Background of the invention
[0001] Fluid cartridges are subassemblies to be exchanged with a corresponding fluid ejection
assembly. A common fluid cartridge is an ink cartridge. A common fluid ejection assembly
is a printer. In general, two types of ink cartridges can be distinguished. A first
type consists of an integrated print head cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises
a print head. A second type consists of an individual ink container. An ink cartridge
is connected to a receiving structure of a printer. The receiving structure and the
ink cartridges are provided with the proper interfaces for guiding ink from the cartridge
to the print head for printing. In addition to the ink interface, an air interface,
a keying interface, an electrical interface and an alignment interface can be provided
in the ink cartridge and its receiving structure. The air interface transports air
to and from the cartridge, mostly for pressure control inside the cartridge. The keying
interface ensures that the respective cartridge is seated in the proper ink cartridge
receiving structure. The alignment interface ensures that the interfaces are well
aligned for connection. The electrical interface sends electrical signals between
a printer control circuit and the ink cartridge. The signals may relate to ink cartridge
characteristics.
[0002] An extra lock is usually provided to maintain substantially air and liquid tight
connections between the cartridge and the receiving structure. The extra lock should
also maintain the electrical connection. A known locking technique involves the use
of a bail to keep the cartridge sealed to the receiving bay. Another known locking
technique uses a deforming snap finger that engages a notch to keep the cartridge
sealed.
[0003] The known lock mechanisms tend to consume a relatively large amount of space within
the printer. In addition, significant force may be needed to establish the lock. In
some cases, the cartridge is inserted in an inclined orientation, after which it is
rotated back to normal position to make the interfaces engage. This usually involves
deflection of engaging elements so that improper interface connections, leakage, and
material wear or damage are likely to occur.
[0004] European Patent Application Publication No.
1348562 A2 discloses an integrated printhead cartridge and a corresponding receiving structure.
The receiving structure includes a hinging latch arm and a clamp structure to latch
the cartridge. United States Patent Application Publication No.
2008/0168481 A1 describes a cartridge having a tray that is slidably mounted onto a base. European
Patent Application Publication No.
EP1122078 A2 discloses a replaceable ink container including a fluid interconnect, keying features,
and a latch for securing the ink container to a receiving station. United States Patent
Application Publication No.
2007/0013753 A1 discloses an ink container having an alignment pocket, a keying pocket, an air interface
and an ink interface in a lid. A container bay for receiving the container includes
a pivoting latching member that encloses the container for latching the container
in the bay. UK Patent Application Publication No.
GB 2316657 A discloses an ink cartridge having guide ribs disposed on opposite sides, for guiding
the ink outlet to the printers's ink inlet. European Patent Application Publication
No.
1815994 A2 discloses a liquid container having a front surface having a first opening extending
inward into the ink cartridge along a first line and a second opening extending inward
into the ink cartridge along a second line approximately parallel to the first line.
A guide groove for guiding a fixing pin is formed in a bottom surface of the liquid
container.
Brief description of the drawings
[0005] For the purpose of illustration, certain embodiments of the present invention will
now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a fluid ejection system, in front
view;
Fig. 2 illustrates a diagram of the embodiment of the fluid ejection system of Fig.
1, in side view;
Fig. 3 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a part of an embodiment of a fluid
ejection system with a fluid cartridge in a non-connected state;
Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a detail of a receiving structure for a fluid
cartridge, in front view;
Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid cartridge;
Fig. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the embodiment of the fluid cartridge
of Fig. 5, clearly showing a guide track and a latch track;
Fig. 7 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the embodiment of the part of the
fluid ejection system of Fig. 3 wherein the fluid cartridge is connected to the cartridge
receiving structure;
Fig. 8 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of connecting a fluid
cartridge to a receiving structure;
Fig. 9 illustrates a flow chart a further embodiment of a method of connecting and
disconnecting a fluid cartridge with respect to a receiving structure;
Fig. 10 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of an embodiment of
a fluid cartridge and a cartridge receiving structure, in a first stage of connecting
the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent for reasons
of illustration;
Fig. 11 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of
the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure of Fig. 10, in a second
stage of connecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent
for reasons of illustration;
Fig. 12 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of
the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure of Fig. 10 and 11, in a
third stage of connecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made
semi-transparent for reasons of illustration;
Fig. 13 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of
the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure of Fig. 10 - 12, in a final
stage of connecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent
for reasons of illustration;
Fig. 14 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of
the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure of Fig. 10 - 13, in a first
stage of disconnecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made
semi-transparent for reasons of illustration;
Fig. 15 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of
the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure of Fig. 10 - 14, in a second
stage of disconnecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made
semi-transparent for reasons of illustration.
Detailed Description
[0006] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.
The embodiments in the description and drawings should be considered illustrative
and are not to be considered as limiting to the specific embodiment or element described.
Multiple embodiments may be derived from the following description and/or drawings
through modification, combination or variation of certain elements. Furthermore, it
may be understood that other embodiments or elements that are not literally disclosed
may be derived from the description and drawings by a person skilled in the art.
[0007] In this description, reference may be made to a three dimensional space comprising
an X, Y and Z-axis. The one dimensional insertion and ejection direction of the cartridge
3 is parallel to the Y-axis. The Y-axis is also referred to as a straight line Y.
[0008] Fig. 1 and 2 show a fluid ejection system 1. The fluid ejection system 1 comprises
a fluid ejection device 2 and fluid cartridges 3. The fluid ejection device 2 may
comprise a printer. The printer may be an inkjet printer, for example a thermal inkjet,
a piezo inkjet, or a continuous inkjet printer. The fluid ejection device 2 comprises
one or more receiving structures 4 for receiving and exchanging one or more corresponding
fluid cartridges 3. Each cartridge 3 of the same fluid ejection device 2 may comprise
a different fluid. If the fluid ejection device 2 is a printer, the fluid in each
cartridge 3 may comprise ink of a specific color, for example a cyan, magenta, yellow,
black and/or grey. The cartridges 3 are arranged to be exchanged with respect to the
respective receiving structure 4.
[0009] The receiving structures 4 are arranged to connect the cartridge 3 to the print head
5. A fluid supply 6 is provided to receive fluid from the respective cartridges 3,
and deliver the fluid to the print head 5. In the shown embodiment, the receiving
structures 4 and the cartridges 3, when installed, are arranged off axis. The print
head 5 may comprise a page wide array print head (PWA) or a scanning print head. The
receiving structure 4 is arranged to establish a fluidic interface between the cartridge
3 and the print head 5, through the fluid supply 6. During printing a print medium
7 extends under the print head 5. In other embodiments (not shown), the receiving
structures 4 and the cartridges 3, when installed, are arranged on a scanning axis.
In further embodiments, the cartridge 3 comprises an integrated print head, wherein
the fluid volume and the print head are integrated into one cartridge supply to be
connected to the receiving structure 4.
[0010] The fluid ejection device 2 is provided with a control circuit 8 and a memory 9.
The fluid cartridge 3 is provided with a cartridge electrical circuit 10, for example
including a cartridge memory 11. The control circuit 8 is arranged to retrieve data
from the cartridge electrical circuit 10. The data comprises certain cartridge characteristics,
for example product characteristics, fluid type characteristics and/or fluid quantity
characteristics.
[0011] Fig. 3 shows a receiving structure 4 and a fluid cartridge 3 in a position right
before or after installation. At installation (Fig. 7), all interfaces of the receiving
structure 4 and the fluid cartridge 3 are interconnected. The receiving structure
4 may comprise a slot shaped opening into which the cartridge 3 is inserted. A part
of the receiving structure 4 may be arranged to guide the cartridge 3 into connection
with the guide 17 for movement along straight line Y. The arrow A indicates an insertion
movement of the cartridge 3, along the straight, one dimensional, line Y, represented
by the Y-axis. Once the fluid cartridge 3 engages the guide 17, it's insertion movement
is substantially confined to movement along the straight line Y. In principle, there
is substantially no movement along a Z and X-axis and there is substantially no rotational
movement of the cartridge 3, during insertion and ejection along the guide 17. However,
the skilled person will understand that a certain amount of play, margin or tolerance
in the interfacing materials of the cartridge 3 and receiving structure 4, such as
the guide 17, may be allowed. In one embodiment, the margin of deviation is approximately
3 millimeters or less, in a direction perpendicular to the straight line Y, and approximately
3° or less around the straight line Y, or the Z-axis or X-axis. These margins may
still allow proper connection of the cartridge 3 to the receiving structure 4.
[0012] The receiving structure 4 comprises two fluidic interfaces. The fluidic interfaces
include one first fluid pen 12 and one second fluid pen 13. The first fluid may be
a print fluid such as ink. The second fluid may be a gas such as air. The pens 12,
13 are arranged to establish a fluidic connection with corresponding first and second
cartridge fluidic interfaces. The first and second cartridge fluidic interface may
comprise a first and second socket 14, 15, respectively. The pens 12, 13 have central
axes C1, C2, respectively, that are parallel to the Y-axis. In one embodiment (not
shown), the receiving structure 4 has only one fluidic interface, for example a pen.
In another embodiment (not shown), the receiving structure 4 has more than two such
fluidic interfaces.
[0013] In an embodiment, the first fluid pen 12 comprises an ink pen. The first fluid pen
12 has a relatively small diameter at its mouth 16. The first fluid pen 12 has a longitudinal
shape. The first fluid pen 12 has a truncated, conical shape. The first fluid pen
12 may be made of molded plastics. The receiving structure 4 comprises a guide 17
for guiding the cartridge 3 along the one dimensional direction Y at insertion and
ejection. The guide 17 may be longer than the first fluid pen 12, or at least of approximately
the same length, for proper insertion of the pen 12 in the corresponding socket 14,
and to prevent breaking or bending the pen 12 at insertion or ejection. This allows
the pen 12 to be made of relatively cheap molded plastics.
