MXPA06001237A - Printing fluid container - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing-fluid container (120) designed for lateral insertion into a printing-fluid container bay (100) includes a leading surface (126). The printing-fluid container (120) also includes an alignment pocket (152) recessed into a center portion of the leading surface (126). The alignment pocket (152) is configured to mate with an outwardly-extending alignment member (176) of the printing-fluid container bay (100) so as to guide the printing-fluid container (120) into a desired position with a desired orientation.

Description

FLUID CONTINENT FOR. PRINT DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND Inkjet printing systems often use one or more replaceable ink continents that contain a finite volume of ink. A continent of ink can be replaced if the continent of ink can not supply the ink. For example, a continent of ink can be replaced if all the ink in the ink continent is used and the ink continent is emptied. Many known ink continents can not supply all of the ink in the ink continent and are considered to be effectively empty even though some ink remains in the ink continent. Such ink continents may be replaced when the ink container stops supplying the ink adequately. Users generally prefer ink continents that do not have to be replaced frequently. In addition, users generally prefer ink continents that are relatively easy to replace when replacement is necessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fluid ejection system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a somewhat schematic view of one embodiment of a printing fluid supply system as used in the fluid ejection system of FIG. 1. Fig. 3 shows one embodiment of a bay for printing fluid containers in an open position as used in the fluid supply system of FIG. 2. Fig. 4 shows the bay for printing fluid continents of FIG. 3 in a closed position. Fig. 5 shows a front isometric view of a container of printing fluid in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the printing fluid container of FIG. 5. Fig. 7 shows a posterior isometric view of the printing fluid container of FIG. 5. Fig. 8 shows a system of three continents of printing fluid formed by combining three different reservoir bodies with three caps configured in a similar manner.

Figs. 9-11 show upper cross-sectional views of a container of printing fluid that sits in a bay for printing fluid containers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an identification post configured to coincide with a corresponding identification recess of a container of printing fluid according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 shows five identification posts respectively configured to identify five different printing fluids respectively. Figs. 14-16 show side views in cross-section of a printing fluid container seated in a bay for printing fluid containers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a sealing member of the printing fluid container of FIGS. 14-16. Fig. 18 is a somewhat schematic view of a ball seal mechanism of the printing fluid container of FIGS. 14-16.

Fig. 19 shows the ball seal mechanism of FIG. 18 coupled by a fluid connector. Fig. 20 shows the fluid connector of fig. 19. Fig. 21 schematically shows a printing fluid level of a printing fluid container including a well. Fig. 22 schematically shows a printing fluid level of a continent of printing fluid that does not include a well. Fig. 23 shows a posterior isometric view of a container of printing fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 24-26 show upper cross-sectional views of a printing fluid container seated in a bay for printing fluid containers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 27-29 show side cross-sectional views of a printing fluid container seating in a bay for printing fluid containers in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description Fig. 1 schematically shows a fluid ejection system 10. Although fluid ejection systems can be configured to eject a variety of different fluids over a corresponding variety of different media in different modalities, this description is oriented to an exemplary printing system that is used to eject, or print, ink on paper. . However, it should be understood that other printing systems as well as fluid ejection systems designed for non-printing uses are also within the scope of this description. The fluid ejection system 10 includes a control system 12, a media placement system 14, a fluid supply system 16 and a control interface 18. The control system 12 may include electronic components, such as a printed circuit board, a processor, a memory, a specific application integrated circuit, etc., which effect the expulsion of fluid corresponding to an ejection signal 20 received fluid. The fluid ejection signals can be received via the wireless or cable control interface 18 or other convenient mechanism. The fluid ejection signals may include instructions for performing a desired fluid ejection process. Upon receipt of such a fluid ejection signal, the control system can cause the media placement system 14 and the fluid supply system 16 to work together to eject the fluid on a medium 22. As an example, a The fluid ejection signal may include a print job that defines a particular image to be printed. The control system can interpret the print job and cause a fluid, such as ink, to be ejected onto the paper in a pattern that repeats the image defined by the print job. The media placement system 14 can control the relative positioning of the fluid ejection system and of a medium over which the fluid ejection system expels the fluid. For example, the media placement system 14 may include a paper feed that advances the paper through a printing zone 24 of the fluid ejection system. The media placement system may additionally or alternatively include a mechanism for laterally positioning a print head, or other suitable device, to eject fluid to various areas of the printing zone. The relative position of the medium and the fluid ejection system can be controlled so that fluid can be expelled onto only a desired portion of the medium.

