Printing-fluid container

[0001] Inkjet printing systems often use one or more replaceable ink cartridges containing a certain amount of ink. An ink cartridge can be replaced if it no longer supplies ink. For example, an ink container may be replaced if all the ink in that container is used and the container is empty. Many known ink cartridges are unable to deliver all of the ink contained in the ink container, and thus the container is treated as actually empty, although they contain ink residues. Such ink containers can be replaced when they stop supplying ink in an appropriate manner. Basically, users prefer ink cartridges that do not need to be replaced frequently. In addition, users generally prefer ink cartridges that are relatively easy to replace when needed. EP1232871A describes a replaceable ink cartridge containing two adjacent ink apertures and a connecting aperture. Further examples of replaceable ink cartridges are described in US6322205B1, US6471333B1, US4272019A,

EP0940260A and EP0778145A.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0002]

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an ink ejection system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a substantially schematic view of an embodiment of the ink supply system as used in the ink ejection system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the fluid container cavity in an open position as used in the ink supply system in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows the cavity of the printing container with the fluid of Fig. 3 in the closed position.

Fig. 5 is a front isometric view of a printing container for liquids according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the printing container with the liquid of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is an isometric view from the back of the printing container with the liquid of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 shows a set of three fluid printing containers formed by joining three different reservoir bodies with three similarly shaped lids.

Figures 9-11 are cross-sectional views from above of a liquid printing container embedded in a cavity of a liquid printing container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a post key configured to fit into the corresponding key slot of a printing container in a fluid according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 13 shows five bar wrenches configured to correspond to five different inks.

Figures 14-16 are side cross-sectional views of a fluid printing container disposed in a cavity of a fluid printing container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member of the printing container with the fluid of Figs. 14-16.

Fig. 18 is a substantially schematic view of the ball sealing mechanism of a printing-fluid container with

Figs 14-16.

Fig. 19 shows the ball sealing mechanism of Fig. 18 coupled to a fluid connector.

Fig. 20 shows the fluid connector of Fig. 19.

Fig. 21 schematically shows the ink level in a printing container with a fluid that contains a well.

Fig. 22 schematically shows the ink level in a printing container with a fluid that does not contain a well.

Fig. 23 is a rear isometric view of a printing container for liquids according to an embodiment of the invention. Figs. 24-26 are top cross-sectional views of a fluid printing container seated in a cavity of a fluid printing container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figures 27-29 show a side cross-sectional view of a fluid printing container disposed in a cavity of a fluid printing container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0003] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an ink-fluid ejection system 10. Although fluid ejection systems can be configured to eject many different fluids onto a correspondingly many different carriers in different embodiments, the embodiment focuses on an exemplary printing system that is used for ejecting or printing ink on paper. However, it should be understood that other printing systems as well as fluid ejection systems for non-printing applications are also covered by the disclosure.

[0004] Fluid ejection system 10 includes a control system 12, carrier positioning system 14, fluid supply system 16 and control interface 18. Control system 12 may include components such as a printed circuit board, processor, memory, special purpose integrated circuit , etc., which activate fluid ejection corresponding to the received fluid ejection signal

twenty. Fluid ejection signals may be received via a wired or wireless (radio) control interface 18, or other suitable mechanism. Fluid ejection signals may include instructions for performing the desired fluid ejection process. After receiving such a fluid ejection signal, the control system may cause the carrier positioning system 14 and fluid supply system 16 to cooperate to eject fluid onto the carrier 22. For example, the fluid ejection signal may include a print job specifying the particular image to be printed. The control system may interpret the print job and cause fluid such as ink to be thrown onto the paper in the pattern that reproduces the image specified in the print job.

[0005] The carrier positioning system 14 may control the relative position of the fluid ejection system and the carrier onto which the fluid ejection system is to discharge the fluid. For example, the media positioning system 14 may include a paper feed that moves the paper through the printing area 24 in the fluid ejection system. Such a media positioning system may additionally or alternatively include a mechanism for laterally positioning the printhead or other suitable device for ejecting fluid to different areas of the printing zone. The relative position of the carrier and fluid ejection system can be controlled so that fluid can only be ejected onto the desired portion of the carrier. In some embodiments, the carrier positioning system 14 can be selectively configured to take two or more different types and / or sizes of carrier.

[0006] Fig. 2 schematically shows an exemplary fluid supply system in the form of a print fluid supply system 16 '. The printing fluid supply system includes a scanning printhead 30, which may include one or more nozzles for receiving the printing fluid from the fluid source and for ejecting the printing fluid on the print medium. The nozzle may be connected to a fluid ejector, such as a semiconductor resistor, which is operably connected to the control system. The control system may selectively cause heating by the print fluid ejector which is fed to the fluid ejector. In embodiments using a resistor as a fluid ejector, the resistor can be turned on by directing the current through the resistor in one or more pulses. The heated print fluid may at least partially evaporate and form a print fluid bubble. The expansion of the print fluid bubble may cause some of the print fluid to be ejected from the appropriate nozzle onto the print media. The print head can be adapted to print with one color of ink, two or more different colors of ink, as well as a preparation, fixative and / or other printing fluid. The scope of the embodiment includes the use of other mechanisms for ejecting fluid onto a carrier, and the printhead is given as a non-limiting example. For example, the printhead may include a fluid ejector designed to perform fluid ejection through a non-thermal mechanism, such as vibration.

[0007] The printing fluid supply system 16 'includes an off-axis ink supply station 40. An off-axis ink supply may be located outside the print head, so that the print head can scan the print zone while the ink supply remains substantially stationary. This arrangement can reduce the overall weight of the printhead assembly compared to a printhead assembly that includes coaxial ink supply. The relatively light printhead assembly may require relatively less energy to move, at the same time faster movement, and more quiet and / or with less vibration than the printhead with integrated coaxial ink supply. The off-axis ink supply can be placed for easy access to facilitate refilling of ink, and can be sized to accommodate the ink volume needed. As explained in more detail below, the ink supply station may be configured to charge from the front, so that the fluid printing container can be introduced into the printing system from the side. The stationary location and relatively easy access to off-axis ink supply can allow storage and delivery of relatively large volumes of ink.

