CN101357548B

CN101357548B - Ink jet printing system with demountable box

Info

Publication number: CN101357548B
Application number: CN2008102114618A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 卡·西尔弗布鲁克; 盖瑞·雷蒙德·杰克逊
Original assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Memjet Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2004-01-21
Filing date: 2004-01-21
Publication date: 2012-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2024-01-21
Also published as: CN101357548A

Abstract

A printing box used for ink jet printers comprises a print fluid storage device (28, 30, 32, and 34) and a page width print head (52) communicated with the print fluid storage device. The ink jet printer comprises a support device which is provided with a body part that is complementary with a support of a detachable printer, a data connecting point which is tightly fixed with the body part is used for receiving and determining the data signal of print images from an external data source, and a processing device which is coupled with the data connecting point and arranged to respond the data signal and then operate the page width print head to print the images.

Description

The ink-jet print system that has dismountable box

The application be applicant " Silverbrook Research Pty. Ltd. " on January 21st, 2004 submit to, application number is 200480040777.5, name is called the dividing an application of application for a patent for invention of " ink-jet print system that has dismountable box ".

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of print system, more specifically relate to the detachable print cartridge that is used for ink-jet print system.

Background technology

Traditionally, most ink-jet printers that obtain through the commercial channel use the printhead that when printing, passes through back and forth on the width at print media.This printhead is supplied with the China ink that is used to print and has usually limited service life, need change printhead afterwards.Because the size and the structure of reciprocating printhead, it is relatively easy to dismantle and change this element, and PRN device is dimensioned to easily near this element.Can carry out print out task with enough quality although proved the print system of using this conventional reciprocating printhead; Because printhead must continue through static print media, this system is slow usually---particularly when being used for accomplishing the print job of photographic quality.

Recently, the printhead of whole width of extend through print media can be provided, thereby printhead keeps static when print media passes through forward.This printhead is commonly referred to page width printing head, and because printhead does not pass through print media back and forth, compares with utilizing the conventional reciprocating printhead, utilizes this printhead can obtain high a lot of print speed.Yet; Because printhead has the length of print media, it must be supported in the structure of PRN device, thereby and need a plurality of electric connections to drive printhead to transmit electricity and data; And thus, the dismounting of this printhead and replacing are so easy not as the conventional reciprocating printhead.

Therefore, a kind of like this print system need be provided: this print system can provide high-quality print job with high speed, and when needs, is convenient to relatively easily change printhead.

Summary of the invention

According to first aspect present invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, comprising:

The printing-fluid storage device; And

The page width printing head that is communicated with said printing-fluid storage device fluid.

Page width printing head can be arranged to produce at least 8 inches wide printing trace, and can comprise at least 20,000 printing-fluid delivery nozzles that is communicated with printing-fluid storage device fluid.

The printing-fluid storage device can be contained in the body portions, and this body comprises the device that replenishes printing-fluid from external source, and can comprise one or more storage pools that are used for the storage print China ink.But the infrared China ink that said storage pool separate, stored one cover is enough to carry out the color ink of colour print and assists to fix the black fixative of the China ink of being carried by page width printing head and when some application needs, allow in the black light spectral limit, to print.

Print cartridge can comprise first electric connector, and this first electric connector is arranged to and being electrically connected of page width printing head, and the first end setting of contiguous page wide printhead, is used for cooperating with first corresponding connectors of ink-jet printer.Second electric connector also can be arranged to be electrically connected with page width printing head, and the second end setting of contiguous page wide printhead, is used for cooperating with second corresponding connectors of ink-jet printer.With this set, in the time of in print cartridge is contained in ink-jet printer, electric power and data can transmit to page width printing head from ink-jet printer through the matching relationship between the corresponding electrical connection of first and second electric connectors and ink-jet printer.

Printer stand also can comprise the assembly of being arranged to air was guided printhead, to prevent that paper and dust from dropping on the fluid delivery nozzles and to prevent that the print quality of print job from degenerating.This assembly can comprise a filter, is used for filtered air before air was guided printhead, removes any particulate that possibly in the air of carrying, carry thus.This assembly also can comprise an inlet, is used for from external source---for example being positioned at the source of ink-jet printer---and accepts air.

Therefore, in further embodiment of the present invention, the method that is beneficial to the ink-jet printer of safeguarding the type with page width printing head is provided, this method comprises the steps:

In first and second parts that can split each other at least, ink jet-print head is provided, first needs more frequent replacing than second portion;

Wherein first comprises page width printing head.

First can further comprise a printing-fluid storage device, be used to store treat the printing-fluid of being carried by page width printing head, and this printing-fluid storage device is the form of print cartridge, and this print cartridge can removably be received in the second portion.

Second portion can be a printer stand equipment, and this equipment has the chamber that is suitable for admitting print cartridge.Printer stand also can comprise a control electronics, and in order to the operation through power supply and data connector control print cartridge, this power supply and data connector are arranged on the said print cartridge after print cartridge is received within the printer stand equipment.Printer stand equipment also can comprise the print media treatment system, is used for the printhead supply print media to print cartridge, so that on the surface of print media, print.

In second aspect, the invention provides ink jet print cartridge, comprising: a body portions, this body comprises:

A printing-fluid storage device, and

A printhead that comprises at least 20,000 printing-fluid delivery nozzles that is communicated with printing-fluid storage device fluid.

In the present invention's optional embodiment in this respect, printhead can comprise at least 30,000 printing-fluid delivery nozzles that is communicated with printing-fluid storage device fluid.In another embodiment, this printhead can comprise page width printing head.

The printing-fluid storage device of print cartridge can comprise one or more storage pools, is used for one or more printing-fluid that are used to print of separate, stored.This printing-fluid can be the color ink that a cover is enough to be used in colour print, and can comprise black fixative and the infrared China ink that is used for after being carried by said fluid delivery nozzles, assisting fixing China ink.

According to a third aspect of the invention we, a kind of ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

Support;

By the ink jet print cartridge that this support combines releasedly, this ink jet print cartridge comprises:

At least the first and second storage devices that are used for difference store ink and black fixative;

The page width printing head that is communicated with this first and second storage devices fluid; And

Control applies China ink and black fixative after by the conveying of said printhead, to be beneficial to the device that China ink is fixed to print media through said printhead.

This ink jet print cartridge can comprise the color ink that other storage device is enough to be used in colour print with separate, stored one cover.

In this respect another embodiment according to the present invention provides a kind of ink jet print cartridge of being combined releasedly by an ink-jet printer be arranged to, and said print cartridge comprises:

At least the first and second storage devices that hold China ink and black fixative respectively; And

The page width printing head that is communicated with this first and second storage devices fluid.

In this respect another embodiment according to the present invention, provide a kind of be used to operate comprise the method for the ink-jet printer of the type of print cartridge as stated, this method comprises:

The control page width printing head is printed on a kind of medium, to utilize China ink; And

Be beneficial to China ink is fixed on the medium to applying black fixative on the medium through the control page width printing head.

According to a forth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The China ink that one or more are used to print; And

The printhead that is communicated with said one or more black fluids; At least a in wherein said one or more China inks is infrared China ink.

This print cartridge can further comprise a body of being arranged to store the China ink that is used to print, and this printhead can be that the page width printing head that is attached to this body is beneficial to the fluid connection.Said one or more fluids that are stored in this body can comprise that also a cover color ink is so that can carry out colour print.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

Be used to store the printing-fluid storage device of one or more printing-fluid;

The page width printing head that is communicated with this printing-fluid storage device fluid; And

The port of filling again that is communicated with this printing-fluid storage device fluid.

Print cartridge of the present invention can further comprise a body portions, has wherein put the printing-fluid storage device, and attached page width printing head and filling port again on it.In addition, said printing-fluid storage device also can comprise each the independently printing-fluid storage pool that is used for said one or more printing-fluid, and wherein said one or more printing-fluid can comprise that a cover is beneficial to the color ink of colour print.In addition, the said port of filling again can comprise one or more corresponding to each and the inlet that is communicated with its fluid in the said independently printing-fluid storage pool.

According to sixth aspect present invention, a kind of detachable print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, comprising:

The printing-fluid storage device;

The printhead that is communicated with this printing-fluid storage device fluid; And

Be arranged to guide the assembly of air through printhead, this assembly comprises a filter.

This assembly can further comprise an inlet, is used for from a source away from print cartridge, and---for example being arranged on the source in the ink-jet printer---accepted air.The printhead of print cartridge can comprise a page width printing head, and said filter can have the ability that is present in from the airborne particle matter of external source acceptance of collecting.In this regard, because print cartridge can be dismantled from ink-jet printer, in case change print cartridge, the filter that is used for filtered air also will be changed.。The purpose of this assembly is to prevent that paper or particle matter gathering from perhaps impinging upon on the surface of printhead, and this can cause damaging printhead, and influence is by the quality of the print job of this printhead completion.

In this respect the further embodiment according to the present invention, the method that provides a kind of printhead that stops detachable print cartridge to degenerate, this method comprises the steps:

Produce an air stream;

By means of the filter that is attached to said print cartridge filtered particulate matter from this air stream, to produce filtered air; And

With filtered air guiding passing through printhead.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The printing-fluid storage device;

The printhead that is communicated with this printing-fluid storage device fluid;

Air intake; And

One or more pipelines of being arranged to air was guided from air intake printhead.

The printhead of print cartridge can be that page width printing head and this print cartridge can be beneficial to change print cartridge from this ink-jet printer dismounting.

Air intake can be arranged to cooperate with the complementary structure of ink-jet printer, thereby air can be fed to print cartridge from the air supplies away from the print cartridge setting.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The printing-fluid storage device;

Be arranged to be used for drawing the printing-fluid extractor of printhead China ink on every side.

In a preferred implementation, body and printing-fluid extractor that the printhead of printing-fluid storage device and print cartridge can be arranged to be fastened to print cartridge can be coupled to this body.

The printing-fluid extractor also can comprise a coupling device that engages with an assembly; Be used for optionally making that the printing-fluid extractor cooperates with printhead; And the printing-fluid extractor can comprise an absorbent material, and this absorbent material is arranged to when printhead does not print on the print media, absorb the printing-fluid that from printhead, sprays.

The printing-fluid extractor can rotatably be coupled to the body of print cartridge and be coupled to this body slidably.Comprise at printhead under the situation of page width printing head that extractor can extend to carry out along the total length of printhead along page width printing head draws function.

In this respect another embodiment according to the present invention provides a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer, comprising:

The body that comprises at least one printing-fluid storage pool;

The printhead that is attached to this body and is communicated with said at least one printing-fluid storage pool fluid;

Rotatably be coupled to the printing-fluid extractor of this body; And

Be positioned at the coupling device in order to engage on the printing-fluid extractor, be used for optionally causing the printing-fluid extractor to cooperate with printhead with an assembly.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The printing-fluid storage device;

Be arranged to optionally to carry out the assembly of the auxiliary printhead of a plurality of difference in functionalitys about printhead.

In a preferred implementation, the difference in functionality of being carried out by said assembly can comprise at least one: draw China ink around the printhead, hide printhead and with respect to printhead as a platen.

The assembly of auxiliary printhead also can comprise the rotatable element that is coupled to print cartridge in abutting connection with printhead.This rotatable element can comprise a plurality of, and each face is configured to carry out the difference in functionality of pointing out above one of them.

Print cartridge also can comprise coupling device, and this coupling device is fastened to the mechanism that is used on the rotatable element through ink-jet printer and engages, and is used for optionally making operating surface to cooperate with printhead.This coupling device can be controlled by printer, is in the desired expectation orientation of printer particular state to guarantee assembly.In this regard, print cartridge also can comprise bias unit, and this bias unit is arranged to abut against normally a setover face of rotatable element of printhead, thereby this assembly always is in the position of carrying out a required function.