In some embodiments, the media placement system 14 can be selectively configured to accommodate two or more different types and / or media sizes. Fig. 2 schematically shows an exemplary fluid delivery system in the form of a printing fluid supply system 16 '. The printing fluid supply system includes a scanning print head 30, which may include one or more nozzles adapted to receive a printing fluid from a fluid supply and eject the printing fluid onto a printing medium. An injector, or nozzle, may be associated with a fluid ejector, such as a semiconductor resistor, which is operatively connected to a control system. The control system can selectively cause the fluid ejector to heat the printing fluid that is delivered to the fluid ejector. In the modes that use a resistor as a fluid ejector, the resistor can be activated by directing current through the resistor in one or more pulses. The heated printing fluid can at least partially evaporate and create a bubble of printing fluid. The expansion of the printing fluid bubble may cause part of the printing fluid to be ejected from the corresponding injector on the printing medium. A printhead can be adapted to print a single color of ink, two or more different ink colors, as well as a different pre-conditioner, fixative, and / or printing fluid. It is within the scope of this invention to use other mechanisms for ejecting fluid on a medium and the print head 30 is provided as a non-limiting example. For example, a printhead may include a fluid ejector configured to effect the expulsion of fluid via a non-thermal mechanism such as vibration. The printing fluid supply system 16 'includes an off-axis ink supply station 40. An "off-axis" ink supply separated from a print head can be located so that the print head can scan through a printing area while the print head remains substantially immobile. Such an arrangement may decrease to the total weight of a print head assembly compared to a print head assembly that includes a supply of ink to the shaft. A relatively light print head assembly may require relatively less energy to move, at the time of presenting a faster, quieter and / or less vibrating motion than a print head with an ink supply on the integrated shaft. An off-axis ink supply can be placed for easy access to facilitate replenishment of the ink housing and can be sized to accommodate a desired volume of ink. As will be explained in more detail below, the front-loading ink supply station can be configured so that a continent of printing fluid can be laterally inserted into a printing system. The immobile position and relatively easy access of an off-axis ink supply may allow relatively larger ink volumes to be stored and delivered. An off-axis ink supply may include continents for storing and supplying one or more ink colors as well as other printing fluids. For example, the ink supply station 40 includes six bays for ink continents configured to accommodate six corresponding ink continents. In the illustrated embodiment, the ink supply station 40 includes yellow bay 42, dark magenta bay 44, light magenta bay 46, dark cyan 48 bay, light cyan bay 50 and black bay 52, which are adapted respectively to receive the continent of yellow ink 54, the continent of dark magenta ink 56, the continent of light magenta ink 58, the continent of dark cyan ink 60, the continent of light cyan ink 62 and the continent of black ink 64. They can design other printing systems for use with more or fewer colors, including different colors than those described above. It should be understood that as used herein, "ink" can be used in a general sense to refer to other printing fluids, such as preconditioners, fixatives, etc., which can also be contained by a continent of ink and delivered via a fluid supply system. Two or more ink continents containing a printing fluid of the same color and / or type can be used in the same printing system. In some embodiments, one or more of the ink container bays may be sized differently than another ink container bay. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the black bay 52 is larger than the other ink continent bays, and therefore can accommodate a relatively larger ink continent. As described in more detail below, a particular bay of ink continents can accommodate ink continents of various sizes. The ink supply system 16 'includes an ink transport system 70 configured to move ink from the ink supply station to the print head. In some embodiments, the ink transport system may be a bidirectional transport system capable of moving the ink from the ink supply station to the printhead and vice versa. An ink transport system can include one or more transport paths for each ink color. In the illustrated mode, the ink transport system 70 includes a tube 72 that connects an ink continent of the ink supply station to the print head. In the illustrated embodiment, there are six such tubes that fluidly couple the ink continents to the printhead. A tube can be constructed with sufficient length and flexibility to allow the print head to scan through a printing zone. In addition, the tube can be at least partially chemically inert with respect to the ink that the tube carries. The ink transport system may include one or more mechanisms configured to effect the transport of ink through an ink transport path. Such a mechanism can work to establish a pressure differential that promotes the movement of ink. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid transport system 70 includes a pump 74 configured to effect ink transport through each tube 72. So that a pump can be configured as a bidirectional pump to move ink in various directions to through a corresponding ink transport path. An ink transport path may include two or more portions. For example, each tube 72 includes a static portion 76 that links an ink continent to the pump and a dynamic portion 78 that links the pump to the printhead. The transport path may also include a pump portion that effectively connects the static portion with the dynamic portion and reciprocally interacts with the pump to effect ink transport. The individual portions of an ink transport path may be physically distinct segments that are fluidly linked by one or more interconnections. In some embodiments, a single tube length that connects a continent of ink to the printhead can be functionally divided into two or more portions, including static and dynamic portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the dynamic portion 78 is adapted to link an immobile ink supply station to a scanning print head that moves during printing, and therefore the dynamic portion is configured to move and bend with the head of impression. The static portion, which links an immobile ink supply station to an immobile pump, may remain substantially fixed. An ink continent of the ink supply station 40 may include a vent configured to facilitate the ink input and output from the continent. For example, a vent can fluidly couple the interior of a continent of ink to the atmosphere to help reduce unfavorable pressure gradients that can impede ink transport. Such a vent can be configured to limit the ink output of the ink continent through venting, thus preventing unnecessary ink dissipation. An exemplary ventilation in the form of a fluid interface is described in more detail below. The ink supply system 16 'may include a ventilation chamber 90 configured to reduce evaporation of the ink and / or additional loss of ink. Each ink continent of the ink supply station 40 can be fluidly linked to vent the compartment 90 via a tube 92 which links the venting of that ink continent to the ventilation chamber. That is, a vent of the ink continent can be connected to the ventilation chamber to facilitate ink transport between an ink continent and the print head. The ventilation chamber can reduce unfavorable pressure gradients while limiting the evaporation of the ink to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, the ventilation chamber 90 may include a labyrinth that limits ink loss. Ventilation chamber 90 can be fixed in a substantially stationary position. As mentioned above, fig. 2 represents a little schematically the printing fluid supply system 16 '. The exact arrangement of the constituent elements of the printing fluid supply system can be physically arranged according to a desired industrial design. Similarly, the individual elements may vary from the illustrated modes while remaining within the scope of this description. The size, shape, access, and aesthetics are among the factors that can be considered when designing a fluid ejection system using a printing fluid supply system in accordance with the present invention. Although it is described and illustrated with reference to an off-axis ink supply, it should be understood that many of the principles described herein are applicable to ink supplies on axis. Off-axis ink supply is provided as a non-limiting example, and on-axis ink sources are also within the scope of this invention.

Fig. 2 shows in solid lines the continent 60 dark cyan ink without installing. As indicated by the lines interrupted at 61, the continent of dark cyan ink can be installed at the ink supply station 40. Similarly, the other ink continents of ink supply station 40 can be selectively installed and uninstalled. In this way, a supply of spent ink can be replenished by installing an ink filled continent, thus extending the operational life of a system. of expulsion of fluid. The ink supply station can be configured to be able to exchange the individual ink continents independently of each other. For example, if only one continent of ink runs out, that continent of ink can be replaced while the other ink continents are left in place. It should be understood that although fig. 2 shows the continent 60 of ink being installed in the ink supply station 40 in a generally vertical direction, this is not necessarily required. The ink supply station 40 can be oriented to receive continents of inks that are installed laterally. In addition, a grouped ink supply, which houses two or more different printing fluids and / or colors in a common assembly of continents, can be seated in a bay for ink continents.

