Printing Fluid Container

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Inkjet printing systems often employ one or more replaceable ink containers that hold a limited volume of ink. An ink container can be replaced when the ink container cannot supply ink. For example, an ink container may be replaced when all of the ink in the ink container has been used up and the ink container is empty. Many known ink containers are unable to supply all of the ink in the ink container and are considered to be effectively empty even though some ink remains in the ink container. Such ink containers may be replaced when the ink container no longer supplies ink properly. Typically, users prefer ink cartridges that do not need to be replaced frequently. In addition, users tend to prefer ink cartridges that are relatively easy to replace when replacement is necessary.

[0002] US 6322205 B1 discloses ink delivery systems which are adapted to different rates of consumption of ink.

[0003] EP 1232871 A discloses an apparatus for connecting a liquid container to the main body of the recording apparatus without creating a tension in both connection portions.

[0004] EP 0778145 A discloses a self-sealing flow connection for connecting a replaceable ink cartridge to an inkjet printer.

[0005] EP 0412459 A discloses an ink cartridge including a recording head and a medium containing information for controlling the operating conditions of the recording head.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0006]

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a fluid ejection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a partially schematic view of an embodiment of the printing-fluid supply system used in the fluid ejection system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the printing-fluid container bay in the open position used in the fluid delivery system of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows the printing-fluid container bay of Fig. 3 in a closed position.

Fig. 5 shows an isometric side view of a printing-fluid container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the printing-fluid container of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows an isometric rear view of the printing-fluid container of Fig. 5.

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

Figures 9-11 are top cross-sectional views of a printing-fluid container inserted in a printing-fluid container bay according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a keying post adapted for engagement with a corresponding keying pocket of a printing-fluid container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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Fig. 13 shows five keyers adapted to key five different printing fluids, respectively.

Figures 14-16 show cross-sectional side views of a printing-fluid container inserted in a printing-fluid container bay according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a cross sectional view of a sealing member of the printing-fluid container of Figs. 14-16.

Fig. 18 is a partially schematic view of a ball sealing mechanism of the printing-fluid container of Figs. 14-16.

Fig. 19 shows the ball sealing mechanism of Fig. 18 connected to a fluid interface.

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

Fig. 21 schematically shows a printing-fluid level of a printing-fluid container that includes a recess.

Fig. 22 schematically shows a printing-fluid level of a printing-fluid container that does not include a recess.

Fig. 23 shows an isometric rear view of a printing-fluid container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 24-26 show top cross-sectional views of a printing-fluid container inserted in a printing-fluid container bay according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 27-29 show side cross-sectional views of a printing-fluid container inserted in a printing-fluid container bay according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Fig. 1 shows schematically a fluid ejection system 10. Although the fluid ejection systems may be configured to eject different types of fluid onto corresponding different types of media, in various embodiments, the disclosure is focused on an exemplary printing system that is used to eject or print ink onto paper. However, it should be understood that other printing systems as well as fluid ejection systems designed for non-printing applications are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0008] The fluid ejection system 10 includes a control circuit 12, a medium positioning circuit 14, a fluid delivery circuit 16, and a control interface 18. The control circuit 12 may include a circuit board, processor, memory, specialized integrated circuit, etc. perform fluid ejection according to the received fluid ejection signal. Fluid ejection signals may be received via wired or wireless control interface 18, or other suitable mechanism. Fluid ejection signals may include instructions for performing the desired fluid ejection process. Upon receipt of such a fluid ejection signal, the control system may initiate the cooperation of the medium setting system 14 and the fluid delivery system 16 to eject the fluid onto the medium 22. As one example, the fluid ejection signal may include a print job defining a particular image to be printed. The control system may interpret the print job and initiate an ejection of a fluid, such as ink, onto the paper in a pattern reflecting the image determined by the print job.

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[0009] The medium positioning system 14 may control the relative positions of the fluid ejection system and the medium onto which the fluid ejection system is to project the fluid. For example, the media positioning system 14 may include a paper dispenser that advances the paper through the printing zone 24 of the fluid ejection system. The media positioning system may additionally or alternatively include a printhead side-orienting mechanism, or other suitable device, for projecting fluid into various regions of the print zone. The relative positions of the medium and the fluid ejection system can be controlled so that fluid can only be ejected onto a desired portion of the medium. In some embodiments, the media positioning system 14 may be selectively configurable to accommodate two or more different types and / or sizes of media.

[0010] Fig. 2 schematically shows an exemplary fluid supply system in the form of a printing-fluid supply system 16 '. The printing-fluid supply system includes a scanning printhead 30, which can include one or more nozzles adapted to receive printing-fluid from the fluid-reservoir and eject the printing-fluid onto the print medium. The nozzle may be associated with a fluid ejection element, such as a semiconductor resistor, that is operatively connected to the control circuit. The control system can selectively cause the printing fluid to be heated by the fluid ejecting element that is supplied to the fluid ejecting element. In embodiments that use a resistor as a fluid ejection element, the resistor may be activated by redirecting current through the resistor in one or more pulses. The heated printing-fluid may at least partially evaporate and form a printing-fluid bubble. The expansion of the printing-fluid bubble may cause some of the printing-fluid to be ejected from the corresponding nozzle onto the printing medium. The printhead may be adapted to print with an ink of one color, an ink of two or more colors, as well as a primer, a fixer and / or other printing fluid. It is within the scope of this disclosure to use other mechanisms to project a fluid onto the medium, and the printhead 30 is given as a non-limiting example. For example, the printhead may include a fluid ejection element adapted to conduct fluid ejection through a non-thermal, e.g. vibrating, mechanism.

[0011] The printing-fluid supply system 16 'includes an off-axis ink supply station 40. The "off-axis" ink cartridge may be remote from the printhead such that the printhead can scan the print zone while the ink cartridge remains substantially stationary. Such an arrangement may reduce the overall weight of the printhead assembly compared to a printhead assembly that includes a coaxial ink supply. A relatively lightweight printhead assembly may require relatively less energy to move while it moves faster, quieter, and / or with less vibration than a printhead with an integrated, coaxial ink cartridge. The off-axis ink supply may be positioned for easy access to allow refilling of the ink supply, and may be sized to accommodate a desired volume of ink. As explained in more detail below, the ink supply station may be front loading such that the printing fluid container may be laterally inserted into the printing system. The stationary location and relatively easy access to the off-axis ink cartridge enable the storage and delivery of relatively large volumes of ink.