[0008] Off-axis ink supply may include containers for storing and supplying one or more colors of ink as well as other printing fluids.

For example, the ink supply station 40 includes six cavities configured to accommodate six corresponding ink containers. In the embodiment shown, the ink supply station 40 includes a yellow cavity 42, a dark purple cavity 44, a light purple cavity 46, a dark blue-green cavity 48, a light blue-green cavity 50, and a black cavity 52 that are suitably adapted to receive a yellow ink container 54 , dark purple ink container 56, light purple ink container 58, dark blue ink container 60, the light blue green ink container 62 and the black ink container 64. Other printing systems may be adapted to use more or fewer colors than the colors described above. It should be understood that the term "ink" as used herein can be used in a general sense to refer to other printing fluids, such as preparatory agents, fixatives, etc., which can be stored in an ink container and delivered through a fluid supply system. Two or more ink cartridges containing a printing fluid of the same color and / or type can be used in the same printing system. In some embodiments, one or more ink-container recesses may have dimensions different from that of the other ink-container bay. For example, in the embodiment shown, the black cavity 52 is larger than other ink-container recesses and thus can accommodate a relatively larger ink-container. As described in more detail below, a specific ink-container bay can accommodate different-size ink containers.

[0009] The ink supply system 16 'includes an ink transport system 70 configured to move ink from the ink supply station to the printhead. In some embodiments, the ink transport system may be a bi-directional ink transport system capable of holding ink from the ink supply station to the printhead and vice versa. An ink transport system may include one or more transport routes for each ink color. In the embodiment shown, the ink transport system 70 includes a tube 72 that connects the ink container to the ink supply station with the print head. In the embodiment shown, there are six such tubes that fluidly connect the ink cartridges to the print head. The tube may be made to have sufficient length and flexibility to allow the print head to scan the print area. In addition, the tube may be at least partially chemically inert to the ink transported through the tube.

[0010] An ink transport system may include one or more mechanisms configured to perform ink transport through the ink transport path. This mechanism can be used to create a pressure difference that displaces the ink. In the embodiment shown, the ink transport system 70 includes a pump 74 configured to transport ink through each tube 72. Such a pump can be configured as a two-way pump, which is designed to move ink in different directions through a suitable ink transport path.

[0011] Ink transport may take place in at least two stages. For example, each tube 72 includes a static portion connecting the ink cartridge to the pump and a dynamic portion 78 connecting the pump to the print head. The transport path can also include a pumping part that effectively connects the static part to the dynamic part and interacts with the pump to transport ink. Individual parts of the ink transport path may be physically different segments that are seamlessly connected through one or more interconnections. In some embodiments, a single section of tube connecting an ink cartridge to a printhead can be functionally divided into two or more parts, including static and dynamic parts. In the embodiment shown, the dynamic portion 78 is intended to connect a stationary ink supply station to a scanning printhead that moves during printing, and therefore the dynamic portion is adapted to move and bend with the printhead. The static part that connects the stationary ink supply station to the stationary pump can remain in a substantially fixed position.

[0012] The ink container of the ink supply station 40 may include a vent designed to facilitate the introduction and removal of ink from the container. For example, the vent may fluidly connect the inside of the ink container to the atmosphere to help reduce adverse pressure drops that may halt ink transport. Such a vent may be adapted to limit the flow of ink from the ink container through the vent, preventing undesired loss of ink. An example of a fluid interface vent is described in more detail below.

[0013] The printing fluid supply system 16 'may include a vent chamber 90 designed to reduce ink evaporation and / or other ink loss. Each ink container at the ink supply station 40 can be seamlessly attached to the vent chamber 90 through a tube 92 connecting the vent of the ink-containing container to the vent chamber. In other words, the vent of the ink container may be attached to a vent chamber to facilitate the transport of ink between the ink container and the print head. The vent chamber can reduce adverse pressure drops while limiting the evaporation of ink into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, vent chamber 90 may include a labyrinth that reduces ink loss. Vent chamber 90 may generally be fixed in a fixed position.

[0014] As mentioned above, Fig. 2 schematically schematically shows the 16 'printing fluid supply system. The precise arrangement of the components of the printing fluid supply system can be physically implemented according to the desired industrial design. Similarly, individual elements may differ from the embodiments shown while remaining within the scope of the disclosure. Dimensions, shape, access and aesthetics are within a range of factors that can be considered when constructing a fluid ejection system that uses the print fluid supply system of the present disclosure. Despite the description and representation relating to off-axis ink supply, it is understood that many of the principles described herein are applicable to axial ink supply. Off-axis ink supply is a non-limiting example, and axial ink supply is included in the scope of the disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 2 shows in solid lines an un-installed dark blue-green ink container 60. As indicated by dashed lines 61, the dark blue-green ink container can be installed in the ink supply station 40. Similarly, other containers of the ink supply station 40 can be selectively installed and uninstalled. As a result, the depleted ink supply can be replenished by inserting a full ink container, extending the life of the fluid ejection system. The ink supply station can be configured so that individual ink containers can be replaced independently of each other. For example, if only one of the ink cartridges runs out, you can replace it by leaving the other ink cartridges in place. It should be understood that while Fig. 2 shows the ink container 60 installed in the ink supply station 40 in a substantially vertical direction, this is not necessarily required. The ink supply station 40 may be oriented to receive the ink containers introduced from the side. In addition, a coupled ink supply assembly that houses two or more different printing fluids and / or in a common container assembly can be embedded in one ink container bay.

[0016] The ink supply system may include an ink level sensor designed to check the amount of ink available. The ink level sensor can be configured to separately check individual ink cartridges, groups of ink cartridges supplying the same color ink, and / or a collective ink supply system. The ink level sensor can work with the signaling system to inform the user about the status of the ink level, thereby enabling the user to determine the ink levels and prepare to refill the ink. In addition, as described in more detail below, the ink container may include a memory and associated electrical interface, and information about the level of ink in the ink container may be stored in such memory and transferred through the electrical interface.