[0014] In an embodiment, the second fluid pen 13 comprises a gas interface for controlling
a pressure in the inner volume of the fluid cartridge 3. The gas may comprise ambient
air. In a further embodiment, the second fluid pen 13 is arranged to connect to the
second socket shaped fluidic interface 15, which in turn may connect to a pressure
bag in the inner volume of the cartridge 3. The second fluid pen 13 has a longitudinal
shape. The second fluid pen 13 has a truncated, conical shape. The second fluid pen
13 may be made of molded plastics. The guide 17 may be longer than the second fluid
pen 13, or at least of approximately the same length, for proper insertion of the
second fluid pen 13 in the corresponding second fluidic interface 15, and to prevent
breaking or bending the second fluid pen 13 at insertion or ejection. This allows
the pen 13 to be made of relatively cheap molded plastics.
[0015] The guide 17 and/or the corresponding guide interface that confine the insertion
and ejection movement of the cartridge 3 to one dimension. This allows relatively
long and deep of the interfaces 12, 13 and 14, 15, respectively. The respective pen
12, 13 may have a length of at least 5 millimeter, or at least 10 millimeters. The
corresponding socket 14, 15 may have a depth of at least approximately 3 millimeters,
or at least approximately 5 millimeters, or approximately 10 millimeters.
[0016] In an embodiment, the receiving structure 4 comprises a connector circuit 18 for
interconnecting the control circuit 8 of the fluid ejection device 2 with the cartridge
electrical circuit 19. In Fig. 3, the backside of the connector circuit 18 is shown.
In Fig. 4, an embodiment of a connector circuit 18 is shown in a plane formed by the
X- and Z-axis. The connector circuit 18 comprises connector electrodes 20. The electrodes
20 may extend along a line P approximately parallel to the Z-axis, perpendicular to
the straight line Y. When the cartridge 3 is inserted or ejected along the straight
line Y, the cartridge electrical circuit 19 moves along the electrodes 20 until they
are connected. The connector circuit 18 is arranged to connect sideways to the cartridge
electrical circuit 19, in a direction B transverse with respect to the straight line
Y. In the drawings, the transverse direction B is parallel to the X-axis. In an installed
condition of the cartridge 3, the connector circuit 18 and the cartridge electrical
circuit 19 extend next to each other as seen from the direction of movement along
the straight line Y. In the shown embodiment, the electrodes 20 comprise pins. The
connector electrodes 20 are arranged to be moved in the transverse direction B. The
electrodes 20 may comprise resilient members that are biased towards the cartridge
electrical circuit 19, for electrical connection. The electrodes 20 are pushed backwards
by the cartridge electrical circuit 19 during insertion of the cartridge 3. During
insertion, the connector electrodes 20 may slide on the cartridge electrical circuit
19 until the cartridge 3 is locked in the receiving structure 4 and the electrodes
20 establish proper contact with the corresponding cartridge electrical circuit 19.
At the same time, the resilient members push the electrodes 20 against the electrical
circuit 19 for better electrical connection. When the cartridge 3 is again ejected
out, the electrodes 20 again move outwards due to the resilient force.
[0017] The fluid ejection device 2 may comprise at least two different receiving keying
interfaces 22. In an embodiment, each receiving structure 4 is provided with one specific
receiving keying interface 22 that is different from the other receiving keying interfaces
22 of the other receiving structures 4. The receiving keying interface 22 corresponds
to a particular ink color, for example cyan, magenta, yellow or black. In an embodiment,
the fluid ejection device 2 comprises a specific receiving keying interface 22 for
each particular fluid cartridge 3. In an embodiment, the fluid ejection device 2 comprises
four receiving structure 2 with four respective receiving keying interfaces 22, each
corresponding to a fluid cartridge 3 of a specific color having a corresponding cartridge
keying interface 24.
[0018] The fluid ejection device 2 comprises receiving structures 4 having receiving keying
interfaces 22 arranged to allow connection to a cartridge 3 with matching keying interfaces
24, and preventing connection with fluid cartridges 3 that are arranged with non-matching
cartridge keying interfaces 24. For example, a first receiving keying interface 22
comprises a first notch 23 or cut out. A matching first cartridge keying interface
24 of a corresponding cartridge 3 comprises a corresponding inverse notch or cut out
25 that during insertion is not blocked by the first receiving keying interface 22,
but is blocked when inserted in other receiving structures with other receiving keying
interfaces 22. Likewise, the other cartridges 3 have a second, third, fourth, and/or
further cartridge keying interface 24 that does not match the first receiving keying
interface 22. The other second, third, fourth and/or further receiving keying interfaces
do not match the first cartridge keying interface 24. The keying interfaces 22, 24
prevent that ink colors of the respective cartridge 3 and receiving structures 4 do
not match.
[0019] The keying interface 22 of the receiving structure 4 may be arranged next to the
connector circuit 18. The corresponding keying interface 24 of the cartridge 3 may
be arranged next to the cartridge electrical circuit 19. If keying interfaces 22,
24 match, they may engage sideways so that the circuits 18, 19 may be pressed into
contact. If the keying interfaces 22, 24 do not match, no electrical contact can be
established. On the one hand, no electrical contact is made between the connector
circuit 18 and the cartridge electrical circuit 19 if the keying interfaces do not
match. On the other hand, a proper contact between the interconnecting circuits 18,
19 is aided by the respective keying interfaces 22, 24 of the receiving structure
4 and the cartridge 3, respectively.
[0020] The guide 17 is arranged to guide the corresponding fluid cartridge 3 along the straight
line Y. The guide 17 is arranged to engage a corresponding guide interface of the
cartridge 3, for example a guide track 21. The guide 17 comprises a rail that extends
parallel to the Y-axis. The guide 17 is longer than each of the pens 13, to ensure
proper alignment of the pens 12, 13 with the respective sockets 14, 15. This may provide
for a good interconnection without leakage and may prevent deformation of the pens
12, 13. The guide 17 may comprise a T-rail for engaging the corresponding guide track
21 of the cartridge 3. A T-rail prevents rotation of the cartridge 3 around the straight
line of movement Y, as well as around the other axes X, Z.
[0021] The receiving structure 4 comprises a latch arrangement 26 for locking the cartridge
3. In the shown embodiment, the latch arrangement 26 comprises a latch 27, arranged
to be guided by a corresponding latch track 28 of the cartridge 3, between a locked
and an unlocked position. The latch 27 may be arranged in the bottom of the receiving
structure 4 for engaging the bottom 35 of the cartridge 3. The latch arrangement 26
may comprise a latch pivot 29 and a pivot arm 29B, to allow moving of the latch 27
between a locked and unlocked position, by pivoting around a pivot axis L. In the
drawing, the pivot axis L is perpendicular to the straight line Y, parallel to the
Z-axis. In an embodiment, the latch 27 is biased around the pivot axis L, so as to
return to a starting position after ejection of the cartridge 3, and so as to engage
respective latch track walls.
[0022] In an embodiment, the latch 27 comprises a pin. In a locked position, the latch 27
engages a corresponding latch stop 30 of the cartridge 3. In an unlocked position,
the latch 27 is disengaged from the latch stop 30, so that the cartridge 3 can be
released from the receiving structure 4. The latch 27 may extend on top of the pivot
arm 29B. In an installed condition of the cartridge 3, the latch 27 extends in the
latch track 28 while the pivot 29 and pivot arm 29B extend below the bottom 34 of
the cartridge 3. In the shown embodiment, the latch arrangement 26 comprises latch
boundaries 29C for limiting the movement of the latch 27. In an embodiment, the latch
boundaries 29C are arranged to engage and limit the movement of the latch pivot arm
29B. In an inserted condition of the cartridge 3 the latch boundaries 29C extend under
the cartridge 3.
[0023] The cartridge receiving structure 4 comprises an ejector 31. Fig. 3 shows the ejector
31 in a decompressed state, after ejection or before insertion of the cartridge 3.
Each receiving structure 4 comprises an ejector 31. The ejector 31 is biased in a
direction parallel to the straight line Y. The ejector 31 may comprise a spring, or
another resilient element, for example an elastomeric element. The spring may comprise
a helical spring. When the fluid cartridge 3 is inserted and latched, the leading
end 44 of the ejector 31 engages the front face 33 of the cartridge 3. In the shown
embodiment, the central axis C2 of the spring is equal to the central axis C2 of the
second fluid pen 13. The second fluid pen 13 extends within the spring. The helical
spring is attached to a base 32 of the second fluid pen 13. The size of the ejector
spring is such that in a decompressed condition of the helical spring (Fig. 3), the
cartridge 3 can be taken out by hand.
[0024] The ejector 31 is arranged to push the cartridge 3 out of the receiving structure
4. In an installed and locked condition, the cartridge 3 is retained in the receiving
structure 4 by the latch 27, while compressing the ejector 31. The latch 27 may be
directed from a locked to an unlocked position by further pushing the cartridge 3
against the force of the compressed ejector 31 along the straight line Y, as will
be explained further below. In an unlocked position, the latch 27 releases the cartridge
3, and the ejector 31 decompresses so as to eject the cartridge 3 in a direction out
of the receiving structure 4 along the straight line Y.
[0025] Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of a fluid cartridge 3 in perspective view.
