CN105538914A - Fluid box - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink box (3) for an ink-jet printer (2) comprises a connector, a guide connector, a latch stopping piece (30), a latch track (28), a latch (27) and circuits (10 and 19), wherein the connector is located on the front surface (33) and used for being connected to a box receiving structure (4), and the connector comprises an ink socket (14) located in the position near the bottom surface (35); the guide connector is used for guiding the box (3) to be connected with the connector along a straight line (Y) and comprises a guide piece receiving opening (40) located in the position near the bottom surface (35); the latch stopping piece (30) and the latch track (28) are located in the bottom surface (35), and the latch (27) is used for guiding and keeping the box receiving structure (4); the circuits (10 and 19) comprise memorizers storing box characteristic data and are arranged in the positions near the top surface (53) opposite to the bottom surface (35) and recessed relative to the front surface (33) so as to make electrical contact after other connectors are connected, the circuits (10 and 19) further comprise electrodes, and the electrodes extend in the planes (Y and Z) perpendicular to the front surface (33) and are arranged on a line (PP) which is parallel to the front surface (33) and is located behind the front surface (33).

Description

Fluid box

To be the applying date be on October 22nd, 2010 to the application and name is called the divisional application of the application 201080069743.4 of " fluid box ".

Background technology

Fluid box is the sub-component exchanged with corresponding fluid ejection assembly.Typical fluid box is print cartridge.Typical fluid ejection assemblies is printer.Usually, the print cartridge of two types can be distinguished.The first comprises monoblock type Write head container, and wherein, box comprises printhead.The second comprises independent ink container.Print cartridge is connected to the reception structure of printer.Reception structure and print cartridge are provided with interface suitable, for ink is directed to printhead from box, to print.Except black interface, air interface, keyed jointing interface, electric interfaces and alignment interface can be arranged on print cartridge and it receives in structure.Air transmission is come and gone box by air interface, and great majority are used for the Stress control in box.Keyed jointing interface is guaranteed that corresponding box is sat to put and is received in structure at suitable print cartridge.Alignment interface guarantees that described interface aligns well to connect.Electric interfaces sends the signal of telecommunication between printer control circuit and print cartridge.Described signal can be relevant to print cartridge characteristic.

Extra lock is set usually, with the connection of keeping box and the air proof substantially received between structure and fluid.Extra lock also should keep electrical connection.Known lock-in techniques relate to use hook (bail) come keeping box be sealed to receive depressed place.Another kind of known lock-in techniques uses distortion buckle finger-type thing, and it engages with recess and seals with keeping box.

Known latch mechanism often takies the space of relatively large amount in printer.In addition, large power may be needed to set up lock.In some cases, box inserts with tilted alignment, and it back rotates to normal position to make interface engage after this.This is usually directed to the deflection of joint element, thus the connection of inappropriate interface, leakage and fret wear or damage may occur.

Accompanying drawing explanation

In order to illustrate object, referring now to schematic figures, some embodiment of the present invention is described, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates the sketch of the embodiment of fluid injection system with front view;

Fig. 2 illustrates the sketch of the embodiment of the fluid injection system of Fig. 1 with side view;

Fig. 3 illustrates the side cross-sectional view of a part for the embodiment of fluid injection system, and fluid box is in not-connected status;

Fig. 4 illustrates the embodiment of the details of the reception structure of fluid box with front view;

Fig. 5 illustrates the perspective view of the embodiment of fluid box;

Fig. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the embodiment of the fluid box of Fig. 5, clearly show guide rail and breech lock track;

Fig. 7 illustrates the side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the part of the fluid injection system of Fig. 3, and wherein, fluid box is connected to box and receives structure;

Fig. 8 illustrates the flow chart of embodiment fluid box being connected to the method receiving structure;

Fig. 9 illustrates fluid box relative to the flow chart of another embodiment of method receiving anatomical connectivity and disconnection;

Figure 10 illustrates in the first stage connecting fluid box, and fluid box and box receive the schematic cross-sectional upward view of the embodiment of structure, and wherein, breech lock arranges and becomes translucent owing to illustrating reason;

Figure 11 illustrates in the second stage connecting fluid box, and the fluid box of Figure 10 and box receive the schematic cross-sectional upward view of the embodiment of structure, and wherein, breech lock arranges and becomes translucent owing to illustrating reason;

Figure 12 illustrates in the phase III connecting fluid box, and the fluid box of Figure 10 and 11 and box receive the schematic cross-sectional upward view of the embodiment of structure, and wherein, breech lock arranges and becomes translucent owing to illustrating reason;

Figure 13 illustrates in the final stage connecting fluid box, and the fluid box of Figure 10-12 and box receive the schematic cross-sectional upward view of the embodiment of structure, and wherein, breech lock arranges and becomes translucent owing to illustrating reason;

Figure 14 illustrates in the first stage disconnecting fluid box, and the fluid box of Figure 10-13 and box receive the schematic cross-sectional upward view of the embodiment of structure, and wherein, breech lock arranges and becomes translucent owing to illustrating reason;

Figure 15 illustrates in the second stage disconnecting fluid box, and the fluid box of Figure 10-14 and box receive the schematic cross-sectional upward view of the embodiment of structure, and wherein, breech lock arranges and becomes translucent owing to illustrating reason.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following detailed description, with reference to accompanying drawing.Embodiment in described explanation and accompanying drawing is considered to be illustrative, and does not think to be limited to described specific embodiment or element.Multiple embodiment can be obtained by the modification of some element, combination or change from following explanation and/or accompanying drawing.In addition, will also be appreciated that and may other embodiment concrete disclosed or element can be obtained from this explanation and accompanying drawing by those skilled in the art.