In a preferred implementation, print cartridge comprises page width printing head, and wherein said assembly has extended the length of printhead.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The printing-fluid storage device;

First electric connector that is electrically connected with said printhead, the first end setting of this first electric connector contiguous page wide printhead is used for cooperating with first corresponding connectors of ink-jet printer.

Said print cartridge also can comprise second electric connector that second end of a contiguous page wide printhead is provided with, and is used for cooperating with second corresponding connectors of ink-jet printer.This electric connector provides a kind of device, wherein data and electric power can be provided to print cartridge with control printhead on print media, print.In case first and second connectors engage the transmission that electric power and data just take place with the feasible print cartridge that cooperates of the corresponding connector of ink-jet printer with ink-jet printer.In this regard, printing-fluid storage device, page width printing head and first and second electric connector each all be attachable to the body of print cartridge.

Be suitable for being contained in the ink-jet printer and comprise the strip body of printing-fluid storage device;

The page width printing head that is attached to said body and is communicated with said printing-fluid storage device fluid; And

First and second electric connectors that are electrically connected with said printhead, said first and second connectors are attached on the body of strip and contiguous page wide printhead opposite end is provided with, and are used for cooperating with first corresponding and second electric connector of ink-jet printer.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The printing-fluid storage device;

The port of filling again that is communicated with black storage pool, this again the filling port be arranged to admit the China ink of filling again that is used for replenishing black storage pool; And

Integrated circuit package, this integrated circuit package are arranged to store about at least a China ink of filling again and the information that is stored in the performance of the China ink in the black storage pool.

In a preferred embodiment, can comprise any following information about China ink of filling again and the information that is stored in the performance of the China ink in the black storage pool: about the China ink of the residue in black storage pool amount, source, the rheologic behavio(u)r and the color of filling China ink again of filling China ink again of filling China ink again.Preferably, integrated circuit package comprises an electric connection that is installed on the ink-jet printer, is used for being connected with the integrated circuit of the cartridge again that comprises the China ink of filling again.

In a preferred form, the printhead of print cartridge is a page width printing head.

In the present invention's another embodiment in this respect; A kind of method of authenticity of the China ink supply that is used to keep ink-jet printer is provided; Wherein this ink-jet printer is the type that comprises detachable print cartridge; This print cartridge comprises the black storage device that is communicated with page width printing head, and this method comprises the steps:

China ink cartridge again is provided, and this China ink cartridge again comprises the integrated circuit package of a storage about the information of the performance of the China ink of filling again;

With said China ink again cartridge be connected on the print cartridge; And

Carry out a test, with the performance and the performance that is stored in the China ink in the black storage device of the China ink of filling more again.

Preferably, the performance of filling China ink comprises that with the step of performance of China ink in being stored in black storage device is confirmed a black step that whether has identical performance more again, so that black storage device is by the filling again of black feeding mechanism.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

A plurality of storage pools, each storage pool are stored a kind of predetermined printing-fluid specially;

The printhead that is communicated with said storage pool; And

Be arranged to cooperate again the port of filling again of the corresponding connectors of cartridge, the said port of filling again comprises corresponding to each storage pool and the inlet that is communicated with its fluid.

In a preferred embodiment, the printhead of print cartridge can be a page width printing head, and printing-fluid can comprise one the cover be used for the color ink of colour print, black fixative and infrared China ink any or multiple.

In this respect the optional embodiment according to the present invention provides a kind of ink-jet printer filling system again, comprising:

Have the print cartridge of filling port again, comprise a plurality of inlets, these inlets corresponding in a plurality of storage pools each and is communicated with its fluid, in the multiple printing-fluid of each special storage of said storage pool be scheduled to a kind of; And

At least one is cartridge again; This again cartridge comprise a kind of in the said multiple printing-fluid and comprise a connector of being arranged to cooperate the said port of filling again; This connector has an outlet; This outlet be arranged to specific one again filling port inlet is communicated with, this specific one of entering the mouth with a plurality of storage pools is communicated with, this storage pool is used for specially storing and is contained in said printing-fluid in cartridge.

The ink-jet printer print cartridge of filling system again can comprise a printhead, and this printhead is communicated with said printing-fluid storage pool, and this printhead can be a page width printing head.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The printing-fluid storage device; And

With the page width printing head that said printing-fluid storage device fluid is communicated with, said printhead comprises two printing chips of the length of having extended printhead.

These two printing chips are arranged to them and preferably are abutted together and the length of having extended printhead.

Print cartridge preferably includes the body of a strip, and this body is suitable for being contained in the printer stand and preferably has the electric connector that is positioned at the printhead opposite end and is electrically connected with two printing chips.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

The printing-fluid storage device;

Be communicated with page width printing head with said printing-fluid storage device fluid; And

Extend the guard shield of printhead length, be arranged to when print cartridge inserts the support of ink-jet printer, protect printhead to avoid contacting paper.

Preferably, print cartridge comprises the body of a strip, and to hold the printing-fluid storage device, its middle shell is suitable for removably being contained in the ink-jet printer.This guard shield further is arranged to as a cover plate, to seal the air hose of print cartridge in use.

In this respect another embodiment according to the present invention provides a kind of ink jet print cartridge, comprising:

Be suitable for being contained in the body of the strip in the printer stand;

Be contained at least one the printing-fluid storage pool within the strip body;

Be attached on the strip body and the page width printing head that is communicated with said at least one printing-fluid storage pool fluid; And

The guard shield of extend through printhead length, this guard shield are arranged to when print cartridge inserts the support of ink-jet printer, protect printhead to avoid contacting paper, and are arranged to the air hose of jet of sealed printer prints box.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

A strip body, this body hold a printing-fluid storage device and are suitable for being received in the inkjet printing machine support;

One is attached on the said page width printing head and the page width printing head that is communicated with said printing-fluid storage device fluid; And

Be arranged to verify the compressed-air actuated air allocation component of page width printing head uniform distribution for one.

Preferably, said air allocation component comprises and is used for accepting the passage that compressed-air actuated air intake and are formed in the strip body, are communicated with said inlet and are provided with along page width printing head from external source.This air allocation component also comprises a filter, is used on the length of this passage, sealing and being arranged to air is directed to said printhead along its length.This filter is arranged to it and is allowed air to pass through when only the air pressure in passage reaches a threshold level.This can comprise that a plurality of its is sized to confirm that the holes of this threshold level realize through making filter.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

One or more printing-fluid storage pools;

Confirmed the printing-fluid delivery element of one or more printing-fluid transfer passages; And

The page width printing head that is communicated with said one or more printing-fluid storage pool fluids by means of said one or more printing-fluid transfer passages.

Preferably, said one or more printing-fluid storage pool is contained in the strip body and said page width printing head preferably is attached on this strip body.

Length and page width printing head that the printing-fluid delivery element preferably is arranged to the extend through printhead preferably are attached to the strip body through the printing-fluid delivery element.The printing-fluid delivery element has confirmed that preferably a plurality of printing-fluid transfer passages are to be transported to printhead with printing-fluid from storage pool.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

A body complementary with detachable ink jet print cartridge, this ink jet print cartridge is the type with page width printing head and black feeding mechanism;

A data connection point fastening with said body is used for receiving data-signal from external data source, and this data-signal has confirmed to be used for images printed; And

Be coupled to data connection point and be arranged to respond said data-signal operation page width printing head and print said treatment of picture device.

Preferably, the body of inkjet printing machine support has been confirmed a recess, and the shape of this recess is suitable for admitting detachable page width ink jet print cartridge, thereby this print cartridge is supported by this support body.This support body also can comprise a power connection points, is used for receiving electrical power for operation from external power source.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

One with a plurality of detachable ink jet print cartridges in each complementary body, each ink jet print cartridge is the type with page width printing head and black feeding mechanism, and each ink jet print cartridge has different performance characteristics; And

A controller, this controller are arranged to when in said a plurality of print cartridges each is coupled on the said support, confirm the performance characteristic of this print cartridge, and are arranged to respond definite performance characteristic and operate each said print cartridge.

Preferably, said controller is arranged to operate each in a plurality of detachable ink jet print cartridges, and the difference of the performance characteristic of these print cartridges is following one or more: optimum print speed; The China ink capacity.

Preferably, said body comprises a recess, in order to admit any of a plurality of detachable ink jet print cartridges.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the invention, a kind of method of the ink-jet printer of being convenient to upgrade is provided, this ink-jet printer is the type that comprises page width printing head, and this method comprises the steps:

Ink-jet printer with complimentary bracket and initial print box is provided, and wherein said support is arranged to operate a plurality of print cartridges with different performance characteristics;

Utilization has another replacing initial print box of said a plurality of print cartridges of improved performance characteristic.

Preferably, the different performance characteristic of said print cartridge comprises one or more: print speed; The China ink capacity; The number and the type of China ink.

Print speed by the various print cartridges of said stent support can change between the 15ppm to 60ppm.

Black capacity by the various print cartridges of said stent support can change between the 300ml China ink at the 150ml China ink.

The number of the China ink that loads by the various print cartridges of said stent support and type can comprise following any one or more: black, cyan, magenta, yellow, infrared and black fixative.

According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, a kind of print cartridge that is used for ink-jet printer is provided, has comprised:

A plurality of ink jet print cartridges; And

A plurality of inkjet printing machine supports, each comprises a body portions, this body has been confirmed a recess and has been arranged to admit and has operated each of the ink jet print cartridge that supported of cover of said a plurality of ink jet print cartridges;

The shape of the ink jet print cartridge of those said a plurality of ink jet print cartridges of being supported of cover that do not belong to wherein---about specific of said a plurality of inkjet printing machine supports---is arranged to stop in its recess that is received in said specific inkjet printing machine support.

Preferably, said ink jet print cartridge comprises page width printing head and comprises the inwall China ink storage device that is communicated with this page width printing head fluid.This internal ink storage device can comprise a plurality of independently black storage pools, is used for the China ink that separate, stored is used to print.

Preferably, the ink jet print cartridge by specific ink-jet printer stent support is not formed with a jut or a recess, and when attempting that said print cartridge inserted said support, this jut or recess cooperate with a recess or jut.

In order to assist to discern the ink jet print cartridge that those have the particular printer stent support intuitively, can on ink jet print cartridge and inkjet printing machine support, indicating device be set.This indicating device can be forms such as colour-coded.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the invention, a kind of inkjet printing machine support is provided, has comprised:

A body complementary with detachable ink jet print cartridge, this ink jet print cartridge is the type with page width printing head and black feeding mechanism; And

An integrated circuit package of being arranged to test the Authentication devices of said print cartridge

The Authentication devices of detachable ink jet print cartridge preferably includes a quality assurance chip, and this chip-stored is about the information of the operating characteristics of print cartridge.

The printer stand body has preferably been confirmed a recess of admitting detachable ink jet print cartridge; And integrated circuit package can comprise a connector that is installed on the body; When detachable ink jet print cartridge inserted recess, the installation site of this connector was enough to connect the quality assurance chip of print cartridge.Integrated circuit package also can comprise the part of the control circuit of inkjet printing machine support, and control circuit can be arranged to indicate a fault with checking print cartridge Authentication devices.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the invention, a kind of inkjet printing machine support is provided, has comprised:

One body portions, this body have been confirmed a recess, this recess be sized to put a detachable print cartridge, this print cartridge is the type with page width printing head; And

Be positioned at the terminal on the said body, this terminal is used for contacting the relevant terminal that is positioned on the said detachable printing ink jet print cartridge when said print cartridge inserts the female portion, is convenient to the electrical connection on said support and said print cartridge thus.