Fig. 5 clearly depicts the front face 33, while Fig. 6 more clearly depicts the bottom
face 35. In the shown embodiments, the fluidic, electric and keying interfaces are
arranged on the front face 33. The guide interface, latch track 28 and latch stop
30 are arranged on the bottom face 35.
[0026] The fluidic interfaces of the cartridge 3 comprise a first cartridge fluidic interface
for a first fluid and a second cartridge fluidic interface for a second fluid. In
an embodiment, the first fluid comprises a print fluid or liquid such as ink, and
the second fluid comprises a gas such as air. In the shown embodiment, the first and
second cartridge fluidic interfaces comprise a first and a second socket 14, 15, respectively,
arranged to receive and transport fluid from and/or to respective pens 12, 13, respectively.
The first socket 14 may be connected to an inner volume of the cartridge 3. The second
socket 15 may be connected to a pressure bag in the inner volume of the cartridge
3.
[0027] The depth of the respective socket 14, 15 is approximately the same as or shorter
than a length of the guide 17 or guide track 21, to receive the respective pen 12,
13 after engagement of the cartridge 3 with the guide 17, to ensure proper alignment
with the respective pen 12, 13. The central axes C1, C2 of the sockets 14, 15 are
parallel to the straight line Y. In an installed condition of the cartridge 3, the
central axes C1, C2 of the sockets 14, 15 are approximately the same as the central
axes C1, C2 of the respective receiving fluidic interfaces 12, 13.
[0028] The cartridge 3 may comprise an ejector alignment interface 36 on the front face
33. In an embodiment, the ejector alignment interface 36 is arranged near and/or around
one of the cartridge fluidic interfaces, which in the shown embodiment are arranged
as sockets 14, 15. In the shown embodiment, the ejector alignment interface 36 is
arranged around the second socket 15, having the same central axis C2 with the second
socket 15, and in an inserted condition of the cartridge 3, the same central axis
C2 as the second pen 13. In the shown example, the ejector alignment interface 36
comprises a ring, for example in the shape of a ridge or flange around the second
socket 15, for engaging the inner circumference of the leading end 44 of the spring
shaped ejector 31, for aligning and maintaining the ejector 31 in position when engaging
the cartridge 3.
[0029] The first socket 14 comprises seal ring 37 for receiving the first pen 12. The seal
ring 37 comprises resilient material, for example elastomeric material, to at least
substantially fluid tightly enclose the first fluidic pen 12, in a connected condition
of the first pen 12. As will be explained further below, at an insertion and ejection
stage, the pen 12 is inserted further inwards into the first socket 14, as compared
to a position wherein the pen 12 is connected for printing. Therefore the seal ring
37 is arranged to allow further deformation, to allow such further insertion of the
first pen 12. The inner diameter of the seal ring 37 is such that it fluid tightly
encloses the first pen 12 from a narrow portion of the conical shape of the pen 12
up to a wider portion. For example, the pen 12 may have a smallest diameter of approximately
2,0 and a largest diameter of approximately 2,3 millimeter along the coned shape.
In other embodiments the pen 12 may have a smallest diameter of at least approximately
1,5 and/or a largest diameter of approximately 3,5 millimeter or less along the coned
shape of the pen 12. Again further embodiments may have smaller and/or larger diameters,
respectively.
[0030] The seal ring 37 is arranged to fluid tightly enclose the first pen 12 along a substantial
part of the length of the first pen 12. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the
seal ring 37 is approximately 1,2 millimeters. Depending on the diameter of the pen
12, in other embodiments the inner diameter of the seal ring 37 may be between approximately
0,6 and approximately 3,0 millimeters. The inner diameter of the seal ring 37 may
stretch while maintaining its fluid tight pen enclosing characteristics when the pen
12 slides through the seal ring 37, for example at least approximately 0,3 millimeters,
or in another embodiment at least approximately 0,6 millimeters, or in another embodiment
at least approximately 1,6 millimeters. In the shown embodiment, the seal ring 37
comprises a tapering receiving mouth 37B for aligning the first pen 12 at insertion.
In the shown embodiment, the seal ring 37 comprises bumps 37C, arranged to prevent
that the seal ring 37 sticks against an opposite engaging surface, for example at
insertion in the receiving structure and/or at manufacture.
[0031] The cartridge 3 comprises an electrical circuit 19 (Fig. 3). In the shown embodiment,
the electrical circuit 19 is sunken with respect to the front face 33, so that electrical
contact with the connector circuit 18 is made only after the other interfaces are
connected. In an embodiment, this may prevent that a printer receives electrical signals
before the fluidic interfaces 12, 14, 13, 15 are connected. Such electrical signals
sometimes trigger a printer to actuate a printhead 5 and/or cartridge 3, which may
be prevented by certain embodiments of this disclosure.
[0032] The cartridge electrical circuit 19 is arranged to connect sideways, when inserted
in the receiving structure 4. In connected condition, the connector circuit 18 extends
at least partly within the cartridge 3. For example, the cartridge electrical circuit
19 comprises electrodes 38 extending in one plane, approximately perpendicular to
the front face 33 of the cartridge 3, and parallel to the insertion direction, and/or
a plane formed by the Z-axis and Y-axis. In an embodiment, the electrodes 38 of the
cartridge electrical circuit 18 extend along a line PP that is approximately parallel
to the Z-axis and/or the front face 33, in an installation position of the cartridge
3. The line PP extends behind the front face 33. The electrodes 38 of the cartridge
electrical circuit 19 are arranged to connect to the corresponding electrodes 20 of
the connector circuit 18. The line PP that extends through the electrodes 38 of the
cartridge 3 is parallel to the line P (Fig 4) that extends through the electrodes
20 of the connector circuit 18, in an installed condition of the cartridge 3. In an
installed condition, the connector circuit 38 extends at least partly through or behind
the front face 33 of the cartridge 3, for connection with the cartridge electrical
circuit 18.
[0033] In an embodiment, the cartridge 3 comprises a cartridge keying interface 24 for preventing
connection to a receiving structure 4 that is arranged with a non-matching keying
interface 22. In the shown embodiment, the cartridge keying interface 24 comprises
a cut out 25. In other embodiments, the cartridge keying interface 24 may comprise
a protrusion, and in again other embodiments it may comprise both. The cartridge keying
interface 24 is arranged to block further insertion of the cartridge 3 if the receiving
keying interface 22 does not match. The cartridge keying interface 24 is arranged
to block insertion of the connector circuit 18 into the cartridge 3 if the receiving
keying interface 22 does not match, so that electrical connection with the cartridge
electrical circuit 19 will fail.
[0034] The keying interfaces 22, 24 may be arranged to provide additional alignment of the
cartridge 3 with respect to the receiving structure 4, in addition to the guide 17,
for example preventing rotation around the straight line of movement Y. Furthermore,
if the keying interfaces 22, 24 of the receiving structure 4 and the cartridge 3 match,
the keying interfaces 22, 23 may engage due to their corresponding shape, so that
the circuits 18, 19 are interconnected properly.
[0035] In some embodiments, the cartridges 3 are not provided with a keying interface 24
so that the cartridges 3 may match any of the receiving structures 4 of the fluid
injection device 1, and the circuits 18, 19 interconnect, regardless of the receiving
keying interface 24.
[0036] The cartridge 3 comprises a guide interface for cooperation with the guide 17 of
the receiving structure 4. In the shown embodiment, the guide interface comprises
a guide track 21. The guide interface is arranged for guiding the cartridge 3 along
a straight line Y for connecting the interfaces. The guide interface may have a guide
engaging surface that extends parallel to said straight line Y.
[0037] The guide track 21 is arranged for engaging the guide 17. The guide track 21 may
be arranged to guide a corresponding T-rail guide 17. In the shown embodiment, the
guide track 21 comprises a T-shaped cut out. The guide track 21 comprises flanges
39 for engaging under the wings 17B (Fig. 3) of the T-rail guide 17. The guide track
21 may comprise a tapered opening 40 for facilitating easy reception of the T-rail
guide 17. The flanges 39 may be tapered near the opening 40. The guide track 21 may
further comprise a guide stop 45.
[0038] The bottom 35 of the cartridge 3 further comprises a latch track 28. The guide track
21 and the latch track 28 may comprise one integral cut out in the bottom 35 of the
cartridge 3. The bottom 35 may comprise an integrally molded plastic shape.
[0039] The cartridge 3 comprises a latch track 28 and a latch stop 30. The latch track 28
is arranged to move the latch 27 with respect to the latch stop 30. Once the latch
27 engages the latch stop 30, the cartridge 3 is retained. The position of the latch
stop 30 may determine the location of the cartridge interfaces with respect to the
receiving structure interfaces, along the straight line Y.
[0040] The latch track 21 comprises a locking track 28A and an unlocking track 28B. The
locking track 28A may be fully or partially different from the unlocking track 28B.
The latch stop 30 is arranged between the locking track 28A and the unlocking track
28B, so that the latch 27 is guided on one side 28A of the latch stop 30 during insertion,
and on an opposite side 28B at ejection. At insertion, the latch 27 is guided by the
locking track 28A. The locking track 28A may comprise a latch guiding surface 46 of
the latch stop 30, for guiding the latch 27 on the correct side of the latch stop
30. The locking track 28A may further comprise a latch guide wall 47, at the end of
the locking track 28A. The latch guide wall 47 is arranged to receive the latch 27
at the end of the locking track 28A, and direct the latch 27 to the latch stop 30.
