of the ink
container 12 into the receiving station 14. It should be noted that both the engagement
features 42 associated with the ink container 12 and the engagement feature 48 associated
with the receiving station 14 are not shown to better illustrate the electrical engagement
between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. Fig. 11a represents partial
insertion of the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14 as shown previously
in Fig. 9b. A downward force is then applied to the trailing end of the ink container
12 to pivot the ink container about the pivot axis 92. As the ink container 12 is
pivoted about the pivot axis 92, portions on the leading edge 72 above the pivot axis
move away from the back wall 66 of the receiving station 14. Conversely, portions
of the leading edge 72 below the pivot axis 92, or between the pivot axis 92 and the
bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12 move toward the back wall 66 of the receiving
station 14. It is the positioning of the electrical contacts 78 below the pivot axis
92 that allows the electrical contacts to be moved in an arc toward the electrical
contacts 64 on the electrical connector 62 to achieve electrical contacts between
the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14.
[0049] Fig. 11b shows the ink container 12 fully inserted into the receiving station 14.
It can be seen that as the ink container 12 pivots in an arc about the pivot axis
92, the electrical contacts 78 move in an arc toward the electrical contacts 64 associated
with the receiving station 14. As the electrical contacts 78 engage the corresponding
electrical contacts 64, operational or electrical connection is established between
the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. In the preferred embodiment, the
electrical contacts 64 associated with the receiving station 14 are spring-biased
and therefore compress or retract slightly as the electrical contacts 78 engage the
electrical contacts 64. The use of spring-biased electrical contacts 64 on the receiving
station 14 aids in achieving more reliable electrical contact and allows for greater
tolerance variation in both the ink container 12 and receiving station 14.
[0050] Fig. 12 is a simplified top plan view of the ink container 12 installed within the
receiving station 14. Fig. 12 is intended to illustrate how electrical interconnection
between the ink container 12 and receiving station 14 is achieved and is not drawn
to scale. In the preferred embodiment, the receiving station 14 includes the electrical
interconnect 62 having a plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts 64.
[0051] The ink container 12 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78 disposed thereon.
The ink container 12 is configured such that when inserted into the receiving station
14, each of the plurality of electrical contacts 78 engages each of the plurality
of spring-biased electrical contacts 64 on the receiving station 14. The electrical
contacts 64 are slightly compressed so that each of the electrical contacts are biased
against each of the electrical contacts 78 associated with the ink container such
that a reliable electrical interconnection is established between the ink container
12 and the receiving station 14. This electrical interconnection between the ink container
12 and the receiving station 14 allows information to be transferred between the electrical
storage device 80 disposed on the ink container 12 and the controller 29 disposed
in the printer portion 18 shown in Fig. 2.
[0052] Figs. 13a and 13b illustrate a position in the insertion process described with respect
to Figs. 9a, 9b and 9c wherein the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12 is positioned
over the fluid interconnect 36. Fig. 13 a depicts a side view with Fig. 13b showing
an end view. It can be seen from Figs. 13a and 13b that the guide feature 40 must
be positioned on the ink container 12 low enough toward the bottom surface 76 of the
ink container 12 such that the leading edge 72 of the ink container does not collide
with the fluid interconnect 36 during insertion. Another constraint on the positioning
of the guide member 40 is that the guide member 40 must be positioned sufficiently
close to the top surface 86 of the ink container 12 to insure that the engagement
feature 42 properly engages with the corresponding engagement feature 48 on the receiving
station 14.
[0053] In addition, the outwardly extending guide members 40 on the ink container must extend
outward sufficiently far to engage the guide rails 46. However, the outwardly extending
guide members 40 should not extend too far outward such that the guide members 40
engage the upright sides in the receiving station 14, producing interference which
produces friction and binding which resists insertion of the ink container 12 into
the receiving station 14.
[0054] Figs. 14a, 14b, and 14c illustrate the technique for removing the ink container 12
from the receiving station 14. The technique for removing the ink container 12 of
the present invention begins with the release of the engagement feature from the corresponding
engagement feature 50 on the receiving station 14 by urging the latch 30 toward the
trailing surface 82. Once the trailing edge of the ink container 12 is released, the
spring 52 urges the trailing edge of the ink container upward as shown in Fig. 14b.
The ink container 12 can be grasped by handle 44 to retrieve the ink container 12
in a direction opposite the insertion direction. As the ink container 12 is withdrawn
from the receiving station 14, the guide member 40 follows the guide rails 46 to lift
the ink container, thereby preventing interference between the fluid interconnect
36 and the fluid outlet on the bottom surface of the ink container 12.