An ink supply system may include an ink level monitor configured to track the amount of ink available for supply. An ink level monitor can be configured to individually monitor individual ink continents, groups of ink continents that supply the same ink color and / or system ink supply. The ink level monitor can work in conjunction with a notification system to inform a user of the status of the ink level, thus allowing a user to determine ink levels and prepare for ink replenishment. In addition, as described in more detail below, an ink continent may include a memory and an associated electrical interface and information may be stored with respect to the ink level of an ink continent in such memory and transported via the electrical interface. Figs. 3 and 4 show a more detailed view of a bay 100 for exemplary ink continents configured to selectively receive an ink continent 102. Fig. 3 shows bay 100 for ink continents in an open position and fig. 4 shows the ink container bay in a closed position, in which the ink container bay is retaining the ink container 102. The ink container bay may include a seat 104 adapted to match a portion of an ink continent. That is, the seat 104 and a portion of the ink continent can be configured in a complementary manner so as to be able to couple the ink continent in the seat. The seat can be sized and configured to match the size and shape of a portion of an ink continent, such as an ink continent cap and / or a shoulder portion of an ink container reservoir body. The ink container bay may include an interlocking member 106 adapted to hold the ink continent in position. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 106 rotates on a hinge to engage an edge portion 108 of the ink container 102. The edge portion 108 is an example of an interlocking surface, which can be engaged by means of a locking member to preserve an ink continent in a bay for ink continents. In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking member 106 includes an open recess 110 through which a back portion 112 of the ink container 102 can extend. An interlocking member or a combination of two or more interlocking members, configured to hold an ink continent in position can be configured to accommodate ink continents having various sizes. In some embodiments, an interlocking member may engage one or more portions of an ink container, such as a locking surface of the edge portion 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking member 106 includes a plunger 114 configured to engage the edge portion 108 on each side of the ink container, while the rear portion 112 extends through the open opening 110. The plunger 114 includes an elastic member adapted to apply seal pressure to the ink container 102 when the locking member 106 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, two or more interlocking members may be separate moving components that facilitate large rear portions or a unitary locking member to be configured to accommodate larger rear portions. In addition, in some embodiments, alternative or additional interlocking mechanisms may be used to maintain an ink continent in position. Figs. 5-7 show an ink continent 120 which includes a cover 122 of the ink container and an ink container reservoir body 124 which are configured in a complementary manner to collectively define a limited volume in which ink can be contained. The lid and the container body of the ink container can be collectively referred to as a reservoir, ink reservoir, or reservoir of printing fluid. In some embodiments, such deposit can be formed of a single structural piece, or of two or more pieces that are connected differently to that shown in the illustrated mode. The cap 122 may include an inner side facing the interior of the ink container when the reservoir body engages the cap. The lid may include one or more portions adapted to engage a reservoir body or to otherwise secure the lid to the reservoir body. In some embodiments, a lid and a reservoir body can be releasably secured together, while in some embodiments a lid and a reservoir body connected in a substantially permanent arrangement can be used. A seal or other sble seal may be fitted at an interface between the lid 122 and the body 124 of the reservoir to improve the capacity of the lid and the reservoir body to maintain a volume of ink or other printing fluid. The ink container 120 can be configured as an ink-free container adapted to contain a free volume of ink. As used herein, a free volume of ink refers to a volume of ink that is held within a container without the use of a sponge, a foam, an ink sack or an intermediate containment device and / or of a differential pressure application device. An ink-free container can be substantially "open" within its limits, thus allowing a relatively large percentage of the included volume to be filled with ink, which can flow freely within the container. As described in more detail here, the design of ink continent 120 allows a free volume of ink to be drawn from the ink continent and supplied to a printhead. In addition, as described below, a very high percentage of a free volume of ink can be drawn from an ink-free container, thus limiting the amount of stagnant ink. The lid 122 of the ink continent includes an external face 126 that faces outwardly from the contents of an ink continent. The external face 126 can be designed to be the "front" portion of an ink continent when the ink continent is installed in a bay for corresponding ink continents. Accordingly, the outer face can be referred to as a main surface of the ink continent or as being aligned with a main plane of the ink continent. In some modalities, a portion of a continent of printing fluid with the exception of a cover similar to the cover 122 of the ink continent may be the main surface of the printing fluid container. The cap 122 of the ink continent can be formed with an external face 126 having a substantially flat profile. As described in more detail below, the outer face may include one or more slits adapted to provide alignment and / or mechanical identification. The outer face may also include, or alternatively, holes drilled from the outside of an ink continent into an ink continent. Such holes can be used as fluid interfaces to move a printing fluid and / or air from within the ink continent out of the ink continent and vice versa. An entry point of each slit, hole and / or other interface can be arranged on the same main surface. In some embodiments, the entry points for various interfaces of a printing fluid continent may be located in towers that rise over another portion of the main surface. Such a mode may not have a substantially flat profile, although the entry point of several mechanical, hydraulic and / or electrical interfaces may be aligned in a common principal plane. In some embodiments, the entry point for each interface can be arranged within an acceptable distance on either side of a main plane. For example, in some embodiments, any front or rear variation of the entry point of one interface relative to the entry point of another interface may be less than about 5 mm, while in most modes such variations may be less than approximately 2 mm or even 1 mm. A lid of the ink continent having an external face with a substantially flat profile can be referred to as a substantially flat top of the ink continent, although such a top of the ink continent can have a measurable thickness, an irregular inner side and / or a or more surface deviations on its outer face. The ink container cap 122 can be constructed as a unitary structural part 130, as compared to a combination of two or more structural parts. Such a part may be molded, extruded or otherwise formed of a material selected for strength, weight, workability, cost, compatibility with the ink and / or other considerations. For example, the lid can be injection molded of a suitable synthetic material. The construction of a unitary structural part produces a cover of the ink continent in which an inner side and an outer side are on opposite sides of the same piece of material. A cover of the ink continent constructed of a unitary structural part can be conditioned with complementary auxiliary components. For example, a gasket can be used to promote an airtight seal between the ink continent lid and a reservoir body. A hydraulic interface formed in a unitary structural part can be conditioned with a seal configured to selectively seal ink within the ink container. The seal may take the form of a septum, a ball and septum assembly or other mechanism. A memory device can be attached to the cover 122 of the ink container and the cover of the ink container can be equipped with an electrical interface for transferring data to and from the memory device. Such auxiliary components can be adapted to cooperate integrally with the unitary structural part that defines the overall size and shape of the ink continent lid. The ink container 120 includes a reservoir body 124 which cooperates with the cover 122 of the ink container to provide a structural limit for containing an ink volume.

As described in more detail below, the different mechanical, electrical and fluid interfaces of ink continent 122 can be accommodated in a cover of the ink continent. That is, the functionality of the interface of an ink continent can be substantially consolidated to a top of the ink continent, thus providing design freedom with respect to the deposit body. For example, fig. 8 shows the cap 122 of the ink continent with three reservoir bodies 124a-124c of different size. As can be seen, ink continents with various ink capacities can be formed by combining various reservoir bodies with the same lid of the ink continent. Therefore, an ink container can be selectively sized to provide a desired ink capacity. In addition, two or more ink continents that have various ink capacities can be installed alternately in the same bay for ink continents, thus providing greater printer configuration flexibility. Normalizing the design of the continent ink cap can also help reduce manufacturing costs. It should be understood that differently configured ink container covers are also within the scope of this invention.