[0012] The off-axis ink supply may include containers for storing and delivering one or more colors of ink as well as other printing fluids. For example, hopper station 40

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ΕΡ 2 902 207 t1 ink includes six ink-container bays adapted to receive six corresponding ink containers. In the illustrated embodiment, ink supply station 40 includes a yellow bay 42, a dark magenta bay 44, a bright magnet bay 46, a dark cyan bay 48, a light cyan bay 50, and a black bay 52 that are suitably adapted to receive a yellow ink container 54 dark magenta ink cartridge 56, light magenta ink cartridge 58, dark cyan ink cartridge 60, light cyan ink cartridge 62, and black ink cartridge 64. Other printing systems may be designed for use with more or fewer colors, including colors other than those described above. It should be understood that "ink" as used herein may be used in a general sense to refer to other printing fluids such as primers, fixers, etc. that may also be stored in the ink container and delivered by the ink supply system. Two or more ink containers holding the printing fluid of the same color and / or the same type may be used on the same printing system. In some embodiments, one or more ink-container cavities may be a different size than a different ink-container bay. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, black bay 52 is larger than other ink-container bays, and thus can receive a relatively larger ink-container. As described in more detail below, a particular ink-container bay is capable of receiving different sizes of ink containers.

[0013] Ink supply system 16 & apos; includes ink transfer system 70 adapted to move ink from the ink supply station to the printhead. In some embodiments, the ink transfer system may be a bi-directional transfer system capable of transferring ink from an ink supply station to a printhead, and vice versa. The ink transfer system may include one or more transfer paths for each ink color. In the illustrated embodiment, ink-transfer system 70 includes a tube 72 that connects the ink container of the ink supply station to the print head. In the illustrated embodiment, there are six tubes that fluidly connect the ink containers to the print head. The tube may be made of a suitable length and with sufficient flexibility to allow the printhead to scan the print zone. Furthermore, the tube may be at least partially chemically inert to the ink that carries it.

[0014] The ink transfer system may include one or more mechanisms adapted to perform the transport of ink through the ink transfer path. Such a mechanism may work to establish a pressure difference that assists the movement of ink. In the illustrated embodiment, ink-transfer system 70 includes a pump 74 adapted to conduct ink transport through each of the tubes 72. Such a pump may be formed as a bi-directional pump that is adapted to move ink in different directions through a corresponding ink conveying path.

[0015] The ink transfer path may include two or more parts. For example, each tube 72 includes a static portion 76 connecting the ink container to the pump and a dynamic portion 78 connecting the pump to the printhead. The conveying path may also include a pumping portion that efficiently connects the static portion to the dynamic portion and interacts with the pump to transport ink. The discrete parts of the ink transfer path may be physically separate segments that are fluidly connected by one or more connections. In some embodiments, a single length of tube connecting the ink container to the print head may be functionally divided

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ΕΡ 2 902 207 Β1 into two or more parts, including the static and dynamic parts. In the illustrated embodiment, dynamic portion 78 is adapted to connect the stationary ink supply station to a scanning printhead that moves during printing, and thus 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 substantially stationary.

[0016] The ink container of the ink supply station 40 may include an opening adapted to allow ink to be loaded into and out of the container. For example, the opening may fluidly communicate the interior of the ink container with the atmosphere to reduce adverse pressure gradients that may impede ink transportation. Such an opening may be adapted to restrict ink from flowing out of the ink container through the opening, thereby preventing unnecessary loss of ink. An example of a flow-joint opening is described in more detail below.

[0017] Printing-fluid supply system 16 'may include a vent chamber 90 adapted to limit ink vaporization and / or other ink loss. Each ink container of the ink supply station 40 may be in fluid communication with a vent chamber 90 through a tube 92 connecting the opening of the ink container to a vent chamber. In other words, an ink container opening may be connected to a vent chamber to allow ink to be transported between the ink container and the print head. A vent chamber can reduce unfavorable pressure gradients, limiting ink vaporization into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, vent chamber 90 can include a labyrinth that limits ink loss. The vent chamber 90 may be mounted in a substantially stationary position.

[0018] As mentioned above, Fig. 2 shows partially schematically a printing-fluid supply system 16 '. The exact placement of the components of the printing-fluid supply system can be physically positioned according to the desired industrial design. Likewise, the separate items may be different from the illustrated embodiments while remaining within the scope of the disclosure. Size, shape, access, and appearance are among factors that may be considered when designing a fluid ejection system that employs the printing fluid delivery system of the present disclosure. Although described and illustrated with reference to an off-axis ink cartridge, it should be understood that many of the principles described herein apply to coaxial ink cartridges. Off-axis ink cartridges are provided as a general example and coaxial ink cartridges are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 2 shows the unmounted dark cyan ink container 60 with solid lines. As indicated by the dashed lines at 61, a dark cyan ink container may be mounted in ink supply station 40. Similarly, other ink cartridges of the ink supply station 40 are selectively mountable and removable. In this way, an exhausted ink supply can be refilled by mounting a full ink container, thereby extending the service life of the fluid ejection system. The ink supply station may be shaped such that separate ink containers can be replaced independently of one another. For example, if only one ink container runs out, that ink container may be replaced, leaving the remaining ink containers in place. It should be understood that, although in Fig. 2 the ink container 60 is shown mounted in the ink supply station 40 in a generally vertical direction, not necessarily required. The ink supply station 40 may be oriented to receive ink containers that are being installed

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ΕΡ 2 902 207 Β1 horizontal. In addition, the ink-reservoir that holds two or more different printing fluids and / or colors in the common ink-reservoir may be seated in an ink-container bay.

[0020] The ink supply system may include an ink level indicator configured to track the amount of ink available for delivery. An ink-level indicator may be configured to monitor separately individual ink containers, groups of ink containers supplied with the same color of ink, and / or a collective ink supply of the system. The ink level light can work with the notification system to inform the user of the ink-level status, allowing the user to evaluate the ink levels and prepare an ink refill. Moreover, as described in more detail below, the ink container can include a memory and an associated electrical connector, and the ink level information of the ink container can be stored in such memory and transmitted through the electrical connector.