The latch stop 30 comprises a latch stop wall 49 and a latch abutment 50. The latch
guide wall 47 is arranged to guide the latch 27 into an engaging locked position with
the latch stop wall 49 (Fig. 13). The abutment 50 comprises a protrusion in the stop
wall 49 for keeping the latch 27 from sliding off the latch stop wall 49. In the locked
position, the latch 27 engages the abutment 50. In the locked position, the ejector
31 is compressed and pushes the cartridge 3 so that the latch stop 30 is pushed against
the latch 27.
[0041] Furthermore, the unlocking track 28B comprises a latch re-direct wall 48. The latch
re-direct wall 48 is arranged to receive the latch 27 when the latch stop 30 and latch
track 28A are pushed inwards, and to guide the latch 27 into the unlocking track 28B
for ejection, out of the latch stop engagement position. At ejection, the latch 27
passes the opposite side of the latch stop 30, with respect to insertion. The latch
re-direct wall 48 may be arranged at the end of the latch track 28. Once the latch
27 is in an unlocked position, the ejector 31 ejects the cartridge 3 so that it can
be taken out manually.
[0042] In an embodiment, the latch track 28 comprises audible and/or tactile feedback members.
The latch 27 may be biased around it pivot axis L. The latch 27 may slide against
latch track walls while the latch 27 travels through the latch track 28. For example,
one or more latch track walls may comprise one or more feedback members such as ledges
to provide for audible and/or tactile feedback while the latch 27 travels in the latch
track 28. The feedback members may be provided near the latch guide wall 47, from
where latch 27 will move into a locked position if the cartridge 3 is released. When
receiving audible and/or tactile feedback, a user may know that the cartridge 3 may
be released and that it is locked to the receiving structure 4. Another feedback member
may be provided near the latch re-direct wall 48 for indicating an unlocking of the
cartridge 3.
[0043] Fig. 7 shows a cross section of a part of the fluid ejection system 1, wherein the
fluid cartridge 3 and the receiving structure 4 are connected. The ejector 31 is compressed
and pushes the cartridge latch stop 30 against the latch 27. The cartridge 3 is further
held in place by the guide 17. The pens 12, 13 extend largely within the respective
sockets 14, 15 for transporting the respective fluids between the cartridge 3 and
the fluid ejection device 2.
[0044] The electrodes 20, 38 of the connector circuit 18 and the cartridge electrical circuit
19, respectively, interconnect sideways. For example, the electrodes 20, 38 interconnect
along a line P or PP that is parallel to the Z-axis, and/or in a plane that is parallel
to the plane formed by the Y-axis and the Z-axis. Since the cartridge electrical circuit
19 is sunken with respect to the front face 33 of the cartridge 3, the connector circuit
18 and the cartridge electrical circuit 19 interconnect within the outer circumference
of the cartridge 3, behind the front face 33. In an installed condition, the connector
circuit 18 extends at least partly within the cartridge 3. In an embodiment, the connection
between the connector circuit 18 and the cartridge electrical circuit 19 is established
behind and/or next to a cartridge keying interface 24, within the cartridge 3.
[0045] In an embodiment, the cartridge 3 comprises at least one finger engagement surface
51 to facilitate and indicate manual handling of the cartridge 3, for example when
inserting or taking out the cartridge 3. The finger engagement surface 51 may comprise
one or a combination of an inwards curve, one or more ribs, a cut out, etc. The finger
engagement surface 51 may be arranged on the top face 53 of the cartridge 3, and close
to the back face 34. As illustrated in the shown embodiment, in an installed condition
of the cartridge 3, the receiving structure 4 largely covers the finger engagement
surface 51. After ejection, the finger engagement surface 51 is visible and free to
be engaged for taking out the cartridge 3.
[0046] In an embodiment, the cartridge 3 comprises a finger push surface 52 to indicate
that the cartridge 3 needs to be pushed into the receiving structure 4, for both locking
and unlocking of the cartridge 3. The finger push surface 52 may comprise one or a
combination of an inwards curve, one or more ribs, a cut out, etc. The finger push
surface 52 is arranged in the back face 34. In an installed condition of the cartridge
3, the back face 34 and the finger push surface 52 are visible outside of the receiving
structure 4. Although the finger push surface 52 may have a predetermined location
on the back face 34, an aspect of certain embodiments of this disclosure is that the
cartridge 3 may be pushed on any location of the back face 33 for proper connection
of the interfaces, because guide 17 may guide the cartridge 3 along the straight line
Y, irrespective of a specific pushing location or inclination.
[0047] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a method of connecting a fluid cartridge 3 to a receiving
structure 4 in a flow chart. In a first stage 800 of such method, a fluid cartridge
3 is inserted in a receiving structure 4. The movement is confined to one dimension,
that is, the cartridge 3 is moved along the straight line Y, as indicated by stage
810. At the end of the one dimensional movement, a fluidic connection is established
between the cartridge 3 and the fluid ejection device 2. In a stage 820, the latch
27 is guided into the locked position by the movement along the straight line Y. The
latch 27 maintains the fluidic connection. Stage 810 and 820 may occur simultaneously.
In a stage 830, fluid may flow through the connected fluidic interfaces, for example
for fluid ejection.
[0048] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of a method of connecting a fluid cartridge 3 to
a receiving structure 4 in a flow chart. Fig. 10 - 15 illustrate sequential positions
of the cartridge 3 with respect to the latch arrangement 26, corresponding to some
of the stages 900 - 914 of Fig. 9.
[0049] In a stage 900, the cartridge 3 is manually inserted into the receiving structure
4. Fig. 10 corresponds to stage 900, wherein the position of the cartridge 3 with
respect to the receiving structure 4 and the latch arrangement 26 are illustrated.
In a next stage 901, the guide track 21 engages the guide 17. By further pushing the
cartridge 3 into the receiving structure 4, the guide 17 guides the cartridge 3 along
the straight line Y, in the direction of the ejector 31. In a further stage 902, the
latch 27 engages the latch track 28. The latch 27 is guided along the locking track
28A, as illustrated by Fig. 11. The pivot arm 29B pivots around pivot axis L (Fig.
3), to allow the latch 27 to be guided by the walls of the locking track 28A. In stage
903, the ejector 31 engages the front face 33 of the cartridge and is compressed.
The ejector 31 may engage the ring 36 that is provided around a second pen receiving
socket 15. Said stages 901 - 903 may take place simultaneously.
[0050] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 - 15, the cartridge 3 and the receiving structure
4 have matching keying interfaces 22, 24. In a stage 904, the fluidic interfaces 12,
13, 14, 15 are interconnected and the keying interfaces 22, 24 of the receiving structure
4 and the cartridge 3 match. The matching keying interfaces 22, 24 allow the cartridge
electrical circuit 19 and the connector circuit 18 to interconnect. After the key
match, in stage 905, the electrical connection between the circuits 18, 19 is established.
The control circuit 8 receives a corresponding signal that the electrical connection
is established. The established electrical connection implies that the fluidic connections
are also established.
[0051] In a stage 906, the user pushes the cartridge 3 in until receiving a tactical and/or
audible feedback. For example, the latch 27 engages the end 47 of the latch track
28 and/or the guide stops 45 engage an end of the guide 17 and/or the ejector 33 cannot
be compressed further. In the corresponding Fig. 12 it is shown that the latch 27
engages the end of the latch track 28, in this embodiment the latch 27 engages the
latch guide wall 47 for directing the latch 27 in a locked position when released.
In a stage 907, the user will manually release the cartridge 3. In a stage 908, the
ejector 31 decompresses, pushing the cartridge 33 backwards until the latch 27 engages
the latch stop 30. As can be seen from corresponding Fig. 13, the latch 27 retains
the cartridge 3 by engaging the latch stop wall 49. The latch 27 is held in position
by the abutment 50. The stages 904 and 905 of the key match and electrical connection,
and the stages 906 - 908 of the latch lock may take place approximately simultaneously.
[0052] If the cartridge 3 is not pushed in correctly, the fluidic and/or other interfaces
may not have been properly connected. In such case, the latch 27 may not reach the
latch guide wall 47 and does not reach the locked position. Then, the cartridge 3
will automatically be pushed out by the ejector 31, before any electrical and/or fluidic
connection is made.
[0053] In a stage 909, the fluid ejection system 1 prints by retrieving the first fluid
from the cartridge 3, through the first fluidic interfaces 12, 14. After printing,
for example when the cartridge 3 is substantially empty, the cartridge 3 may be ejected
for replacement. In a stage 910, a user pushes the cartridges 3 in the direction of
the ejector 31. By pushing the cartridge 3, the latch 27 may engage the latch re-direct
wall 48. In a next stage 911, the latch 27 is guided into an unlocked position, for
example by the latch re-direct wall 48 (Fig. 14). In the unlocked position, the cartridge
3 is no longer retained by the latch 27. In a stage 912, a user may manually release
the cartridge 3. In a stage 913, the ejector 31 decompresses, ejecting the cartridge
3 (Fig. 15). Ejection is made possible since the cartridge 3 is no longer retained
(Fig. 15). In stage 914, the user takes the cartridge 3 out of the receiving structure
4.
[0054] As described, the cartridge 3 may comprise a first fluidic interface 12, a second
fluidic interface 13, an electrical interface 19, an ejector alignment interface 36,
and/or a keying interface 24, which are arranged in the front face 33. The guide interface
is arranged in the bottom face 35, having a receiving opening 40 near the front face
33. Hence, the interfaces are arranged to engage near the front surface 33 of the
cartridge 3. In the shown embodiment, the keying interface 24 and the electrical interface
19 are arranged near the top surface 53, the second fluidic interface 15 and the ejector
alignment interface 36 are arranged near the middle of the front surface 33, and the
first fluidic interface 14 and the guide receiving opening 40 are arranged near the
bottom face 35. The interfaces are relatively evenly distributed over the front face
33, providing for a relatively even distribution of the connecting forces of the respective
interfaces, and relatively low total connection force, for example around 14 Newton
or less. In the latch and guide mechanisms of the fluid ejection system 1, no deformation
of latch or guide parts is necessary. A relatively light and simple push is sufficient
for establishing a secure lock. Furthermore, the guide 17 allows for a user to push
on any location of the back face 34 of the cartridge 3 for establishing all connections
in one direction Y.
