CN1088012C

CN1088012C - Ink container configured for use with compact supply station

Info

Publication number: CN1088012C
Application number: CN97117917A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·A·巴里尼亚加; B·考格; J·E·克拉克; J·A·安德伍德; P·D·加斯特; S·M·哈梅尔阿
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Co
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 1997-01-30
Filing date: 1997-08-29
Publication date: 2002-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2017-08-29
Also published as: CN1186021A

Abstract

The present invention is a replaceable ink container for use in a printing system. The printing system is of the type having a printhead mounted in a scanning carriage and a supply station for receiving the replaceable ink container. The supply station is in fluid communication with the printhead. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid outlet configured for engaging corresponding fluid inlet portions on the supply station. Also included is a first and second guide feature disposed on an outer surface of the replaceable ink container. The first and second guide features are disposed and arranged to engage corresponding first and second guiding features disposed on opposite ends of the supply station to guide the replaceable ink container into the supply station to fluidically couple the fluid outlet and corresponding fluid inlet.

Description

Its configuration is suitable for the ink reservoir that small-sized ink supply platform is used

The application is the part continuation application of the U.S. Patent application 08/706061 that is entitled as " ink-jet print system that has off-axis ink feeder and efficient black pipe " of submission on August 30th, 1996, this application is attached to herein by reference, the application relates to the application of its common transfer of submitting on January 30th, 1997 that is entitled as " its configuration is suitable for the ink reservoir that printer uses " (U. S. application number 8/789959, U.S.'s attorney docket is 10961157), with the patent application of submitting on January 30th, 1997 that is entitled as " the electric and fluid interface that is used for ink feeder " (U. S. application number 08/791290, authorizing March 20 calendar year 2001 is US6203147), and the patent application that is entitled as " electrical switch that is used for removable ink reservoir " submitted on January 30th, 1997 (U. S. application number 08/789958, authorizing January 2 calendar year 2001 is US6168262), the full content of these three patent applications all is attached to herein by reference.

The present invention relates to be used for removable ink reservoir to the ink jet-print head ink supply.More particularly, the present invention relates to a kind of like this ink reservoir, the configuration of this ink reservoir makes it be applicable to printer so that the topology layout of printer can effectively utilize the space, can and have less printer touchdown point near ink reservoir.

Ink-jet printer usually uses to be installed in to traverse prints for example ink jet-print head on the carriage that moves around of paper of amboceptor.When printhead traverses when printing amboceptor and moving, control system can drive printhead and droplet of ink is sprayed or be sprayed at formation image and text on this printings amboceptor.

Previously used printer is to use the ink reservoir that can change dividually with printhead always.When ink reservoir is used up, ink reservoir can be taken off with a new ink reservoir and change.Use the removable ink reservoir that separates with printhead to make the replaceable ink reservoir of user and need not to change printhead.So printhead can be in termination or changed rather than change when ink reservoir is used up during near termination in its in service life.

Need a kind of small and exquisite, reliable and psychological print system of expecting of the suitable user of configuration always.Resembling the regular work of replacing this class of ink reservoir should be easy to by the user of most printer just can finish.Under the situation of colour print, often use four kinds or more printing ink.For example, cyan has been used in the CYMK colour print.Yellow, magenta and black ink.Each color is used the printer of a removable ink reservoir all these containers must be positioned at and can be easy to be got at and be easy to catch the position of changing by the user by the user.And these printers should be all relative less so that help to reduce to take the space of sales counter or workbench and make the user have the big flexibility of trying one's best when arranging printer as far as possible aspect printer height and printer area two.

The present invention is a kind of removable ink reservoir that is used for print system.This print system is to have one to be installed in the printhead of scanning on the carriage and the print system of a such type of ink supply platform that is used to admit this removable ink reservoir.This ink supply platform is communicated with the printhead fluid.This removable ink reservoir comprises a fluid outlet, and its configuration is suitable for meshing the fluid input port part of the correspondence on the ink supply platform.Also include first and second guide members on the outer surface that is arranged on removable ink reservoir.First and second guide members are set and are positioned to first and second guide members that can mesh the correspondence on the opposite end that is arranged on the ink supply platform, so that removable ink reservoir is directed in the ink supply platform, fluid outlet and corresponding fluid input port are fluidly coupled together.