[0021] Figures 3 and 4 are a more detailed view of an exemplary ink-container bay 100 adapted to selectively receive ink container 102. Fig. 3 shows the ink-container bay 100 in the open position, and Fig. 4 shows the ink-container bay in a closed position in which the ink container 102 is stored in the ink-container bay. The ink-container bay may include a seat 104 adapted to engage a portion of the ink container. In other words, the seat 104 and a portion of the ink container may be complementarily shaped such that the ink container can be seated in the seat. The seat may be sized and shaped to match the size and shape of the ink-container portion, such as the ink-container cover and / or the flange portion of the ink-container reservoir body. The ink-container bay may include a latch member 106 adapted to hold the ink container in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch member 106 moves to hinge to engage with a portion of the edge 108 of the ink container 102. The edge portion 108 is an example of a latch surface that can engage the latch member to retain the ink container in an ink-container bay. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch member 106 includes a void 110 through which the rear portion 112 of the ink container 102 may extend. A latch member or combination of two or more latch members adapted to hold an ink container in place may be configured to receive ink containers of various sizes. In some embodiments, the latch member may engage one or more portions of the ink container, such as a latching surface of an edge portion 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch member 106 includes a pusher 114 adapted to engage a portion of an edge 108 on both sides of the ink container, while a rear portion 112 extends through the void 110. The pusher 114 includes a resilient member adapted to apply a seating pressure to the ink container 102. when the latch member 106 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, two or more latch members may be separately movable members that receive large rear portions, or a single latch member may be adapted to receive large rear portions. Moreover, in some example embodiments, alternative or additional snap-lock mechanisms may be used to hold the ink container in place.

[0022] Figures 5-7 show ink container 120 that includes an ink-container cover 122 and an ink-container reservoir body 124 that are complementarily shaped to collectively define a limited volume within which ink may be enclosed. The ink container cover and the reservoir body may be collectively referred to as a reservoir, a fluid reservoir, or a printing fluid reservoir. IN

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In certain example embodiments, the vessel may be formed as a single structural element or as two or more structural elements that are connected other than as shown in the illustrated embodiment. Lid 122 may include an interior that faces the interior of the ink container when the reservoir body is coupled to the lid. The cover may include one or more pieces adapted to engage the reservoir body or otherwise attach the cover to the reservoir body. In some embodiments, the cover and the reservoir body may be releasably attached to each other, while some other embodiments may use a cover and reservoir body that are connected in a substantially permanent manner. A gasket or other suitable seal may fit at the interface between cover 122 and reservoir body 124 to enhance the ability of the cover and reservoir body to hold the volume of ink or other printing fluid.

[0023] Ink container 120 may be formed as a free ink container adapted to hold a free volume of ink. As used herein, the free volume of ink refers to the volume of ink that is held inside the container without the use of a sponge, foam, ink bag, or the like, intermediate holding device and / or back pressure applying device. The free-form ink container may be substantially "open within its boundaries, thereby allowing ink to fill a relatively large portion of the enclosed volume, which is free to flow within the reservoir. As described more fully herein, the structure of the ink container 120 allows the free volume of ink to be withdrawn from the ink container and delivered to the printhead. Moreover, as described below, a large fraction of the free ink volume may be taken from the free ink container, which reduces the amount of ink remaining.

[0024] Ink container cover 122 includes an outer side 126 that faces away from the contents of the ink container. The outer side 126 may be designed to be the "forward" portion of the ink container when the ink container is mounted in a corresponding ink-container bay. Correspondingly, the outer side may be called an ink-container guide surface or be flush with an ink-container guide plane. In some embodiments, a portion of the printing-fluid container other than the cover similar to the ink-container cover 122 may be a guiding surface of the printing-fluid container.

[0025] Ink-container lid 122 may be constructed with an outer surface 126 that has a generally flat profile. As described in more detail below, the outer surface may include one or more indentations adapted to provide mechanical fit and / or keying. The outer surface may additionally or alternatively include openings that extend from the exterior of the ink container to the interior of the ink reservoir. Such openings can be used as flow ports for moving the printing fluid and / or air from inside the ink container to the outside of the ink container and vice versa. The entry point of each notch, hole and / or other joint may be located on the same guiding surface. In some embodiments, the entry points to the various connectors of the printing-fluid container may be on columns that extend above another portion of the guide surface. Such an embodiment may not have a substantially flat profile, however, the entry points of the various mechanical, flow, and / or electrical connectors may be aligned on a common guide plane. In some embodiments, the entry points of each connector may be located on an acceptable one

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ΕΡ 2 902 207 Β1 distances on both sides of the guide plane. For example, in some embodiments, any forward or backward variation of a connector's entry point with respect to another connector's entry point may be less than 5mm, while in most embodiments, such variation may be less than approximately 2mm, or even 1mm. An ink-container cover that has a substantially flat-profile exterior may be referred to as a substantially flat ink-container cover, however, such an ink-container cover may have a measurable thickness, an uneven interior, and / or one or more surface variations on its exterior.

[0026] Ink-container cover 122 may be constructed as a unitary structural element 130, as opposed to a combination of two or more structural elements. Such an element may be molded, extruded, or otherwise made of a material selected on the basis of strength, weight, machinability, cost, ink compatibility, and / or other factors. For example, the lid may be injection molded from a suitable synthetic material. Being made of a unitary structural piece forms an ink-container lid with the inside and outside of which are opposite sides of the same piece of material.

[0027] An ink container lid made of a unitary structural piece can fit with corresponding accessory pieces. For example, a gasket can be used to assist in a fluid tight seal between the ink container lid and the reservoir body. A flow connector formed in the unitary structural member may mate with a gasket adapted to selectively seal the ink within the ink container. The seal may take the form of a septum, a ball and septum assembly, or other mechanism. A memory device may be attached to the ink-container cover 122 and the ink-container cover may be provided with an electrical connector for transferring data to and from the memory device. Such support features may be adapted to cooperate integrally with a unitary structural feature that defines the overall size and shape of the ink-container lid.