[0055] The cartridge 3 and receiving structure 4 may be relatively thin, consuming just
a small volume of the printer. The cartridge motion track also consumes relatively
little space because it comprises a straight line Y. Moreover, the cartridge 3 may
be released using the same push motion in the same direction Y. If the cartridge 3
is not properly connected, for example fluidically and/or electrically, the cartridge
3 is automatically pushed out by the ejector 31.
[0056] The scope of the invention is limited by the claims. In some embodiments, mechanical
inversions may be applied with respect to the shown embodiments. For example, the
latch track 28 may be provided on the receiving structure 4, while the latch arrangement
26 may be provided in the cartridge 3. The first and second fluidic interfaces of
the cartridge 3 may comprise pens, while the corresponding first and second fluidic
interfaces of the receiving structure 4 may comprise sockets.
[0057] The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, while a reference
to a certain number of elements does not exclude the possibility of having more elements.
A single unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the disclosure,
and vice versa several items may fulfil the function of one unit.
1. A fluid cartridge (3) having a bottom face (35) and a front face (33), comprising:
interfaces in the front face (33) for connection to a cartridge receiving structure
(4), the interfaces including an ink interface (14) for transporting liquid between
the fluid cartridge (3) and the cartridge receiving structure (4) and a gas interface
(15) for transporting gas to and from the fluid cartridge (3),
a guide interface for guiding the cartridge (3) along a straight line for connecting
the interfaces, the guide interface being arranged on the bottom face (35) and having
a receiving opening (40) near the front face (33), and
a latch stop (30) and a latch track (28) arranged on the bottom face (35) to guide
and retain a latch (27) of the cartridge receiving structure (4),
wherein the latch track (28) comprises a locking track (28A) and an unlocking track
(28B), and is arranged to move the latch (27) with respect to the latch stop (30)
along the locking track (28A) into a locked engagement position at insertion, and
along an unlocking track (28B), different from the locking track (28A), into an unlocked
position at ejection,
wherein the latch track (28) further comprises a latch guide wall (47) at the end
of the locking track (28A) to receive a latch (27) at the end of the locking track
(28A) and to direct the latch (27) to the latch stop (30),
wherein the unlocking track (28B) comprises a latch re-direct wall (48) to receive
the latch (27) when the latch stop (30) and the latch track (28A) are pushed inwards
and to guide the latch (27) into the unlocking track (28B) for ejection out of a latch
stop engagement position,
wherein the fluid cartridge (3) comprises an electrical circuit (10, 19) sunken with
respect to the front face (33) of the fluid cartridge (3) to establish sideways connection,
wherein the electrical circuit (10, 19) comprises a cartridge memory (11) and provides
cartridge characteristic data,
wherein the electrical circuit (10, 19) comprises electrodes that extend in a plane
(Y, Z) perpendicular to the front face (33) and arranged on a line (PP) parallel to
the front face (33) and behind the front face (33),
wherein the electrical circuit (19) is arranged near a top surface (53) of the fluid
cartridge (3), the gas interface (15) is arranged near the middle of the front face
(33), and the ink interface (14) and a guide receiving opening (40) of the guide interface
are arranged near a bottom face (35) of the fluid cartridge (3).
2. The fluid cartridge of claim 1, wherein the guide interface comprises a guide track
(21) that extends parallel to said straight line, and wherein the guide track (21)
and the latch track (28) are arranged on a bottom face (35) of the fluid cartridge
(3).
3. The fluid cartridge of claim 2, wherein the guide track (21) and the latch track (28)
comprise one integral cutout in a bottom of the fluid cartridge.
4. The fluid cartridge (3) of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrical circuit (10,
19) is to connect with a connector circuit (18) of the cartridge receiving structure
(4) within an outer circumference of the fluid cartridge (3) behind the front face
(33).
5. The fluid cartridge (3) of one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ink interface (14) comprises
a socket for receiving a conically shaped pen (12) of the cartridge receiving structure
(4), the ink interface (14) comprising a seal ring (37) having an inner diameter arranged
to stretch at least approximately 0,3 millimeters for enclosing the pen (12) along
its conical shape at insertion.
6. The fluid cartridge (3) of claim 5, wherein the seal ring (37) comprises a tapering
receiving mouth (37B) for aligning the pen (12) at insertion.
7. The fluid cartridge (3) of one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the interfaces (33) include
an ejector alignment interface (36) arranged near the middle of on the front face
(33).
8. The fluid cartridge (3) of claim 7, wherein the ejector alignment interface (36) comprises
a ring-shaped ridge for engaging an inner circumference of a leading end (44) of a
helical spring shaped ejector (31) for aligning and maintaining the ejector (31) in
position when engaging the cartridge (3).
9. The fluid cartridge (3) of claim 7, wherein the gas interface (15) is arranged as
a socket, and wherein the ejector alignment interface (36) is arranged around the
socket (15) having the same central axis (C2) as the socket.
10. The fluid cartridge (3) of one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the latch stop (30) comprises
a latch stop wall (49) and a latch abutment (50), the abutment (50) comprising a protrusion
in the stop wall (49) for keeping the latch (27) from sliding off the latch stop wall
(49).
11. The fluid cartridge (3) of one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the gas interface (15) comprises
a socket which is connected to a pressure bag in the inner volume of the fluid cartridge
(3).
12. A fluid ejection system comprising:
a fluid cartridge (3) according to one of claims 5 and 6;
a cartridge receiving structure (4) comprising an ink interface (12) for connection
with the ink interface (14) of the fluid cartridge (3), a gas interface (13) for connection
with the gas interface (15) of the fluid cartridge (3), a guide (17) for guiding the
fluid cartridge (3) in a straight line until the fluid cartridge (3) and the cartridge
receiving structure (4) interconnect, and a latch (27), arranged to lock the fluid
cartridge (3) to the cartridge receiving structure (4) by moving the fluid cartridge
(3) along said guide (17),
wherein cartridge receiving structure (4) comprises the conical shaped pen (12) to
be inserted into the socket, wherein the conical shaped pen (12) is made of molded
plastics.
13. A fluid ejection system comprising:
a fluid cartridge (3) according to one of claims 1 to 11;
a cartridge receiving structure (4) comprising an ink interface (12) for connection
with the ink interface (14) of the fluid cartridge (3), a gas interface (13) for connection
with the gas interface (15) of the fluid cartridge (3), a guide (17) for guiding the
fluid cartridge (3) in a straight line until the fluid cartridge (3) and the cartridge
receiving structure (4) interconnect, and a latch (27), arranged to lock the fluid
cartridge (3) to the cartridge receiving structure (4) by moving the fluid cartridge
(3) along said guide (17),
wherein the cartridge receiving structure (4) comprises an ejector (31) comprising
a helical spring, wherein, when the fluid cartridge (3) is inserted and latched, the
leading end (44) of the ejector (31) engages the front face (33) of the cartridge
(3),
wherein the ejector (31) is compressed by the fluid cartridge (3) and pushes the latch
stop (30) against the latch (27) when the fluid cartridge (3) is in a locked position,
and
wherein, in an unlocked position, the latch (27) releases the fluid cartridge (3),
and the ejector (31) decompresses so as to eject the fluid cartridge (3) in a direction
out of the cartridge receiving structure (4) along the straight line,
14. A fluid ejection system comprising:
a fluid cartridge (3) according to claim 4;
a cartridge receiving structure (4) comprising an ink interface (12) for connection
with the ink interface (14) of the fluid cartridge (3), a gas interface (13) for connection
with the gas interface (15) of the fluid cartridge (3), a guide (17) for guiding the
fluid cartridge (3) in a straight line until the fluid cartridge (3) and the cartridge
receiving structure (4) interconnect, and a latch (27), arranged to lock the fluid
cartridge (3) to the cartridge receiving structure (4) by moving the fluid cartridge
(3) along said guide (17),
wherein the cartridge receiving structure (4) comprises the connector circuit (18)
interconnecting with the electrical circuit (10, 19) of the fluid cartridge (3) within
an outer circumference of the fluid cartridge (3) behind the front face (33).
15. The fluid ejection system of one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a scanning
print head, receiving structures (4) and fluid cartridges (3), wherein the receiving
structures (4) are arranged to connect the cartridges (3) to the scanning print head,
wherein the receiving structures (4) and the fluid cartridges are arranged on a scanning
axis.
16. A method of connecting a fluid cartridge (3) according to one of claims 1 to 11 to
a fluid cartridge receiving structure (4) comprising:
inserting a fluid cartridge (3) along a straight line with respect the fluid cartridge
receiving structure (4), to establish a fluid connection between both, and
guiding a latch (17) into a locked position, for maintaining the fluid connection,
by said movement along the straight line,
pushing the fluid cartridge (3) inwards so that the latch (27) engages the latch re-direct
wall (48) and is guided by the latch re-direct wall (48) into an unlocked position,
in which the latch (27) is disengaged from the latch stop (30) so that the fluid cartridge
(3) can be released from the cartridge receiving structure (4).