Fig. 1 is the simplified schematic diagram of this print system, shows ink reservoir of the present invention, and this ink reservoir forms the interconnected and electrical interconnection of fluid that links to each other with print system.

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of the printer that has been removed of lid, and this printer combines ink reservoir of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is the ink supply receiving station (having done partly to block) that is used on the printer shown in Figure 2, and this ink feeder is arranged to can insert in the ink feeder receiving station.

Fig. 4 has shown along the work of Fig. 3 middle section A-A ' intercepting the local simplification cross-sectional view that blocks, and wherein ink reservoir is contained in the ink reservoir receiving station shown in Figure 3.

Fig. 5 be printer shown in Figure 2 overlook the simplification view.

Fig. 6 a, 6b and 6c are the isometric view of the most preferred embodiment of ink reservoir of the present invention.

Fig. 7 a, 7b and 7c are the isometric view of another embodiment of ink reservoir of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the rough schematic view of ink-jet printer 10, and this ink-jet printer comprises an ink reservoir 12 of the present invention.This ink-jet printer 10 also comprises an ink reservoir receiving station or 14, one ink jet-print heads 16 of ink supply platform and a print control unit 18.Printing is to be finished by the mode that under the control of print control unit 18 printing ink is ejected from printhead 16 by printer 10.Printhead 16 is connected on the controller 18 so that the injection of control printing ink by a line 19.Printing ink offers printhead 16 by a fluid conduit systems 20, and this conduit 20 is connected to this printhead 16 on the ink reservoir receiving station 14 with can flowing through fluid.Ink reservoir 12 comprises an ink export 20 that is communicated with fluid reservoir 22 fluids.In a preferred embodiment, ink reservoir 12 comprises a plurality of electric contacts 24, and these contacts 24 electrically are connected on the information accumulation device 26.

Ink export 20 and electric contact 24 make ink reservoir 12 can be connected with each other this fluid intake 28 and electric contact 30 and ink reservoir receiving station 14 associated respectively reliably with a fluid intake 28 and electric contact 30.Ink reservoir receiving station 14 makes printing ink be transferred to printhead 16 through fluid line 21 from the fluid reservoir 22 that links to each other with ink reservoir 12.In addition, ink reservoir receiving station 14 information that makes can be transmitted between information accumulation device 26 that links to each other with ink reservoir 12 and print control unit 18 through a line 32.

Fig. 2 shows the perspective view of an embodiment of the ink-jet printer 10 that lid has been removed, and this printer is equipped with one or more ink reservoirs 12.What the present invention relates to is a kind ofly to be used for ink reservoir 12 directed in the ink-jet printer 10 so that guarantee can obtain method and apparatus fluid, electric and positive engagement machinery between ink reservoir and printer 10.More particularly, the present invention relates to be arranged on ink reservoir 12 and printer 10 guide member on both, these guide members allow ink reservoir 12 is set in the mode of compactness, thereby can keep less printer size and touchdown point or printer area.

Printer 10 comprises a pallet 40 that is used to keep paper supply.When the starting printing, use a feeder (not shown) that a piece of paper is sent in the printer 10 from pallet 40.In print procedure, this paper is by print zone 42, and in this print zone, the scanning carriage 44 that one or more printheads 16 are housed traverses the paper slip so that print delegation's printing ink on paper.Print the printing ink of an every trade so that form in the process of image at scanning carriage 44 on paper, paper is that stepping ground is by print zone 42.

After printing was finished, this paper just was admitted in the output pallet 46, and being provided with of feeder 40 and output pallet 46 can change according to used special paper supply or used continuous feed mechanism.