[0028] The ink container 120 includes a reservoir body 124 that cooperates with an ink-container lid 122 to provide a structural limitation for holding the volume of ink. As described in more detail below, various mechanical, electrical, and flow connectors of the ink container 120 may be located on the cover of the ink container. In other words, the functionality of the ink-container connector can be substantially focused on the ink-container lid, which allows the design freedom of the reservoir body. For example, Fig. 8 shows an ink container cover 122 with three different size reservoir bodies 124a-124c. As can be seen, ink containers with different ink capacities can be made by combining different reservoir bodies with the same container cover. Thus, the ink container may be of a selected size to provide the desired ink capacity. In addition, two or more containers with different ink capacities may be alternately mounted in the same ink-container bay, thus providing greater flexibility in the configuration of the printer. Standardizing the design of the ink container cover can also help reduce production costs. It should be understood that ink-container lids differently shaped are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] A portion of a reservoir body of an ink-container can be made of a standard size and shape, while another portion can be made of a size and shape that varies between two or more configurations. For example, Fig. 8 shows reservoir bodies 124a-124c that respectively include flange portions 132a-132c that are similarly shaped to that of the.

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EP 2 902 207 Β1 himself. Such collar portions have a width that is substantially the same as the corresponding width of the ink-container cover. Tank bodies 124a-124c, respectively, include tail portions 134a-134c that are differently shaped with respect to each other. Such rear portions have a width that is less than the corresponding width of the ink-container cover. The flange portions and the tail portions are joined by ring portions 136a-136c that include snap surfaces 138a-138c. Shaping the reservoir body portions, e.g., the collar portions 132a-132c, to a standard size and shape improves compatibility between different ink containers, similar to the compatibility provided by standard ink container cover 122. For example, different ink containers that have similarly shaped collar portions, but that may have different sized rear portions, may be secured by the same latch member.

[0030] A reservoir body 124 may be adapted to serve as part of an ink container handle. The ink container may be held and physically manipulated while the ink container is mounted in and removed from the ink-container bay of the ink supply station. The ink container may also be held in the grip portion during a refilling process, during maintenance, or in various other situations. The reservoir body 124 may be used to hold the ink container in such instances. The reservoir body may be of a size and shape suitable for comfortable and safe gripping. In addition, the surface of the reservoir body may be adapted to enhance the grip of the grip, such as by texturing the surface. The shape of the reservoir body may also allow the printing-fluid container to be received into a corresponding ink-container bay of the ink supply station. For example, the lack of symmetry on the horizontal axis helps to define a top and a bottom that the user can easily distinguish, which simplifies the installation of the ink container in the corresponding ink-container bay.

[0031] As mentioned above, the ink-container cover may include one or more connector members corresponding to complementary features of an ink-container bay adapted to receive an ink container. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, ink-container cover 122 includes a connector pack 150 including an alignment pocket 152, a keying pocket 154, an upper airflow connector 156, a lower inkflow connector 158, and an electrical connector 160. The connector pack 150 is disposed within the outer periphery 128 of the ink-container cover 122. In other words, the components of the connector pack 150 are not positioned around the side edge of the ink-container lid or anywhere else on the reservoir body.

[0032] As described in more detail below, the terminal pack 150 is an exemplary set of mechanical, fluidic, and electrical connectors adapted to enable and / or enhance delivery of ink from an ink container. The package of 150 connectors is provided as a comprehensive example and other settings may contain additional and / or alternative items. Moreover, the position of the various elements may differ from the illustrated embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 shows an exemplary alignment pocket 152 adapted to position an ink container in a desired location with a desired orientation. Such positioning aids in mating the ink container with the ink-container bay. In particular, the alignment pocket may be used to position the ink container in the correct position such that various portions of the ink container align to match with corresponding portions of the ink-container bay. For example, the keying pocket 154 may be aligned with a corresponding key post of the ink-container bay. Air interface 156 and ink interface 158 may be aligned with

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ΕΡ 2 902 207 Β1 with the corresponding air and ink connections at the ink container bay. Electrical connector 160 may align with a corresponding electrical contact of the ink-container bay.

[0034] Alignment pocket 152 can be indented with respect to the leading surface of the printing-fluid container to provide a voluminous joint that is less susceptible to damage compared to a column-shaped joint extending from the leading surface of the printing-fluid container. In some embodiments, the alignment pocket may be indented from the guide surface by 10 millimeters, by 15 millimeters, or more. The cross-sectional width of the equalizer pocket may be selected to achieve the desired length-to-width ratio. In particular, it has been found that a length / width ratio of approximately 1.5 limits the rotation of the printing-fluid container as it mates with the corresponding alignment member. Ratios in the range of 1.0 to 4.0 may be appropriate in some embodiments with ratios between 1.2 and 2.0 being appropriate in most cases. The width of the alignment pocket may be selected to be large enough to accommodate alignment members that are mechanically strong enough to withstand torsional forces that could cause the printing fluid container to rotate and misalign various joint members.

[0035] Figures 9-11 and 14-16 show several cross-sectional views in which the ink container 120 is seated within the ink-container bay 170. Figures 9-11 are top views showing ink container 120 moving from an unseated position to a seated position. Similarly, Figures 14-16 are side views showing ink container 120 moving from an unseated position to a seated position. Ink-container cover 122 includes an alignment pocket 152 indented with respect to a central portion of the ink-container cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment pocket 152 includes an end surface 172 and side walls 174 that are indented with respect to a substantially planar outer side or guide surface. The alignment pocket may be sized to be deep enough to accommodate a corresponding outwardly projecting alignment member 176 of the ink container cavity 170. The side walls 174 may be oriented perpendicular to the exterior, or one or more side walls may be taper such that the area is the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 178 of the aligning pocket 152 is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end surface 172. [0036] The fit between the alignment member 176 and the alignment pocket 152 can be tight enough that, when the alignment pocket engages with the alignment member, movement of the ink container cover 122 is effectively limited to the desired path. In this way, alignment of the ink-container cover and the corresponding ink-container bay can be ensured. The fit may be established by physical contact between the portions of the alignment pocket 152 and the alignment member 176. Such contact may exist along the entire surfaces of the alignment pocket and alignment member as shown in the figures. In some embodiments, contact may occur along less than the entire surface portions. In some embodiments, the fit of the alignment member and the equalizer pocket may be less tight and the alignment pocket may only be of a suitable size to receive the projecting equalizer member without tightly engaging the equalizer.