17. The method of claim 16, comprising:
engaging the front face (33) of the fluid cartridge (3) with a leading end (44) of
an ejector spring (31) of the cartridge receiving structure (4) and compressing the
ejector spring (31) when inserting the fluid cartridge (3),
maintaining the compressed condition of the spring when the latch is locked, and
ejecting the fluid cartridge by decompression of the ejector spring by unlocking the
latch.
18. A method of connecting a fluid cartridge (3) according to one of claims 5 and 6 to
a fluid cartridge receiving structure (4) comprising:
inserting a fluid cartridge (3) along a straight line with respect the fluid cartridge
receiving structure (4), to establish a fluid connection between both, and
guiding a latch (17) into a locked position, for maintaining the fluid connection,
by said movement along the straight line,
pushing the fluid cartridge (3) inwards so that the latch (27) engages the latch re-direct
wall (48) and is guided by the latch re-direct wall (48) into an unlocked position,
in which the latch (27) is disengaged from the latch stop (30) so that the fluid cartridge
(3) can be released from the cartridge receiving structure (4),
wherein, at an insertion and ejection stage, the pen (12) is inserted further inwards
into the socket (14), as compared to a position wherein the pen (12) is connected
for printing.
19. A method of connecting a fluid cartridge (3) according to claim 4 to a fluid cartridge
receiving structure (4) comprising:
inserting a fluid cartridge (3) along a straight line with respect the fluid cartridge
receiving structure (4), to establish a fluid connection between both, and
guiding a latch (17) into a locked position, for maintaining the fluid connection,
by said movement along the straight line,
pushing the fluid cartridge (3) inwards so that the latch (27) engages the latch re-direct
wall (48) and is guided by the latch re-direct wall (48) into an unlocked position,
in which the latch (27) is disengaged from the latch stop (30) so that the fluid cartridge
(3) can be released from the cartridge receiving structure (4), and
establishing an electrical connection between the connector circuit (18) of the cartridge
receiving structure (4) and the electrical circuit (10, 19) of the fluid cartridge
(3) within an outer circumference of the fluid cartridge (3) behind the front face
(33).
1. Fluidkartusche (3) mit einer Bodenfläche (35) und einer Stirnfläche (33), die Folgendes
umfasst:
Schnittstellen in der Stirnfläche (33) zur Verbindung mit einer Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur
(4), wobei die Schnittstellen eine Tintenschnittstelle (14) zum Transportieren von
Flüssigkeit zwischen der Fluidkartusche (3) und der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4a)
und eine Gasschnittstelle (15) zum Transportieren von Gas zu und von der Fluidkartusche
(3) beinhalten,
eine Führungsschnittstelle zum Führen der Kartusche (3) entlang einer Geraden zum
Verbinden der Schnittstellen, wobei die Führungsschnittstelle an der Bodenfläche (35)
angeordnet ist und eine Aufnahmeöffnung (40) nahe der Stirnfläche (33) aufweist, und
einen Verschlussanschlag (30) und eine Verschlussspur (28), die an der Bodenfläche
(35) angeordnet sind, um einen Verschluss (27) der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4)
zu führen und zu halten,
wobei die Verschlussspur (28) eine Sperrspur (28A) und eine Entsperrspur (28B) umfasst
und angeordnet ist, um den Verschluss (27) in Bezug auf den Verschlussanschlag (30)
beim Einführen entlang der Sperrspur (28A) in eine gesperrte Eingriffsposition und
beim Ausstoßen entlang einer Entsperrspur (28B), die sich von der Sperrspur (28A)
unterscheidet, in eine entsperrte Position zu bewegen,
wobei die Verschlussspur (28) ferner eine Verschlussführungswand (47) an dem Ende
der Sperrspur (28A) umfasst, um einen Verschluss (27) an dem Ende der Sperrspur (28A)
aufzunehmen und um den Verschluss (27) zu dem Verschlussanschlag (30) zu leiten,
wobei die Entsperrspur (28B) eine Verschlussumleitwand (48) umfasst, um den Verschluss
(27) aufzunehmen, wenn der Verschlussanschlag (30) und die Verschlussspur (28A) einwärts
gedrückt werden, und um den Verschluss (27) zum Ausstoßen aus einer Verschlussanschlagseingriffsposition
in die Entsperrspur (28B) zu führen,
wobei die Fluidkartusche (3) eine elektrische Schaltung (10, 19) umfasst, die in Bezug
auf die Stirnfläche (33) der Fluidkartusche (3) versenkt ist, um eine seitliche Verbindung
herzustellen, wobei die elektrische Schaltung (10, 19) einen Kartuschenspeicher (11)
umfasst und Kartuschenkenndaten bereitstellt,
wobei die elektrische Schaltung (10, 19) Elektroden umfasst, die sich in einer Ebene
(Y, Z) senkrecht zu der Stirnfläche (33) erstrecken und in einer Linie (PP) parallel
zu der Stirnfläche (33) und hinter der Stirnfläche (33) angeordnet sind,
wobei die elektrische Schaltung (19) nahe einer oberen Oberfläche (53) der Fluidkartusche
(3) angeordnet ist, die Gasschnittstelle (15) nahe der Mitte der Stirnfläche (33)
angeordnet ist und die Tintenschnittstelle (14) und eine Führungsaufnahmeöffnung (40)
der Führungsschnittstelle nahe einer Bodenfläche (35) der Fluidkartusche (3) angeordnet
sind.
2. Fluidkartusche nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Führungsschnittstelle eine Führungsspur
(21) umfasst, die sich parallel zu der Geraden erstreckt, und wobei die Führungsspur
(21) und die Verschlussspur (28) an einer Bodenfläche (35) der Fluidkartusche (3)
angeordnet sind.
3. Fluidkartusche nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Führungsspur (21) und die Verschlussspur
(28) einen integralen Ausschnitt in einem Boden der Fluidkartusche umfassen.
4. Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die elektrische Schaltung
(10, 19) mit einer Verbinderschaltung (18) der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) innerhalb
eines Außenumfangs der Fluidkartusche (3) hinter der Stirnfläche (33) verbunden ist.
5. Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die Tintenschnittstelle
(14) eine Buchse zum Aufnehmen eines konisch geformten Stifts (12) der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur
(4) umfasst, wobei die Tintenschnittstelle (14) einen Dichtungsring (37), der einen
Innendurchmesser aufweist, der angeordnet ist, um sich um wenigstens ungefähr 0,3
Millimeter zu dehnen, zum Umschließen des Stifts (12) entlang seiner konischen Form
beim Einführen umfasst.
6. Fluidkartusche (3) nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Dichtungsring (37) einen sich verjüngenden
Aufnahmeeingang (37B) zum Ausrichten des Stiftes (12) beim Einsetzen umfasst.
7. Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wobei die Schnittstellen (33)
eine Ausstoßererausrichtungsschnittstelle (36) beinhalten, die nahe der Mitte der
Stirnfläche (33) angeordnet ist.
8. Fluidkartusche (3) nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Ausstoßerausrichtungsschnittstelle (36)
eine ringförmige Rippe zum Ineingriffbringen eines Innenumfangs eines vorderen Endes
(44) eines schraubenfederförmigen Ausstoßers (31) zum Ausrichten und Aufrechterhalten
des Ausstoßers (31) in Position beim Ineingriffbringen der Kartusche (3) umfasst.
9. Fluidkartusche (3) nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Gasschnittstelle (15) als eine Buchse
angeordnet ist, und wobei die Ausstoßerausrichtungsschnittstelle (36) um die Buchse
(15) herum angeordnet ist, die die gleiche Mittelachse (C2) wie die Buchse aufweist.
10. Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei der Verschlussanschlag
(30) eine Verschlussanschlagswand (49) und ein Verschlusswiderlager (50) umfasst,
wobei das Widerlager (50) einen Überstand in der Anschlagswand (49) umfasst, um den
Verschluss (27) davon abzuhalten, von der Verschlussanschlagswand (49) abzurutschen.
11. Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, wobei die Gasschnittstelle (15)
eine Buchse aufweist, die mit einem Drucksack in dem Innenvolumen der Fluidkartusche
(3) verbunden ist.
12. Fluidausstoßsystem, das Folgendes umfasst:
eine Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 und 6;
eine Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4), die Folgendes umfasst: eine Tintenschnittstelle
(12) zum Verbinden mit der Tintenschnittstelle (14) der Fluidkartusche (3), eine Gasschnittstelle
(13) zum Verbinden mit der Gasschnittstelle (15) der Fluidkartusche (3), eine Führung
(17) zum Führen der Fluidkartusche (3) in einer Geraden, bis die Fluidkartusche (3)
und die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) sich miteinander verbinden, und einen Verschluss
(27), der angeordnet ist, um die Fluidkartusche (3) durch Bewegen der Fluidkartusche
(3) entlang der Führung (17) an die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) zu sperren,
wobei die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) den konisch geformten Stift (12) umfasst,
der in die Buchse einzuführen ist, wobei der konisch geformte Stift (12) aus geformtem
Kunststoff gefertigt ist.