Scanning carriage 44 moves through a print zone 42 on the sweep mechanism, and this sweep mechanism comprises a slide bar 48 that is slided by scanning carriage 44 thereon.Shown coordinate system 50 have 3 mutually orthogonal axles (x, y, z).The orientation of axle x is parallel to the moving direction that scans carriage 44.The orientation of axle y is along printing the direction of amboceptor stepping by print zone 42.Use the photo-detector of positioner on scanning carriage 44 that resembles the coding band (not shown) accurately to set the position of scanning carriage 44.Use a stepper motor (not shown) driven sweep carriage 44 to traverse print zone 42 and move, this stepper motor uses the driving belt of a routine and pulley apparatus to be connected on the scanning carriage 44.

One ribbon cable (not shown) with electrical signal transfer to scanning carriage 44 on so that encourage printhead 16 selectively.When selecteed printhead 16 was energized, along with scanning carriage 44 traverses moving of print zone 42, the printing ink of selected color just is ejected to be printed on the amboceptor.

The carriage 44 of scanning shown in Fig. 2 is set in one and adjoins non-printing portion or information desk 45 places that print zone part 42 is provided with.Information desk 45 fixes printhead 16 has optimum print quality so that guarantee in overall print process.Information desk 45 is generally finished the one or more functions in the following described function: a) give printhead 16 refillings; B) do not cover other holes on orifice plate and the printhead 16 in use when printhead 16; C) from orifice plate, wipe dirt; D) prevent that the printing ink in the hole on the orifice plate is withered; E) provide a position so that with the viscosity printing ink plunger ejection of the softness after withered in the hole on the orifice plate.The information desk that is used for ink-jet printer 10 has detailed discussion at the United States Patent (USP) 5300958 of authorizing being entitled as of people such as Burke " method and apparatus that is used for automatically cleaning the printhead of heat-sensitive type ink-jet box ", and this patent has transferred assignee of the present invention and has been attached to herein by reference.

The present invention relates to printing ink is offered printhead 16 so that it is injected in the ink reservoir of printing on the amboceptor 12.Ink reservoir 12 is meant off-axis printing ink supply, because the printing ink supply is to separate with the scan axis that is limited by scanning carriage 44.The orientation of scan axis is the x axle in the coordinate system 50.This off-axis ink delivery system comprises a printing ink receiving station 14 that is used to admit ink reservoir 12.These ink reservoirs 12 often are corresponding independently an ink reservoir 12 and ink reservoir 12 that is used for black ink of every kind of colored ink under the situation of colour print.For example, the ink reservoir 12 that is used for a most preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2 is

multiple inks containers

54,56,58 and 60.Container 54 is in the splendid attire black ink, and ink reservoir 56 is used for the splendid attire Yellow ink, and ink reservoir 58 is used for the dark red printing ink of splendid attire, and ink reservoir 60 is used for the bluish-green printing ink of splendid attire.Receiving station 14 is equipped with a mechanical interface, a fluid interface and an electric interfaces.Ink reservoir 12 is inserted in the receiving station 14 along the z axle of coordinate system 50, and this direction and scan axis (x axle) and amboceptor be both quadratures roughly of the direction (y axle) of stepping by print zone in progradation.In case ink reservoir 12 suitably inserts and locks in place, just finished with electric, the machinery and the fluid of printer 10 and docked.Printing ink can be with

ink reservoir

54,56 by resembling, 58 and 60 with print scanned carriage 44 on corresponding printhead 16 fluids the such fluid line 21 of the pipe arrangement that couples together flow through these fluid interfaces in the receiving station 14.

In a preferred embodiment, with ink reservoir 12 be positioned at the z axle along and the orientation of about 10 ° angle of recording of the y direction of principal axis that departs from of scan axis on.This orientation provides towards user's inclination forward or bias voltage and ink reservoir 12 has been inserted in the ink reservoir receiving station 14 being convenient to.