[0037] Ink-container cover 122 may include a progressive alignment mechanism in which the alignment of the ink-container cover becomes more accurate as the container cover is seated more closely in the ink-container bay. For example, outer circuit 128 may have

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The ink-container bay 170 is slightly smaller in size than the corresponding side walls 180, and the ink-container bay may be adapted to engage an ink-container cover before the alignment pocket engages tightly with the alignment member. Thus, the outer periphery can provide directional alignment for the ink container lid. The fit between the ink container and sidewalls 180 can be relatively tolerant so that starting directional alignment is easy. Although the directional alignment may be less accurate than the alignment provided by the alignment pocket 172, the range of the ink container position may be greater when directional alignment is started as compared to when fine alignment is started. The ink container and the ink-container bay may be shaped such that the alignment pocket 152 is directed into a position to engage with the alignment member 176 by directional alignment interaction between the outer periphery 128, the collar portion 132, and sidewalls 180. In some embodiments, aligning the directional directions may not involve actual physical interaction, but rather visual indications of orienting the ink container roughly aligned.

[0038] The alignment member 176 and the alignment pocket 152 may be complementarily shaped such that the fit between the alignment member and the alignment pocket gradually tightens as the ink-container cover is seated in the ink-container bay. For example, some embodiments of the alignment pocket may be formed with a cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 178 that is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the end surface 172. Further, aligner member 176 may be shaped such that end 182 has a cross-sectional area that corresponds to that of end surface 172. Thus, end 182 may fit hole 178 partially loosely and fit snugly when fully seated toward end face 172. end face 172. As the alignment pocket and the alignment pocket are more closely matched with each other, the fit between the alignment pocket and the alignment pocket may gradually tighten. In some embodiments, the end of the alignment member may include a slight taper or rounding that allows alignment contact to be initiated with the alignment pocket.

[0039] The progressive alignment system may be used to ensure that portions of ink-container cover 122 are properly aligned with corresponding portions of ink-container bay 170. In other words, the fit between the alignment pocket and the alignment member can be designed to achieve a desired degree of tightening before the connector pack member (e.g. ink connector, air connector, key pocket, electrical connector, etc.) connects to the corresponding part of the ink container bay. Progressive alignment may also enable the alignment to begin as there is a greater tolerance in the positioning of the ink container at the start of deposition compared to when the ink container is fully seated in the ink-container bay. Once the alignment is started, the ink container can be efficiently directed to a desired position and orientation with increasing precision. The interaction between the ink-container elements and the ink-container bay elements may be designed to commence when the desired level of accuracy has been achieved. The above-described progressive leveling system is given as a non-limiting example. Other progressive smoothing systems may be used. In addition, non-progressive equalizer systems may be used in some embodiments.

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[0040] Figure 5 shows an exemplary keying pocket 154 adapted to ensure that the ink container is seated in a proper ink-container bay. Each bay of the ink supply station may be adapted to receive an ink container holding a particular printing fluid (type of ink, color of ink, fixer, backing, etc.). For example, each ink-container bay may include a keying post having a unique shape and / or orientation corresponding to the color of the ink for which the ink-container bay is adapted to receive. Similarly, the ink container storing this color of ink may include a key pocket that closely conforms to a corresponding key post associated with the color. A key bar may engage a key pocket in mutually exclusive relationship, which means that a key bar associated with one ink color would not match a key pocket associated with another ink color, or other type of printing fluid. In other words, each ink color can be keyed by a uniquely shaped combination of a keying post and a keying pocket. In this way, the characteristics of the key pocket of the printing-fluid container may define the printing-fluid stored in the container.

[0041] The keying pocket may be used to provide physical confirmation that a fluid container is being inserted into the proper fluid container bay. For example, the keying pocket may provide tactile feedback when attempting to insert the ink container into the ink-container bay. The key pocket and / or key post may be shaped such that the tactile feedback may vary considerably depending on whether the ink container is inserted into a cavity for receiving the color of the ink that is stored in the ink container or a different color of the ink. A keying pocket may be adapted to inhibit insertion of ink containers into an ink-container bay that do not include a keying post corresponding to a keying pocket of an ink-container lid. In some embodiments, such an ink container may be inserted, however the interaction between a non-complementary keying post and a keying pocket can produce a sensation that is distinctly different from that when the complementary keying elements engage. For example, there may be greater resistance to insertion of an ink container that includes a keying pocket that is not complementary to a key post engaging the keying pocket.

[0042] Figures 9-11 are a cross-sectional view of the keying pocket 154 receiving the key post 190 as the ink container 120 is mounted in the ink-container bay 170. Key pocket 154 and key post 190 are complementarily shaped based on a corresponding color of the ink. A keying pocket, such as a keying pocket 154, may be adapted to engage only with key posts corresponding to the appropriate color of the ink. Other ink containers may include similar key pockets adapted to interface with a different key post associated with different colors of the ink. In this way, each ink color that the printing system is configured to supply can be associated with a unique combination of a keying post and a corresponding keying pocket. Although described primarily with reference to keying a specific ink color, it should be understood that the keying mechanism may be used to key alternative or additional types of printing fluids. For example, a specific type of ink, such as photo-ink, may be uniquely keyed to ensure that the correct type of ink is mounted in the correct cavity. In addition, other printing fluids, such as primers and / or fixers, may be keyed to

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EP 2 902 207 Β1 to ensure that a fluid container storing such fluid is mounted in a corresponding cavity which is adapted to supply such fluid.