In this description, can with reference to the three dimensions comprising X, Y and Z axis.The one dimension of box 3 inserts and discharge direction is parallel to Y-axis.Y-axis is also referred to as straight line Y.

Fig. 1 and 2 shows fluid injection system 1.Fluid injection system 1 comprises fluid ejection apparatus 2 and fluid box 3.Fluid ejection apparatus 2 can comprise printer.Printer can be ink-jet printer, such as hot ink-jet, piezoelectric ink jet or continous inkjet printers.Fluid ejection apparatus 2 comprises one or more reception structure 4, for receiving and exchanging one or more corresponding fluid box 3.Each box 3 of same fluid ejection apparatus 2 can comprise different fluid.If fluid ejection apparatus 2 is printers, the fluid in so each box 3 can comprise the ink of particular color, such as cyan, reddish violet, yellow, black and/or grey.Box 3 is arranged to exchange relative to corresponding reception structure 4.

Receive structure 4 to be arranged to box 3 to be connected to printhead 5.Fluid supply apparatus 6 is arranged to receive fluid from corresponding box 3, and fluid is flowed to printhead 5.In the embodiment shown, structure 4 and box 3 off-axis setting is when mounted received.Printhead 5 can comprise page-wide array printhead (PWA) or scanning and printing head.Receive structure 4 to be arranged to set up the fluid interface by fluid supply apparatus 6 between box 3 and printhead 5.During printing, print media 7 extends below printhead 5.(not shown) in other embodiments, receives structure 4 and box 3 is arranged in scan axis when mounted.In other embodiments, box 3 comprises monoblock type printhead, and wherein, fluid displacement and printhead are formed integral in a box feeding mechanism, receives structure 4 to be connected to.

Fluid ejection apparatus 2 is provided with control circuit 8 and memory 9.Fluid box 3 is provided with box circuit 10, such as, comprise box memory 11.Control circuit 8 is arranged to obtain data from box circuit 10.Data comprise some box characteristic, such as product performance, fluid type characteristic and/or amount of fluid characteristic.

Fig. 3 shows and receives structure 4 and fluid box 3 and be in just position before or after installation.When installing (Fig. 7), receive the total interface interconnection of structure 4 and fluid box 3.Receive the slit opening that structure 4 can comprise box 3 insertion.Receive the part of structure 4 can be arranged to guide box 3 and be connected with guiding piece 17, move with linearly Y.Arrow A represents that box 3 is represented along one dimension straight line Y(by Y-axis) insertion move.Once fluid box 3 engages with guiding piece 17, its insertion movement is substantially limited in linearly Y and moves.In principle, inserting along guiding piece 17 and between expulsive stage, there is no mobile along Z and X-axis and there is no the in rotary moving of box 3.But technical staff will understand, can allow at box 3 and receive structure 4(such as, guiding piece 17) interface material in a certain amount of gap, surplus or tolerance.In one embodiment, off-axis surplus is about 3 millimeters or less in the direction perpendicular to straight line Y, and is about 3 ° or less around straight line Y or Z axis or X-axis.These surpluses still can allow box 3 to be suitably connected to and receive structure 4.

Receive structure 4 and comprise two fluid interfaces.Fluid interface comprises a first fluid pen 12 and a second fluid pen 13.First fluid can be printing-fluid, such as ink.Second fluid can be gas, such as air.Pen 12,13 is arranged to set up fluid with corresponding first and second box fluid interfaces and is connected.First and second box fluid interfaces can comprise the first and second sockets 14,15 respectively.Pen 12,13 has central axis C1, C2 of being parallel to Y-axis respectively.(not shown) in one embodiment, receives structure 4 and only has fluid interface, such as a pen.(not shown) in another embodiment, receives structure 4 and has more than two such fluid interfaces.

In an embodiment, first fluid pen 12 comprises writing brush.First fluid pen 12 has relatively little diameter at its mouth 16 place.First fluid pen 12 has longitudinal shape.First fluid pen 12 has frustoconical shape.First fluid pen 12 can be made up of molded plastics.Receive structure 4 and comprise guiding piece 17, for box 3 being guided to Y along one-dimensional square when inserting and discharge.Guiding piece 17 can be longer than first fluid pen 12 or at least have about equal length, so that pen 12 suitably inserts in respective socket 14, and prevents the pen 12 when inserting or discharge from rupturing or bending.This allows pen 12 to be made up of relatively cheap molded plastics.