Preferably, the terminal on the said printer stand body is positioned on one or more walls of the female portion.The female portion can be the recess of strip, and said terminal is preferably placed at least one end wall of said wall.In other embodiments, this terminal can be positioned on the relative end wall of said strip wall.

Each terminal of said printer stand can comprise data and power terminal so that between printer stand and ink jet print cartridge Data transmission and electric power.

In this respect another embodiment according to the present invention provides a kind of inkjet printing machine support, comprising:

One body portions, this body have been confirmed a strip recess, and being sized to of this recess cooperates with a detachable print cartridge, and this print cartridge is the type with page width printing head; And

Be positioned at power supply and data terminal on the opposite end walls of the female portion; This terminal is used for contacting the relevant terminal that is positioned on the said detachable printing ink jet print cartridge when said print cartridge inserts the female portion, is convenient to the electrical connection on said support and said print cartridge thus.

One body portions, this body have been confirmed a recess, this recess be sized to put a detachable print cartridge;

One is arranged in the holding device that keeps said print cartridge in the female portion; And

One or more flexible members, this flexible member is arranged to keep this print cartridge and said holding device and body to be fastened when using.

In a preferred embodiment, said one or more flexible member is arranged in and uses in the printer process and after print cartridge being remained in the printer stand, abut against the said holding device said print cartridge of setovering.In another embodiment, said one or more flexible member can be arranged in to use and abut against the said support body said print cartridge of setovering in the printer process.

Said detachable ink jet print cartridge preferably includes a page width printing head, wherein this printhead preferably be included in detachable ink jet print cartridge in printing-fluid storage pool fluid be communicated with.

Holding device can comprise a breech lock, and said one or more flexible member can comprise one or more springs.Preferably, the recess in printer stand comprises a frame, and said one or more flexible members are positioned on this support.

In the present invention's another embodiment in this respect, a kind of inkjet printing machine support is provided, comprising:

One body portions, this body have been confirmed a recess, and this recess has a frame and it is sized to put a detachable ink jet print cartridge, and this ink jet print cartridge is the type with page width printing head;

Be arranged to for one said print cartridge is remained on the breech lock in the female portion; And

Be positioned at the one or more springs on said, said spring is arranged in use against the said print cartridge of said latch biasing.

In the present invention's another embodiment in this respect, provide a kind of being used for that an inkjet printing machine support is stabilized in the method in the inkjet printing machine support, this method comprises the steps:

Said print cartridge is positioned in the recess that is limited the body of said support;

Through breech lock said print cartridge is remained in the female portion; And

Keep said print cartridge and said breech lock and body fastening through one or more flexible members.

In a form, keep the fastening step of said print cartridge to comprise and abut against the said ink jet print cartridge of latch biasing.Alternatively, keep the fastening step of said print cartridge to comprise abutting against the said body said ink jet print cartridge of setovering.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, a kind of inkjet printing machine support is provided, this inkjet printing machine support and an ink jet print cartridge complementation, this ink jet print cartridge is the type that comprises page width printing head, said support comprises:

The mechanism of a plurality of auxiliary said print cartridges;

Single-motor; And

Said single-motor is coupled to the transmission component on each of a plurality of mechanisms.

Preferably, said a plurality of mechanism comprises that one is used for compressed air is fed to the air compressor of said print cartridge and is used for print media is transferred to the print media transmission assembly that printhead is used to print.

Preferably, the direct driving that is included between compressor and the motor drive shaft of said transmission component is coupled device.Should directly drive and be coupled device and can comprise a worm gear, this worm gear from motor drive shaft extend and with the gears engaged of print media transmission assembly to drive said print media transmission assembly.

In the present invention's another embodiment in this respect, an inkjet printing machine support complementary with ink jet print cartridge is provided, wherein this ink jet print cartridge is the type that comprises page width printing head, said support comprises:

An air compressor is used to produce the air of guiding through page width printing head;

Be arranged to print media was carried the print media transmission assembly of printhead;

Single-motor; And

Transmission component, it is arranged to single-motor is coupled to said air compressor and print media transmission assembly;

Wherein said transmission component comprises that a direct driving from said single-motor to air compressor is coupled device and the gear from said axle to said print media transmission assembly is coupled device.

The 25 aspect according to the present invention; A kind of inkjet printing machine support complementary with ink jet print cartridge is provided; Wherein this ink jet print cartridge is the type that comprises page width printing head and printhead auxiliary element; This auxiliary element is arranged to optionally carry out a plurality of different functions with respect to printhead, and said support comprises:

A transmission component, it is arranged to optionally engage and drive said printhead auxiliary element.

Said transmission component preferably includes a driving shaft, and this assembly is arranged to when first and second directions are rotated, engage said printhead auxiliary element respectively and separate from this printhead auxiliary element when this driving shaft.In addition; Said transmission component preferably includes one and stirs gear assembly; Be used for optionally engaging with the driving shaft that is used for the printhead auxiliary element, said stir gear assembly preferably include first gear that is fixed to driving shaft, from second gear of the said first gear radial displacement and keep said second gear and first gear to be in the setting element of engagement formation.

The 26 aspect according to the present invention provides a kind of inkjet printing machine support, comprising:

One body portions, this body and a detachable ink jet print cartridge are complementary, and this ink jet print cartridge is the type with page width printing head and air intake; And

Air compressor with air outlet slit pipe, this air outlet slit pipe are arranged to when said inkjet printing machine support cooperates with said print cartridge and said air intake is coupled.

Preferably, said printer stand body has been confirmed a recess, and being sized to of this recess admitted and located said detachable ink jet print cartridge and said air outlet slit pipe terminates in the female portion.Said air outlet slit pipe has preferably crossed the part of the body of the said internal frame of having confirmed this recess, and has a terminal part, and this terminal part is arranged to assist a seal to be passed in the air intake in the detachable ink jet print cartridge.

One body portions, this body have been confirmed a recess, this recess be sized to put a detachable ink-jet printer, this ink jet print cartridge is the type with page width printing head and air intake; And

Air compressor with air outlet slit pipe; This air outlet slit pipe has been arranged to cross the part of the body of the said internal frame of having confirmed this recess; Said pipe is arranged to when said inkjet printing machine support inserts the female portion and said air portion is coupled, and is configured to assist a seal to pass said air intake.

The 27 aspect according to the present invention provides a kind of printing-fluid distributor, comprising:

Black storage pool with China ink outlet;

Be used for exerting pressure to force the device of China ink through said outlet to said black storage pool; And be used for the device that receives to compel the pressure limit of the China ink through outlet at predeterminated level with said.

Preferably, said black storage pool comprises deformable film, and the said device that is used to limit the pressure that receives to compel the China ink through said outlet comprises that restriction pressure is applied directly to the device of said black storage pool.

The device that is used for exerting pressure to black storage pool can comprise a grip, and the device that is used to limit the pressure that is applied to black storage pool can comprise a flexible member, and this flexible member has the deformation behaviour of selecting pressure limit to a predeterminated level.This flexible member is preferably placed at black storage pool and is used between the device that black storage pool is exerted pressure, and preferably includes spring.Storage pool and spring all can be positioned at the part of handle.

During use, distributor preferably is coupled to exterior storage pond and China ink and receives to compel the outlet through distributor and be transported to the exterior storage pond.The exterior storage pond preferably is arranged in the detachable ink jet print cartridge and predetermined stress level and the pressure correlation that is broken in said exterior storage pond.

In the present invention's another embodiment in this respect, a kind of printing-fluid distributor is provided, comprising:

Deformable container with printing-fluid of an outlet;

One grip, it is arranged to exert pressure to force China ink through said outlet to said container; And

A flexible member, it is arranged to the restricted passage handle to said deformable container applied pressure, breaks to prevent the exterior storage pond that is coupled to said distributor in use.

Preferably, said deformable container comprises a film, and this film is used for the storage print fluid, and said flexible member preferably includes a spring, and this spring comprises a platform of being arranged to against said film.

The 20 eight aspect according to the present invention provides a kind of printing-fluid distribution system that comprises a plurality of printing-fluid distributors, and each printing-fluid distributor comprises:

A kind of in the multiple printing-fluid;

Be arranged in the precalculated position said distributor is seated in a member on the ink-jet printer parts that will carry out filling again; And

An outlet, this outlet is positioned in a plurality of precalculated positions with respect to said member according to the type of the printing-fluid in said distributor.

Preferably, said ink-jet printer parts are dismountable ink jet print cartridges, and said dismountable ink jet print cartridge preferably includes page width printing head.

The member of being arranged to said distributor is seated in the precalculated position preferably includes a connector; This connector is arranged to cooperate with the port of filling again of ink-jet printer parts, and a plurality of precalculated positions of said outlet are preferably placed at the zone of being confirmed by said connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the kind number of printing-fluid comprises the color ink in the certain limit, uses so that colour print.

In the present invention's another embodiment in this respect, a kind of printing-fluid distribution system that comprises a plurality of printing-fluid distributors is provided, each printing-fluid distributor comprises:

Color ink;

Be arranged to the connector that cooperates with a port of filling again that will carry out the ink jet print cartridge of filling again, the said port of filling again comprises the inlet of a plurality of discrete settings; And

Outlet, this outlet are arranged to cooperate according to one in the inlet of the color of said color ink and discrete setting.

According to the twenty-ninth aspect, a kind of printing-fluid distributor is provided, has comprised:

The housing that comprises first and second parts, this first and second part is removable each other;

The storage pool of printing-fluid, this storage pool responds the relative motion of said first and second parts, and this storage pool has an outlet, and this outlet is arranged to printing-fluid is transported to a position outside housing; Wherein

In use, said first and second parts being moved towards one another causes printing-fluid from outlet, to be come out.

Preferably, said storage pool comprises a deformable container that is positioned at said housing, and when said first and second parts are moved towards one another, said deformable container compression.

First and second parts of said housing preferably are arranged to slide each other, and flexible member preferably is arranged between one or two of first and second parts of said deformable container and said housing.This flexible member preferably has when selecting to use the pressure limit in deformable container in the characteristic of predeterminated level.

Said flexible member can comprise spring, and first and second parts of said housing can comprise base portion and piston, and wherein said spring is between said deformable container and piston.

Said deformable container preferably includes deformable film.

In the present invention's other embodiment in this respect, a kind of printing-fluid distributor is provided, comprising:

The housing that comprises base portion and piston;

Be positioned at the deformable container that housing is used for the storage print fluid;

Be coupled to the outlet in the said deformable container, this outlet is arranged to printing-fluid is transported to a position in outside; And

Spring between said deformable container and piston, during use this spring have select will be in deformable container pressure limit in the characteristic of a predeterminated level; Wherein

In use, cause compression and the printing-fluid of deformable container between spring and base portion to flow out towards the base portion drive in piston through outlet.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the invention, a kind of printing-fluid distributor is provided, has comprised:

Said first and second parts comprise engagement formation, and this engagement formation is arranged to prevent the relative motion each other of said part, until the operating physical force of predeterminated level through said part and apply.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage pool of printing-fluid comprises the deformable container that is positioned at housing, and said first and second parts is moved towards one another cause the compression of said container, carry said printing-fluid from said distributor thus.

Said first and second parts preferably include a base portion and piston, and said engagement formation can comprise the complementary protrusions on one or more relative walls that are formed on this base portion and piston.