A portion of a reservoir body of the ink container can be configured to a standard size and shape while another portion can be configured with a size and shape that vary between two or more configurations. For example, fig. 8 shows reservoir bodies 124a-12 c including shoulder portions 132a-132c, which are similarly configured therebetween. Such shoulder portions have a width that is substantially the same as a corresponding width of the top of the ink continent. The reservoir bodies 124a-124c also include respectively rear portions 134a-134c, which are configured differently therebetween. Such back portions have a width that is less than a corresponding width of the ink continent lid. The shoulder portions and the rear portions are joined by the edge portions 136a-136c including the interlocking surfaces 138a-138c. Configuring a portion of a reservoir body, such as the shoulder portions 132a-132c, with a standard size and shape improves compatibility between various continents of ink, similar to the compatibility provided by a standard cap 122 of the ink continent. For example, different ink continents having similarly shaped shoulder portions, but which may have later portions of different sizes, can be secured by the same interlocking member. The reservoir body 124 can be configured to serve as a handling portion of an ink continent. An ink continent can be physically held and manipulated when a continent of ink is loaded and unloaded from a bay for ink continents of the ink supply station. A continent of ink can also be held in an adhesion portion during a replenishment process, during maintenance or during other situations. The reservoir body 124 can be used to handle the ink continent in such cases. The reservoir body can be sized and shaped to grip comfortably and safely. In addition, a surface of the reservoir body can be adapted to improve the grip traction, for example by giving texture to the surface. The shape of the reservoir body can also facilitate the insertion of the printing fluid container into a corresponding ink container bay of an ink supply station. For example, the loss of symmetry through a horizontal axis helps to define a lid and a bottom in a way that a user can easily appreciate, thereby simplifying the installation of the ink continent in a bay for corresponding ink continents. In accordance with the above mentioned, an ink container cover may include one or more interface characteristics that correspond to complementary features of an ink container bay adapted to receive the ink continent. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the cover 122 of the ink container includes an interface recess 150 comprising a recess 152, an identification recess 154, an upper fluid interface, in the form of an air interface 156, a lower fluid interface in the form of an ink interface 158, and an electrical interface 160. The interface recess 150 is placed inside an outer perimeter 128 of cap 122 of the ink continent. That is to say, the constituent features of the interface recess 150 are not placed around a side edge of the ink container cover, or elsewhere in the container body. As described in more detail below, the interface recess 150 is an exemplary collection of mechanical, fluid, and electrical interfaces adapted to enable and / or improve ink delivery from the ink continent. The interface recess 150 is provided as a non-limiting example, and other arrangements may include additional and / or alternative features. In addition, the placement of the different characteristics may vary from the illustrated mode. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary alignment recess 152 configured to place an ink continent in a desired location with a desired orientation. Such placement facilitates the coupling of an ink continent with a bay for ink continents. In particular, an alignment recess can be used to place an ink continent in the appropriate position so that different aspects of the ink continent are aligned for coupling with corresponding aspects of a bay for ink continents. For example, the identification recess 154 can be aligned with a corresponding identification pole of the bay for ink continents. The air interface 156 and the ink interface 158 can be aligned with corresponding ink and air connectors of the bay for ink continents. The electrical interface 160 can be aligned with a corresponding electrical contact of the bay for ink continents. The alignment recess 152 can be recessed from a main surface of the printing fluid container, thereby providing a robust interface that is less prone to damage compared to a tower interface protruding from the main surface of the printing fluid container. In some embodiments, the alignment recess can be recessed from a main surface 10 millimeters, 15 millimeters, or more. The cross section width of the alignment recess can be selected to achieve a desired length to width ratio. In particular, a length / width ratio of about 1.5 has been found to limit the rotation of a continent of printing fluid when coupled with a corresponding alignment member. Relationships ranging between 1.0 and 4.0 may be convenient in some modalities, with relationships between 1.2 and 2.0 being appropriate in most circumstances. The width of the alignment recess can be selected to be large enough to accommodate alignment members that are mechanically strong enough to oppose bending forces that could result in the rotation of the printing fluid container and misalignment of the different characteristics of the printing fluid. Interface . Figs. 9-11 and 14-16 show a series of cross-sectional views in which the ink continent 120 is seated in a bay 170 for ink continents. Figs. 9-11 are top views showing the ink continent 120 moving from an unsupported position to a seated position. Similarly, figs. 14-16 are side views showing the ink container 120 moving from an unsupported position to a seated position. The lid 122 of the ink container includes an alignment recess 152 recessed from a central portion of the lid of the ink container. In the illustrated mode, the alignment recess 152 includes a terminal surface 172 and side walls 174 that are recessed from an external face or generally planar main surface. The alignment recess can be classified so that it is deep enough to accommodate the outer alignment member 176 of bay alignment 170 for ink continents. The side walls 174 may be positioned perpendicular to the outer face or to one or more of the side walls tapering so that a cross-sectional area of an opening 178 of the alignment recess 152 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the surface terminal 172. An adjustment between the alignment member 176 and the alignment recess 152 may be sufficiently tight for when the alignment recess engages the alignment member, the ink container cover 122 is effectively restricted to a desired movement trajectory. . In this way, the alignment of the cover of the ink continent and a bay for corresponding ink continents can be ensured. The adjustment can be established by physical contact between recess portions 152 of alignment and alignment member 176. Such contact can occur on all of the surfaces of the alignment recess and the alignment member, as shown in the drawings. In some modalities, contact may occur over less than all of the portions. In some embodiments, the engagement of an alignment member with the alignment recess may be less tight and the alignment recess may be simply sized to accommodate a projection alignment member without firmly engaging the alignment member. The cap 122 of the ink container may include a progressive alignment mechanism, in which the alignment of the ink container cover becomes more accurate as the ink container cover is more fully seated in a bay for ink continents. . For example, the outer perimeter 128 can be dimensioned slightly smaller than the corresponding side walls 180 of the bay 170 for ink continents and the bay for ink continents can be configured to couple the continent ink cap before the recess of alignment firmly attach to the alignment member. Therefore, the outer perimeter can provide a course alignment for the continent ink cap. The adjustment between the ink container and the side walls 180 can be relatively tolerant so that it is easy to initiate the alignment. Although the course alignment may be less accurate than the alignment provided by the alignment recess 172, the ink continent may be in a greater range of positions when the course alignment is started compared to when the alignment is started in detail. The ink container and ink ink container bay may be configured so that the alignment recess 152 is brought into a position to engage the alignment member 176 by the course alignment interaction between the outer perimeter 128, the portion 132 of shoulder and sidewalls 180. In some embodiments, the course alignment may not include actual physical interaction, but rather a visual cue to place a continent of ink in a generally aligned position. The alignment member 176 and the alignment recess 152 can be configured in a complementary manner so that a fit between the alignment member and the alignment recess progressively tighten while the ink continent cover sits in the ink continent bay . For example, some embodiments of an alignment recess can be configured with an aperture cross-sectional area 178 that is larger than a cross-sectional area of the terminal surface 172. In addition, the alignment member 176 can be configured with an end 182 having a cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the terminal surface 172. Therefore, the end 182 can fit somewhat freely in the opening 178 and still enter firmly when fully seated on the terminal surface 172. As the alignment member and the alignment recess mate more completely with one another, the fit between the recess of alignment and the alignment member can be tightened progressively. In some embodiments, one end of an alignment member may include a slight taper or a rounded shape that facilitates the initiation of the alignment contact with an alignment recess. A progressive alignment system can be used to ensure that aspects of the cap 122 of the ink continent are correctly aligned with the corresponding characteristics of the bay 170 for ink continents. That is, the fit between the alignment recess and the alignment member can be designed to achieve a desired level of tightness before an appearance of the interface recess (eg ink interface, air interface, identification recess, interface). electrical, etc.) attach a corresponding aspect of a bay to ink continents. Progressive alignment can also facilitate the initiation of alignment because there is a greater tolerance in the placement of the ink continent at the beginning of the settlement compared to when the ink continent sits completely in the bay for ink continents. Once the alignment is started, the ink continent can be effectively directed to a desired location with a desired orientation with increased accuracy. The interaction between the ink continent aspects with the aspects of the bay for ink continents can be designed to start when the desired level of precision has been reached. The progressive alignment system described above is provided as a non-limiting example. Other progressive alignment systems can be used. In addition, some modalities may use non-progressive alignment systems. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary identification recess 154 configured to ensure that an ink continent seats in a bay for appropriate ink continents. Each bay of an ink supply station can be adapted to receive a continent of ink containing a particular printing fluid (type of ink, ink color, fixer, pre-conditioner, etc.). For example, each bay for ink continents may include an identification post of unique shape and / or orientation corresponding to the ink color that bay for ink continents is adapted to receive. Similarly, an ink continent containing that ink color may include an identification recess that restrictively matches a corresponding identification post associated with that color. An identification post may be coupled with an identification recess in a mutually exclusive relationship, meaning that an identification post associated with an ink color would not be coupled with an identification recess associated with a different ink color, or other type of fluid of impression. In other words, each color of ink can be identified by means of a combination of identification post and identification recess configured in a unique way. In this way, a characteristic of the identification recess of a continent of printing fluid can indicate the printing fluid retained by the continent. An identification recess can be used to provide physical validation that a continent of fluid is being inserted into the appropriate fluid continent bay. For example, an identification recess can provide tactile feedback during an attempt to load a continent of ink into a bay for ink continents. The recess and / or identification post can be configured so that the tactile feedback may be distinctly different depending on whether the ink continent is being loaded into a bay set to deliver the ink color that the ink continent contains or a color of different ink. An identification recess can be adapted to prevent the ink continents from being loaded in ink continent bays that do not include an identification post corresponding to the identification recess of the ink continent cover. In some modalities, such an ink continent can be loaded, however the interaction between the post and the non-complementary identification recess can generate a feeling that feels different to the sensation of the identification characteristics that are coupled together in a complementary way. For example, more resistance may be present when an ink container is inserted that includes an identification recess that did not coincide in a complementary manner with respect to the identification pole that couples with the identification recess.