Fig. 3 shows an ink reservoir 12 of the present invention, and this container is set on the position in the receiving station 14 that is inserted into printer 10.Ink reservoir 12 is equipped with the amboceptor marked fluid supply resemble printing ink.Also including in ink reservoir 12 is the ink export 20 of theme of the present invention, and a plurality of electric contact chips 24 are aimed at or guide member 62 and locking piece 64.Alignment member 62 on the ink reservoir 12 helps to make ink reservoir 12 to aim at so that be inserted in the receiving station 14.Alignment member 62 is worked together with corresponding aligning or guide member 66 on the receiving station 14.

Alignment member 62 preferably is set in the opposed both sides of ink reservoir 12.Corresponding alignment member 66 is arranged on the place, opposed two ends of ink reservoir receiving station 14.

Alignment member

62 and 66 setting make and ink reservoir 12 closely can be inserted in the ink reservoir receiving station 14 just, thereby the ink reservoir receiving station 14 of a compactness is provided.Relative place, two ends at ink reservoir receiving station 14 uses alignment member 66 can save needed next door in ink reservoir 12 insertion process.Thereby saving the next door only uses

alignment member

62 and 66 to guide and aim at the ink reservoir receiving station 14 that can design a compactness.

These

alignment member

62 and 66 except alignment function is provided, also provide the key lock function with guarantee ink reservoir 12 be equipped with have the printing ink that resembles the suitable parameter the suitable color and can with specific printer 10 compatibilities.Key lock and

alignment member

62 and 66 have detailed description at the U.S. Patent application that awaits the reply jointly 08/566521 that is entitled as " the key locking device that is used for ink-feeding container " in submission on December 4 nineteen ninety-five that transfers assignee of the present invention, and this application is attached to herein by reference.

In case suitable ink reservoir 12 is suitably aimed at and is inserted in the receiving station 14, locking piece 68 will mesh so that ink reservoir 12 is locked onto in the receiving station 14 with the corresponding locking piece 64 on ink reservoir 12.Under the situation in ink reservoir 12 suitably locks onto receiving station 14, the fluid intake 28 that links to each other with receiving station 14 just with ink reservoir 12 on 20 engagements of corresponding ink export so that allow fluid flow to printer 10 and finally to flow to printhead 16 so that print at the printing amboceptor from ink reservoir 12.

Ink reservoir 12 is inserted into receiving station 14 interior just formation between ink reservoir 12 and receiving station 14 be electrically connected.The corresponding electric contact 30 that electric contact 24 engagements that link to each other with ink reservoir 12 link to each other with receiving station 14 is so that allow information transmit between receiving station 14 and ink reservoir 12.

Fig. 4 shows the cutaway view of ink reservoir 12 along its guide member 62 interceptings, and wherein this ink reservoir is inserted in the receiving station 14 at least in part.This illustrates guide member 62 on the ink reservoir 12 and the interaction between the guide member 66 on the ink reservoir receiving station 14.Guide member 66 is the passages that extend along direction of insertion.Guide member 66 is arranged on first side 70 and second side 72 of ink reservoir receiving station 14.This first and

second side

70 and 72 is set in the place, opposed two ends of ink reservoir receiving station 14.Relative place, two ends and its configuration that guide member 62 is arranged on main shaft make it can be engaged on the guide member 66 of the correspondence on the ink reservoir receiving station 14 in the mode of interlocking.In case ink reservoir 12 is suitably set, make

guide member

62 and 66 interlockings, then ink reservoir 12 just can be pressed in the ink reservoir receiving station 14, and it is in place to make that ink reservoir 12 slides, thereby finishes suitable fluid, electric and mechanical splice.

Guide member 66 is asymmetric, thereby different with the guide member 66 on second side 72 at the guide member 66 on first side 70.Use between two

sides

70 and 72 asymmetric guide member 66 can prevent ink reservoir 12 inadequately with along inserting on the orientation of correct oriented difference 180 degree of y axle.In addition, use

asymmetric guide member

62 and 66 to provide a kind of visual guide function so that help the user to guarantee that ink reservoir 12 correctly inserts to the user.Be inserted into the mode of the insertion of the ink reservoir 12 in second side 72 inadequately by the alignment member 66 that prevents to cause to link to each other, can avoid printer 10 to be damaged and can improve the reliability of printer 10 with first side 70.