In this respect another embodiment according to the present invention provides a kind of printing-fluid distributor, comprising:

The deformable container that comprises the fill-in that is full of of printing-fluid;

The housing that comprises base portion, this base portion engage a piston slidably and put said deformable container; And

Be coupled to the outlet of deformable container, this outlet is arranged to printing-fluid is transported to a position outside housing; Wherein

According to a thirty-first aspect of the invention, a kind of printing-fluid distributor is provided, has comprised:

The storage pool that is used for printing-fluid, this storage pool responds the relative motion of said first and second parts, and this storage pool has an outlet, and this outlet is arranged to printing-fluid is transported to a position outside housing; Wherein

Said first and second parts comprise engagement formation, and the operation that this engagement formation is arranged in said distributor prevents that said part from engaging each other afterwards.

The storage pool that is used for the storage print fluid preferably includes a deformable container, said first and second parts is moved towards one another can cause said container compression thereby this deformable container is positioned at said housing.

Said first and second parts preferably include a base portion and piston, and locked configuration preferably includes one or more complementary protrusions and recesses that on the relative wall of said base portion and piston, form.

The deformable container that is used for printing-fluid;

Between the base portion of joint piston that slides, put the housing of deformable container; And

Said base portion and piston are engaged with each other by means of the jut of one or more complementations and recess, said jut and recess be formed on the relative wall of said base portion and piston and be arranged in the operation of said distributor after prevent that piston from separating from base portion.

The 32 aspect according to the present invention provides the method for a detachable ink jet print cartridge of a kind of filling again, comprises the steps:

Detachable print cartridge is coupled on the complementary inkjet printing machine support;

Cartridge is coupled on the detachable ink jet print cartridge again;

Verify the authenticity of detachable print cartridge;

Verify again the authenticity of cartridge; And

Subsequently based on verification step operation support.

Preferably, the step that detachable ink jet print cartridge is coupled to complementary inkjet printing machine support is included between the controller of Authentication devices and support of ink jet print cartridge and is electrically connected.

The step that cartridge again is coupled to detachable ink jet print cartridge is preferably included between the controller of Authentication devices and support of cartridge again and is electrically connected.

Step subsequently based on verification step operation support preferably include into user's indication to the authentication failed of cartridge or detachable ink jet print cartridge again.

In the present invention's another embodiment in this respect; A kind of ink-jet printer is provided; This ink-jet printer comprises a controller, and this controller is arranged to verify the detachable ink jet print cartridge of said printer and the Authentication devices that is coupled to the cartridge again of this detachable ink jet print cartridge.

Controller is preferably placed in the support of printer and is coupled to the electric connection of the body that is installed to support, and its installation is in and can sets up the position that be electrically connected with Authentication devices.Each Authentication devices preferably includes integrated circuit.

Should be appreciated that to the invention provides a kind of like this printer system, this printer system uses printhead and the relevant printing-fluid storage device that is the print cartridge form, and this printing-fluid storage device can be dismantled and change from the support unit of printer system at any time.This detachable and removable print cartridge comprises printhead, the print job that this printhead can provide quality and speed to be higher than existing printer system, and after ruing out of, allow print cartridge with printing-fluid filling again.The present invention also provide with printing-fluid again cartridge be assigned to the system and method in the print cartridge; So that a kind of like this printer system to be provided: this system can at full speed provide high-quality print job, and printhead is convenient to easily dismantle and change in this system when needed.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a stereogram, shows front side, top side and right side and a printer stand according to the print cartridge of preferred implementation of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the block diagram of print cartridge.

Fig. 3 is a stereogram, shows front side, top side and the right side of inserting printer stand print cartridge before.

Fig. 4 is a stereogram, shows rear side, bottom side and the left side of print cartridge.

Fig. 5 is a stereogram, shows the front side, bottom side and the right side that are in the print cartridge under partial disassembly's state.

Fig. 6 is a stereogram, shows the front side, bottom side and the right side that are in the print cartridge under the decomposing state.

Fig. 7 is the plane of bottom side of the base portion moulding of print cartridge, has disclosed a plurality of printing-fluid pipes.

Fig. 8 is the right view of print cartridge.

Fig. 9 is the cutaway view of print cartridge.

Figure 10 is along the profile of print head chip nozzle under first mode of operation.

Figure 11 is along the profile of print head chip nozzle under second mode of operation.

Figure 12 is along the profile of print head chip nozzle after the ejection ink droplet.

Figure 13 is the part sectional block diagram of the print head chip nozzle after the ejection ink droplet.

Figure 14 is the three-dimensional cutaway view of print head chip nozzle.

Figure 15 is a section of print head chip nozzle.

Figure 16 is solid and stereogram partly cut-away of print head chip nozzle.

Figure 17 is the vertical view of print head chip nozzle.

Figure 18 is the vertical view of the partly cut-away of print head chip nozzle.

Figure 19 is the three-dimensional cutaway view of the part of print head chip.

Figure 20 is the block diagram of printer stand.

Figure 21 be printer stand solid, front, left side, side elevation view.

Figure 22 is the front view of printer stand.

Figure 23 is the vertical view of printer stand.

Figure 24 is the upward view of printer stand.

Figure 25 is the right view of printer stand.

Figure 26 is the stereogram of the right side, front and the top side that are in the printer stand of decomposing state.

Figure 27 is the right view that the part of printer stand is cut open.

Figure 28 be inserted print cartridge printer stand solid, rear portion, left side and upper view.

Figure 29 be remove the RFI guard shield printer stand solid, rear portion, left side and upper view.

Figure 30 is the detailed perspective of a part in the left side of printer stand.

Figure 31 is the detailed perspective of a part on the right side of printer stand.

Figure 32 is the stereogram of single SoPEC chip controls plate.

Figure 33 is the stereogram of two SoPEC chip controls plates.

Figure 34 is the block diagram of a SoPEC chip.

Figure 35 is the China ink stereogram of cartridge again that is under the state of emptying.

Figure 36 is the China ink stereogram of cartridge again that is under the full state.

Figure 37 is the China ink stereogram of cartridge again that is under the decomposing state.

Figure 38 is the China ink profile of cartridge again that is under the state of emptying.

Figure 39 is the China ink profile of cartridge again that is under the full state.

Figure 40 has drawn an alignment with the China ink that is full of that is docked to print cartridge cartridge again.

Figure 41 has drawn the cartridge again of the China ink before distributing China ink that is docked to a print cartridge.

Figure 42 has drawn the cartridge again of the China ink after distributing China ink that is docked to a print cartridge.

The specific embodiment

Fig. 1 has drawn an ink-jet printer 2, and it comprises a support 4, and this support 4 is received in a removable print cartridge 6 in the recess, and this recess is formed in the stake body according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.Print cartridge 6 is fixed in the support recess through a holding device that is breech lock 7 forms, and this breech lock 7 is connected to support 4 through a hinge.On the upper surface of print cartridge 6, can see China ink filling port 8 again, in use should China ink again filling port 8 admit China inks cartridge again.

Print cartridge

With reference now to Fig. 2,, Fig. 2 has drawn the block diagram of detachable ink jet print cartridge 6.Print cartridge 6 comprises China ink filling port 8 and be used for store ink and to the black conveying assembly 10 of page width printing head chip 52 delivered ink of microelectron-mechanical again.Print head chip 52 receives power supply and data through power supply and data-interface 58 from support 4.Have three faces by support 4 mechanically operated rotor elements 60, these three faces are used for respectively: after ink-jet, draw print head chip 52 China ink on every side; When printhead does not use, it is hidden; And when printing as a cylinder.Therefore, rotor elements 60 is as the accessory part of printhead, because correct print head functions is kept in its assistance.Print cartridge 6 also comprises an Authentication devices that is quality assurance chip 57 forms, and this quality assurance chip 57 comprises multiple manufacturer password, and in use, these passwords are read by the electronic circuit of the control panel 82 of support 4.Manufacturer's password is used for verifying the true and false of print cartridge 6.

With reference to figure 3 to Fig. 9; And at first with reference to figure 6, on the structure, print cartridge 6 has a box body; This box body comprises a base portion profiled member 20; This base portion profiled member 20 has hidden a polyethylene film 26, and this film 26 comprises the black storage pool that is bag 28,30,32,34 forms, is respectively applied for each in four kinds of different printing-fluid.Usually printing-fluid will be cyan, magenta, yellow box black ink.In addition, storage pool also can be arranged in the base portion profiled member 20, to admit and store ink fixative and/or infrared China ink when the different application needs.In this regard, nearly six storage pools that are arranged in the base portion profiled member 20 can be arranged.When film 26 fillings its expansion during printing-fluid, and on the contrary, this film atrophy after China ink consumes in print procedure.

Cover profiled member 36 comprises a recess 38, and this recess 38 holds the China ink inlet profiled member 24 with a plurality of paths.A plurality of aperture 42A-42E pass recess 38 formation and are arranged to and are communicated with the path of corresponding China ink inlet profiled member 24.The passage of China ink entry element with China ink through a series of be formed in the film 26 black transport paths from an outside China ink of installing again cartridge be transported to each black storage pool.The China ink transport path is connected each aperture 42A-42E of black entry element 24 with its special ink storage pool 28-34.China ink is carried under pressure usually, causes the storage pool of its inflow film 26 thus and the storage pool of this film 26 is expanded.China ink inlet seal spare 40 is positioned on the outside of recess 38, so that using seal orifice 42A-42E before.

Page width printing head chip 52 is seated in the zone under the black storage pool along the outside of print cartridge base portion profiled member 20.As shown in Figure 7, a plurality of pipe 43A-43E are formed on the downside of print cartridge base portion profiled member and directly are communicated with each black storage pool 28,30,32,34.This pipe provides from the downside of print cartridge base portion profiled member 20 and has carried the black transport path of the inlet in the profiled member 48 to being arranged on China ink, and wherein print head chip 52 is carried on the profiled member 48 attached to this China ink.

Again with reference to figure 6; China ink carries profiled member 48 preferably to be processed through sprayup process by the plastics such as LCP (liquid crystal polymer) etc.; And comprise a plurality of elongated tubulars that are provided with along its length, these elongated tubulars are arranged to distribute printing-fluid from the pond in film 26 to print head chip 52.Each elongated tubular is used for transporting a kind of specific fluid specially---for example the China ink or the fixative of particular color---and allow the length allocation of fluid along printhead.In order to assist the controlled delivery of printing-fluid, between print cartridge base portion profiled member 20 boxes China ink conveying profiled member 48, placed a black sealing strip 45.This China ink sealing strip forms by the aperture, and these apertures allow between two elements, to take place the fluid transmission, yet the sealing bar is used for sealing the passage that is formed in the print cartridge base portion profiled member and leaks to stop fluid.

What the elongated black distributing pipe of adjacency formed in print cartridge base portion profiled member 20 is an air distribution channel 50, and this air distribution channel 50 is used for distributing to come the forced air of the air intake 76 on comfortable printhead 52 nozzles.Air distribution channel is extended along the length of printhead 52, and is communicated with air intake 76.Porose air cleaner 51 extends and possibly be present in airborne and as if not removing the dust and the particulate that will pollute printhead 52 with removing along the length of air distribution channel 50.Porose air cleaner 51 has the porosity of selection, thereby only has the air under the threshold pressure of expectation to pass through, and guarantees that thus air length along printhead under constant compression force carries equably.During use, passage 50 at first fills with forced air, in passage, reaches threshold pressure up to air pressure.In case reach threshold pressure, air just can pass through porose air cleaner 51 along the length of filter equably.Filtered air is guided on printhead then.