In an embodiment, second fluid pen 13 comprises gas interface, for controlling the pressure in the internal capacity of fluid box 3.Gas can comprise surrounding air.In other embodiments, second fluid pen 13 is arranged to be connected to the second socket-shaped fluid interface 15, second socket-shaped fluid interface 15 and then can be connected to pressure bag in the internal capacity of box 3.Second fluid pen 13 has longitudinal shape.Second fluid pen 13 has frustoconical shape.Second fluid pen 13 can be made up of molded plastics.Guiding piece 17 can be longer than second fluid pen 13 or at least have about equal length, so that second fluid pen 13 suitably inserts in corresponding second fluid interface 15, and prevents the second fluid pen 13 when inserting or discharge from rupturing or bending.This allows pen 13 to be made up of relatively cheap molded plastics.

Guiding piece 17 and/or corresponding guiding interface are by the insertion of box 3 and discharge mobile restriction at one dimension.This allows relatively to grow and dark the corresponding interface 12,13 and 14,15.Corresponding pen 12,13 can have the length of at least 5 millimeters or at least 10 millimeters.Respective socket 14,15 can have the degree of depth of at least about 3 millimeters or at least about 5 millimeters or about 10 millimeters.

In an embodiment, receive structure 4 and comprise connector circuit 18, for the control circuit 8 of fluid ejection apparatus 2 is interconnected with box circuit 19.In figure 3, the rear side of connector circuit 18 is shown.In the diagram, the embodiment of connector circuit 18 has been shown in the plane formed by X and Z axis.Connector circuit 18 comprises connector electrode 20.Electrode 20 can along being approximately parallel to Z axis and line P perpendicular to straight line Y extends.When linearly Y inserts or discharges box 3, box circuit 19 moves along electrode 20, until they connect.Connector circuit 18 is arranged in and is laterally connected to box circuit 19 relative to the direction B of straight line Y transverse direction.In the accompanying drawings, horizontal direction B is parallel to X-axis.In the installation situation of box 3, connector circuit 18 and box circuit 19 extend each other adjacently, as can be seen from the moving direction of linearly Y.In the embodiment shown, electrode 20 comprises pin.Connector electrode 20 is arranged to move with horizontal direction B.Electrode 20 can comprise the elastic component towards box circuit 19 bias voltage, to be electrically connected.During box 3 inserts, electrode 20 is promoted backward by box circuit 19.During inserting, connector electrode 20 can slide on box circuit 19, until box 3 is locked in and receives in structure 4 and electrode 20 sets up appropriate contact with corresponding box circuit 19.Meanwhile, elastic component promotes electrode 20 against circuit 19, to be better electrically connected.When box 3 is discharged again, electrode 20 is due to elastic force outwards movement again.

Fluid ejection apparatus 2 can comprise at least two different reception keyed jointing interfaces 22.In an embodiment, each reception structure 4 is provided with other that to receive structure 4 from other and receives a different specific reception keyed jointing interface 22 of keyed jointing interface 22.Receive keyed jointing interface 22 and correspond to specific ink color, such as cyan, reddish violet, yellow or black.In an embodiment, fluid ejection apparatus 2 comprises the specific reception keyed jointing interface 22 for each particular fluid box 3.In an embodiment, fluid ejection apparatus 2 comprises four reception structures 2 with four corresponding reception keyed jointing interfaces 22, and the fluid box 3 of each particular color with having corresponding box keyed jointing interface 24 is corresponding.

Fluid ejection apparatus 2 comprises reception structure 4, receives structure 4 and has the reception keyed jointing interface 22 being arranged to allow to be connected to the box 3 with coupling keyed jointing interface 24, and prevent from being connected with the fluid box 3 being provided with not matching box keyed jointing interface 24.Such as, the first reception keyed jointing interface 22 comprises the first recess 23 or otch.The coupling first box keyed jointing interface 24 of corresponding box 3 comprises correspondingly is inverted recess or interface 25, and it can't help the first reception keyed jointing interface 22 and blocks during inserting, but gets clogged when inserting other that have that other receives keyed jointing interface 22 and receiving in structure.Similarly, other box 3 have to receive with first keyed jointing interface 22 unmatched second, third, the 4th and/or box keyed jointing interface 24 in addition.Other second, third, the 4th and/or receive in addition keyed jointing interface and do not mate with the first box keyed jointing interface 24.Keyed jointing interface 22,24 prevents the black color of corresponding box 3 and reception structure 4 from not mating.

The keyed jointing interface 22 receiving structure 4 can be arranged by adjacent connector circuit 19.The corresponding keys connection interface 24 of box 3 can be arranged by adjacent box circuit 19.If keyed jointing interface 22,24 mates, they can side direction engage, thus circuit 18,19 can be pressed contact.If keyed jointing interface 22,24 does not mate, electrical contact may not be set up.On the one hand, if keyed jointing interface does not mate, between connector circuit 18 and box circuit 19, electrical contact is not had.On the other hand, the corresponding keyed jointing interface 22,24 of reception structure 4 and box 3 contributes to the appropriate contact between interconnection circuit 18,19.