Figs. 9-11 show a cross-sectional view of the identification recess 154 receiving an identification post 190 as the ink container 120 sits in the bay 170 of the ink continent. The identification recess 154 and the identification post 190 are formed in a complementary manner based on a corresponding ink color. An identification recess, such as the identification recess 154, can be configured to be coupled with only identification posts corresponding to the correct ink color. Other ink continents may include similar identification recesses adapted to match various identification poles associated with various ink colors. In this way, each ink color of a printing system that is configured to supply can be associated with a unique combination of a corresponding identifying identification post and recess. Although described primarily with reference to identifying a particular color of ink, it should be understood that an identification mechanism can be used to identify alternative or additional aspects of printing fluids. For example, a particular type of ink, such as photo ink, can be unequivocally identified to ensure that the appropriate type of ink is installed in a particular bay. In addition, other printing fluids, such as pre-conditioners and / or fixators, can be identified to ensure that a fluid container containing such fluid is installed in a corresponding bay that is configured to supply such fluid. The alignment member 176 may be configured to engage the alignment recess 152 before the identification post 190 engages the identification recess 154. Therefore, the alignment member and the alignment recess can cooperate to ensure that the identification recess 154 is correctly positioned for engagement with the identification post 190. The alignment member may be longer than the identification post to facilitate coupling of the alignment member and aligning recess before coupling the identification post and identification recess. In such modalities, the alignment recess can be deeper than the identification recess. In some embodiments, the identification recess and the alignment recess can be configured to engage respectively an identification post and an alignment member at substantially the same time. In some embodiments, the functionality of an alignment recess and an identification recess can be incorporated into a single feature configured to place a continent of ink in a desired location with a desired orientation and to ensure that the ink continent is seated in a bay for continents of appropriate ink. Fig. 12 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of the exemplary identification post 190, which is configured, for insertion into the identification recess 154 configured in a complementary manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the identification post 190 has a "Y" configuration that includes a first tooth 192, a second tooth 194 and a third tooth 196. An angle a between the first tooth 192 and the second tooth 194 is the same as an angle a between first tooth 192 and third tooth 196. An angle? between second tooth 194 and third tooth 196 is smaller than angle a. The identification post can be described as being symmetrical about an S axis of symmetry, which runs through the first tooth 192 and cuts the angle? As illustrated, the identification post 190 is not symmetric with respect to any other axis that is coplanar with the symmetry axis S. The identification recess 154 is configured to match the identification post 190, so that each tooth effectively slides into a corresponding slot in the identification recess. Unique identification interfaces can be based on the same general form of a combination of particular identification post and identification recess, but rotating the orientation of the combination. For example, a different interface can be configured by rotating an angle of symmetry of an identification pole having the same general shape as the identification post 190. A corresponding identification recess could be rotated in a similar manner to produce a unique interface combination. For example, an angle of symmetry can be rotated in 45 ° increments to produce 8 unique identification post configurations. Fig. 13 shows five such configurations that can be used to identify five different ink colors than the ink color identified by the identification post 190. The identification post and identification recess configurations described above are provided as a non-limiting example. Other identification interfaces can be used. An identification interface may be further varied and / or alternatively in relation to another identification interface by moving the relative position of the identification interface with respect to an ink continent and an associated ink continent bay. For example, using the example described above, in which an identification post can be rotated in 45 ° increments to produce 8 different identification post configurations; an identification post location can be selected from 3 different locations to provide a total of 24 (8x3) identification post configurations. The identification recesses with corresponding locations and orientations can be configured to be coupled with such identification posts. If desired, additional configurations can be achieved by decreasing the magnitude of the turn increments, adding identification post locations, adding new forms of identification post, etc. For example, an identification pole can be rotated in 22.5 ° increments to provide 16 different configurations. Similarly, different forms of poles and identification recesses may be used, examples of these include the "T", "L", and "V" shapes. As described above, an identification feature and / or alignment feature of an ink continent can be configured as a slit that extends into the ink continent as compared to a protrusion extending outward from the ink continent. Such a slit provides a robust interface that is resistant to damage. Furthermore, by configuring an ink continent with a slit, the generally flat profile of the outer face of an ink container cover is not interrupted. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary upper fluid interface 156 and an exemplary lower fluid interface 158, which are configured to transfer ink, air or an ink-air mixture to and / or from the ink container 120. As used herein, the upper fluid interface 156 may be referred to as an air interface and the lower fluid interface 158 may be referred to as an ink interface. However, it should be understood that both interfaces can, in certain embodiments and / or modes of operation, transfer ink, air or a mixture thereof. In an exemplary mode of operation, the lower fluid interface 158 can supply a printing fluid, while the upper fluid interface 156 controls the pressure within the printing fluid container. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid interfaces are configured as partitions having a ball seal design. The fluid interfaces are adapted to seal the contents of the ink continent so that the contents do not escape. Each interface is configured to releasably receive a fluid connector, such that a hollow needle can penetrate the selective seal of a septum and transfer fluid into and out of the ink continent. The partition can be configured to prevent unwanted leakage when a fluid connector is inserted and after a fluid connector has been removed. For example, the septum can accept a needle inserted closely, so that ink or air can pass through the needle, but not between the needle and the septum. Figs. 14-16 show the fluid connector 200 which couples the air interface 156 and the fluid connector 202 coupling to the fluid interface 158. The alignment member 176 can be configured to engage the alignment recess 152 before the fluid connectors couple the fluid interfaces. Therefore, the alignment member and the alignment recess can work together to ensure that the fluid interfaces are properly positioned for coupling with the fluid connectors. That is, the alignment interface prevents the fluid connectors from coupling an undesired portion of the ink container, which could cause damage to the fluid connectors. Entry points in the fluid interfaces can be placed substantially in the same plane as a main plane of the ink continent, as