The purpose of forced air is through keeping print-head nozzle to avoid dust and chip prevents its degeneration.Forced air provides through the air compressor (part 122 of Figure 14) that is integrated in the support 4.In case print cartridge 6 is inserted support 4, and the air nozzle of compressor (part 124 of Figure 15) passes air seals 44 and cooperates with air intake 76.Air cover plate 54 be fixed on the print cartridge base portion profiled member and in the above described manner equably air distribution through printhead 52.

Power supply and data-signal offer printhead 52 by means of bus 56, and bus 56 is coupled to external data and power connection 58A and 58B.The Authentication devices that is quality assurance (QA) chip 57 forms is installed to joint 58A.In case print cartridge 6 is inserted supports 4, data and power connection 58A and 58B and QA chip 57 cooperate with corresponding joint (

part

84A, 84B among Fig. 9) on support 4, have made things convenient for power supply and transfer of data between support and print cartridge thus.By the part test of control panel 82, this control panel 82 is configured to as a suitable proof scheme QA chip 57 in use.

Rotor elements 60 adjacency be parallel to printhead 52 and be mounted to rotatable.Rotor elements has three faces like preceding concise and to the point description, is respectively: rolling drum surface, and it is used as the support member of print media and assists print media is taken near the printhead 52 when printing; When not using printhead, be used to hide the cover-up surface of printhead, to reduce the evaporation of printing-fluid from nozzle; The extractor face is used for after printing the printhead blotting.Each interval 120 degree between three faces of rotor elements.

Extend by axial pin 64A and 64B opposite end at rotor elements 60, has fixed gear 62A and 62B respectively around pin 64A and 64B.The free end of axial pin 64A and 64B is contained in slide block 66A and the

66B.Slide block

66A and 66B comprise flange 68A and 68B, and flange 68A and 68B are positioned at groove 70A and the 70B of end plate 22A and 22B.End plate is fixed on arbitrary end of print cartridge base portion profiled member 20.

Slide block

66A and 66B are setovered towards the printing head end of

groove

70A and 70B by

spring

72A and 72B;

Spring

72A and 72B are inserted in the blind hole in slide block 66A and the 66B and are placed on through it through it and remain on arbitrary end on jut in groove 70A and the 70B, and this sees the most clearly in Fig. 8.Therefore, rotor elements 60 is under normal circumstances setovered, thereby it is brought to very the position near printhead 52.

When transportation, and when print cartridge 6 inserted support 4, rotor elements 60 was provided with like this: its cover-up surface hides printhead 52 makes print-head nozzle dry to stop ambient air.

Printhead

Now explanation is used for the decision design of page width printing head 52.The printhead of following type can manufacture the width that has when needed greater than 8 inches, and will generally include at least 20,000 nozzle, and in some modification greater than 30,000.Describe preferred print-head nozzle device referring now to Figure 10 to 19, it comprises a nozzle and corresponding actuator.Figure 19 shows one group of spray nozzle device 801 that is formed on the silicon chip 8015.Spray nozzle device is identical, but in a preferred embodiment, different spray nozzle devices 801 are equipped with the China ink and the fixative of different colours.Notice that each row of spray nozzle device is interlaced with each other, compare that it allows ink dot nearer at interval in print procedure with the single file nozzle.Multirow also allows redundancy (if needs), allows the predetermined mortality of each nozzle thus.

Each spray nozzle device 801 all is the product of ic manufacturing technology.Particularly, spray nozzle device 801 has been confirmed a micro electromechanical system (MEMS).

For clear and be convenient to describe, will with reference to figures 10 to 18 single spray nozzle device 801 described structure and operation.

Inkjet printhead chip 81 comprises a silicon wafer substrate 801.0.35Micron1P4M the little processing electronic equipment of 12 volts of CMOS of silicon is arranged on the wafer substrate 801.

Silica (or glass) alternatively layer 8017 is positioned on the wafer substrate 8015.Silicon dioxide layer 8017 has been confirmed the CMOS dielectric layer.The CMOS top-level metallic has been confirmed a pair of aluminium electrode contact layer 8030 that is arranged on the alignment on the silicon dioxide layer 8017.Silicon wafer substrate 8015 is etched to confirm that has the black access road 8014 of circular section (in vertical view) substantially with silicon dioxide layer 8017.The aluminium diffusion barrier 8028 of CMOS metal 1, CMOS metal 2/3, CMOS metal top layer is positioned in the silicon dioxide layer 8017 around black access road 8014.Diffusion barrier 8028 is used for suppressing the hydroxyl ion diffusion and passes through drive circuit layer 8017.

The passivation layer that is silicon nitride layer 8031 forms is positioned on aluminium shrinkage layer 8030 and the silicon dioxide layer 8017.Each part that is positioned at the passivation layer 8031 on the contact layer 8030 has one and is limited to wherein opening 8032 with near contact layer 8030.

Spray nozzle device 801 comprises a nozzle chambers 8029 of being confirmed by nozzle ring wall 8033, and it is being in nozzle top 8034 and the interior upper end termination of inner radial nozzle edge 804---it is circular---in vertical view.China ink access road 8014 is communicated with nozzle chambers 8029 fluids.In the lower end of nozzle wall, be provided with a mobile edge 8010, it comprises a mobile sealing lip 8040.Annular wall 8038 is around nozzle movably, and comprises a static sealing lip 8039, and when nozzle is shown in figure 10 when stopping, this standstill seal lip 8039 is in abutting connection with moving edge 8010.Formed fluid sealing 8011 owing to be limited in the surface tension of the China ink between standstill seal lip 8039 and the hydrodynamic reciprocating sealing lip 8040.This has stoped China ink from endoluminal leak, between annular wall 8038 and nozzle wall 8033, the lower resistance coupling is provided simultaneously.

Like the clearest illustrating among Figure 17, a plurality of recess 8035 that radially extend are formed in the top 8034 around nozzle edge 804.Recess 8035 is used for holding owing to China ink overflows the radially China ink stream that nozzle edge 804 produces.

Nozzle wall 8033 has formed the part of a leverage, and this leverage is installed on the support 8036, and this support 8036 has the profile of U-shaped substantially, has the base portion 8037 that is attached on the silicon nitride layer 8031.

Leverage also comprises a lever arm 8018, and this lever arm 8018 is from the nozzle wall extension and combined a horizontal buttress brace 8022.Lever arm 8018 is attached on a pair of passive beam 806, and this passive beam 806 is formed and be positioned at the either side of spray nozzle device by titanium nitride, and this sees the most clearly in Figure 13 and 18.The other end of passive beam 806 is attached to support 8036.

Lever arm 8018 also is attached on the actuation beam 807, and it is formed by titanium nitride.Note, thisly produce with the such point of being attached in of actuation beam: but this point is than exceeding a very little very distance of key with passive beam 806 attached.

Like Figure 13 and 16 the clearest illustrating, actuation beam 807 is U-shaped basically on vertical view, between electrode 809 and comparative electrode 8041, has confirmed a current path.Each

electrode

809 and 8041 is electrically connected on other aspect of branch in the contact layer 8030.As such through contact 809 electric coupling, actuation beam is also mechanically on grappling to the anchor shape part 808.Anchor shape part 808 is configured to when nozzle is in mode of operation, limit the motion of actuation beam 807 to the left side of Figure 18 to 20.

Titanium nitride in actuation beam 807 conducts electricity, but has sufficiently high resistance, when electric current between

electrode

809 and 8041 through the time it stands oneself's heating.There is not the electric current passive beam 806 of flowing through, so it does not expand.

In use, be in dormant state the equipment filling China ink 8013, it has formed semilune 803 under capillary influence.Because semilune, China ink remains in the chamber 8029, and when not having other physical influence, will can not leak as the one of which.

Shown in figure 11, in order from nozzle, to penetrate China ink, through electric current, this electric current is through actuation beam 807 between contact 809 and 8041.Because its resistance, oneself's heating of beam 807 causes this beam to expand.The size of actuation beam 807 means that with design most of the expansion occurs on the horizontal direction of Figure 18 to 20.Expansion is limited in the left side by anchor shape part 808, thereby is pushed to the right side in abutting connection with the actuation beam 807 of lever arm 8018.

Passive beam 806 relative rigidity in the horizontal direction stops it to allow lever arm 8018 to produce a lot of horizontal movements.Yet the relative displacement of other attachment point of branch of passive beam and actuation beam and lever arm produces a torsional motion, and this torsional motion causes lever arm 8018 to move downward substantially.This motion is one effectively and pivots or hinge through.Yet the disappearance of real pivotal point means that this rotation is around a pivot region by the limiting bending of passive beam 806.

Lever arm 8018 move downward (and slight rotation) amplified by the distance from passive arm 806 to nozzle wall 8033.Moving downward of nozzle wall and top causes in the chamber, increasing pressure, causes semilune as Figure 11, to be protruded.Notice that the surface tension of China ink means fluid sealing 11 by this motion stretching, but does not allow ink leakage.

Shown in figure 12, in the suitable time, drive current stops and actuation beam 807 cooling and contraction fast.This contraction causes lever arm to return its resting position, and this causes the pressure in chamber 8029 to reduce again.The power of the China ink of protrusion and intrinsic capillary interaction thereof; And the negative pressure that causes of moving upward of nozzle chambers 8029 semilune that causes protruding attenuates and final fracture and formed an ink droplet 802, and this ink droplet 802 continues upwards the print media until its contact adjacency.

Follow ink droplet 802 after separatings closely, semilune 803 has formed concave shape shown in Figure 12.Surface tension causes the pressure in chamber 8029 to keep relatively low, is upwards inhaled through inlet 8014 until China ink, and this makes spray nozzle device and China ink turn back to resting position shown in Figure 10.

Illustrate as Figure 13 is the clearest, spray nozzle device is also integrated mechanism for testing, this mechanism for testing can use after making and cycle use after printhead is installed.Mechanism for testing comprises a pair of contact that is connected to the test circuit (not shown).A bridge joint 8019 is arranged on the finger 8043 of lever arm 8018 extensions.Because bridge joint 8019 is in the opposite side of passive beam 806, the actuating of nozzle causes this bridge joint to move up, and contacts with contact 8020.Test circuit can be used to confirm that actuating causes the closing of circuit that is formed by contact 8019 and 8020.If circuit is closed suitably, generally can infers nozzle and can operate.

Support

Figure 20 is the functional block diagram of printer stand 4.Printer stand makes up around a control panel 82, and this control panel 82 comprises that one or more minimized offices with family expenses print engine chip (SoPEC), will describe its structure in detail after a while.Control panel 10 is coupled to a USB port 130, is used to be connected to an external computing device, for example personal computer or digital camera, and it comprises the digital file that is used to print.Control panel 10 is also monitored:

Paper sensor 192, whether the existence of its detection print media to be;

Print cartridge chip interface 84, it is coupled to print cartridge QA chip 57 in use;

China ink is cartridge QA chip contact 132 again, and it is coupled to China ink cartridge QA chip (in Figure 37, illustrating as part 176) more in use; And

Rotor elements angle transducer 156, it surveys the orientation of rotor elements 60.

During use, control panel is handled from USB port 130 and the data that receive from a plurality of the sensors, and responds this and drive a motor 110, three look indicator LED135 and print head chip 52---through interface 84.The back will more be described in detail, and motor 110 mechanically is coupled to drive a plurality of mechanisms, and these mechanisms are that print cartridge 6 provides assistant service.Driving mechanism comprises:

Motor component driven unit 145 is used to operate rotor elements 60;

Print media transmission assembly 93, this assembly makes print media pass through print head chip 52 when printing; And

Air compressor 122, it provides air compressed to keep there is not chip on the print head chip 52.