[0017] Figs. 3 and 4 show a more detailed view of an exemplary ink-container bay 100 configured to selectively receive the ink container 102. Fig. 3 shows the ink container bay 100 in the open position, and Fig. 4 shows the ink container bay in the closed position in which the ink container bay houses the ink container 102. The ink-container bay may include a socket 104 adapted to fit into a portion of the ink-container. In other words, the seat 104 and part of the ink container may be complementary shaped so that the ink container can be received in the socket. The slot may be sized and shaped to match the dimensions and shape of the portion of the ink container, such as the ink container lid and / or the projection of the ink container body. The ink-container bay may include a securing element 106 for holding the ink-container in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment element 106 is pivotably hinged for engagement with the edge portion 108 of the ink container 102. The edge portion 108 is an example of a fastening surface that can be engaged with a fastener for retaining an ink container in an ink-container bay. In the embodiment shown, the attachment element 106 includes an opening 110 through which the rear portion 112 of the ink container 102 can pass. The attachment member or combination of at least two attachment members intended to hold the ink container in place may be intended to accommodate ink containers of various sizes. In some embodiments, the attachment member may be coupled to one or more parts of the ink container, such as the attachment surface of the edge portion 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment element 106 includes a piston 114 intended to engage with the edge portion 108 on each side of the ink container, while the rear portion 112 passes through the opening 110. The piston 114 includes a resilient element intended to apply depressive pressure to the ink container 102 when the fastening element 106 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the two or more attachment elements may be separate movable elements, which allows large rear parts, or a single attachment element can be adapted to receive large rear parts. In addition, alternative or additional attachment mechanisms may be used to hold the ink container in place in some embodiments.

[0018] Figs. 5-7 show an ink container 120 that includes an ink container lid 122 and an ink container body 124 that are complementary shaped to together create a limited space in which ink may be present. The ink-container lid and reservoir body can be collectively referred to as a reservoir, ink reservoir, or print-fluid reservoir. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be formed of a single structural member, or two or more structural members connected otherwise than shown in the embodiment. Lid 122 may include an inner surface that faces the ink container when the reservoir body is attached to the lid. The cover may include one or more parts adapted to engage the tank body or for other attachment of the cover to the tank body. In some embodiments, the lid and tank body may be releasably connected to each other, while other embodiments may use the lid and tank body that are joined in a substantially durable assembly. A seal or other suitable seal may be fitted in the connection between the cover 122 and the reservoir body 124 to increase the capacity of the lid and the reservoir body to store a certain volume of ink or other printing fluid.

[0019] Ink container 120 may be made as any ink container for storing any volume of ink. With reference to the description, any volume of ink means the volume of ink that is stored in the container without the use of a sponge, foam, ink bag or similar intermediate storage device and / or vacuum generating device. Any ink container is essentially "open" within its limits, thereby allowing the ink to fill a relatively large percentage of the closed volume that can flow into the container freely. As described in more detail, the design of the ink container 120 allows any volume of ink to be removed from the ink container and fed to the printhead. In addition, as described below, a very high percentage of any volume of ink can be drained from the free ink container, thereby reducing the amount of ink left behind.

[0020] Ink container cover 122 includes an outer surface 126 that is inverted from the contents of the ink container. The outer surface 126 may be constructed as the forward-facing surface of the ink container when the ink container is installed in the corresponding ink-container bay. Similarly, the outer surface may also be called the front surface of the ink container or the front surface of the ink container. In some embodiments, a portion of the printing container with a fluid other than a lid similar to the lid of the container with the fluid 122 may be the front surface of the printing container with the fluid.

[0021] Ink container lid 122 may be formed with an outer surface 126 with a substantially flat profile. As described in more detail below, the outer surface may include one or more wells adapted to provide mechanical keying and / or keying. The outer surface may additionally or alternatively comprise holes leading into the interior of the ink container. Such holes can be used as jet interfaces to move print fluid and / or air from inside the ink container to outside of the ink container and vice versa. The entry point for each cavity, hole and / or other interface can be located on the same guide surface. In some embodiments, the entry points to the various interfaces of the fluid printing container may be located on columns above another portion of the guide surface. Such an embodiment may have a substantially flat profile, however, the entry point of the individual mechanical, fluid and / or electrical interfaces may be on a common guide plane. In some embodiments, the entry point of each interface may be located at an acceptable distance on either side of the guide plane. For example, in some embodiments, any forward or backward displacement of the interface entry point relative to the entry point of another interface may be less than about 5 mm, in most cases such changes may be less than about 2 mm, or even 1 mm. An ink container lid that has an outer surface with a substantially flat profile may be referred to as a substantially flat ink container cover, although such an ink container cover may have some measurable thickness, an irregular internal surface, and / or one or more surface deviations on its outer surface.

[0022] Ink container cover 122 may be constructed as a single structural member 130 as opposed to a combination of two or more structural members. The element may be molded, extruded or otherwise shaped from a material selected in terms of machinability, cost, and / or other properties.

strength, weight, ink compatibility For example, the lid can be injection molded from a suitable synthetic material

The design of a single structural member gives an ink-container lid in which the inner and outer sides are opposite sides of the same piece of material.

[0023] The ink-container lid configured from a single structural member may be matched by complementary auxiliary components. For example, a gasket may be used to improve the seal between the ink-container lid and the reservoir body. The fluid interface formed in a single component may be matched with a seal constructed for the selective sealing of ink in an ink container. The gasket may be in the form of a septum, a ball and septum assembly, or other mechanism. A memory device may be attached to the ink container lid 122 and such an ink container lid may be provided with an electrical interface for transferring data to and from the memory device. Ancillary elements can be adapted to integrate seamlessly with a single structural element that determines the overall dimensions and shape of the ink container lid.