compared to alignment posts that extend from an outer face of the ink continent, because the alignment recess and the member of alignment work together to align correctly fluid interfaces. Figs. 17-19 show a more detailed view of a sealing member 260 of the fluid interface 158. The sealing member 260 includes a ball sealing portion 262 that is formed to coincide with an inclined cap member to form a fluid tight seal that prevents undesired fluid leakage when the fluid interface is not coupled by a fluid connector. corresponding fluid (Fig. 18). Sealing portion 260 also includes a needle sealing portion 264 that prevents undesired fluid leakage when the fluid interface is engaged by means of a corresponding fluid connector (Fig. 19). As shown in fig. 18, a spring member 266 tips the cap member 268 against the ball sealing portion 262 of the sealing member. The sealing portion 262 is profiled in a complementary manner relative to the plug member so that when the cap member is pressed against the sealing portion a fluid tight seal is established. As shown in fig. 19, a fluid connector 202 can be inserted through the sealing member 260, and the fluid connector can move the plug member away from the sealing member against a restorative force applied by the spring member. When the plug member moves away from the sealing member, the fluid tight seal between the sealing member and the plug member relaxes. However, a fluid tight seal can be established between the fluid connector and the sealing member. In accordance with what is shown in fig. 20, the fluid connector 202 may include an end portion 272 having fluid passage features 274 that permit fluid flow in a hollow portion 276 of the fluid connector when the fluid connector engages the cap member. The foregoing is provided as a non-limiting example of a possible configuration for a fluid interface and a corresponding fluid connector. It should be understood that other mechanisms may be used to selectively seal the fluid in a fluid container while remaining within the scope of this invention. As an example, a split partition can be used to self-seal when the needle is removed. In accordance with what is shown in figs. 14-16, the ink interface 158 may be placed near a gravitational bottom of an ink continent that is oriented in a seated position in a corresponding ink continent bay. In such a position, the fluid connector 202 is also close to a gravitational bottom of the ink continent. In addition, a body 124 of the ink container reservoir can be formed with a bottom surface 204 that slopes toward the fluid connector so that the ink can naturally flow to the fluid connector. In other words, the surface 204 deviates gravitationally toward a low portion of the ink continent. In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the ink continent produces an ink well 206 configured to allow the ink to drain into position for access by the fluid connector 202. Thanks to the position of the ink well relative to the rest of the reservoir, the printing fluid can accumulate in the ink well as the ink level decreases. The fluid connector 202 can continue to draw ink that occupies the ink well 206 as the ink level lowers during use. The well, the ink interface and the corresponding fluid connector can be placed to limit the amount of ink that accumulates in the ink continent, thereby reducing waste to a minimum. In some embodiments, a continent of printing fluid can supply in most 2 cubic centimeters of printing fluid, with almost all supplying 1 cubic centimeter in most modalities. As mentioned above, the size of the reservoir body can be increased, thus providing an increasing capacity of ink. However, such reservoirs can be configured with an ink well similar to the ink well 206 or they can be configured in another way so that an ink interface is close to the bottom of the reservoir, thus minimizing the amount of ink that is placed on the ink. It can accumulate inside the continent of ink. That is, in accordance with this invention, the amount of ink that can be accumulated within an ink container does not have to be proportional to the ink capacity of the ink container. In accordance with what is shown in fig. 5, the external face 126 of the cover 122 of the ink container may include a projection 210 in which the ink interface 158 is located. In the illustrated mode, the projection 210 is configured to allow a central portion of the ink interface 158, through which a fluid connector can pass, to be placed near a low point of the ink container reservoir. Therefore, a fluid connector can be inserted in the fluid interface to draw ink from a relatively low area of the ink container, thereby facilitating the extraction of a greater percentage of ink from the ink container. The protrusion 210 also allows the ink interface to be located near the bottom of the ink reservoir while remaining within the outer perimeter 128 of the external face 126. FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a projection 210, which is aligned with a channel 212 that is recessed from a portion of the bottom surface 204, thereby forming a well 206. Well 206 may be gravitational lower than the rest of the reservoir, facilitating thus the accumulation of printing fluids in the well as the printing fluids are removed from the continent. That is, a well portion 207 of the bottom surface can be recessed from a remainder of the bottom surface. To improve the accumulation of printing fluids in the well 206, the bottom surface 204 may be gravitationally inclined towards the well, so that the printing fluids can effectively flow "down" into the well. Bottom surface 204 can be formed without any false well, which could accumulate trapped print fluid without a fluid path to well 206. Protrusion 210 and channel 212 can be substantially aligned with each other, as illustrated in the embodiment represented. When aligned in this manner, a contour of the downward edge of the main surface traces an edge contour downwardly of the bottom surface. The projection 210 and the channel 212 can be aligned horizontally relative to the lid 122 of the ink container. The projection and the channel can be aligned horizontally additionally or alternatively in relation to an axis of intersection of the bay for ink continents. In other words, the projection may be placed on the ink container cover so that when the ink container is installed in a corresponding ink container bay, the projection, and / or a fluid interface on the projection, is placed practically equidistant from any side of the bay for ink continents. In fig. 21, a fluid level 214 is schematically illustrated and it is shown how much ink can be drawn from the continent of printing fluid when the continent includes a well. In contrast, fig. 22 schematically illustrates a fluid level 216 of a continent that does not include a well. As can be seen by comparison, well 206 limits the amount of stagnant printing fluid. Although the depth of fluid level 214 and that of fluid level 216 may be comparable, the volume of printing fluid associated with fluid level 214 is considerably less than the volume of printing fluid associated with fluid level 216. Well 206 may be configured so that the cross-sectional area of the portion of a fluid container that limits fluid level 214 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the portion of a fluid container that limits level 216 of fluid, thus decreasing the respective volumes assuming similar depths. In some embodiments, the well 206 can be configured to reduce the upper surface area (and the corresponding volume) of a fluid level corresponding to a continent of effectively empty fluid by at least 75%, and generally by 90% or more. In addition, as mentioned above, the capacity of the rest of a continent of ink can be increased without changing the size of the well and without generating an increase in the amount of printing fluid that will stagnate on the continent. Well 206 can be varied in size and shape. As a general rule, the volume of the well 206 can be decreased to decrease the amount of printing fluid that can stagnate within the continent. Well 206 can be sized to accommodate a fluid interface with sufficient additional volume to allow free flow of printing fluid into the well.