13. Fluidausstoßsystem, das Folgendes umfasst:
eine Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11;
eine Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4), die Folgendes umfasst: eine Tintenschnittstelle
(12) zum Verbinden mit der Tintenschnittstelle (14) der Fluidkartusche (3), eine Gasschnittstelle
(13) zum Verbinden mit der Gasschnittstelle (15) der Fluidkartusche (3), eine Führung
(17) zum Führen der Fluidkartusche (3) in einer Geraden, bis die Fluidkartusche (3)
und die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) sich miteinander verbinden, und einen Verschluss
(27), der angeordnet ist, um die Fluidkartusche (3) durch Bewegen der Fluidkartusche
(3) entlang der Führung (17) an die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) zu sperren,
wobei die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) einen Ausstoßer (31) umfasst, der eine spiralförmige
Feder umfasst, wobei, wenn die Fluidkartusche (3) eingesetzt and verschlossen wird,
das vordere Ende (44) des Ausstoßers (31) in die Stirnfläche (33) der Kartusche (3)
eingreift,
wobei der Ausstoßer (31) durch die Fluidkartusche (3) zusammengedrückt wird und den
Verschlussanschlag (30) gegen den Verschluss (27) drückt, wenn sich die Fluidkartusche
(3) in einer gesperrten Position befindet, und
wobei in einer entsperrten Position der Verschluss (27) die Fluidkartusche (3) löst
und der Ausstoßer (31) druckentlastet, um die Fluidkartusche (3) in einer Richtung
aus der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) hinaus entlang der Geraden auszustoßen,
14. Fluidausstoßsystem, das Folgendes umfasst:
eine Fluidkartusche (3) nach Anspruch 4;
eine Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4), die Folgendes umfasst: eine Tintenschnittstelle
(12) zum Verbinden mit der Tintenschnittstelle (14) der Fluidkartusche (3), eine Gasschnittstelle
(13) zum Verbinden mit der Gasschnittstelle (15) der Fluidkartusche (3), eine Führung
(17) zum Führen der Fluidkartusche (3) in einer Geraden, bis die Fluidkartusche (3)
und die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) sich miteinander verbinden, und einen Verschluss
(27), der angeordnet ist, um die Fluidkartusche (3) durch Bewegen der Fluidkartusche
(3) entlang der Führung (17) an die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) zu sperren,
wobei die Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) die Verbinderschaltung (18) umfasst, die
sich mit der elektrischen Schaltung (10, 19) der Fluidkartusche (3) innerhalb eines
Außenumfangs der Fluidkartusche (3) hinter der Stirnfläche (33) verbindet.
15. Fluidausstoßsystem nach einem der Ansprüche 12 bis 14, das ferner Folgendes umfasst:
einen Abtastdruckkopf, Aufnahmestrukturen (4) und Fluidkartuschen (3), wobei die Aufnahmestrukturen
(4) angeordnet sind, um die Kartuschen (3) mit dem Abtastdruckkopf zu verbinden, wobei
die Aufnahmestrukturen (4) und die Fluidkartuschen auf einer Abtastachse angeordnet
sind.
16. Verfahren zum Verbinden einer Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11
mit einer Fluidkartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4), das Folgendes umfasst:
Einsetzen einer Fluidkartusche (3) entlang einer Geraden in Bezug auf die Fluidkartuschenaufnahmestruktur
(4), um eine Fluidverbindung zwischen beiden herzustellen, und
Führen eines Verschlusses (17) in eine gesperrte Position zum Aufrechterhalten der
Fluidverbindung durch die Bewegung entlang der Geraden,
Drücken der Fluidkartusche (3) nach innen, sodass der Verschluss (27) in die Verschlussumleitwand
(48) eingreift und von der Verschlussumleitwand (48) in eine entsperrte Position geführt
wird, in der der Verschluss (27) von dem Verschlussanschlag (30) außer Eingriff gebracht
ist, sodass die Fluidkartusche (3) von der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) gelöst werden
kann.
17. Verfahren nach Anspruch 16, das Folgendes umfasst:
Ineingriffbringen der Stirnfläche (33) der Fluidkartusche (3) mit einem vorderen Ende
(44) einer Ausstoßerfeder (31) der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) and Zusammendrücken
der Ausstoßerfeder (31), wenn die Fluidkartusche (3) eingesetzt wird,
Aufrechterhalten des zusammengedrückten Zustands der Feder, wenn der Verschluss gesperrt
ist, und
Ausstoßen der Fluidkartusche durch Druckentlasten der Ausstoßerfeder durch Entsperren
des Verschlusses.
18. Verfahren zum Verbinden einer Fluidkartusche (3) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 und 6
mit einer Fluidkartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4), das Folgendes umfasst:
Einsetzen einer Fluidkartusche (3) entlang einer Geraden in Bezug auf die Fluidkartuschenaufnahmestruktur
(4), um eine Fluidverbindung zwischen beiden herzustellen, und
Führen eines Verschlusses (17) in eine gesperrte Position zum Aufrechterhalten der
Fluidverbindung durch die Bewegung entlang der Geraden,
Drücken der Fluidkartusche (3) nach innen, sodass der Verschluss (27) in die Verschlussumleitwand
(48) eingreift und von der Verschlussumleitwand (48) in eine entsperrte Position geführt
wird, in der der Verschluss (27) von dem Verschlussanschlag (30) außer Eingriff gebracht
ist, sodass die Fluidkartusche (3) von der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) gelöst werden
kann,
wobei, in einem Einführungs- und Ausstoßstadium, der Stift (12) im Vergleich zu einer
Position, in der der Stift (12) zum Drucken verbunden ist, weiter nach innen in die
Buchse (14) eingeführt wird.
19. Verfahren zum Verbinden einer Fluidkartusche (3) nach Anspruch 4 mit einer Fluidkartuschenaufnahmestruktur
(4), das Folgendes umfasst:
Einsetzen einer Fluidkartusche (3) entlang einer Geraden in Bezug auf die Fluidkartuschenaufnahmestruktur
(4), um eine Fluidverbindung zwischen beiden herzustellen, und
Führen eines Verschlusses (17) in eine gesperrte Position zum Aufrechterhalten der
Fluidverbindung durch die Bewegung entlang der Geraden,
Drücken der Fluidkartusche (3) nach innen, sodass der Verschluss (27) in die Verschlussumleitwand
(48) eingreift und von der Verschlussumleitwand (48) in eine entsperrte Position geführt
wird, in der der Verschluss (27) von dem Verschlussanschlag (30) außer Eingriff gebracht
ist, sodass die Fluidkartusche (3) von der Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) gelöst werden
kann, und
Herstellen einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen der Verbinderschaltung (18) der
Kartuschenaufnahmestruktur (4) und der elektrischen Schaltung (10, 19) der Fluidkartusche
(3) innerhalb eines Außenumfangs der Fluidkartusche (3) hinter der Stirnfläche (33).
1. Cartouche de fluide (3) ayant une face inférieure (35) et une face avant (33), comprenant
:
des interfaces dans la face avant (33) pour une connexion à une structure de réception
de cartouche (4), les interfaces comprenant une interface d'encre (14) pour transporter
du liquide entre la cartouche de fluide (3) et la structure de réception de cartouche
(4a), et une interface de gaz (15) pour transporter du gaz vers et depuis la cartouche
de fluide (3),
une interface de guidage pour guider la cartouche (3) le long d'une ligne droite pour
connecter les interfaces, l'interface de guidage étant disposée sur la face inférieure
(35) et ayant une ouverture de réception (40) près de la face avant (33), et
un arrêt de verrouillage (30) et une piste de verrouillage (28) disposés sur la face
inférieure (35) pour guider et retenir un verrou (27) de la structure de réception
de cartouche (4),
dans laquelle la piste de verrouillage (28) comprend une piste de blocage (28A) et
une piste de déblocage (28B), et est disposé pour déplacer le verrou (27) par rapport
à l'arrêt de verrouillage (30) le long d'une piste de blocage (28A) dans une position
d'enclenchement bloquée à l'insertion, et le long d'une piste de déblocage (28B),
différent de la piste de blocage (28A), dans une position débloquée à l'éjection,
dans laquelle la piste de verrouillage (28) comprend en outre une paroi de guidage
de verrou (47) à l'extrémité de la piste de blocage (28A) pour recevoir un verrou
(27) à l'extrémité de la piste de blocage (28A) et pour diriger le verrou (27) vers
l'arrêt de verrouillage (30),
dans laquelle la piste de déblocage (28B) comprend une paroi de réorientation de verrou
(48) pour recevoir le verrou (27) lorsque l'arrêt de verrouillage (30) et la piste
de verrouillage (28A) sont poussés vers l'intérieur et pour guider le verrou (27)
dans la piste de déblocage (28B) afin d'être éjecté d'une position d'enclenchement
d'arrêt de verrouillage,
dans laquelle la cartouche de fluide (3) comprend un circuit électrique (10, 19) enfoncé
par rapport à la face avant (33) de la cartouche de fluide (3) pour établir une connexion
latérale, dans laquelle le circuit électrique (10, 19) comprend une mémoire de cartouche
(11) et fournit des données caractéristiques de cartouche,
dans laquelle le circuit électrique (10, 19) comprend des électrodes qui s'étendent
dans un plan (Y, Z) perpendiculaire à la face avant (33) et disposées sur une ligne
(PP) parallèle à la face avant (33) et derrière la face avant (33),
dans laquelle le circuit électrique (19) est disposé près d'une surface supérieure
(53) de la cartouche de fluide (3), l'interface de gaz (15) est disposée près du milieu
de la face avant (33), et l'interface d'encre (14) et une ouverture de réception de
guide (40) de l'interface de guidage sont disposées près d'une face inférieure (35)
de la cartouche de fluide (3).
2. Cartouche de fluide selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'interface de guidage
comprend une piste de guidage (21) qui s'étend parallèlement à ladite ligne droite,
et dans laquelle la piste de guidage (21) et la piste de verrouillage (28) sont disposés
sur une face inférieure (35) de la cartouche de fluide (3).
3. Cartouche de fluide selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle la piste de guidage (21)
et la piste de verrouillage (28) comprennent une découpe intégrée dans un fond de
la cartouche de fluide.
4. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle le circuit
électrique (10, 19) est destiné à être connecté à un circuit de connexion (18) de
la structure de réception de cartouche (4) à l'intérieur d'une circonférence externe
de la cartouche de fluide (3) derrière la face avant (33).
5. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle l'interface
d'encre (14) comprend une douille pour recevoir un stylo de forme conique (12) de
la structure de réception de cartouche (4), l'interface d'encre (14) comprenant une
bague d'étanchéité (37) ayant un diamètre interne disposé pour s'étendre d'au moins
environ 0,3 millimètres pour enfermer le stylo (12) le long de sa forme conique à
l'insertion.
6. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle la bague d'étanchéité
(37) comprend une bouche de réception rétrécie (37B) pour aligner le stylo (12) à
l'insertion.
7. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, dans laquelle les interfaces
(33) comprennent une interface d'alignement d'éjecteur (36) disposée près du milieu
de la face avant (33).
8. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle l'interface d'alignement
d'éjecteur (36) comprend une arête en forme d'anneau pour enclencher une circonférence
interne d'une extrémité avant (44) d'un éjecteur en forme de ressort hélicoïdal (31)
pour aligner et maintenir l'éjecteur (31) en position lorsque la cartouche (3) est
enclenchée.
9. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon la revendication 7, dans laquelle l'interface de gaz
(15) est disposée comme une douille, et dans laquelle l'interface d'alignement d'éjecteur
(36) est disposée autour de la douille (15) ayant le même axe central (C2) que la
douille.
10. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 9, dans laquelle l'arrêt
de verrouillage (30) comprend une paroi d'arrêt de verrouillage (49) et une butée
de verrouillage (50), la butée (50) comprenant une saillie dans la paroi d'arrêt (49)
pour empêcher le verrou (27) de glisser de la paroi d'arrêt de verrouillage (49).
11. Cartouche de fluide (3) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10, dans laquelle l'interface
de gaz (15) comprend une douille connectée à un sac sous pression dans le volume interne
de la cartouche de fluide (3).
12. Système d'éjection de fluide, comprenant :
une cartouche de fluide (3) selon l'une des revendications 5 et 6 ;
une structure de réception de cartouche (4) comprenant une interface d'encre (12)
destinée à être connectée à l'interface d'encre (14) de la cartouche de fluide (3),
une interface de gaz (13) destinée à être connectée à l'interface de gaz (15) de la
cartouche de fluide (3), un guide (17) pour guider la cartouche de fluide (3) en une
ligne droite jusqu'à ce que la cartouche de fluide (3) et la structure de réception
de cartouche (4) s'interconnectent, et un verrou (27), disposé pour bloquer la cartouche
de fluide (3) sur la structure de réception de cartouche (4) par déplacement de la
cartouche de fluide (3) le long dudit guide (17),
dans laquelle la structure de réception de cartouche (4) comprend le stylo de forme
conique (12) à insérer dans la douille, le stylo de forme conique (12) étant constitué
de plastique moulé.
13. Système d'éjection de fluide, comprenant :
une cartouche de fluide (3) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11 ;
une structure de réception de cartouche (4) comprenant une interface d'encre (12)
destinée à être connectée avec l'interface d'encre (14) de la cartouche de fluide
(3), une interface de gaz (13) destinée à être connectée avec l'interface de gaz (15)
de la cartouche de fluide (3), un guide (17) pour guider la cartouche de fluide (3)
en ligne droite jusqu'à ce que la cartouche de fluide (3) et la structure de réception
de cartouche (4) s'interconnectent, et un verrou (27), disposé pour bloquer la cartouche
de fluide (3) à la structure de réception de cartouche (4) par déplacement de la cartouche
de fluide (3) le long dudit guide (17),
dans laquelle la structure de réception de cartouche (4) comprend un éjecteur (31)
comprenant un ressort hélicoïdal, dans laquelle, lorsque la cartouche de fluide (3)
est insérée et verrouillée, l'extrémité avant (44) de l'éjecteur (31) s'enclenche
avec la face avant (33) de la cartouche (3),
dans laquelle l'éjecteur (31) est comprimé par la cartouche de fluide (3) et pousse
l'arrêt de verrouillage (30) contre le verrou (27) lorsque la cartouche de fluide
(3) est dans une position bloquée, et
dans laquelle, dans une position débloquée, le verrou (27) libère la cartouche de
fluide (3), et l'éjecteur (31) se décomprime de manière à éjecter la cartouche de
fluide (3) dans une direction hors de la structure de réception de cartouche (4) le
long de la ligne droite,
14. Système d'éjection de fluide, comprenant :
une cartouche de fluide (3) selon la revendication 4 ;
une structure de réception de cartouche (4) comprenant une interface d'encre (12)
destinée à être connectée à l'interface d'encre (14) de la cartouche de fluide (3),
une interface de gaz (13) destinée à être connectée à l'interface de gaz (15) de la
cartouche de fluide (3), un guide (17) pour guider la cartouche de fluide (3) en une
ligne droite jusqu'à ce que la cartouche de fluide (3) et la structure de réception
de cartouche (4) s'interconnectent, et un verrou (27), disposé pour bloquer la cartouche
de fluide (3) sur la structure de réception de cartouche (4) par déplacement de la
cartouche de fluide (3) le long dudit guide (17),
dans laquelle la structure de réception de cartouche (4) comprend le circuit de connexion
(18) interconnectant avec le circuit électrique (10, 19) de la cartouche de fluide
(3) à l'intérieur d'une circonférence externe de la cartouche de fluide (3) derrière
la face avant (33).
15. Système d'éjection de fluide selon l'une des revendications 12 à 14, comprenant en
outre une tête d'impression à balayage, des structures de réception (4) et des cartouches
de fluide (3), dans lequel les structures de réception (4) sont disposées pour connecter
les cartouches (3) à la tête d'impression à balayage, les structures de réception
(4) et les cartouches de fluide étant disposées sur un axe de balayage.
16. Procédé de connexion d'une cartouche de fluide (3), selon l'une des revendications
1 à 11 à une structure de réception de cartouche de fluide (4) consistant à :
insérer une cartouche de fluide (3) le long d'une ligne droite par rapport à la structure
de réception de cartouche de fluide (4) pour établir une connexion fluidique entre
les deux, et
guider un verrou (17) dans une position bloquée, pour maintenir la connexion fluidique,
par ledit mouvement le long de la ligne droite,
pousser la cartouche de fluide (3) vers l'intérieur de telle sorte que le verrou (27)
s'enclenche dans la paroi de réorientation du verrou (48) et est guidé par la paroi
de réorientation du verrou (48) dans une position débloquée, dans laquelle le verrou
(27) se désenclenche de l'arrêt de verrouillage (30), de telle sorte que la cartouche
de fluide (3) puisse être libérée de la structure de réception de cartouche (4).
17. Procédé selon la revendication 16, consistant à :
enclencher la face avant (33) de la cartouche de fluide (3) avec une extrémité avant
(44) d'un ressort éjecteur (31) de la structure de réception de cartouche (4) et comprimer
le ressort éjecteur (31) lors de l'insertion de la cartouche de fluide (3),
maintenir l'état comprimé du ressort lorsque le verrou est verrouillé, et
éjecter la cartouche de fluide par décompression du ressort éjecteur en débloquant
le verrou.
18. Procédé de connexion d'une cartouche de fluide (3), selon l'une des revendications
5 et 6, à une structure de réception de cartouche de fluide (4) consistant à :
insérer une cartouche de fluide (3) le long d'une ligne droite par rapport à la structure
de réception de cartouche de fluide (4) pour établir une connexion fluidique entre
les deux, et
guider un verrou (17) dans une position bloquée, pour maintenir la connexion fluidique,
par ledit mouvement le long de la ligne droite,
pousser la cartouche de fluide (3) vers l'intérieur de telle sorte que le verrou (27)
s'enclenche dans la paroi de réorientation du verrou (48) et est guidé par la paroi
de réorientation du verrou (48) dans une position débloquée, dans laquelle le verrou
(27) est désenclenché de l'arrêt de verrouillage (30) de telle sorte que la cartouche
de fluide (3) puisse être libérée de la structure de réception de cartouche (4),
dans laquelle, lors d'une étape d'insertion et d'éjection, le stylo (12) est inséré
davantage vers l'intérieur dans la douille (14), par rapport à une position dans laquelle
le stylo (12) est connecté pour impression.
19. Procédé de connexion d'une cartouche de fluide (3), selon la revendication 4, à une
structure de réception de cartouche de fluide (4) consistant à :
insérer une cartouche de fluide (3) le long d'une ligne droite par rapport à la structure
de réception de cartouche de fluide (4) pour établir une connexion fluidique entre
les deux, et
guider un verrou (17) dans une position bloquée, pour maintenir la connexion fluidique,
par ledit mouvement le long de la ligne droite,
pousser la cartouche de fluide (3) vers l'intérieur de telle sorte que le verrou (27)
s'enclenche dans la paroi de réorientation du verrou (48) et est guidé par la paroi
de réorientation du verrou (48) dans une position débloquée, dans laquelle le verrou
(27) est désenclenché de l'arrêt de verrouillage (30), de telle sorte que la cartouche
de fluide (3) puisse être libérée de la structure (4) de réception de cartouche, et
établir une connexion électrique entre le circuit de connexion (18) de la structure
de réception de cartouche (4) et le circuit électrique (10, 19) de la cartouche de
fluide (3) à l'intérieur d'une circonférence externe de la cartouche de fluide (3)
derrière la face avant (33).