Fig. 5 shows the schematic diagram of the vertical view of printer shown in Figure 2 10.This schematic diagram is a structural configuration feature of thinking only to illustrate general printer 10, rather than will be accurately or represent the structural configuration of printer 10 pro rata.Printer 10 comprises an amboceptor transmitting portions 47, print zone part 42, service area part 45, ink reservoir 12 and overtravel part 49.Amboceptor transmitting portions 47 comprises paper tray 40 and is arranged on the output pallet 46 of print zone 42 fronts.Be adjacent to print zone 42, along the scan axis of representing with the x axle in the coordinate system 50 51 are service areas 45.Service area 45 is arranged on the right side of the print zone 42 of looking from the front that faces printer 10 in a most preferred embodiment.Be adjacent to print zone 42, opposed and are overtravel parts 49 with service area 45 along scan axis 51.

Overtravel part 49 is to be caused in the overtravel of the either side of print zone 42 by scanning carriage 44.This overtravel is caused in the either side edge location of printing amboceptor by printhead 16.Each printhead in a plurality of printheads 16 is all arranged along scan axis 51 in carriage 44.Therefore, for each nozzle that will link to each other with each printhead in a plurality of printheads 16 of printing place, amboceptor both sides of the edge is located, print tray 44 must overtravel to or extend to outside the printing amboceptor of print zone 42 both sides.This overtravel part 49 equates with the distance of the left side edge of the print-head nozzle distance bracket 44 of the rightmost side at the width at place, printer 10 left sides.Similarly, the overtravel of locating on the right side of printer 10 equates with the distance of the right side edge of the print-head nozzle distance bracket 44 of the leftmost side.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, ink reservoir 12 is positioned in the front of service area 45.In this most preferred embodiment,

ink reservoir

54,56,58 and 60 all settle abreast along the line that is parallel to scan axis 51.On ink reservoir 12 and ink supply platform 14, use

alignment member

62 and 66 can make ink reservoir 12 respectively near being arranged side by side separatedly.Only on the main shaft of ink reservoir 12, place alignment member 62 and make that ink reservoir 12 can be along an auxiliary axis to place near the mode that separates.Go up use alignment member 62 at this auxiliary axis (x axle) and can increase the width of ink supply platform 14 along the x axle.Therefore, alignment member 62 and this kind layout of 66 make ink reservoir 12 can be inlaid in the ink supply platform 14 that is arranged on the compactness in information desk 45 front areas.This compact ink supply platform 14 comprises that

alignment member

62 and 66 is inserted in the ink supply platform 14 so that help to guide ink reservoir 12.

Each

independent ink reservoir

54,56,58 and 60 all is configured to has certain width on the direction of scan axis 51 (X-axis), have certain length on the direction perpendicular to this width, has certain height on perpendicular to this length and

width.Ink reservoir

54,56,58 and 60 can have as shown in Figure 2 identical width or the one or more capacity in these

ink reservoirs

54,56,58 and 60 according to required ink reservoir can have either large or small width.For example, in the situation of four look printers 10 shown in Figure 2, if offer the black ink ratio of printhead 16 by ink reservoir 56 by

ink reservoir

54,58 and 60 yellow that provide respectively, pinkish red, use sooner with cyan ink, then can use bigger ink reservoir (not shown) replaced oil ink container 54.This bigger ink reservoir that is used for black ink provides the convenience of using so that reduce the frequency of changing ink reservoir to the user.