The alignment member 176 may be adapted to engage with the alignment pocket 152 before the keying post 190 engages with the keying pocket 154. Thus, the alignment member and alignment pocket may cooperate to ensure that the keying pocket 154 is positioned correctly to engage. with keying post 190. The alignment member may be longer than the keying post to allow the alignment member and the alignment pocket to be joined before the keying post and the keying pocket are joined. In such embodiments, the alignment pocket may be deeper than the keying pocket. In some embodiments, the keying pocket and the alignment pocket may be adapted to connect the keying post and alignment member substantially simultaneously, respectively. In some embodiments, the functionality of the alignment pocket and keying pocket may be embedded in a single component adapted to orient the ink container in a desired orientation with a desired orientation and ensure that the ink container is seated in a proper ink-container bay.

Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary keying post 190 that is adapted for insertion into a complementarily shaped keying pocket 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the keying post 190 has a Y configuration that includes a first rung 192, a second rung 194. and the third tier 196. The angle α between the first rung 192 and the second rung 194 is the same as the angle a between the first rung 192 and the third rung 196. The angle θ between the second rung 194 and the third rung 196 is less than the angle α. The lock-out post may be described as symmetrical about an axis of symmetry S, which extends through the first rung 192 and halves the angle 0. As illustrated, the key post 190 is not symmetrical about any other axis that is coplanar with the axis of symmetry S.

[0045] The keying pocket 154 is shaped to fit the keying post 190 so that each rung effectively slides into a corresponding keying pocket opening. Unique keying joints can be based on the same overall shape of a particular keying post and keying pocket combination, but with the combination orientation rotated. For example, the various joints may be formed by rotating the angle of symmetry of the keying post, which has generally the same shape as the keying post 190. The corresponding keying pocket may similarly be rotated to achieve a unique joint combination. For example, the symmetry angle can be rotated in 45 ° steps to achieve 8 unique shapes for the keying post. In fig. 13 five such shapes are illustrated that can be used to key five colors of the ink differing from the color of the ink keyed by the key post 190. The key post and key pocket configurations described above are given as a non-limiting example. Other keying connectors may be used.

[0046] The keying connector may additionally and / or alternatively differ from the other keying connector by displacing the relative position of the keying connector on the ink container and the associated ink container bay. For example, using the example described above in which the key post can be rotated in 45 ° steps to obtain 8 different possible key post configurations; the position of the keying post can be selected from 3 different positions to obtain a total of 24 (8> <3) unique combinations of the keying post. Keying pockets with corresponding positions and orientations may be adapted to fit such keying posts. If desired, additional key formations can be obtained by reducing the step size

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Through the additional key post positions, through the additional key post shapes, etc. For example, the angle of symmetry may be rotated in 22.5 ° steps to obtain 16 different configurations. Similarly, different key post and key pocket shapes may be used, examples of which include "T", "L", and "V" shapes.

[0047] As described above, the key and / or alignment member of the ink container may be formed as an indentation that extends into the interior of the ink container, as opposed to a projection that projects outwardly from the ink container. Such an indentation provides a large joint that is resistant to damage. Moreover, the indentation design of the ink container does not interfere with the substantially planar profile of the exterior of the ink container cover.

Fig. 5 shows an exemplary upper flow interface 156 and an exemplary downstream flow interface 158 that are adapted to transfer ink, air, or a mixture of ink / air to and / or from the ink container 120. The upper flow interface 156 used herein may be may be referred to as air interface, and the bottom flow interface 158 may be referred to as ink interface. However, it should be understood that both interfaces can, in certain embodiments and / or modes of operation, convey ink, air, or a mixture thereof. In one exemplary mode of operation, the downstream flow-connector 158 may supply printing fluid, while the upstream flow-connector 156 controls the pressure within the printing-fluid container.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the flow joints are formed as baffles with a ball seal structure. The flow connectors are adapted to seal the contents of the ink container so that the contents do not leak out unintentionally. Each interface is adapted to releasably receive a fluid interface, such as a hollow needle, that can pass through the selective seal of the septum and carry fluid into and out of the ink container. The septum may be adapted to prevent undesirable leakage when the fluid connector is inserted and after the fluid connector is removed. For example, the septum may closely surround an inserted needle so that ink or air may pass through the needle but not between the needle and the septum.

[0050] Figures 14-16 show a fluid connector 200 connected to an air connector 156 and a fluid connector 202 connected to an ink connector 158. Alignment member 176 may be adapted to engage with alignment pocket 152 prior to fluid connection with flow connections. Thus, the alignment member and the equalizing pocket can cooperate to ensure that the flow connectors are properly oriented for engagement with the fluid connectors. In other words, the alignment connector prevents the fluid connectors from joining an undesirable part of the ink container which could damage the fluid connectors. The entry points of the flow connectors may be positioned substantially flush with the guide plane of the ink container, unlike the alignment posts that protrude from the exterior of the ink container, because the alignment pocket and alignment member work together to align the flow joints properly.

[0051] Figures 17-19 are a more detailed view of the sealing member 260 of the flow connector 158. The sealing member 260 includes a ball seal portion 262 that is shaped to mate with the plug member biased in a flexure manner to form a fluid tight seal. which prevents undesirable fluid leakage when the flow port is not engaged with the corresponding fluid port (Fig. 18). The seal portion 260 also includes a needle seal portion 264 that prevents unwanted fluid leakage when the flow port engages the corresponding fluid port (FIG. 19). As shown in Fig. 18, the member

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EP 2 902 207 ny1 of spring 266 urges plug member 268 against seal portion 262 of sealing member. The sealing portion 262 has a shape that is complementary to the plug member such that when the plug member is pressed against the sealing portion, a fluid-tight seal is established. As shown in Fig. 19, the fluid interface 202 may be inserted through the sealing member 260 and the fluid interface may move the plug member away from the sealing member against the spring force applied by the spring member. As the stopper member is moved away from the sealing member, the fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the stopper member is relaxed. However, a fluid tight seal may be established between the fluid interface and the sealing member. As shown in Fig. 20, the fluid connector 202 may include an end portion 272 that has fluid passage features 274 that allow fluid to flow into the hollow portion 276 of the fluid connector when the fluid connector engages with the stopper member. Above are η and the effects and a illustrative example of a possible configuration of a flow connector and the corresponding fluid connector. It should be understood that other mechanisms may be used to selectively seal fluid in the fluid container and fall within the scope of this disclosure. As one example, a septum with a slot that self-sealing after removal of the needle can be used.