As being explained in more detail after a while; Motor 110 is coupled on each of said mechanism through a transmission component; This transmission component comprises that one is coupled from the angle of rake direct driving of motor drive shaft to air compressor, and a worm gear and a gear drive to rotor elements and print media transmission assembly.

To explain the structure of support 4 now with reference to Figure 21 to 31.In the decomposition view of Figure 26, see the most clearly, support 4 has the body of a shape and print cartridge 6 complementations, thereby when being combined together, they have formed an ink-jet printer.The support body is formed by base portion profiled member 90 box support profiled members 80.The base portion profiled member is as the support base of support, and location CD-ROM drive motor 110, rotor elements roller 94 and driven roller 96.The base portion profiled member is fastened to rack forming spare 80 with groove 123 through engaging by means of a plurality of corresponding flanges 120.Rack forming spare 80 defines the recess 89 of a strip, this recess 89 be sized to positioning printing box 6.A plurality of recesses that are groove 86 forms are formed in the inwall of support, are used to admit the jut of the complementation of fin 78 (Fig. 4) form that is print cartridge 6.Therefore, print cartridge 6 must be correctly directed to guarantee that it is received in the rack forming spare 80 fully.In addition, groove has guaranteed that the print cartridge that has only those electronic components by support to support, have thus the non-interfering fin can insert this support, and the driving electronic component that has overcome support thus attempts to drive the problem of the print cartridge with unsupported performance characteristic.Controller 82 is arranged to definite performance characteristic and definite each print cartridge of performance characteristic operation of response that inserts the print cartridge of support 4.Therefore, it is possible doing like this: the ink-jet support is provided with the start-print box with basic relatively performance characteristic, upgrades through the print cartridge replacement start-print box with the upgrading of performance improvement as required then.For example, compare with the start-print box, the upgrading print cartridge can have higher printing speed or carry more China ink.

With reference to Figure 25, the driving shaft 127 of motor 110 terminates in a worm gear 129, this worm gear 129 and a gear 125B engagement, and this gear 125B literary composition is fixed to a driven roller 96.With reference to Figure 26, driven roller is supported by bearing installation component 100A and 100B at arbitrary end again, and bearing installation component 100A and 100B are fixed to again in the groove 101A and 101B of support installing rack 80.Similarly, rotor elements translation roller 94 is also supported by support of bearing assembly 100A and 100B with nip rolls 98.

With reference now to Figure 30,, be provided with one on the motor-end opposite of driven roller 96 and stir gear (flipper gear) assembly 140, stir gear assembly and comprise a housing 144 that keeps intermeshing internal gear 142 and external gear 143.Internal gear is fixed on the driven roller 96 and is coaxial with driven roller 96, and housing 144 freely rotates around driven roller 96.During use, housing is along with driven roller 96 rotates, and drive external gear 143, abuts against stop part or an

external gear

143 and 146 engagements of rotor elements driven wheel that is positioned on the support base profiled member 90 until housing.The rotation direction of driven roller 96 depends on the direction that is applied to the drive current on the motor by control panel 82.External gear 143 has formed the rotor elements driven unit 145 that comprises driven roller 96, internal gear 142, external gear 143 and rotor elements driven wheel 146 with the engagement of rotor elements driven wheel 146.Thus, in this structure, power can be delivered to rotor elements driven roller 94 from driven roller 96.

With reference to Figure 31, the opposite end of rotor elements driven roller 94 ends at cam 148A and 148B, and cam 148A and 148B are positioned at corresponding cam follower 150A and 150B.Cam follower 150A and 150B be the annular and be fixed on a side pivotally by pivotal pin 152A and 152B respectively.Be provided with hinged

chuck

154A and 154B, be used for the rotor elements sliding shoe (the part 66A of Fig. 6,66B) of clamping print cartridge.Chuck is connected to relative pin 152A and the 152B of cam follower 150A and 150B respectively pivotally.In case rotor elements driven roller 94 rotates, cam 148A and 148B cause cam follower to rise thus, and are being with

chuck

154A and 154B respectively against the inwall of cam follower 150A and 150B.

In order to guarantee that rotor elements 60 turns over correct angle, support 4 comprises a rotor elements sensor device 156 (Figure 20), to survey the actual orientation of rotor elements.Sensor device 156 comprises a light source and the detecting devices whether the detection reverberation exists.Rotor elements 60 has reflective surface, and this reflective surface is arranged to reflect the light from light source, thereby can survey the orientation of rotor elements through sensor 156.Particularly, through monitoring sensor equipment 156, control panel 82 can confirm which face of rotor elements 60 is in abutting connection with printhead 52.

Except driving driven roller 96, motor 110 also drives an air compressor 122, and this air compressor 122 comprises a fan hub 112, air cleaner 116 and propeller 114.Fan hub 112 comprises an air outlet slit 124, and this air outlet slit is suitable for cooperating the air entry port 76 (Fig. 6) of print cartridge 6.

A metal backing 92 is fixed to the rear portion of rack forming spare 80, and this can see the most clearly in the cutaway view of the side view of Figure 25 and Figure 27.Be installed on the backboard 92 is the control panel 82 that loads by multiple electronic circuit.Control panel disturbs (RFI) guard shield to hide by a metallic RF.Control panel 82 is coupled to support

connector

84A and 84B through PCB connector 106 electricity of a flexibility, and also electricity is coupled to an external data and an electric connection point that is USB port connector 130 forms.USB connector 130 makes and is connected to an external personal computer or other computing

equipment.Support connector

84A, 84B are supported in the groove that is formed at rack forming spare 80 arbitrary ends, and are arranged to: in case print cartridge 6 inserts in the recess 89 of rack forming spare fully,

support connector

84A and 84B and print cartridge connector 58A and 58B electrically contact.

Control panel 82 is connected to the QA chip connector through multiple cable protective sleeve and flexible PCB 106.The QA chip connector is positioned at the recess that is formed on rack forming spare 80, and places like this: at China ink again in the stowing operation, its with one be positioned at the China ink that will describe after a while again the QA chip 176 of cartridge 162 contact.

Control panel 82 also drives three look indicator LED (part 135 among Figure 20) that are coupled to photoconductive tube 136 alternatively.Photoconductive tube 136 ends at an indicator port 138 that is formed in the rack forming spare 80, thereby can outside housing, observe from the light of three look indicator LED.Control panel

PRN device has functional structure according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Promptly comprise all necessary electronic equipment, power and paper handle necessary condition and the cartridge device bracket component of---it comprises the printhead of hyperspecialization and the China ink processing necessary condition of system---; Thereby support unit can support a cartridge device, and this cartridge device need not to buy new support unit and just makes that different ability becomes possibility.

In this regard, the cartridge device in the certain limit can be provided, each cartridge device has a plurality of different character.For example, with simple form, can provide to have three kinds of dissimilar cartridge devices:

The print cartridge of primary device-15ppm with black capacity of 150 milliliters

The print cartridge of mid-category devices-30ppm with black capacity of 300 milliliters

This system of print cartridge of the black capacity of the having of professional equipment-60ppm+300 milliliters can be supported on the support unit, and the user can buy different cartridge devices according to its demand and cost consideration.

Under the professional equipment situation, can require the support unit that provides specific, this support unit to support the more senior and more refining functional of this cartridge device.Cartridge device with different functions property can be supported the for example mark of the sign of color-code, thereby can easily discern the compatibility of itself and support unit.

In this regard, Figure 32 shows the main PCB equipment that is used for the support unit of 15-30ppm operation, and Figure 33 shows the main PCB equipment that is used for the support unit of 60ppm operation.Can see, these PCB much at one, its main distinction is in 60ppm PCB, to exist two SoPEC chips.Therefore, even the user has bought the support unit that originally can not support more powerful cartridge device, the native system structure makes support unit upgrade to support this system easily.

This printer preferably also comprises one or more SOC(system on a chip)s (SoC) parts, and the particular logic circuit of print engine pipeline control application, and they are configured to carry out about printing the above-mentioned some or all of functions of pipeline.

With reference now to Fig. 4; From highest level view, SoPEC equipment comprises three different subsystems: a CPU (CUP) subsystem 301, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) subsystem 302 and a print engine pipeline (PEP) subsystem 303.

Cpu subsystem 301 comprises a control and disposes the CPU30 of all aspects of other subsystem.It provides and has been used for external printer is connected with inner print engine and synchronous general support.It also is controlled to the low speed communication of QA chip (other place is described it in this specification).Cpu subsystem 301 also comprises the external equipment of various aiding CPUs, for example general input-output equipment (GPIO, it comprises motor control), interrupt control unit (ICU), LSS master timer and general timer.Serial communication piece (SCB) in the CUP subsystem provides to the full speed USB1.1 interface of main frame and to the inside SoPEC interface of other SoPEC equipment (not shown).

The request that DRAM subsystem 302 is accepted from the serial communication piece (SCB) in CPU, the PEP subsystem.DRAM subsystem 302, particularly DRAM interface equipment (DIU) the various requests of arbitration and definite which request should be visited DRAM.DIU arbitrates based on configuration parameter, is used for all requesters to allow enough visits to get into DRAM.DIU has also implied the enforcement specification of DRAM, the for example quantity of page size, memory bank and refresh rate.

Print engine pipeline (PEP) subsystem 303 is accepted to give its two-value point (bi-level dot) from the page compression of DRAM and to given print line, and wherein the print head interface of 2 sections biplate (bi-linthic) printhead communication is gone to directly and reaches in this print line.The phase I of page expansion pipeline is continuous tone decoding unit (CDU), harmless two value decoders (LBD) and mark decoder (TE).The CDU expansion is with continuous tone (normally CMYK) layer of jpeg format compression, and LBD expands the two-value layer (normally K) of compression, and TE decoder decode webpage mark (netpage tag) is used for afterwards painted (normally IR or K China ink).From the output of phase I is a cover buffer: continuous tone cell fifo (CFU), some cell fifo (SFU) and label FIFO unit (TFU).CFU and SFU buffer are implemented in DRAM.

Second stage is halftoning synthesis unit (HCU), and it carries out the continuous tone layer, and colour combination is handled and synthesising position mark and two-value point layer on the two-value colour combination processing layer that produces.

Can implement several synthetic options according to the employed printhead of SoPEC equipment.Stage has produced the nearly two-value data of 6 passages thus, although not every passage all is present on the printhead.For example, printhead can only be CMY, and wherein K is pushed into the CMY passage and IR is left in the basket.Alternatively, if IR non-availability (perhaps being test purpose), the mark of coding can be printed by K.

In the phase III, inefficacy nozzle compensator (DNC) compensates the inefficacy nozzle in printhead through the error profile in color redundancy and the inefficacy nozzle data point around.

The two-value 6 access points data that produced (normally CMYK, infrared, fixative) are buffered and write a cover through dotted line r/w cell (DWU) and are stored in the line buffer in the DRAM.

At last, point data is written into from DRAM again, and passes to print head interface through a FIFO.Point FIFO receives data from traditional thread binding carrier unit (LLU) with system clock frequency, and print head interface (PHI) is transferred data from FIFO and its clock frequency of 2/3 times with system clock frequency is sent to printhead.

With preferred mode, the DRAM capacity is 2.5Mbyte, wherein can obtain the page or leaf storage data that about 2Mbyte is used to compress.Page compression is received in two or more districts (band), and wherein a plurality of districts store in memory.Because the page or leaf in a district is used for printing by the consumption of PEP subsystem, can download a new district.This newly developed area can be used for current page or following one page.