Guiding piece 17 is arranged to the linearly Y guiding of corresponding fluid box 3.Guiding piece 17 is arranged to engage with the corresponding interface that guides of box 3, such as guide rail 21.Guiding piece 17 comprises the track being parallel to Y-axis and extending.Guiding piece 17 is longer than each pen 13, to guarantee that pen 12,13 suitably aligns with respective socket 14,15.This can provide the good interconnection of not leakage and pen 12,13 can be prevented to be out of shape.Guiding piece 17 can comprise T-shaped track, for engaging with the corresponding guide rail 21 of box 3.T-shaped track prevents box 3 from rotating around mobile straight line Y and around other axle X, Z.

Reception structure 4 comprises breech lock and arranges 26, for lock box 3.In the embodiment shown, breech lock arranges 26 and comprises breech lock 27, and breech lock 27 is arranged to be guided between the locking and unlocking position by the corresponding breech lock track 28 of box 3.Breech lock 27 can be arranged in the bottom receiving structure 4, for engaging with the bottom of box 3.Breech lock arranges 26 can comprise breech lock pivot 29 and pivotal arm 29B, moves between the locking and unlocking position with latch enable 27, by around pivot axis L pivotable.In the accompanying drawings, pivot axis L, perpendicular to straight line Y, is parallel to Z axis.In an embodiment, breech lock 27 around pivot axis L bias voltage, thus returns to starting position after box 3 is discharged, thus engages with corresponding breech lock rail walls.

In an embodiment, breech lock 27 comprises pin.In latched position, breech lock 27 engages with the corresponding breech lock stop part 30 of box 3.At unlocked position, breech lock 27 departs from from breech lock stop part 30, thus box 3 can discharge from reception structure 4.Breech lock 27 can stretch out on pivotal arm 29B top.In the installation situation of box 3, breech lock 27 stretches out in breech lock track 28, and pivot 29 and pivotal arm 29B stretch out below the basal surface 35 of box 3 simultaneously.In the embodiment shown, breech lock arranges the breech lock border 29C that 26 comprise the movement of restriction breech lock 27.In an embodiment, breech lock border 29C is arranged to engage with breech lock pivotal arm 29B and limit the movement of breech lock pivotal arm 29B.In the insertion situation of box 3, breech lock border 29C extends below box 3.

Box receives structure 4 and comprises catapult-launching gear 31.Fig. 3 shows catapult-launching gear 31 and be in uncompressed state after box 3 is discharged or before inserting.Each reception structure 4 comprises catapult-launching gear 31.Catapult-launching gear 31 is to be parallel to the direction bias voltage of straight line Y.Catapult-launching gear 31 can comprise spring or other flexible member, such as elastomer element.Spring can comprise helical spring.When fluid box 3 insertion and breech lock, the leading section 44 of catapult-launching gear 31 engages with the front surface 33 of box 3.In the embodiment shown, the central axis C2 of spring equals the central axis C2 of second fluid pen 13.Second fluid pen 13 extends in spring.Helical spring is attached to the base portion 32 of second fluid pen 13.The size of catapult-launching gear spring makes helical spring uncompressed situation (Fig. 3), box 3 can by hand-held go out.

Catapult-launching gear 31 is arranged to box 3 to release and is received structure 4.In installation and locked condition, box 3 is remained on by breech lock 27 and receives in structure 4, compression ejection apparatus 31 simultaneously.Breech lock 27 can by opposing compression ejection apparatus 31 power linearly Y promote box 3 further and guide to unlocked position from latched position, as further discussed below.At unlocked position, breech lock 27 discharges box 3, and catapult-launching gear 31 goes compression, thus linearly Y receives the direction delivery cassette 3 of structure 4 to leave.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrates the embodiment of fluid box 3 with perspective view.Fig. 5 clearly show front surface 33, and Fig. 6 clearly show that basal surface 35.In the embodiment shown, fluid, electrically and keyed jointing interface be arranged on front surface 33.Interface, breech lock track 28 and breech lock stop part 30 is guided to be arranged on basal surface 35.

The fluid interface of box 3 comprises the first box fluid interface for first fluid and the second box fluid interface for second fluid.In an embodiment, first fluid comprises printing-fluid or liquid, such as ink, and second fluid comprises gas, such as air.In the embodiment shown, the first and second box fluid interfaces comprise the first and second sockets 14,15 respectively, be arranged to receive corresponding pen 12,13 respectively and fluid transmission is come and gone pen 12,13.First socket 14 can be connected to the internal capacity of box 3.Second socket 15 can be connected to the pressure bag in the internal capacity of box 3.

The degree of depth of respective socket 14,15 approximates greatly or is shorter than the length of guiding piece 17 or guide rail 21, after engaging to guiding piece 17 at box 3, receive corresponding pen 12,13, to guarantee suitably to align with corresponding pen 12,13.Central axis C1, C2 of socket 14,15 are parallel to straight line Y.In the installation situation of box 3, central axis C1, C2 of socket 14,15 are approximately identical with central axis C1, C2 of corresponding reception fluid interface 12,13.

Box 3 can be included in the catapult-launching gear alignment interface 36 on front surface 33.In an embodiment, catapult-launching gear alignment interface 36 is arranged in box fluid interface (being set to socket 14,15 in the embodiment shown) near one and/or around.In the embodiment shown, catapult-launching gear alignment interface 36 is arranged around the second socket 15, has the central axis C2 identical with the second socket 15, and in the insertion situation of box 3, has and second 13 identical central axis C2.In the example shown, catapult-launching gear alignment interface 36 comprises ring, such as with around the spine of the second socket 15 or the shape of flange, the inner rim for the leading section 44 with spring shape catapult-launching gear 31 engages, for aliging when engaging with box 3 and keeping catapult-launching gear 31 to put in place.