[0052] As shown in Figures 14-16, ink interface 158 may be located proximate the bottom of a gravity ink container, which is oriented in a seated position in a corresponding ink-container bay. In this position, fluid interface 202 is also proximate the bottom of the gravity ink container. In addition, the ink-container reservoir body 124 may have the shape of a bottom surface 204 that slopes toward the fluid interface such that fluid may naturally flow into the fluid interface. In other words, the bottom surface 204 is gravity tilted towards the bottom of the ink container. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the ink container forms an ink cavity 206 shaped to allow the ink to drain to a position accessible to the fluid interface 202. Due to the position of the ink cavity relative to the rest of the reservoir, printing fluid can collect in the ink cavity when the ink level is low. The fluid interface 202 may still receive ink filling the ink cavity 206 when the ink level decreases during use.

[0053] The ink cavity, the ink port, and the corresponding fluid port may be positioned to limit the amount of ink that remains in the ink container, thereby minimizing waste. In some embodiments, the printing-fluid container may supply all but at most 2 cubic centimeters of the printing fluid, with all but at most 1 cubic centimeters provided in most embodiments. As mentioned above, the size of the reservoir body can be increased, thus providing an increased ink capacity. However, such reservoirs may include an ink cavity similar to ink cavity 206 or be otherwise shaped so that the ink interface is proximate the bottom of the reservoir, minimizing the amount of ink that may remain inside the ink container. In other words, according to this disclosure, the amount of ink that can remain inside the ink container need not be proportional to the ink capacity of the ink container. [0054] As shown in Fig. 5, the exterior 126 of the ink-container cover 122 may include a projection 210 over which an ink interface 158 is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, protrusion 210 is adapted to accommodate a central portion of ink interface 158 through which the fluid port may pass, proximate a lower point of an ink-container reservoir. Thus, a fluid interface may be inserted into the flow connector to withdraw ink from a relatively low-lying region of the ink container, allowing a greater percentage of the ink to be drawn from the ink container. Performance

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210 it also allows the ink connector to be positioned proximate the bottom of the ink reservoir while still leaving it in an interior position relative to the outer periphery 128 of the exterior 126.

[0055] Figure 21 is a partial schematic representation of a protrusion 210 that is aligned with a tray 212 which is concave with a portion of the bottom surface 204 thereby forming a recess 206. The recess 206 may be gravitationally lower than the remainder of the reservoir, allowing a thus collecting the printing fluids in the cavity as the printing fluids are removed from the container. In other words, the portion 207 of the bottom surface recess may be concave with the remainder of the bottom surface. To increase the accumulation of printing fluids in the recess 206, the bottom surface 204 may be gravity tilted towards the recess so that the printing fluids can efficiently flow "down" into the recess. The bottom surface 204 may be formed without any pseudo depressions that could catch the printing fluid without a flow path toward the depression 206.

[0056] The protrusion 210 and the tray 212 may be substantially aligned with each other as illustrated in the illustrated embodiment. When so aligned, the boundary of the edge of the lower leading surface coincides with the boundary of the edge of the lower lower surface. The projection 210 and tray 212 may be horizontally aligned with the ink-container cover 122. The protrusion and tray may additionally or alternatively be horizontally aligned with the insertion axis of the ink-container bay. In other words, the projection can be disposed on the ink-container lid such that when the ink container is mounted in a corresponding ink-container bay, the projection and / or the fluid connector on the projection is substantially equidistant from both sides of the ink-container bay. .

[0057] Fig. 21 is a schematic representation of the fluid level 214 and shows how much ink can be drawn from the printing-fluid container when the container includes a cavity. In contrast, Fig. 22 schematically shows the printing fluid level 216 of a container that does not include a recess. As can be seen from the comparison, recess 206 reduces the amount of printing fluid remaining. While the depth of the fluid level 214 and the fluid level 216 may be comparable, the printing fluid volume associated with fluid level 214 is significantly less than the printing fluid volume associated with fluid level 216. The recess 206 may be shaped such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the fluid container that limits the fluid level 214 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the fluid container that limits the fluid level 216, thereby reducing the relative volumes, assuming similar depths. In some embodiments, recess 206 may be shaped to reduce the top surface area (and corresponding volume) of the fluid level that corresponds to an effectively empty fluid container by at least 75, and typically 90% or more. Moreover, as mentioned above, the capacity of the remainder of the ink container can be increased without changing the size of the recess and without causing an increase in the amount of printing fluid that remains in the container. The recess 206 may vary in size and shape. As a general rule, the volume of the recess 206 may be reduced to reduce the amount of printing fluid that may remain inside the container. The recess 206 may be sized to provide sufficient additional volume for the flow interface to allow free flow of printing fluid into the recess.

[0058] Air interface 156 may be gravitationally positioned upstream of ink interface 158 when the ink container is oriented in a seated position in a corresponding ink-container bay.

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Upstream flow connector 156 can function as a vent adapted to allow pressure equalization within the ink container. When ink is withdrawn from ink interface 158, air interface 156 may allow air to flow into the ink- container reservoir to equalize the pressure therein. Likewise, if ink is returned to the ink container, the air port may vent air outside the ink container. As mentioned above, the upper flow interface may be in fluid communication with a vent chamber 90 adapted to limit ink evaporation and / or other ink loss. As described and illustrated herein, the ink container (and the corresponding ink-container bay or other ink-container seating mechanism) is adapted to be mounted horizontally. The horizontally mountable configuration also provides flexibility in the design of the printing system. In particular, the horizontal mounting allows the printing system to be designed with a front, rear, or side delivery of the ink container, as opposed to a top entry restriction.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 2, the ink port may be an active port that is in fluid communication with a pump 74 that is adapted to control the delivery of ink to and from the ink container. The air port may be a passive coupling which is not directly controlled by the pump but is designed to allow the pressure balance to be achieved naturally. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiment is given as a non-limiting example and that other embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the air port can be an active port that is actively controlled to generate a desired pressure within an ink container.