[0055] The ink container 12 of the present invention is configured to engage and interact
with the receiving station 14 to guide the ink container 12 into the receiving station
and for a reliable fluid and electrical connection with the receiving station 14.
The technique of the present invention allows this insertion process to be relatively
simple and easy to prevent improper insertion of the ink container 12. The customer
grasps the ink container 12 by the handle portion 44 and slides the ink container
12 horizontally into the receiving station 14. The guide rails 46 and guide features
40 cooperate to properly guide the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14.
The ink container 12 is pressed downwardly to latch the ink container 12 and achieve
operational interconnection both electrically and fluidically between the ink container
12 and the receiving station 14.
1. Ein auswechselbarer Tintenbehälter (12) zum Liefern von Tinte zu einem Tintenstrahldrucksystem
(10), wobei der auswechselbare Tintenbehälter folgende Merkmale aufweist:
ein Tintenbehältergehäuse (34), das eine vordere Endoberfläche (72), die relativ zu
einer Einbringungsrichtung des Tintenbehältergehäuses in das Drucksystem definiert
ist, und eine Seitenoberfläche (76) aufweist, die zumindest einen Fluidauslaß (88)
aufweist, wobei das Tintenbehältergehäuse folgende Merkmale umfaßt:
ein Ineingriffnahmemerkmal (42), das auf der vorderen Endoberfläche angeordnet ist,
wobei das Ineingriffnahmemerkmal eine Schwenkachse (92) definiert, um die das Tintenbehältergehäuse
während einer Einbringung des Tintenbehältergehäuses in das Drucksystem schwenkt;
und
eine Mehrzahl von elektrischen Kontakten (78), die auf der vorderen Endoberfläche
(72) des Tintenbehältergehäuses zumindest teilweise zwischen der Schwenkachse und
der Seitenoberfläche angeordnet sind, so daß ein Schwenken des Tintenbehältergehäuses
um die Schwenkachse während einer Einbringung bewirkt, daß sich die Mehrzahl von elektrischen
Kontakten an dem Tintenbehältergehäuse zu entsprechenden elektrischen Kontakten (64)
hin bewegt, die dem Drucksystem zugeordnet sind, um eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen
denselben einzurichten.
2. Der auswechselbare Tintenbehälter (12) gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem die Mehrzahl von
elektrischen Kontakten (78) vier elektrische Kontakte ist.
3. Der auswechselbare Tintenbehälter (12) gemäß Anspruch 2, bei dem die vier elektrischen
Kontakte ein Paar von Kontakten zum Liefern einer Versorgungsspannung zwischen denselben
und ein Paar von Kontakten zum Liefern von Steuer- und Datensignalen relativ zu einer
gemeinsamen Referenz umfassen.
4. Der auswechselbare Tintenbehälter (12) gemäß Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, bei dem die Mehrzahl
von elektrischen Kontakten (78) entlang einem Bogen bewegt wird, wenn das Tintenbehältergehäuse
(34) um die Schwenkachse (92) geschwenkt wird.
5. Der auswechselbare Tintenbehälter (12) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der
ferner eine elektrische Speicherungsvorrichtung (80) umfaßt, die elektrisch mit der
Mehrzahl von elektrischen Kontakten (78) verbunden ist.
6. Der auswechselbare Tintenbehälter (12) gemäß Anspruch 5, bei dem die elektrische Speicherungsvorrichtung
(80) eine Halbleiterspeichervorrichtung ist.
7. Ein Verfahren zum Einrichten einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen einem auswechselbaren
Tintenbehälter (12) und einem Tintenstrahldrucksystem (10), wobei das Verfahren folgende
Schritte aufweist:
Bereitstellen eines auswechselbaren Tintenbehälters, der ein Tintenbehältergehäuse
(34), das eine vordere Endoberfläche (72), die relativ zu einer Einbringungsrichtung
des Tintenbehältergehäuses in das Drucksystem definiert ist, und eine Seitenoberfläche
(76) aufweist, die zumindest einen Fluidauslaß (88) aufweist, ein Ineingriffnahmemerkmal
(42), das an der vorderen Endoberfläche angeordnet ist, und eine Mehrzahl von elektrischen
Kontakten (78) aufweist, die an der vorderen Endoberfläche angeordnet sind;
Bereitstellen eines Tintenstrahldrucksystems (10);
Positionieren des auswechselbaren Tintenbehälters zumindest teilweise innerhalb des
Tintenstrahldrucksystems, derart, daß das Ineingriffnahmemerkmal (42) eine Schwenkachse
(92) definiert; und
Einbringen des Tintenbehältergehäuses (34) in das Drucksystem (10), einschließlich
eines Schwenkens des Tintenbehältergehäuses um die Schwenkachse,
wodurch die Mehrzahl von elektrischen Kontakten (78) auf der vorderen Endoberfläche
(72) zumindest teilweise zwischen der Schwenkachse (92) und der Seitenoberfläche (88)
angeordnet sind, so daß ein Schwenken des Tintenbehältergehäuses um die Schwenkachse
während des Einbringungsschritts bewirkt, daß sich die Mehrzahl von elektrischen Kontakten
zu entsprechenden elektrischen Kontakten (64) hin bewegt, die dem Drucksystem zugeordnet
sind, um eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen denselben einzurichten.