Ink reservoir

54,56,58 and 60 is to arrange in the mode that separates, and generally is parallel to scan axis 51 so that allow the user can see each ink reservoir 12 and can be easily near each container 12 so that change container 12.In addition, information desk 45 is set in the right side of print zone 42, because information desk 45 has certain width along scan axis 51, this width is generally greater than along the relevant width of scan axis 51 and overtravel part 49.Carriage 44 generally has the overtravel on print zone 42 right sides, same reason, and carriage also has overtravel part 49 in the left side of print zone 42.Yet information desk 45 often has the width big than overtravel part 49 on scan axis 51, because carriage 44 generally can move to outside the print zone 42 to the printhead service fully.

The right side that ink reservoir is set in print zone 42 can be so that the most right-handed person user who accounts among the user be easy to more near ink reservoir 12.And ink reservoir is set in can have more space to set ink reservoir 12 and can not increase the total width of printer 10 on the direction that is parallel to scan axis 51 on the right front of information desk 45.

Fig. 6 a, 6b and 6c show the isometric view of the ink reservoir 12 of the best of the present invention.This ink reservoir 12 comprises an outer surface or shell 72, and this outer surface 72 has with respect to a leading edge 74 and a back edge 76 of ink reservoir 12 being inserted into the direction in the receiving station 14.

Outer surface 72 defines an opening 82 that enters in the cavity at leading edge 74 places of the ink reservoir 12 shown in Fig. 6 c.Storage device 26 with a plurality of coupled electric contacts 24 (shown in Figure 1) is installed in this cavity.Electric contact 24 is configured to and engages the corresponding electric contact 30 that links to each other with receiving station 14 can be in ink reservoir 12 suitably is inserted into printer 10 time.

Also leading edge 74 is provided with fluid issuing 20.The configuration of this fluid issuing 20 makes it can be engaged on the fluid intake 28 on the ink supply platform 14 so that the fluid that forms between ink reservoir 12 and the printer 10 is interconnected.With ink reservoir 12 along the z axle in the insertion of vertical direction and its fluid issuing 20 can be so that air rises to the top of ink reservoir 12 towards back edge 76 on leading edge 74.In use this orientation of ink reservoir 12 can prevent that the air in the ink reservoir 12 is sent to ink supply platform 14 and finally arrives printhead 16.The air of being sent into by printhead 16 can cause the print quality of difference and reduce the reliability of printhead 16.

Alignment member 62 and locking piece 64 are arranged on the ink reservoir 12.Alignment member 62 helps ink reservoir 12 is inserted into receiving station 14.Alignment member 62 is preferably disposed on leading edge 74 places that adjoin ink reservoir 12.Alignment member 62 is set guarantees ink reservoir 12 can correctly aim in early days adjoining leading edge 74 places in insertion process.In other words, if the user attempts ink reservoir 12 is inserted wrong position and/or orientation, he or she can obtain a feedback signal (before part is inserted) immediately.In addition, the user can visually aim at the leading edge spare on the ink reservoir 12 with the leading edge spare on receiving station 14.If these parts are recessed partially from the leading edge 74, difficulty will be compared in then suitable location.Can be by the location of alignment member 62 being adjoined leading edge 74 so that ink reservoir 12 early stage just aligning during insertion.In case ink reservoir 12 is inserted in the receiving station 14, locking piece 64 will mesh so that ink reservoir 12 is fixed in the receiving station 14 (seeing shown in Figure 3) with spring 68.

As previously described, electric and fluid interface is arranged on the leading edge of ink reservoir 12.Alignment member 62 is provided with the part place that can place them near needing strict aligning near leading edge 74.For the cost of the parts that make ink supply platform and ink reservoir reduces, these parts often will the situation counterdie of the tolerance of strictness not form shape have very.Therefore, will be slightly smaller than joggle piece 66 (seeing shown in Figure 4) on receiving station 14 at the joggle piece on the ink reservoir 12 66, difference in size is roughly proportional with the variation of the molding of being expected.Therefore, between corresponding intermeshing alignment member, exist some to arrange difference.These alignment member from fluid and electric interfaces stretch out many more, the effect of the electric and fluid interface on the ink container 12 and the angle difference of the layout between the corresponding interface on the receiving station 14 is also big more.Making this distance reduce to I makes the layout difference of this kind key reduce to minimum.