[0060] Figure 5 shows an electrical connector 160 that is adapted to provide communication and / or a power path for one or more electrical devices of the ink container 120. Electrical connector 160 may include one or more electrical contacts 162 that are adapted to be electrically connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the ink-container bay. When the ink container is seated in the ink-container bay, electric current may flow through the electrical connection. In this way, information and / or power can be provided over 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 configured to store electronic keying information that may be used to confirm that the ink container is inserted into an ink-container bay adapted to supply proper printing fluid. If an error is detected, electronic keying can be used to disable 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 an associated ink container. In some embodiments, the electrical connector may include additional or alternative components, such as a specialized integrated circuit.

[0061] Alignment pocket 152 may be positioned approximately at the center of outer side 126 and other connectors of the connector pack 150 may be positioned about the alignment pocket. Thus, air interface 156, ink interface 158, electrical interface 160, and locking pocket 154 may be disposed between the alignment pocket and outer circumference 128. The term "center" as used herein refers to a position relatively distal to the outer circumference of the outer side.

PZ / 5879 / AG 18 EP 2 902 207 Β1 of the ink container. The center of the exterior of the ink container may vary depending on the size and shape of the ink container.

[0062] The positioning of the alignment pocket near the center of the outer side allows the remaining connectors to be placed relatively close to the alignment pocket. Placing alignment pocket 152 adjacent to other terminals can align these terminals with corresponding portions of the ink-container bay. For example, placing the joints near the alignment pocket can reduce the effect of any tolerance that exists in the alignment joint. Thus, if the alignment joint allows some change in alignment, the remaining joints may remain in an acceptable position for engaging corresponding portions of the ink-container bay. In other words, the effect of any movement that the alignment joint allows can be increased in proportion to the relative distance from the alignment pocket. Thus, such an impact can be minimized by placing the various connector elements near the alignment pocket.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 5, the ink container fluid ports are along a vertical axis V of the front surface of the printing-fluid container. The alignment pocket 152 may also be along the vertical axis V such that the vertical axis V intersects the upper flow port 156, the lower flow port 158, and the alignment pocket 152. Likewise, the electrical connector 160 and / or key pocket 154 may be located along the horizontal axis H of the front surface of the printing-fluid container. The alignment pocket 152 may also be along the horizontal axis H such that the horizontal axis H intersects the electrical connector, the keying pocket, and the alignment pocket. In other words, the alignment pocket can be placed in a "cross configuration, where the alignment pocket is positioned in the center of the cross (at the intersection of the vertical axis V and the horizontal axis H). In some embodiments, the horizontal axis H may split the vertical axis V between the upper flow connector 156 and the lower flow connector 158 and / or the vertical axis V may split the horizontal axis H between electrical connector 160 and keying pocket 154. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 5, the vertical axis V may be the axis of symmetry where the basic shape of the fluid container is the same on the left and right sides of the axis. When used in reference to an axis and joint element, the term "intersect" means that the axis intersects at least a portion of the joint element. Thus, the common axis may intersect two or more elements, even though the exact centers of the elements are not aligned with the axis.

[0064] Figure 23 shows an exemplary ink container 220 that includes latch holes 222 adapted to provide a latch surface for side latch members of an ink-container bay. Figures 24-26 show the ink container 220 as it engages with the ink-container bay 224. In the illustrated embodiment, ink-container bay 224 includes a side-latch member 226 that is configured to releasably secure the ink container in a seated position in the ink-container bay. The side latch member is resiliently moveable between at least a closed position and an open position. For example, the side-latch member may be biased in a closed position, in which the side-latch member is positioned to contact the ink container when the ink container is seated in an ink-container bay. When the ink container is inserted into the ink-container bay, the 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. Side latch member 226 includes a latch 228 that engages latch opening 222, thereby holding ink container 220 seated in the recess.

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ΕΡ 2 902 207 Β1 per ink tank. The ink container can be removed by moving the side-latch member to the open position.

[0065] A pair of latching holes on opposite sides of the ink container may be flush with the alignment pocket. For example, the latch holes 222 may be located in the same plane as the alignment pocket 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch surfaces and the alignment pocket are intersected by a common plane extending horizontally. Key pocket 232 and electrical connector 234 may also be located in the same plane. It should be understood that other snap mechanisms may be adapted to apply the snapping pressure along a plane that passes through the alignment pocket. In some embodiments, the latch hole may be positioned in another plane that intersects the alignment pocket, such as a vertical plane that intersects the alignment pocket and one or more flow connectors.

[0066] Figures 27-29 show another embodiment that uses a different latch mechanism. As illustrated, the ink-container bay 240 includes an alignment member 242, which in turn includes an inner latch member 244. The inner latch member 244 is adapted to selectively engage with an alignment pocket 246 when the ink container 248 is seated within the ink-container bay. The inner latch member is resiliently moveable between at least a closed position and an open position. For example, the inner latch member may be biased in a closed position, in which the inner latch member is positioned to contact 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 inner latch member to be biased to the open position, as shown in Fig. 28. As shown in Fig. 29, the inner latch member resiliently returns to the closed position when the ink container is seated. in the ink cartridge bay. Inner latch member 244 includes a latch 250 that engages with a corresponding latch tab 252 of alignment pocket 246, thereby holding ink container 248 in a seated position in the ink-container bay. The ink container can be removed by moving the inner latch to the open position.

[0067] The side and inner latch mechanisms described above are provided as non-limiting examples of possible latch designs. The side latch mechanism and the inner latch mechanism may be used together or independently of each other. Likewise, the side latch mechanism and / or the inner latch mechanism may additionally or alternatively be used together with other latch mechanisms, such as the latch mechanism described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Other latching mechanisms may also be used.

[0068] As described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the ink container may include a connector pack with one or more fluidic, mechanical, and / or electrical connectors. The ink reservoir may be described as including a guide surface that is adapted to be laterally inserted into the ink-container bay of the ink supply station. The ink container guide surface may be configured as a substantially planar outer surface. Each of the separate terminals of the terminal pack is provided on a substantially planar guiding surface of the ink container. The guide surface may be described as including the outer periphery and separate connectors of the terminal pack may be located within the outer perimeter.

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The illustrated embodiments show a non-limiting example of the configuration of the arrangement of the connector pack. It should be understood that other arrangements are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] Although the present disclosure is made by reference to the preceding principles of operation and embodiments, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

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