Through using partitioning technique, can before downloading complete page compression, begin to print one page, but must be noted that assurance provides data for printing, and the buffer memory situation that supply falls short of demand not so can occur always.

The USB1.1 equipment that embeds receives the page data that compressed and from the control instruction of host PC, and is convenient to transfer of data to DRAM (perhaps being sent to another SoPEC equipment in multiple SoPEC system, as mentioned below).

Multiple SoPEC equipment can be used in the optional embodiment, and can realize different functions according to certain applications.For example, in some cases, SoPEC equipment can be used for its airborne DRAM simply, and another SoPEC equipment is used to realize above-mentioned various decompress(ion)s and format function.This can reduce the buffer memory possibility that supply falls short of demand, and this situation betides printer and is useful on receiving when just carrying out the printing of this page and in time not receiving remaining data before the data of a page or leaf.Increasing that an other SoPEC equipment that is used for its memorizer buffer performance doubled can the data in buffer amount, even do not utilize any other performance of another chip.

Each SoPEC system all can have several quality assurances (QA) equipment, thereby guarantees the quality of printing mechanism, the quality of China ink supply thereby these quality assurance equipment are designed to be fitted to each other, and---print-head nozzle can not damage in print procedure and the quality of software---guarantees that printhead and mechanism can be not impaired.

Usually relevant information that, each is printed SoPEC and all has corresponding PRN device QA, and it stores and the PRN device characteristic---for example maximum printing speed---.Print cartridge equipment also can include black QA chip, and it stores print cartridge information---for example remaining China ink amount.Printhead also has a QA chip, is configured to as a ROM (being effective as an EEPROM) the peculiar information that it stores printhead, the nozzle map that for example lost efficacy and printhead characteristic.CPU in the SoPEC equipment is alternatively from the QA chip, and---it is used as the EEPROM of a serial effectively---is written into working procedure and encodes.At last, the operation of the CPU in a SoPEC equipment logic QA chip (i.e. software QA chip).

Usually, the physique of all QA chips is identical in the system, has only the content in the flash memory to differ from one another.

Each SoPEC equipment all has two LSS system bus, and it can carry out system's evaluation with the QA device talk and calculate with the China ink amount.Each bus can be used many QA equipment, and these QA equipment positions in system are unrestricted, exception be to print QA equipment should be positioned on the different LSS buses with black QA equipment.

In use, logic QA and black QA device talk are to confirm remaining China ink.Coming from replying with reference to printing QA equipment of black QA equipment judges.Come from the affirmation itself of printing QA equipment and identify, thereby increase an extra evaluation rank indirectly for coming from replying of black QA equipment through logic QA equipment.

The data of transmitting between---but not printhead QA---at the QA chip are identified through data signature.In preferred embodiment, HMAC-SHA1 identifies and is used for data that RSA identifies and is used for program coding, though also can instead use other scheme.

Single S oPEC equipment can be controlled two biplate printheads and reach six color channels.Six passages of color ink at consumer SOHO, or to handle official business in the biplate printing environment be desired maximum, and comprise:

CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) is used for conventional colour print;

K (black) is used for black and white text, line chart and gray level printing;

IR (infrared ray) is used to have the application of webpage function;

F (fixative) is used to prevent that trace from making dirty, guarantees with flying print thus.

Because biplate printer printing speed like this, fixative possibly needed so that China ink touches before the page of having printed just drying at the page.Otherwise China ink can flow between the page.In the printing environment of relative low speed, can need not fixative.

In a preferred form, the color space of SoPEC equipment can not be known.Though it can accept the continuous tone data like CMYX or RGBX---wherein X is optional four-way, and it also can be received in continuous tone data in any print colors space.In addition, SoPEC provides the mechanism of any mapping that is used for input channel to output channel, comprises that combination is used for point that China ink optimizes and produces passage based on other passage of any number.Yet, importing normally CMYK and be used for the continuous tone input, K is used for the two-value input, and optional webpage gauge point is applied to infrared layer usually.The fixative passage is normally used for printing speed and is produced.

In a preferred form, SoPEC equipment also is that resolution ratio can not be known.It only provides the mapping between input resolution ratio and output resolution ratio by means of scale factor.The output resolution ratio that is used for the expectation of preferred implementation is 1600dpi, but in fact SoPEC does not know biplate printhead physical resolution.

In a preferred form, SoPEC equipment is that page length can not be known.Continuous page or leaf is zone usually, and downloads to page memory along with the consumption of every district information.

China ink is cartridge again

As stated, Write head container 6 comprises China ink storage film 26, and this China ink storage film 26 comprises and is connected to the China ink that forms at the top of the cover profiled member 36 inside ink reservoir 28-34 of filling port 8 again.For filling ink reservoir 28-34 again, provide to be the China ink black distributor of cartridge form again, shown in Figure 35 to 42.The structure of cartridge 160 explains that with main reference Figure 37 Figure 37 is the decomposition view of box again.

Print cartridge 160 has an outside profiled member 162, and this profiled member 162 is used as an operating handle perhaps " piston ", and comprises a contained spring assembly 164.Spring assembly 164 comprises a platform 178, and spring element 180 abuts against cover profiled member 162 inboards from these platform 178 extensions.Spring element biasing platform 178 makes it abut against a deformable ink film 166, and this ink film 166 is processed by polyethylene usually and comprised printing-fluid, for example color ink or fixative.Ink film 166 is contained in the polyethylene base portion profiled member 170, and this polyethylene base portion profiled member 170 externally slides in the profiled member 162, and this sees the most clearly in Figure 38 box 39.Black outlet 182 extends and is engaged in the elastic ring 172 that is formed at base portion profiled member 170 bottoms from film 166.Use China ink the more previous seal 174 of cartridge cover circle 172.

The port of filling again that extend a bead 190 in the bottom of base portion profiled member 170, this bead 190 is as a positioner, is configured as to cooperate the ink-jet printer parts---for example the China ink of print cartridge 6 filling port 8---again.Outlet 182 and circle 172 with respect to the position of bead 190 according to China ink again cartridge the type of the printing-fluid that will hold change.Therefore, the printing-fluid system disposition has a plurality of printing-fluid distributors, and each has according to the type that is contained in the printing-fluid in the distributor and with respect to the outlet of bead 190 location.Thus, in case will be again cartridge be coupled to port 8, outlet 192 cooperates suitable inlet 42A-42E, and thus again filling be exclusively used in the particular storage pool 28,30,32,34 of the same type printing-fluid of storage.

What extend from the bottom of base portion profiled member 170 is a flange 184, and a demo plant that is quality assurance (QA) chip 176 forms has been installed on it.In case print cartridge 160 is inserted China ink filling port 8 again, 176 contacts of QA chip are positioned at the QA chip contact 132 on the support 4.

Extend a maintenance jut 168 from the lateral wall of base portion profiled member 170; This maintenance jut 168 is contained in the recess; This recess is one and inserts front reentrant 165 or insert the portion 169 that is recessed into that both all form in the periphery of inner wall of overhead guard profiled member 162, shown in Figure 37 and 38.Insert front reentrant 165 and be positioned near the opening of overhead guard profiled member, be recessed into the more top that portion 169 is positioned at inwall and insert.After print cartridge 160 is full of fully, keep jut 168 to engage with insertion front reentrant 165.With best explain,, must modestly an insertion force (it surpasses predetermined threshold) be applied to the overhead guard profiled member as after a while in order to overcome joint.Said insert action makes China ink discharge through outlet 172, and overcomes the biasing of spring assembly 164, thereby base portion profiled member 170 is forced into overhead guard profiled member 162, enters to insert the portion 169 that is recessed into up to keeping jut 168 to be admitted.

Usage example

During use, the recess 89 of upper bracket profiled member 80 is inserted in print cartridge 6 alignment on support 4 correctly as shown in Figure 3 then.Because cartridge device inserts support 4, the data of data on support and

power supply contact

84A and 84B and box 6 and power supply contact 58A and 58B are electrically connected.The air nozzle 124 of air compressor 122 passes the air intake 76 of air seals 44 and entering box 6 simultaneously.

Shown in figure 27, the inwall of recess 89 has formed a bearing or support, inserts back box 6 at box 6 and is supported on above the bearing.Be provided with a plurality of flexible members that are spring 190 forms and after being admitted to its position when box, abut against box, flexible member also abuts against the retainer handgrip, because it is locked on the print cartridge.Therefore, spring is used for during insertion absorb impacting and print cartridge is biased in correct position reliably utilizes support 4 and breech lock 7 to keep print cartridge securely through abutting against breech lock subsequently.In an optional mode, spring alternately is positioned on the breech lock 7, and print cartridge 6 will be biased and abut against support 4 in this case.

Owing to have the locating slot 86 and rib 78 of support 4 and print cartridge 6, insert any attempt of print cartridge with wrong way around and all will fail.Similarly, its purpose is not will not have the rib corresponding to locating slot 86 with the print cartridge that this support uses, thereby how all will can not admitted no matter be orientated.Particularly, need will not have the suitable rib structure of support admittance by the print cartridge of carriage drive with two SoPEC chip controls plates with a SoPEC chip controls plate.

When print cartridge equipment at first inserts support unit 4 and in transportation, rotor elements 60 is orientated like this: its cover-up surface engages printhead 52, thus the nozzle slit of sealing printhead.Similarly, when PRN device did not re-use, cover-up surface also contacted with the bottom of printhead 52 with its sealing.The evaporation of---normally water---that the sealing printhead has reduced black solvent, thus, reduced by printer the drying of the China ink on printing nozzle when not using.

A remote computing device, for example digital camera or personal computer are connected to usb 1 30, to support 4 power supply and print data signal to be provided.Providing of response electricity, the treatment circuit of control panel 82 is carried out various initial routines, comprising: checking is stored in the manufacturer's password in the QA chip 57; State by means of ink reservoir sensor 35 inspection ink reservoir 28-34; State by means of sensor 156 inspection rotor elements 60; Whether inserted support by means of paper sensor 192 inspection paper or other medium; And three look indicator LED135 through the state of photoconductive tube 136 to outside indicating equipment.

Before carrying out printing, a piece of paper or other print media must be introduced into support 4.In case receive the signal that begins to print from external computing device, whether control panel 82 exists paper by means of paper sensor 1192 inspections.If lack paper, three-color LED 135 is configured to that indication should be noted that and controller is no longer attempted to print so.Alternatively, if there is print media in paper sensor 192 indications, control panel 82 is made response through rotary rotor element 60 so, arrives a precalculated position that is used to print.

In this regard, the printing model of operation is in start-up period or in the routine of safeguarding, rotor elements 60 rotates in case detect, thereby its absorption face is positioned on the ink-jet path of printhead 52.Absorption face can be then as one type container to receive China ink from printing nozzle owing to be arranged on the absorbent properties of the material on the absorption face, the China ink of reception is inhaled in the body of rotor elements 60.Because rotor elements 60 is parts of print cartridge 6, when changing print cartridge, also change rotor elements, the absorption face that guaranteed thus can not be full of China ink and become dirty and messy.

After usb 1 30 places detect print command and confirm to have print media, control panel 82 CD-ROM drive motors 110, thus driven roller 96 begins to rotate, and cooperates with nip rolls 98 and drag print media and pass through printhead 52.Simultaneously, control panel 82 is handled the control signal that is used for printhead 52 from the print data of external computing device with generation.Control signal is applied to printhead through

carriage interface

84A, 84B, coffret 58A, 58B with at the flexible PCB contact of print head chip 52 arbitrary ends.Print head chip 52 is biplates, promptly has two elongated chips that extend printhead length, and data provide at arbitrary end of printhead, is transferred to each nozzle this its along the length of each chip.Electric power is provided to each nozzle of print head chip through the bus of extending along the length of chip.In response to the data and the electric power that receive, when print media was dragged the pressing face of process rotor elements 60, each nozzle selection property ground of printhead was sprayed onto China ink on the print media, prints thus and is transferred to image coded in the data-signal of usb 1 30.