[0024] Ink container 120 includes a reservoir body 124 that interacts with ink container lid 122 to provide a structural restriction for containing the volume of ink. As described in more detail below, various mechanical, electrical, and fluid (fluid) interfaces of the ink container 122 may be located on the ink container lid. In other words, the functionality of the ink container interface can generally be transferred to the ink container lid, which provides design freedom with respect to the reservoir body. For example, Fig. 8 shows ink container lid 122 with three differently sized reservoir bodies 124a-124c. As can be seen, ink containers with different ink capacities can be created by combining different reservoir bodies with the same ink container lid. Thus, the ink container may be selectively dimensioned to provide the desired ink capacity. In addition, two or more ink cartridges with different ink capacities can be alternately mounted in the same ink cartridge bay, thereby providing greater flexibility for the printer configuration. The standardized design of the ink cartridge lid can also help reduce production costs. It should be understood that differently configured ink container lids are also included in the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] A portion of the ink container body can be made in a standard size and shape, while another part is made in a size and shape that varies in at least two configurations. For example, Fig. 8 shows tank bodies 124a-124c that respectively include shoulder portions 132a-132c that are similarly configured relative to each other. Such offset parts have a width that is substantially the same as the corresponding width of the ink-container lid. Tank bodies 124a-124c also respectively include rear portions 134a-134c that have different shapes. The rear parts have a width smaller than the corresponding width of the ink tank lid.

The shoulder parts and the rear parts are connected by edge parts 136a-136c that have immobilizing surfaces 138a-138c. Making body reservoir parts, such as shoulder parts 132a-132c, with standard dimensions and shape improves compatibility between different ink cartridges, similar to the compatibility provided by the standard ink cartridge lid 122. For example, different ink cartridges that have similarly shaped shoulder parts, but which may have rear parts of differing dimensions, may be attached by the same attachment element.

[0026] The reservoir body 124 can be configured to serve as the handle portion of an ink container. The ink container can be physically held and moved when inserting and removing the ink container from the ink container bay in the ink supply station. The ink container can also be held in the clamping part during the refill process, during maintenance or in various other situations. In such cases, the reservoir body 124 may be used when handling an ink container. The tank body can be sized and shaped for comfortable and secure gripping. In addition, the surface of the tank body can be adapted to improve the handle, e.g. by texturing the surface. The shape of the reservoir body may also facilitate the insertion of the printing fluid container into the respective ink-container bay at the ink supply station.

For example, the lack of symmetry on the horizontal axis helps determine the top and bottom, which the user can easily assess, and which also simplifies the insertion of the ink container into the appropriate ink container bay.

[0027] As mentioned above, the ink-container lid may include at least one interface corresponding to the complementary interface of the ink-container bay adapted to receive the ink-container. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the ink container lid 122 includes an interface assembly 150 consisting of an alignment pocket 152, a key slot 154, an upper fluid interface in the form of an air interface 156, a lower fluid interface in the form of an ink interface 158 and an electric interface 160. The interface assembly 150 is located inside external circumference 128 of the ink container cover 122. In other words, the components of the interface assembly 150 are not positioned around the side edge of the ink-container lid or elsewhere on the reservoir body.

[0028] As described in more detail below, the interface assembly 150 is an exemplary set of mechanical, fluid and electrical interfaces designed to allow and / or improve ink supply from an ink container. The interface packet 150 is presented as a non-limiting example, and other solutions may include additional and / or alternative elements. Furthermore, the placement of the various elements may differ from the embodiment shown.

[0029] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary leveling pocket

152 intended to position the ink container in a desired position with the desired orientation. This arrangement makes it easier to fit the print cartridge into the print cartridge recess. In particular, the alignment pocket can be used to position the ink container in the correct position so that the various components of the ink container are properly positioned to engage with the corresponding components of the ink container recess. For example, the key slot 154 may be positioned according to an analogous bar key of the ink-container bay. The air interface 156 and the ink interface 158 may be positioned according to the corresponding air and ink connectors of the ink container bay. The electrical interface 160 may be positioned according to an analogous electrical contact of the ink-container bay. [0030] The alignment pocket 152 can be selected from the front surface of the printing fluid container, providing a strong joint that is less prone to damage compared to a column joint protruding from the front surface of the printing fluid container. In some embodiments, the homing cavity may be selected from the front surface by 10 millimeters, 15 millimeters or more. The width of the cross-section of the alignment cavity can be selected to achieve the desired length-width ratio. In particular, the length-to-width ratio of approximately 1.5, has been found to limit the rotation of the printing container with fluid in matching with the corresponding guide element. In some embodiments, ratios between 1.0 and 4.0 may be appropriate, with ratios between 1.2 and 2.0 being appropriate in most cases. The width of the leveling pocket can be selected to be large enough to accommodate guiding elements that are mechanically strong enough to withstand torsional forces that could cause the printing container to rotate fluid and incorrectly position various fasteners.

[0031] Figs. 9-11 and 14-16 are a series of cross-sections in which the ink container 120 is seated in the ink container bay 170. Figs. 9-11 are top views showing the ink container 120 moved from position unfitted to the detained position. Similarly, Figs. 14-16 are side views showing an ink container 120 moved from an un-seated position to an seated position. Ink container lid 122 includes an alignment pocket 152 selected from the center of the ink container lid. In the illustrated embodiment, the homing cavity 152 includes an end surface 172 and side walls 174 that are recessed from a generally flat outer surface or guide surface. The leveling pocket may be of such a size that it is deep enough to accommodate the respective outwardly extending leveling member 176 of the ink container recess 170. Side walls 174 may extend perpendicular to the outer surface, or one or more side walls may converge, so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 178 of the alignment pocket 152 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end surface 172.

[0032] The fit between the alignment element 176 and the alignment pocket 152 can be tight enough so that when the alignment cavity engages with the alignment element, the ink container lid 122 has movement effectively limited to the desired path. In this way, it is possible to align the ink-container lid and the corresponding ink-container bay. The fit can be created by physical contact between the parts of the alignment pocket 152 and the alignment element 176. This contact can be along the entire surfaces of the alignment pocket and the alignment element as shown in the drawings. In some embodiments, contact may occur along less than entire surface portions. In some embodiments, the alignment of the alignment element with the alignment pocket may be less tight, and the alignment pocket may only be sized to fit a protruding alignment element without tight engagement with the alignment element.