First socket 14 comprises sealing ring 37, for receiving the first stroke 12.Sealing ring 37 comprises elastomeric material, such as elastomeric material, at least substantially thoroughly fluidly not encapsulate first fluid pen 12 when the connection state of the first stroke 12.As further discussed below, in insertion and the stage of discharge, pen 12 and pen 12 are connected for inwardly being inserted into further in the first socket 14 compared with the position that prints.Thus, sealing ring 37 is arranged to allow further distortion, to allow this further insertion of the first stroke 12.The interior diameter of sealing ring 37 makes its saturating the first stroke 12 that fluidly encapsulates divide until wider part from the narrow portion of the conical by its shape of pen 12.Such as, pen 12 can have the minimum diameter of about 2.0 and the maximum gauge of about 2.3 millimeters along conical by its shape.In other embodiments, pen 12 can have the minimum diameter of at least about 1.5 and/or about 3.5 millimeters or less maximum gauge along the conical by its shape of pen 12.Other embodiment can have less and/or larger diameter respectively.

Sealing ring 37 is arranged to thoroughly fluidly not encapsulate the first stroke 12 along the major part of the length of the first stroke 12.In an embodiment, the interior diameter of sealing ring 37 is approximately 1.2 millimeters.Depend on the diameter of pen 12, in other embodiments, the interior diameter of sealing ring 37 can between about 0.6 and about 3.0 millimeters.When pen 12 slides through sealing ring 37, the interior diameter of sealing ring 37 can stretch, keep its fluid-tight pen encapsulation characteristic, such as at least about 0.3 millimeter or at least about 0.6 millimeter or at least about 1.6 millimeters in other embodiments in other embodiments simultaneously.In the embodiment shown, sealing ring 37 comprises tapered receiver mouth 37B, for the first stroke 12 that aligns when inserting.In the embodiment shown, sealing ring 37 comprises projection 37C, is arranged to prevent sealing ring 37 from sticking on relative composition surface, such as be inserted in receive in structure time and/or during fabrication.

Box 3 comprises circuit 19(Fig. 3).In the embodiment shown, circuit 19 is recessed relative to front surface 33, thus only after other interface connects, is setting up the electrical contact with connector circuit 18.In an embodiment, this can prevent printer before fluid interface 12,14,13,15 connects from receiving the signal of telecommunication.This signal of telecommunication triggers printer actuated printheads 5 and/or box 3 sometimes, and this prevents by some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Box circuit 19 is arranged in and inserts side direction connection when receiving in structure 4.At connection state, connector circuit 18 extends at least in part in box 3.Such as, box circuit 19 comprises the electrode 38 extended in one plane, and this plane approximately perpendicular to the front surface 33 of box 3, and is parallel to direction of insertion, and/or is the plane formed by Z axis and Y-axis.In an embodiment, in the installation site of box 3, the electrode 38 of box circuit 18 extends along the line PP being approximately parallel to Z axis and/or front surface 33.Line PP extends below at front surface 33.The electrode 38 of box circuit 19 is arranged to the counter electrode 20 being connected to connector circuit 18.In the installation situation of box 3, the line PP extending through the electrode 38 of box 3 is parallel to the line P(Fig. 4 of the electrode 20 extending through connector circuit 18).In installation situation, connector circuit 38 extends through the front surface 33 of box 3 at least partly or extends below, for being connected with box circuit 18 at the front surface 33 of box 3.

In an embodiment, box 3 comprises box keyed jointing interface 24, for preventing from being connected to the reception structure 4 being provided with and not mating keyed jointing interface 22.In the embodiment shown, box keyed jointing interface 24 comprises otch 25.In other embodiments, box keyed jointing interface 24 can comprise projection, in a further embodiment, can comprise both.Do not mate if box keyed jointing interface 24 is arranged to receive keyed jointing interface 22, stop the further insertion of box 3.Do not mate if box keyed jointing interface 24 is arranged to receive keyed jointing interface 22, stop that connector circuit 18 inserts in box 3, thus will lose efficacy with the electrical connection of box circuit 19.

Keyed jointing interface 22,24 can be arranged to except guiding piece 17, provide the additional alignment of box 3 relative to receiving structure 4, such as, prevent from rotating around mobile straight line Y.In addition, if the keyed jointing interface 22,24 receiving structure 4 and box 3 mates, keyed jointing interface 22,23 can engage due to its correspondingly-shaped, thus circuit 18,19 suitably interconnects.

In certain embodiments, box 3 is not provided with keyed jointing interface 24, thus box 3 can mate with any reception structure 4 of fluid ejection apparatus 1, and circuit 18,19 interconnects, and has nothing to do with reception keyed jointing interface 24.

Box 3 comprises guiding interface, for cooperating with the guiding piece 17 receiving structure 4.In the embodiment shown, interface is guided to comprise guide rail 21.Guide interface to arrange and be used for linearly Y guide box 3, to connect described interface.Guiding interface can have the guide engagement surface being parallel to described straight line Y and extending.