1. Réservoir d'encre (12) remplaçable destiné à fournir de l'encre à un système (10)
d'impression à jet d'encre, le réservoir d'encre remplaçable comprenant :
un logement (34) pour réservoir d'encre ayant une surface (72) d'extrémité avant,
définie par rapport à une direction d'insertion du logement pour réservoir d'encre
dans le système d'impression, et une surface latérale (76) ayant au moins une sortie
de fluide (88), le logement pour réservoir d'encre incluant :
une structure d'enclenchement (42) aménagée sur la surface d'extrémité avant, la structure
d'enclenchement définissant un axe (92) de pivotement autour duquel le logement pour
réservoir d'encre pivote pendant l'insertion du logement pour réservoir d'encre dans
le système d'impression ; et
une pluralité de contacts électriques (78) aménagés sur la surface (72) d'extrémité
avant du logement pour réservoir d'encre au moins partiellement entre l'axe de pivotement
et la surface latérale, de manière qu'un pivotement du logement pour réservoir d'encre
autour de l'axe de pivotement pendant l'insertion fasse en sorte que la pluralité
de contacts électriques sur le logement pour réservoir d'encre se déplacent vers les
contacts électriques (64) correspondants, associés au système d'impression, afin d'établir
une interconnexion électrique entre ceux-ci.
2. Réservoir d'encre (12) remplaçable selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la pluralité
de contacts électriques (78) se compose de quatre contacts électriques.
3. Réservoir d'encre (12) remplaçable selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les quatre
contacts électriques incluent une paire de contacts destinés à fournir une tension
d'alimentation entre ceux-ci et une paire de contacts destinés à fournir des signaux
de commande et des données relatifs à une référence commune.
4. Réservoir d'encre (12) remplaçable selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel la
pluralité de contacts électriques (78) sont déplacés le long d'un arc à mesure que
le logement (34) pour réservoir d'encre pivote autour de l'axe (92) de pivotement.
5. Réservoir d'encre (12) remplaçable selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
incluant en outre un dispositif (80) de stockage électrique qui est électriquement
connecté à la pluralité de contacts électriques (78).
6. Réservoir d'encre (12) remplaçable selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le dispositif
(80) de stockage électrique est un dispositif de mémoire à semi-conducteurs.
7. Procédé d'établissement d'une interconnexion électrique entre un réservoir d'encre
(12) remplaçable et un système (10) d'impression à jet d'encre, le procédé comprenant
les étapes consistant :
à fournir un réservoir d'encre remplaçable, comprenant un logement (34) pour réservoir
d'encre ayant une surface (72) d'extrémité avant, définie par rapport à une direction
d'insertion du logement pour réservoir d'encre dans le système d'impression, et une
surface latérale (76) ayant au moins une sortie (88) de fluide, une structure d'enclenchement
(42) aménagée sur la surface d'extrémité avant, et une pluralité de contacts électriques
(78) aménagées sur la surface d'extrémité avant ;
à fournir un système (10) d'impression à jet d'encre ;
à positionner le réservoir d'encre remplaçable au moins partiellement à l'intérieur
du système d'impression à jet d'encre de telle manière que la structure d'enclenchement
(42) définit un axe de pivotement (92) ; et
à insérer un logement (34) pour réservoir d'encre dans le système (10) d'impression
incluant l'étape consistant à faire pivoter le logement pour réservoir d'encre autour
de l'axe de pivotement,
au moyen de quoi la pluralité de contacts électriques (78) sont aménagés sur la surface
(72) d'extrémité avant au moins partiellement entre l'axe de pivotement (92) et la
surface latérale (88), de manière qu'un pivotement du logement pour réservoir d'encre
autour de l'axe de pivotement pendant l'étape d'insertion fasse en sorte que la pluralité
de contacts électriques se déplacent vers les contacts électriques (64) correspondants,
associés au système d'impression, afin d'établir une connexion électrique entre ceux-ci.