[0033] Ink container lid 122 may include a progressive alignment mechanism in which the alignment of the ink container lid becomes more accurate as the ink container lid is increasingly deepened in the ink-container bay. For example, the outer circumference 128 may have dimensions slightly smaller than the corresponding side walls 180 of the ink container bay 170, and the ink container bay may be shaped to engage with the ink container lid before the aligning pocket tightly engages with the alignment element. Therefore, the outer circumference may provide a rough alignment of the ink-container lid. The fit between the ink cartridge and the side walls 180 may have a relative tolerance, so that it is easy to initiate alignment. Although such alignment may be less accurate than the alignment provided by the alignment pocket 172, the ink container may have a greater range of positions when initiating the alignment than when fine alignment is initiated. The ink container and the ink container recess may be shaped such that the alignment pocket 152 faces the engaging position with the alignment element 176 by alignment between outer circumference 128, shoulder portion 132 and side walls 180. In some embodiments, coarse alignment may not involve actual physical interaction, but rather a visual indication for setting the ink container in a roughly guided position.

[0034] Alignment element 176 and alignment pocket 152 can be shaped to complement so that the alignment between the alignment element and the alignment pocket gradually tightens as the ink-container lid is embedded in the ink-container bay. For example, some embodiments of the alignment cavity may have a cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 178 greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end surface 172. In addition, the alignment element 176 may have an end 182 that has a cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ​​the end surface 172. Therefore, the end 182 may enter freely into the opening 178, being closely fitted into the final surface 172 when fully aligned. When the alignment and alignment element the pocket is almost connected, the clearance between the leveling pocket and the leveling element may gradually decrease. In some embodiments, the end of the leveling element may have a slight narrowing or rounding that makes it easier for the fit to contact the leveling pocket.

[0035] The progressive fit system can be used to ensure that the ink container lid elements 122 are properly aligned with the corresponding ink container bay elements 170. In other words, the fit between the alignment pocket and the alignment element can be constructed to achieve the desired level of tightening before a specific element of the interface package (e.g. ink interface, air interface, key slot, electrical interface, etc.) will engage with an analogous element of the ink-container bay. Progressive alignment can also facilitate initialization of fit because there is a greater tolerance in placing the ink container at the beginning of the deposition compared to the phase when the ink container is fully seated in the ink container recess. After initiating the match, the ink cartridge can be effectively directed to the desired location with the required orientation and with increasing accuracy. The interaction between the components of the ink container and the components of the ink-container bay can be designed so that initiation occurs when the desired level of accuracy is reached. The progressive fit system described above is a non-limiting example. Other progressive fit systems can be used. In addition, some embodiments may use non-aggressive leveling systems.

[0036] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary key slot 154 configured to ensure that the ink container is seated in the correct ink container bay. Each cavity of the ink supply station may be adapted to receive an ink container containing a particular printing fluid (type of ink, color of ink, fixative, preparation agent, etc.). For example, each ink-container bay may include a pillar key with a unique shape and / or location corresponding to the color of the ink that the ink-container bay is adapted to receive. Similarly, an ink container containing ink of a given color may include a key slot that exactly matches the corresponding bar key connected to that color. The bar key can match the key slot in an exclusive relationship, which means that the bar key combined with one ink color will not match the key slot associated with another ink color or other type of print fluid. In other words, any ink color can be encrypted by a uniquely shaped combination of bar key and key slot. Thus, the properties of the key slot of the printing container for liquid can determine the printing fluid contained in the container.

[0037] The key seat can be used to physically check that the fluid container is inserted into the correct fluid container bay. For example, the keying socket may provide tactile feedback when attempting to insert an ink container into the ink container bay. The key slot and / or post key may have a shape such that the tactile feedback may be clearly different depending on whether the ink cartridge is inserted into a cavity intended to receive the specific color of the ink contained in the ink container or another color of the ink . The keying socket may be adapted to prevent the insertion of ink cartridges into the ink-container recesses that do not include a bar key corresponding to the keying socket in the ink-container lid. In some embodiments, such an ink container can be loaded, however, the interaction between the key post and the key slot that are not complementary can produce an effect that is clearly different from the effect of complementary key components engaging with each other. For example, there may be greater resistance to the insertion of an ink container that includes a key slot incomplete with respect to the post key entering the key slot.

[0038] Figs. 9-11 are a cross-sectional view of a key seat 154 receiving a post key 190 when the ink container 120 is seated in the ink container bay 170. The key seat 154 and the key key 190 are configured to complement based on the respective ink color . A key socket, such as a key socket 154, can be configured to only match the bar keys corresponding to the correct ink color. Other ink cartridges may contain similar key slots designed to interact with different bar keys associated with different ink colors. As a result, each ink color that the printing system is configured to feed can be combined with a unique combination of bar key and corresponding key slot. Although the description generally relates to keying (keying) of a particular ink color, it should be understood that such keying mechanism can be used to key or key alternative or additional features of the printing fluid.

For example, a particular type of ink, such as photo ink, can be uniquely matched to a key to ensure that the correct type of ink is installed in a specific cavity. In addition, other printing fluids, such as preparing fluids and / or fixatives, may be keyed to ensure that a container with such fluid is installed in a suitable cavity that is intended to supply such fluid.

[0039] The alignment element 176 may be intended to engage with the alignment pocket 152 before the key wrench 190 is engaged with the key slot 154. Thus, the alignment element and the alignment pocket can cooperate with each other to ensure that the key seat 154 is correctly positioned connections with a 190 bar key. The alignment element can be longer than the column wrench to facilitate the alignment of the alignment element and alignment pocket before the column wrench and key slot fit. In embodiments, the alignment pocket may be deeper than the key seat. In some embodiments, the key seat and the alignment pocket may be adapted to engage the post key and the alignment element substantially simultaneously. In certain embodiments, the functionality of the aligning pocket and key slot may be included in one piece for positioning the ink container at a desired location with the desired orientation and ensuring that the ink container is seated in the correct ink container bay.