Guide rail 21 arranges and is used for engaging with guiding piece 17.Guide rail 21 can be arranged to guide corresponding T-shaped rail guide 17.In the embodiment shown, guide rail 21 comprises t shaped incision.Guide rail 21 comprises flange 39, the alar part 17B(Fig. 3 at T-shaped rail guide 17) below joint.Guide rail 21 can comprise tapered opening 40, is beneficial to easily receive T-shaped rail guide 17.Flange 39 can be tapered near opening 40.Guide rail 21 can also comprise guiding stop part 45.

The bottom of box 3 also comprises breech lock track 28.Guide rail 21 and breech lock track 28 can be included in an overall otch in the bottom 35 of box 3.Bottom can comprise bulk molding compound shape.

Box 3 comprises breech lock track 28 and breech lock stop part 30.Breech lock track 28 is arranged to breech lock 27 to move relative to breech lock stop part 30.Once breech lock 27 engages with breech lock stop part 30, box 3 is just limited.Pod interface can be determined relative to the position of receive structure interface linearly Y in the position of breech lock stop part 30.

Breech lock track 28 comprises locking track 28A and unlocks track 28B.Locking track 28A can be different wholly or in part from unblock track 28B.Breech lock stop part 30 is arranged on locking track 28A and unlocks between track 28B, thus breech lock 27 guides on a side 28A of breech lock stop part 30 during inserting, and guides on the 28B of opposite flank when discharging.When inserting, breech lock 27 is guided by locking track 28A.Locking track 28A can comprise the breech lock guiding surface 46 of breech lock stop part 30, for being guided on the correct side of breech lock stop part 30 by breech lock 27.Locking track 28A can also comprise breech lock guiding wall 47 at the end of locking track 28A.The end that breech lock guiding wall 47 is arranged in locking track 28A receives breech lock 27 and breech lock 27 is guided to breech lock stop part 30.Breech lock stop part 30 comprises breech lock stop wall 49 and breech lock bearing 50.Breech lock guiding wall 47 is arranged to guide breech lock 27 to the engaged locking position (Figure 13) with breech lock stop wall 49.Bearing 50 is included in the projection in stop wall 49, to slip away breech lock stop wall 49 for preventing breech lock 27.In latched position, breech lock 27 engages with bearing 50.In latched position, catapult-launching gear 31 is compressed and is promoted box 3, thus breech lock stop part 30 is by backup breech lock 27.

In addition, unlock track 28B and comprise breech lock changed course wall 48.Breech lock changed course wall 48 is arranged in and receives breech lock 27 when breech lock stop part 30 and breech lock track 28A inwardly promote and guide breech lock 27 to unblock track 28B, for discharging breech lock backstop bonding station.When discharging, breech lock 27 is through the side relative relative to insertion of breech lock stop part 30.Breech lock changed course wall 48 can be arranged on the end of breech lock track 28.Once breech lock 27 is in the unlocked position, catapult-launching gear 31 delivery cassette 3, thus it can manually be taken out.

In an embodiment, breech lock track 28 comprises the sense of hearing and/or tactile feedback member.Breech lock 27 can around its pivot axis L bias voltage.Breech lock 27 can slide against breech lock rail walls, and breech lock 27 is advanced through breech lock track 28 simultaneously.Such as, one or more breech lock rail walls can comprise one or more feedback means, such as, protrudes, to provide the sense of hearing and/or tactile feedback when breech lock 27 is advanced in breech lock track 28.Feedback means can be arranged near breech lock guiding wall 47, will move to latched position from breech lock 27 here when box 3 is released.When receiving the sense of hearing and/or tactile feedback, user can know that box 3 can discharge and lock onto and receive structure 4.Another feedback means can be arranged near breech lock changed course wall 48, is used to indicate the unblock of box 3.

Fig. 7 shows the cross section of a part for fluid injection system 1, and wherein, fluid box 3 is connected with reception structure 4.Catapult-launching gear 31 is compressed and by box breech lock stop part 30 backup breech lock 27.Box 3 keeps putting in place by guiding piece 17 further.Pen 12,13 major parts extend, for carrying corresponding fluids between box 3 and fluid ejection apparatus 2 in respective socket 14,15.

Respective electrode 20, the 38 side direction interconnection of connector circuit 18 and box circuit 19.Such as, electrode 20,38 is along being parallel to Z axis and/or line P or PP in the plane being parallel to the plane formed by Y-axis and Z axis interconnects.Because box circuit 19 is recessed relative to the front surface 33 of box 3, thus connector circuit 18 and box circuit 19 interconnect in the neighboring of box 3, after front surface 33.In installation situation, connector circuit 18 extends at least in part in box 3.In an embodiment, between connector circuit 18 and box circuit 19 be connected to box 3 inherent box keyed jointing interface 24 below and/or adjacent box keyed jointing interface 24 set up.