The air interface 156 can be gravitationally positioned above the ink interface 158 when an ink continent is oriented in a seated position in a corresponding ink continent bay. The upper fluid interface 156 can function as a ventilation port configured to facilitate pressure equalization in the ink container. When the ink is drawn from the ink interface 158, the air interface 156 may allow air to enter the container of the ink container to equalize the pressure in it. Similarly, if the ink is returned to the ink continent, the air interface can vent air out of the ink continent. As mentioned above, the upper fluid interface can be fluidly coupled to a ventilation chamber 90 configured to reduce evaporation of the ink and / or other ink loss. In accordance with what is described and illustrated here, an ink continent (and a corresponding ink container bay or other mechanism for seating an ink continent) can be configured for side installation. A configuration that facilitates lateral installation also provides design flexibility in a printing system. In particular, a side installation allows a printing system to be designed for front, rear or side loading of an ink continent, as compared to the top loading restriction. As illustrated in fig. 2, an ink interface can be an active interface, which is fluidly coupled with a pump 74 which is configured to control the supply of ink to and from the ink continent. An air interface can be a passive interface, which is not directly controlled by a pump, but is configured to allow a pressure balance to be obtained naturally. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiment is provided as a non-limiting example and that other configurations are within the scope of this invention. For example, in some embodiments, an air interface may be an active interface that is actively controlled to produce a desired pressure within the ink container. Fig. 5 shows an electrical interface 160 that is configured to provide an energy path and / or communication for one or more electrical devices of the ink continent 120. The electrical interface 160 may include one or more electrical contacts 162 that are adapted to electrically link with corresponding electrical contacts of a bay for ink continents. When the ink continent sits in the bay for ink continents, the electrical current can travel through the electrical coupling. In this way, the information and / or energy can be transported through the coupling. For example, an ink continent may include a memory device 164 and the electrical interface may be used to write data to the memory device and / or data read from the memory device. For example, a memory can be configured to store the electronic identification information that can be used to validate that an ink container was loaded in an ink container bay configured to supply the appropriate printing fluid. If an error is detected, the electronic identification can be used to disable printing to avoid contamination of the ink supply system. The memory may also include a due date and / or information regarding the relative amount of ink remaining in the associated continent of ink. In some embodiments, an electrical interface may include additional or alternate electronic components, such as a specific integrated circuit application. The alignment recess 152 can be positioned approximately in a center of the external face 126 and the other interfaces of the interface recess 150 can be arranged around the alignment recess. In this way, the air interface 156, the ink interface 158, the electrical interface 160 and the identification recess 154 can be positioned between the alignment recess and the external perimeter 128. As used herein, the term "center" refers to a relatively distal position of the outer perimeter of the outer face of the ink continent. The center of an outer face of an ink continent may vary depending on the size and shape of the ink continent. Placing the alignment recess near the center of the outer face allows each of the other interfaces to be located relatively close to the alignment recess. Placing the alignment recess 152 near the other interfaces can facilitate the alignment of those interfaces with corresponding characteristics of a bay for ink continents. For example, placing the interfaces close to the alignment recess can decrease the effect of any tolerance that exists in the alignment interface. Therefore, if the alignment interface allows some variation in alignment, the other interfaces may remain within an acceptable position for corresponding portions of a bay for ink continents. That is, the effects of any movement allowed by the alignment interface can be amplified in proportion to the relative distance from the alignment recess. Therefore, such effects can be minimized by placing the different interface characteristics close to the alignment recess. In accordance with what is illustrated in fig. 5, the fluid interfaces of an ink continent can be located along a vertical axis V of the front surface of the printing fluid container. The alignment recess 152 can also be located along the vertical axis V, so that the vertical axis V intersects the upper fluid interface 156, the bottom fluid interface 158 and the alignment recess 152. Similarly, the electrical interface 160 and / or the identification recess 154 can be located along a horizontal axis H of the front surface of the printing fluid container. The alignment recess 152 can also be located along the horizontal axis H, so that the horizontal axis H intersects the electrical interface, the identification recess and the alignment recess. That is, the alignment recess can be arranged in a "cross" configuration with the alignment recess located in the center of the cross (the intersection of the vertical V axis and the horizontal H axis). In some embodiments, the horizontal axis H can divide the vertical V axis segment in two between the upper fluid interface 156 and the lower fluid interface 158 and / or the vertical V axis can divide the horizontal axis segment H by two. the electrical interface 160 and the identification recess 154. In addition, in accordance with what is shown in fig. 5, the vertical axis V can be an axis of symmetry, where the basic form of the continent of fluid is equal to the left and to the right of the axis. As used in relation to an axis and an interface characteristic, the term "intersect" means that at least a portion of the interface characteristic is crossed by the axis. Therefore, a common axis can intersect two or more features, even if the exact centers of such features do not align on the axis. Fig. 23 shows an exemplary ink container 220 including the locking slots 222 adapted to provide a locking surface for lateral interlocking members of an ink container bay. Figs. 24-26 show continent 220 of ink as it engages bay 224 of ink continents. In the illustrated embodiment, the ink container bay 224 includes a side lock member 226 that is releasably configured to secure the ink container in a seated position in the ink container bay. The lateral locking member can move elastically between at least one closed position and one open position. For example, the lateral locking member may be biased in a closed position in which the lateral locking member is positioned to contact an ink continent when a continent of ink sits in the bay for ink continents. As the ink continent moves in the ink continent bay, the ink continent causes the lateral locking member to flex in an open position, as shown in FIG. 25. As shown in fig. 26, the lateral locking member returns elastically to a closed position when the ink continent sits in the bay for ink continents. The lateral locking member 226 includes a detent 228 which engages the locking groove 222, thereby retaining the ink container 220 in a seated position in the ink container bay. The ink container can be removed by moving the lateral locking member to an open position. A pair of interlocking grooves located on opposite sides of an ink continent may be located in the same plane as an alignment recess. For example, the locking slots 222 can be placed in the same plane as the alignment recess 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking surfaces and the alignment recess are intersected by a common horizontally extending plane. The identification recess 232 and the electrical interface 234 can also be placed in the same plane. It should be understood that other interlocking mechanisms can be configured to apply interlocking pressure along a plane passing through an alignment recess. In some embodiments, an interlocking groove may be placed in another plane intersecting an alignment recess, such as a vertical plane that interferes with an alignment recess and one or more fluid interfaces. Figs. 27-29 show another modality in which another interlocking mechanism is employed. In accordance with the illustrated, a bay 240 of ink continents includes an alignment member 242 which in turn includes an internal locking member 244. The internal locking member 244 is configured to selectively couple an alignment recess 246 when an ink container 248 sits in the ink container bay. The internal locking member can move elastically between at least one closed position and one open position. For example, the inner locking member may be biased in a closed position in which the inner locking member comes into contact with the alignment recess 246 when the ink container sits in the ink container bay. As the ink continent moves in the ink continent bay, the ink continent causes the inner locking member to flex in an open position, in accordance with what is shown in FIG. 28. As shown in fig. 29, the inner locking member returns elastically to a closed position when the ink continent sits in the bay for ink continents. The internal locking member 244 includes a detent 250 which engages a corresponding locking tab 252 of the alignment recess 246, thereby retaining the ink container 248 in a seated position in the ink container bay. The ink continent can be removed by moving the internal interlock to an open position. The lateral interlocking and internal locking mechanisms described above are provided as non-limiting examples of possible configurations. A lateral locking mechanism and an internal locking mechanism can be used to interlock together or independently of each other. Similarly, a lateral locking mechanism and / or an internal locking mechanism may be used in addition or alternatively with respect to other interlocking mechanisms, such as the locking mechanism described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Other suitable interlocking mechanisms can also be used. As described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, an ink container may include an interface recess with one or more fluid, mechanical, and / or electrical interfaces. The ink container can be described as having a main surface, which is configured to be inserted laterally into an ink container bay of an ink supply station. The main surface of an ink continent can be configured as an almost flat external surface. Each of the respective interfaces of the interface recess can be located on the substantially flat main surface of the ink container. The main surface can be described as having an external perimeter, and the respective interfaces of the interface recess can be located inside the external perimeter. The illustrated modes show a non-limiting example of a configuration for fixing an interface recess. It should be understood that other arrangements are within the scope of this invention.