The operation of motor 110 causes air compressor 122 with air guide print cartridge base portion profiled member.Air is transferred to air cleaner 51 space afterwards through the fluid transport path in print cartridge base portion profiled member 20.Break through the resistance of air cleaner 51 in case air pressure accumulates to enough levels, air is derived through the length of the aperture in the air cleaner 51 along the bottom of print cartridge base portion profiled member.When printer was worked, the air of derivation was received between print head chip 52 and the air cover plate 54, and was conducted through the print head chip surface, was used for thus through keeping not having dust and chip to prevent the printhead degeneration on the printhead.

With reference now to Figure 40,, the first step of black filling operation again is by filling sensor 35 startups again, and the printing-fluid of filling sensor 35 indication control panels 82 in storage pool 28,30,32,34 is not enough again.Response is from the signal of filling sensor 35 again, and control panel 82 activates indication LED 135.Alternatively, whether not enough detection can be calculated through the electronic equipment of control panel to stamping ink.Because the black volume of each nozzle ejection is known, and is consistent (near 1 skin liter (picolitre)) in the whole operation process of printhead, can calculate by the China ink amount of printhead conveying and the consumption of every kind of color or similar China ink.In this regard, control panel 82 can be monitored the consumption of every kind of printing-fluid, in case and this level reach predeterminated level, three look indication LED can clearly indicate the user need replenish printing-fluid.

Light from indication LED is transmitted by photoconductive tube 136, so that to the operator of printer outside indication is provided at the indication port 138 of support 4.This indication can be told the color or the type of the China ink that the user need replenish.Control panel also can send signal to remote computing device through usb 1 30, to show the type of the China ink that needs replenish to the user through computing equipment.

In order to carry out filling operation again, print cartridge 6 must be at the correct position in the printer stand 4.The China ink of required black type cartridge 160 again is sent to the position on the black filling port 8 more then, and this China ink filling port 8 again is positioned on the upper surface of print cartridge 6.As stated, black filling port 8 again comprises a series of inlet 42A-42E by diaphragm seal 40 protections.Under diaphragm seal 40, put a plurality of printing-fluid pipe 42A-42E, these printing-fluid pipes provide the immediate access to black storage pool 28,30,32,34.---be C, M, Y, K and when needing infrared China ink and fixative---provides black inlet to every kind of printing-fluid.Strategically laterally place along inlet 8 position that is used for the inlet of every kind of different fluid, thus the China ink of cartridge 160 outlet pin 182 alignment and be used for that held and the inlet 42A-42E specific printing-fluid to be replenished of box 160 and be communicated with automatically again with specific one.

China ink second step of filling operation again is shown in Figure 41.In this figure, cartridge 160 has been docked at the port of filling again 8 in the print cartridge equipment again.In case cartridge 160 docks filling port 8 more again, China ink filling QA chip 176 QA joints 132 automatic and on support unit again aligns.Control panel 82 inquires that the various codings that are stored in the QA chip 176 are to verify the China ink integrality and the authenticity of cartridge 160 again.If control panel 82 confirms that QA chips 176 have been verified and have real China ink, promptly from suitable manufacturer and be required color or type, it is set indicator LED135 and shows yellowly so, and cartridge 160 is accepted in indication again thus.Alternatively, control panel 82 can confirm to exist error condition, and set in response to this LED135 for red to indicate again the cartridge existing problems.For example, if QA chip 176 can not pass through verification step, just can confirm to exist error condition.In addition, often be this situation, have only a storage pool 28,30,32,34 to need to replenish.For example, be assigned with the storage pool of storing cyan ink and can need filling again.In the case, if QA chip 176 indication China inks again cartridge 160 comprise non-cyan ink, that indicator LED will be set at will be red with error condition of mark for control panel 82 so.

Will be appreciated that, in order to carry out the filling again of QA checking, need be in the communication between all parts of PRN device.That is, print cartridge 6 must be positioned at printer stand 4 and China ink, and cartridge 160 must butt joint print cartridges 6 again, thus China ink again filling QA chip 176 contact with QA chip connector 132.This guaranteed each again filling action be controlled and reduced potential incorrect filling again, and the work of this incorrect meeting of filling again infringement printer.

Shown in figure 41, when China ink when cartridge 160 is docked in the port of filling again 8 of print cartridge equipment 6 again, China ink outlet pin 28 passes diaphragm seal 40 one among the mouth 42A-42E of filling port more, to be communicated with a corresponding China ink inlet 24.China ink inlet 24 is set to profiled elastomer element, thereby---it is positioned at China ink cartridge outlet pin 28 tops again---passes through automatic generation to black seal 32.Thus, guaranteed that the self-sealed fluid flow between the China ink is communicated with in being stored in cartridge 160, black carrier pipe 43A-43E and storage pool 28-34 again.Oneself's sealed fluid flow is communicated with and has caused outside profiled member 162 pressurizeds in a single day, and the black fluid of pressurization flows in the storage pool 28,30,32,34.

Shown in figure 42, when overhead guard profiled member 162 pressurizeds, thus make be present in China ink again the China ink in the cartridge 160 discharge and when getting among the print cartridge storage pool 28-34, just take place the black phase III of filling operation again.After the outside profiled member 162 of compression, be apparent that for the operator China ink cartridge more is consumed, and can remove from print cartridge 6 thus, because this moment of packing stage completion again.In case accomplish packing stage again, filling sensor 35 produces a signal again, and the printing-fluid level of indication in storage pool 28-34 is greater than predeterminated level.Response is from the signal of filling sensor again, and it is green that control panel 82 is set indicator LED135 flicker, indicate thus the operator again stowing operation complete successfully.

Mo Congmo discharges used power again in the cartridge 160 and confirms according to the degree that the operator is applied to the insertion force of overhead guard profiled member 162.Therefore, overhead guard profiled member 162 is as the operating handle or the piston that are used for cartridge again.Contingent thus is that if filling step does not again have careful operation or hasty operation, China ink can be with inappropriate high-pressure delivery to print cartridge 6.The China ink that this pressure can cause being stored in the print cartridge 6 is burst China ink storage film 26, and causes China ink to be sprinkled upon in the print cartridge equipment thus, and this can not damage print cartridge with repairing.Contained spring profiled member 164 has prevented that through security mechanism is provided the neglectful of film from breaking, and this security mechanism prevents to receive excessive pressure from the China ink of stowage unit discharge again.In this regard, spring forming spare 164 is designed to limit the power that is delivered to the maximum of deformable ink film 26 from the insertion of overhead guard profiled member 14.Any be applied to overhead guard profiled member 14, will cause power that China ink discharges down at the pressure of the highest level that surpass to allow by 164 absorptions of spring forming spare and be stored in the spring element 180.Spring forming spare 164 is designed to prevent the instantaneous filling film 26 again that is applied to of unsuitable power suitably.That is, its distortion and/or elastic characteristic are selected like this: its with the pressure limit in the film at a predeterminated level.

Like Figure 38 and 39 the clearest illustrating, a sidepiece that keeps protuberance 168 to be positioned at base portion profiled member 170.During state, maintaining part 168 cooperates with insertion front reentrant 165 before print cartridge 160 is in it and inserts.Jut 168 provides extra safety measure with being bonded on again of front reentrant of insertion in the stowing operation.This is because this joint prevents that the power of not expecting is applied to inner ink film 166 from the overhead guard profiled member, and in transportation or transport process, prevents that overhead guard from inadvertently inserting thus.Cartridge 160 is with after the filling port docks again again at China ink, and overhead guard 162 inserts with enough power, keeps jut 168 through inserting the joints of front reentrant 162 to overcome.Print cartridge China ink storage pool film 166 is discharged and got into to the platform 178 that insertion overhead guard profiled member 162 causes spring assembly 164 with China ink through outlet 182 thus against ink film 166.In order to overcome the initial engagement that keeps jut 168, must apply initial very big power.Spring element works instantaneously and receives excessive pressure in the case with protection ink film 166.After initially applying power, beginning is inserted normally.Shown in figure 38, in case accomplish filling step again, keep jut 168 to be and to insert the lock engaged that is recessed into portion's 169 forms with one, this insertion is recessed into portion towards the setting of the top of outside profiled member 169 inwalls of print cartridge.Keep the jut 168 and the emptying China ink that is engaged in of the recess 169 on top afterwards the outside profiled member 169 of print cartridge to be locked onto base portion profiled member 170.Be appreciated that this set has overcome this potential problem: the user attempts to replenish China ink cartridge 162 again with inferior China ink, and nozzle and China ink that this China ink will cause damaging print cartridge cartridge again.In the structure after it inserts, the China ink that has consumed cartridge again will return supplier.Supplier will provide a kind of instrument to open cartridge again, and make overhead guard return its upper position, and wherein real China ink can be filled in the stowage unit again again and be used to recycle, and QA chip 176 is programmed to verify the authenticity of China ink again.

Certainly can understand, more than only provide through example of the present invention, and all that for the person of ordinary skill of the art clearly change and variation be regarded as falling in the wide in range scope that the present invention limits subsidiary claim.

Though the present invention is explained and described to the reference example embodiment, various variations will be significantly for those of ordinary skill in the art, and also be easy to obtain, and these variations do not deviate from scope of the present invention and purport.Therefore, the scope of subsidiary claim is not the description of doing in order to limit here, but these claims should be done wide in range explanation.

Claims

1. the print cartridge in the support that is suitable for removably being contained in ink-jet printer, said print cartridge comprises:

The printing-fluid storage device;

Confirm the rotatable element of a plurality of different facial, each face is used to carry out one of a plurality of difference in functionalitys relevant with printhead,

Wherein, rotatable element is suitable for engaging with the driving mechanism of support, and is suitable for the drive mechanism by support, so that one of a plurality of different facial are rotated to operating position with respect to printhead.

2. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said difference in functionality comprises at least one in the following function: draw China ink around the printhead, hide printhead and with respect to printhead as a platen.

3. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1 also comprises bias unit, and this bias unit be arranged to setover usually face of said rotatable element makes it to abut against said printhead.

4. print cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said printhead comprises page width printing head.

5. printer stand that is used for holding removably therein ink jet print cartridge; This ink jet print cartridge comprises page width printing head and printhead auxiliary element; This auxiliary element is arranged for respect to printhead and optionally carries out a plurality of different functions, and said support comprises:

A transmission component; It is arranged to when in said support, holding said ink jet print cartridge, optionally engage and drive said printhead auxiliary element, and is arranged to when separating with said printhead auxiliary element when said support is dismantled said ink jet print cartridge.

6. printer stand as claimed in claim 5; Wherein said transmission component comprises a driving shaft, and this assembly is arranged to when first and second directions are rotated, engage said printhead auxiliary element respectively and separate from this printhead auxiliary element when this driving shaft.

7. printer stand as claimed in claim 5, wherein said transmission component comprise that is stirred a gear assembly, are used for optionally engaging with the driving shaft that is used for the printhead auxiliary element, and the said gear assembly that stirs comprises:

Be fixed to first gear of said driving shaft;

Second gear from the said first gear radial displacement; And

Keep said second gear and first gear to be in the setting element of engagement formation.