In an embodiment, box 3 comprises at least one finger engaging surfaces 51, is beneficial to the manual manipulation with indication box 3, such as, in insertion or when taking out box 3.Finger engaging surfaces 51 can comprise one or combination in inwardly curled portion, one or more flank, otch etc.Finger engaging surfaces 51 can be arranged on the top surface 53 of box 3, near rear surface 34.As shown in the illustrated embodiment, in the installation situation of box 3, receive structure 4 major part and cover finger engaging surfaces 51.After discharge, finger engaging surfaces 51 is visible and freely engage, to take out box 3.

In an embodiment, box 3 comprises finger push surface 52, needs to be pushed to receive in structure 4, for the locking and unlocking of box 3 with indication box 3.Finger push surface 52 can comprise one or combination in inwardly curled portion, one or more flank, otch etc.Finger push surface 52 is arranged in rear surface 34.In the installation situation of box 3, rear surface 34 and finger push surface 52 are outside visible in reception structure 4.Although finger push surface 52 can have precalculated position on rear surface 34, but the aspect of some embodiment of the present disclosure is, box 3 can promote on any position of rear surface 33, so that the suitable connection of interface, because guiding piece 17 can linearly Y guide box 3, and with specific promotion position or tilt to have nothing to do.

Fig. 8 shows embodiment fluid box 3 being connected to the method receiving structure 4 with flow chart.In the first stage 800 of this method, fluid box 3 is inserted into and receives in structure 4.Mobile be limited in one dimension, that is, box 3 linearly Y move, represented by the stage 810.At the end of one-dimensional movement, between box 3 and fluid ejection apparatus 2, set up fluid connect.In the stage 820, breech lock 27 is moved by linearly Y and is directed to latched position.Breech lock 27 keeps fluid to connect.Stage 810 and 820 can occur simultaneously.In the stage 830, fluid can flow through and connect fluid interface, such as, for Fluid injection.

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment fluid box 3 being connected to the method receiving structure 4 with flow chart.Figure 10-15 illustrates box 3 arranges 26 ordinal position relative to breech lock, corresponding with some in the stage 900-914 of Fig. 9.

In the stage 900, box 3 is manually inserted into and receives in structure 4.Figure 10 corresponds to the stage 900, wherein, illustrates box arranges 26 position relative to reception structure 4 and breech lock.In next stage 901, guide rail 21 engages with guiding piece 17.Receive in structure 4 by box 3 is pushed to further, guiding piece 17 linearly Y in the direction guide box 3 of catapult-launching gear 31.In another stage 902, breech lock 27 engages with breech lock track 28.Breech lock 27 guides along locking track 28A, as shown in figure 11.Pivotal arm 29B is around pivot axis L(Fig. 3) pivotable, with the wall guided of latch enable 27 by locking track 28A.In the stage 903, catapult-launching gear 31 engages with the front surface 33 of box and is compressed.Catapult-launching gear 31 can engage with the ring 36 be arranged on around second receiver socket 15.Described stage 901-903 can carry out simultaneously.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9-15, box 3 and reception structure 4 have coupling keyed jointing interface 22,24.In the stage 904, fluid interface 12,13,14,15 interconnects and receives keyed jointing interface 22,24 coupling of structure 4 and box 3.Coupling keyed jointing interface 22,24 allows box circuit 19 and connector circuit 18 to interconnect.After keyed jointing coupling, in the stage 905, set up the electrical connection between circuit 18,19.Control circuit 8 receives the respective signal setting up electrical connection.The electrical connection of setting up means that also setting up fluid connects.

In the stage 906, user inwardly promotes box 3, until receive sense of touch and/or audio feedback.Such as, breech lock 27 and the end 47 of breech lock track 28 engage and/or guide stop part 45 to engage with the end of guiding piece 17 and/or catapult-launching gear 33 can not compress further.In corresponding Figure 12, show breech lock 27 and engage with the end of breech lock track 28, in this embodiment, breech lock 27 engages with breech lock guiding wall 47, breech lock 27 is directed to latched position when discharging.In the stage 907, user is by manual releasing box 3.In the stage 908, catapult-launching gear 31 goes compression, promotes box 33 backward, until breech lock 27 engages with breech lock stop part 30.As can be seen from corresponding Figure 13, breech lock 27 is by engaging and keeping box 3 with breech lock stop wall 49.Breech lock 27 keeps putting in place by bearing 50.The stage 904 and 905 of keyed jointing coupling and electrical connection and the stage 906-908 of breech lock locking can carry out approximately simultaneously.

As compartmentalized box for holding assorted fruits and candies 3 does not correctly promote, so fluid and/or other interface may suitably not connect.In this case, breech lock 27 may not arrive breech lock guiding wall 47 and not arrive latched position.So setting up any electrically and/or before fluid connects, box 3 automatically will be released by catapult-launching gear 31.

In the stage 909, fluid injection system 1 prints by means of obtaining first fluid from box 3 by first fluid interface 12,14.After printing, such as, when the basic overhead of box 3, box 3 can be discharged, to change.In the stage 910, user promotes box 3 with the direction of catapult-launching gear 31.By promoting box 3, breech lock 27 can engage with the breech lock wall 48 that alters course.In next stage 911, breech lock 27 is such as by breech lock changed course wall 48(Figure 14) be directed to unlocked position.At unlocked position, box 3 is no longer kept by breech lock 27.In the stage 912, user can manually discharge box 3.In the stage 913, catapult-launching gear 31 goes compression, thus delivery cassette 3(Figure 15).Discharge and become possibility because box 3 is no longer kept (Figure 15).In the stage 914, box 3 is taken out and is received structure 4 by user.