Although the present disclosure has been provided with reference to the foregoing principles and operational modalities, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the essence and scope defined in the appended claims. It is intended that the present description include all these modalities, modifications and variations. When the description indicates "a", "a first," or "other" element (s), or something equivalent, it must be construed as including one or more such elements, not requiring or excluding two or more of such elements.

Claims (10)

1. A container (120) of printing fluid configured for lateral insertion into a printing fluid continent (100) bay, the printing fluid container comprises: a main surface (126); and a hollow recess (152) recessed in a central portion of the main surface (126), wherein the alignment recess (152) is configured to coincide with an alignment member (176) extending outward from the bay (100) for printing fluid continents to guide the printing fluid container (120) to a desired position with a desired orientation.

The printing fluid container (120) according to claim 1, further comprising an air interface (156) and an ink interface (158), wherein a common vertical axis (V) intersects the interface (156) of air and to the ink interface (158).

The continent (120) of printing fluid according to claim 2, wherein the alignment recess (152) is positioned on the vertical axis (V) between the ink interface (158) and the interface (156) of air.

The continent (120) of printing fluid according to claim 3, further comprising an identification recess (154), wherein a common horizontal axis (H) intersects the identification recess (154) and wherein the horizontal axis (H) intersects the vertical axis (V) in the alignment recess (152).

The continent (120) of printing fluid according to claim 3, further comprising an electrical interface (160) and an identification recess (154), wherein a common horizontal axis (H) intersects the interface ( 160) and the identification recess (154) and wherein the horizontal axis (H) intersects the vertical axis (V) in the alignment recess (152).

The continent (120) of printing fluid according to claim 2, wherein the alignment recess (152) is positioned substantially equidistantly with respect to the air interface (156) and the interface (158) of ink.

The continent (120) of printing fluid according to claim 2, wherein the vertical axis (V) bisects the main surface (126).

The print fluid container (120) according to claim 1, wherein a depth of the recess (152) of alignment is at least about 1.5 times a width of an aperture of the recess (152) of alignment.

9. A container (120) of printing fluid configured for lateral insertion into the bay (100) for printing fluid containers including an alignment member (176) extending outwardly, the printing fluid container (120) comprising: an alignment recess (152) configured to receive the alignment member (176) extending outwardly; and first and second interlocking surfaces (108) configured to receive a retaining force of the first and second interlocking members (106) of the bay (100) for printing fluid continents; wherein at least a portion of the first and second interlocking surfaces (108) is coplanar with at least a portion of the alignment recess (152).

10. A print fluid container (120) configured for lateral insertion into a print fluid container bay (100) that includes an outwardly extending alignment member (176), the fluid container (120) printing comprises: a reservoir having a main portion; an interface (156) of air placed in the main portion of the tank; an ink interface (158) positioned in the main portion of the reservoir below the air interface (156); and an alignment recess (152) positioned in the main portion of the reservoir between the air interface (156) and the ink interface (158), wherein the alignment recess (152) is configured to engage with the member (176). ) of alignment that extends outwards.