[0040] Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary post wrench 190 that is intended to be inserted into the complementary key wrench 154. In the embodiment shown, the post wrench 190 is Y-shaped, which includes first arm 192, second arm 194 third arm 196. The angle α between the first arm 192 and the second arm 194 is the same as the angle α between the first arm 192 and the third arm 196. The angle θ between the second arm 194 and the third arm 196 is smaller than the angle α. The bar key can be described as symmetrical about the S axis of symmetry, which runs through the first arm 192 and is the bisector of the angle θ. As shown, the bar key 190 is not symmetrical about any other axis that is coplanar with the axis of symmetry S.

[0041] The key seat 154 has a shape adapted to fit with a post key 190, so that each arm effectively slides into the corresponding key slot slot. Unambiguous key matching combinations may be based on the same overall shape of the particular key column in combination with the key socket, but with the orientation of such a combination rotating. For example, another connection can be made by rotating the angle of symmetry of a bar key that has the same overall shape as the bar key 190. The corresponding key socket could be similarly rotated to create a unique combination of connections. For example, the symmetry angle can be rotated in 45 ° increments to get eight unique bar key configurations. FIG. 13 shows five such configurations that can be used to key match five ink colors other than the color of the ink encrypted by the bar key

190. The bar key and key slot configurations described above are a non-limiting example. Other key connections may be used.

[0042] The key interface may additionally and / or alternatively be changed relative to the other key interface by moving the relative position of the key interface on the ink container and on the associated ink container bay. For example, using the example described above, where the bar key can be rotated in 45 ° increments to get eight different possible bar key configurations, the location of the bar key can be selected from three different locations to get 24 (8 x 3) unique configurations together bar key. Key sockets with appropriate positions and orientations can be configured to match such bar keys. When required, additional key-matching configurations can be obtained by reducing rotation pitch values, adding key bar locations, adding new key bar shapes, etc. For example, the key bar can be rotated 22.5 ° increments to get 16 different configurations. Similarly, other key bar shapes and key wells can be used, for example, T, L, and V.

[0043] As described above, the key matching feature and / or the matching of the ink container may be configured as a recess entering the ink container as opposed to the projection which extends from the ink container. The recess provides a strong connection that is resistant to damage. Also, configuring the recess ink container does not affect the substantially flat profile of the outer surface of the ink container lid.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary upper fluid interface 156 and an exemplary fluid interface 158, which are designed to convey ink, air or an ink-air mixture to and / or from the ink container 120. In this case, the upper fluid interface 156 may be treated as an air interface and the lower fluid interface 158 may be treated as an ink interface. However, it should be understood that both of these interfaces can in some embodiments and / or modes of operation carry ink, air, or a mixture thereof. In one exemplary mode of operation, the lower fluid interface 158 may supply the printing fluid, while the upper fluid interface 156 regulates the pressure inside the printing fluid container.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the fluid interfaces are configured as partitions having a ball sealing structure. Fluid interfaces are adapted to seal the contents of the ink container so that the contents unwantedly leaks. Each interface is adapted to releasably receive a fluid connector, such as a grooved needle, which can pierce a selected septum seal and transfer fluid to and from the ink container. Such a septum can be adapted to prevent unwanted leakage when the fluid connector is inserted and after the fluid connector has been removed. For example, the septum may closely enclose the inserted needle, such that ink or air passes through the needle, but not between the needle and the septum.

[0046] Figs. 14-16 show a fluid connector 200 connected to an air interface 156 and a fluid connector

202 connected to the ink interface 158. Aligning element

176 it can be adapted to engage with the alignment pocket 152 before the fluid connectors connect to the fluid interfaces. Due to this, the aligning element and the aligning pocket can cooperate with each other to ensure that the streaming interfaces are correctly positioned for engagement with the fluid connectors. In other words, the leveling interface prevents fluid connectors from connecting to an undesirable portion of the ink container, which could damage the fluid connectors. The entry points to the fluid interfaces can be located substantially coplanar with the leading surface of the ink container connector as opposed to the guide posts that extend beyond the outer surface of the ink container, since the alignment pocket and the alignment element cooperate to properly align the fluid interfaces.

[0047] Figs. 17-19 show a more detailed view of sealing member 260 of fluid interface 158. Sealing member 260 includes a ball sealing portion 262 that is shaped to fit a plastically loaded plug to form a seal that prevents unwanted leakage of fluid, when the fluid connector is not coupled to the appropriate fluid connector (Fig. 18). Sealing portion 260 also includes a needle sealing portion 264 that prevents unwanted fluid leakage when the fluid interface is coupled to the appropriate fluid connector (Fig. 19). As shown in Fig. 18, the spring member 266 moves the plug 268 to the ball sealing portion 262 of the sealing member. The sealing portion 262 is formed by a sealing exerted by the fluid connector complementary to the plug, so that when the plug is pressed against the sealing portion, a fluid tight seal is formed. As shown in Fig. 19, the fluid connector 202 may be introduced through the sealing member 260 and the fluid connector may move the plug away from the element despite the spring force element restoring. When the plug is moved away from the sealing element, the fluid-tight closure between the sealing element and the plug is released. However, a fluid tight seal between the fluid connector and the sealing member may be established. As shown in Fig. 20, the fluid connector 202 may include an end portion 272 that has fluid passage members 274 that allow fluid to flow into the grooved portion 276 of the fluid connector when the fluid connector engages with the plug. The above is a non-limiting example of a possible configuration of a fluid connector and a corresponding fluid connector. It should be understood that other mechanisms can be used to selectively seal fluid in a fluid container as long as they remain within the scope of the description. An example would be the use of a slit partition that acts self-sealing when the needle is removed.