As described in, box 3 can comprise first fluid interface 12, second fluid interface 13, electric interfaces 19, catapult-launching gear alignment interface 36 and/or keyed jointing interface 24, and it is arranged in front surface 33.Guide interface to be arranged in basal surface 35, have near front surface 33 and receive opening 40.Thus, described interface is arranged in the neighbouring joint of front surface 33 of box 3.In the embodiment shown, keyed jointing interface 24 and electric interfaces 19 are arranged near top surface 53, second fluid interface 15 and catapult-launching gear alignment interface 36 are arranged near the centre of front surface 33, and first fluid interface 14 and guiding piece receive opening 40 and be arranged near basal surface 35.Described interface distributes on front surface 33 relatively uniformly, thus provides the relatively uniform distribution of the attachment force of the corresponding interface, and relatively low total attachment force, such as about 14 newton or less.In the breech lock and guide of fluid injection system 1, do not need the distortion of breech lock or leader.Relatively light and simple promotion is enough to set up positive lock.In addition, guiding piece 17 allows any position of user on the rear surface 34 of box 3 to promote, to set up all connections at a direction Y.

Box 3 and receive structure 4 can relative thin, thus only take the little volume of printer.Box tracks also takies relatively little space, because it comprises straight line Y.In addition, box 3 can use identical promotion campaign to discharge at equidirectional Y.As compartmentalized box for holding assorted fruits and candies 3 is not properly connected (such as, on fluid and/or electrically), so box 3 is automatically released by catapult-launching gear 31.

Above-mentioned explanation is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to disclosed embodiment.By studying accompanying drawing, disclosure and appended claims carefully, when the invention of practice calls protection, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that and implement other change of disclosed embodiment.In certain embodiments, machinery is put upside down and can be applied relative to illustrated embodiment.Such as, breech lock track 28 can be arranged on and receive in structure 4, and breech lock arranges 26 and can be arranged in box 3.First and second fluid interfaces of box 3 can comprise pen, and correspondence first and second fluid interface receiving structure 4 can comprise socket.

Indefinite article " one " is not got rid of multiple, and the possibility with more multicomponent do not got rid of by the element simultaneously with reference to some.Individual unit can realize the multinomial function recorded in disclosure, and vice versa: the multinomial function that can realize a unit.

In the following claims, the simple fact is, some measured value recorded in mutually different dependent claims does not also mean that the combination of these measured values can not advantageously use.When not departing from the scope of the invention, multiple possibility, equivalent, change and combination can be carried out.

Claims (8)

1. the print cartridge for ink-jet printer (2) (3), comprising:

Interface on front surface (33), receive structure (4) for being connected to box, described interface comprises the black socket (14) be positioned near basal surface (35);

Guide interface, for linearly (Y) guide box (3) is to connect described interface, described guiding interface comprises the guiding piece be positioned near basal surface (35) and receives opening (40);

Breech lock stop part (30) in basal surface (35) and breech lock track (28), to guide the breech lock (27) receiving structure (4) with keeping box; With

Circuit (10,19), comprise the memory (11) with box performance data, be arranged near the top surface (53) relative with basal surface (35), recessed relative to described front surface (33), electrical contact is carried out after connecting at other interface, described circuit (10,19) comprises electrode, and described electrode is at the plane (Y perpendicular to front surface (33), Z) extend in, and be arranged on parallel with front surface (33) and on line (PP) after front surface (33).

2. print cartridge according to claim 1 (3), wherein, described circuit (10,19) connects to (X, B) with corresponding connector circuit (18) establishment side in the neighboring of box (3).

3. the print cartridge (3) according to any one of claim 1 and 2, wherein, interface on front surface (35) comprises catapult-launching gear alignment interface (36), and described catapult-launching gear alignment interface (36) comprises the annular ridge be arranged near front surface (35) centre.

4. according to the print cartridge (3) that claim 3 is stated, wherein, described interface comprises second fluid interface, described second fluid interface comprises the second socket (15), wherein, described annular ridge is arranged around the second socket (15) in front surface (35), has the central axis (C2) identical with respective socket.

5. print cartridge according to claim 1 (3), wherein, described black socket (14) comprises sealing ring (37), for receiving the taper pen of described reception structure (4), the interior diameter of described sealing ring (37) is arranged to stretch at least about 0.6 millimeter, for encapsulating along the conical by its shape of pen when inserting and sealing described pen.

6. print cartridge according to claim 1 (3), wherein, described guiding interface (17) comprises and is parallel to described linearly extended guide rail (21).

7. print cartridge according to claim 6 (3), wherein, described guide rail (21) comprises t shaped incision, receives the corresponding T-shaped track (17) of structure (4) for guide box.

8. print cartridge according to claim 6 (3), wherein, described guide rail (21) and breech lock track (28) are formed by the overall otch of in the bottom (35) of box (3).