[0048] As shown in Figs. 14-16, the ink interface 158 may be located at the gravitational bottom of the ink container, which is positioned in a seated position in the respective ink container bay. In this position 202 is the gravitational bottom of the ink container.

also close. In addition, the reservoir body of the ink container 124 may be formed with a bottom surface 204 that is inclined toward the fluid connector, so that the ink can naturally flow into the fluid connector. In other words, the bottom surface 204 is gravitational oblique towards the bottom of the ink container. In the embodiment shown, the shape of the ink container forms an ink well 206 intended to allow ink to flow into place for access to the fluid connector 202. Due to this position of the ink well relative to the rest of the reservoir, printing fluid can accumulate in the ink well when the ink level decreases. Fluid connector 202 can still draw ink in ink well 206 when the ink level drops during use. [0049] The well, the ink interface and the corresponding fluid connector may be positioned to limit the amount of ink remaining in the ink container, thereby reducing losses. In some embodiments, the print fluid container can supply almost all of the print fluid, except for a maximum of 2 cubic centimeters, with substantially essentially delivering almost the entire amount, except for 1 cubic centimeter. As mentioned above, the size of the reservoir body can be increased, thereby providing a larger volume of ink. However, such reservoirs can be made with an ink well similar to ink well 206, or otherwise, such that the ink interface is located close to the bottom of the reservoir, thereby reducing the amount of ink remaining in the ink container. In other words, as described herein, the amount of ink that may remain inside the ink container need not be proportional to the capacity of the ink container.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, the outer surface 126 of the ink container lid 122 may include a projection 210 on which the ink interface 158 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 210 is made so as to allow the central portion of the ink interface 158 to be positioned, through which the fluid connector can pass, near the bottom of the ink tank. Therefore, the fluid connector can be introduced into the fluid interface for withdrawing ink from a relatively low area of ​​the ink container, thereby facilitating the extraction of a larger percentage of ink from the ink container. The projection 210 also allows the ink junction to be positioned near the bottom of the ink tank while remaining within the outer circumference 128 of the outer surface 126.

[0051] Fig. 21 schematically shows a projection 210 that aligns with the channel 212, recessed relative to the bottom surface 204, thereby forming well 206. Well 206 may be lower than the rest of the reservoir, which facilitates the accumulation of printing fluids in the well, when printing liquids are removed from the container. In other words, the well bottom portion 207 of the bottom surface may be recessed relative to the rest of the bottom surface. To increase the accumulation of printing fluids in the well 206, the bottom surface 204 may be inclined toward the well so that the printing fluids can effectively flow down into the well under the influence of gravity. The bottom surface 204 may be formed without any cavities that could collect the captured printing fluid without draining it into the well

206.

[0052] The projection 210 and the tray 212 may be substantially aligned as shown in the embodiment shown. With this alignment, the outline of the bottom edge of the guide surface is a copy of the outline of the bottom edge of the bottom surface. The projection 210 and the tray 212 may be at the level of the ink container lid 122. The projection and the tray may additionally or alternatively be horizontally in line with the insertion axis of the ink container recess. In other words, the projection can be placed on the ink-container lid so that when the ink-container is installed in the respective ink-container bay, the projection and / or fluid connector on the projection is located substantially equidistant from each side of the ink-bay ink cartridge.

[0053] In Fig. 21, the ink level 214 is schematically represented and shows how much ink can be drawn from the printing container with fluid when the container has a well. By comparison, Fig. 22 schematically shows a fluid level 216 in a container that does not contain a well. As the comparison shows, well 206 reduces the amount of printing fluid remaining. Although the depth of fluid level 214 and fluid level 216 can be comparable, the volume of printing fluid connected to the fluid level 214 is much smaller than the volume of printing fluid connected to the fluid level 216. Well 206 may be shaped such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid container portion that limits the fluid level 214 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid container portion that limits the fluid level 216, thereby decreasing the corresponding volumes assuming similar depths. In some embodiments, the well 206 may be shaped to reduce the upper surface area (and the corresponding volume) of the fluid level that corresponds to an actually empty fluid container by at least 75%, and usually by 90% or more. In addition, as mentioned above, the capacity of the remaining ink container can be increased without changing the size of the well and without causing an increase in the amount of printing fluid that will be left in the container. Well 206 may have various dimensions and shapes. As a rule, the volume of the well 206 can be reduced to reduce the amount of printing fluid that can remain in the container. Well 206 may be sized to accommodate a fluid connector with sufficient additional volume to allow free flow of printing fluid into the well.

[0054] The air interface 156 may be located above the ink interface 158 when the ink container is oriented in an embedded position in the respective ink container bay. The upper fluid interface 156 may act as a vent hole designed to facilitate pressure matching in the ink reservoir. When the ink is withdrawn from the ink interface 158, the air interface 156 may allow air to enter the reservoir of the ink container to equalize the pressure therein. Similarly, if the ink returns to the ink container, the air interface may discharge air from the ink container. As mentioned above, the upper fluid interface can be fluidly connected to a vent chamber 90 designed to reduce ink evaporation and / or other ink loss. As described and illustrated herein, an ink container (and a corresponding ink container bay, or other mechanism for seating the ink container) may be adapted for lateral mounting. The configuration, which facilitates lateral assembly, also provides flexibility in the printing system's structure. In particular, side mounting allows the printing system to be constructed for front, back or side loading of an ink container as opposed to a restriction of only top loading.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 2, the ink interface may be an active interface that is fluidly connected to the pump 74, intended to control the supply of ink to and from the ink container. The air interface may be a passive interface that is not directly controlled by the pump, but rather is designed to allow natural pressure equilibrium. It should be understood that the presented solution is a non-limiting example and that the scope of disclosure includes other configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the air joint may be an active joint that is actively controlled to generate the desired pressure in the ink container.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows an electrical interface 160 that is designed to provide communication and / or power path for at least one electrical device of the ink container 120. The electrical interface 160 may include one or more electrical contacts 162 that are adapted to be electrically connected to the respective electrical contacts of the ink-container bay. When the ink cartridge is seated in the ink-container bay, electricity can flow through the electrical connection. Thus, information and / or power supply can pass through the connection. For example, the ink container may include a memory device 164, and an electrical connector may be used to write data to the memory device and / or read data from the memory device. For example, the memory may be designed to store electronic encryption information that can be used to check if an ink cartridge is inserted into the ink-container bay to provide the correct printing fluid. If a mistake is found, electronic key matching can be used to turn off printing to avoid contamination of the ink supply system. The memory may also contain an expiration date and / or information regarding the relative amount of ink remaining in the associated ink container. In some embodiments, the electrical interface may include additional or alternative components, such as an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0057] The alignment pocket 152 may be located approximately in the middle of the outer surface 126, and other interfaces of the interface packet 150 may be arranged around the pocket alignment cavity. In this way, the air interface 156, the ink interface 158, the electric interface 160 and the key socket 154 can be located between the alignment pocket and the outer circumference 128. The term "center" as used herein refers to a location relatively remote from the outer periphery of the outer surface of an ink container. The location of the center of the outer surface of the ink container may vary depending on the size and shape of the ink container.

[0058] The placement of the alignment cavity near the center of the outer surface allows each of the other interfaces to be positioned relatively close to the aligning pocket. Placing the alignment pocket 152 close to other interfaces facilitates aligning these interfaces with the respective components of the ink-container bay. For example, placing the interfaces near the alignment pocket can reduce the impact of performance deviations of the alignment interface. Therefore, if the alignment interface allows some change in alignment, the other interfaces may remain in an acceptable position for engaging with respective portions of the ink-container bay. In other words, the effects of any displacement allowed by the leveling interface can be amplified proportionally to the relative distance from the leveling pocket. Therefore, such interactions can be reduced by placing various interface elements near the aligning pocket.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 5, the fluid interfaces of the ink container may be located along the vertical axis V of the front surface of the fluid printing container. The alignment pocket 152 may also be located along the vertical V axis, such that the vertical V axis intersects the upper fluid interface 156, the lower fluid interface 158, and the alignment pocket 152. Similarly, the electrical interface 160 and / or the key seat 154 may be located along the horizontal H axis of the front surface of the printing fluid container. The alignment pocket 152 can also be positioned along the horizontal H axis, such that the horizontal H axis intersects the electrical interface, key slot, and alignment pocket. In other words, the leveling packet can be made in a "cross" structure with a leveling recess in the middle of the cross (intersection of the vertical axis V with the horizontal axis H). In some embodiments, the horizontal H axis may intersect the vertical V-segment segment between the upper fluid interface 156 and the lower fluid interface 158 and / or the vertical V-axis may intersect the horizontal H axis segment between the electrical interface 160 and the key socket 154 in two. In addition, as shown in Fig. 5, the vertical axis V may be the axis of symmetry, with the basic shape of the fluid container being the same on the left and on the right of this axis. The term "intersects" when used for an axis and interface means that the axis passes through at least part of the interface. Therefore, a common axis may intersect two or more elements, although the exact centers of such elements are not placed on this axis.

[0060] Fig. 23 illustrates an exemplary ink container 220 that includes latch slots 222 designed to form a latch surface for side latch members of an ink container bay. Figs. 24-26 show an ink container 220 when engaging with an ink container bay 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the ink container bay 224 includes a side latch member 226 that is designed to removably attach an ink container in a seated position in the ink container bay. The side latch member may be resiliently movable between at least one closed position and an open position. For example, the side latch member may be pushed into a closed position in which the side latch member is in contact with the ink container when the ink container is seated in the ink container bay. When the ink container is inserted into the ink-container bay, this ink container causes the side latch member to deflect to the open position, as shown in Fig. 25. As shown in Fig. 26, the side latch member resiliently returns to the closed position when the ink container is seated in the ink container bay. The side latch member 226 includes a latch 228 that engages the latch slot 222, thereby holding the ink container 220 in a seated position in the ink container bay. The ink cartridge can be ejected by moving the inner latch to the open position.

[0061] The pair of latch slots disposed on opposite sides of the ink container may be coplanar with the alignment pocket. For example, the latch slots 222 may be located on the same plane as the alignment recess 230. In the embodiment shown, both the latch surfaces and the alignment pocket are cut by a horizontally extending common plane. The key socket 232 and the electric interface 234 can also be located on the same plane. It should be understood that other latching mechanisms may be constructed to apply latching pressure along a plane passing through the alignment pocket. In some embodiments, the latch gap may be located on a different plane that intersects the alignment pocket and one or more fluid interfaces.

[0062] Figs. 27-29 show another embodiment in which another latching mechanism is used. As shown, the ink container recess 240 includes an alignment element 242, which in turn includes an internal latch element 244. The inner latch element 244 is adapted to selectively engage with the alignment pocket 246 when the ink container 248 is seated in the ink container recess. . The internal latch member may be resiliently movable between at least one closed position and an open position. For example, the inner latch member may be slid into a closed position in which the inner latch member contacts the alignment pocket 246 when the ink container is seated in the ink container bay. When the ink container is inserted into the ink-container bay, the ink container causes the internal latch member to bend to the open position, as shown in Fig. 28. As shown in Fig. 29, the internal latch member resiliently returns to the closed position, when the print cartridge is seated in the print cartridge bay. The internal latch member 244 includes a latch 250 that engages with a corresponding latch projection 252 of the alignment pocket 246 thereby holding the ink container 248 in the seated position in the ink container bay. The ink cartridge can be moved out of the cartridge by moving the inner latch to the open position.

[0063] The above-described side latch and inner latch mechanisms serve as non-limiting examples of latch configurations. The side latch mechanism and the inner latch mechanism can be used together or separately. Similarly, the side latch mechanism and / or internal latch mechanism may additionally or alternatively be used in relation to other latch mechanisms, such as the latch mechanism described on the basis of Figs. 3 and 4. Other suitable latching mechanisms may also be used.

[0064] As described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the ink container may include an interface packet with at least one fluid, mechanical and / or electrical interface. An ink container may be described as having a front surface that is adapted for lateral insertion into an ink container bay in an ink supply station. the front surface of the ink container may be made as a substantially flat outer surface. Each of the respective packet interfaces may be located on this substantially flat front face of the ink container. The front surface can be described as having an outer perimeter, and the respective package interfaces can be placed inside the outer perimeter. The illustrated embodiments show a non-limiting example of an interface packet configuration configuration. It should be understood that other arrangements fall within the scope of the description as claimed.

[0065] Although the present disclosure has been made with respect to the above principles of operation and embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The disclosure is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and variants. Where the disclosure or claims refer to an "element", "first element" or "other element" or equivalent, they should be interpreted as including one or more such elements that do not require or exclude two or more of such elements.

20362 / EP / 10

EP 2 028 013 B1