Be provided with grip part 86 towards back edge 76 at the place, relative two ends of ink reservoir 12.Grip part 86 is a kind of corrugated grasping surfaces, and its shape and texture make that the user is easy to pinch ink reservoir 12 with thumb and forefinger.Thereby grip part 86 provides an overhang, this overhang to be convenient to ink reservoir 12 is being pinched ink reservoir 12 extraction from ink supply platform 14 greatly at back edge 76 places.This overhang is to extend along the y axle in the longitudinal direction, makes that ink reservoir 12 can be along separate on the width of x axle shortly.

The back edge 76 that enlarges is inserted in the ink supply platform 14 except being convenient to pinch also can prevent from the ink reservoir 12 ink reservoir 12 put upside down unintentionally.Whether suitable the back edge 76 that enlarges returned the user and provided one about the visual guide function of orientation in the process of ink reservoir 12 in being inserted into printer 10.In addition, the back edge 76 of expansion can prevent printer 10 in ink reservoir 12 is inserted into ink supply platform 14, because of earlier back edge 76 being inserted the fault that causes.

Ink reservoir 12 has relevant height and the length of being represented by alphabetical H and L respectively in Fig. 6 b.Length L is on the direction that is approximately perpendicular to scan axis 51, and height H is on the direction that is approximately perpendicular to scan axis 51 and length L.Ink reservoir 12 has by the width shown in the letter w among Fig. 6 c.Width W is on the direction that is roughly parallel to scan axis 51.

The width W of ink reservoir 12 will be selected to such an extent that subtract the width W of remaining ink reservoir 12 less than the width relevant with information desk 45.For example, if all ink reservoirs 12 have identical width W, then the width of each ink reservoir 12 is less than the number of the width relevant with information desk 45 divided by ink reservoir 12.Therefore, ink reservoir 12 has the width W relevant with each container so that allow all ink reservoirs 12 can be on width to settle abreast, makes the combined width of each ink reservoir 12 less than the width relevant with information desk 45.The setting of the width of ink reservoir 12 will come fixed so that make printer 10 keep less total width along scan axis 51 according to the width of information desk 45.At Fig. 6 a, in the most preferred embodiment shown in 6b and the 6c, the width W of ink reservoir 12 is roughly 15 millimeters (mm).

The length L of ink reservoir 12 will catch the ability of ink reservoir 12 to determine according to ergonomics or user.In most preferred embodiment, the length L of ink reservoir 12 will be selected to such an extent that make most of user pinch ink reservoir 12 with thumb and forefinger along the length of ink reservoir 12.In this most preferred embodiment, length will be selected to such an extent that can adapt to and pinch width or anthropological measuring restriction, uses thumb and forefinger to press from both sides to pinch so that account for 5% women user.Therefore, 95% women user can use thumb and forefinger to pinch ink reservoir 12 so that pinch ink reservoir 12 in the longitudinal direction.In this most preferred embodiment, ink reservoir 12 has roughly 70 millimeters length.

The height of ink reservoir 12 will and guarantee that the compromise between the maximum print quality selects according to user's convenience.Ink reservoir 12 is should be a little greatly so that reduce the number of times of changing ink reservoir, but ink reservoir is small enough to again make that ink reservoir was used up before the aging effect the VTR loss that resembles meeting reduction print quality.In a most preferred embodiment, ink reservoir 12 is selected to the height with 85 millimeters, so that make at least one ink reservoir 12 have 80 cubic centimetres ink volume capacity, 3 ink reservoirs 12 have 30 cubic centimetres ink volume capacity.Higher capacity user generally can use up 80 cubic centimetres black ink and 30 cubic centimetres colored ink in 2 to 6 months.Ink reservoir 12 is designed so that printing ink can be before 6 months be used up helps to guarantee maximum print quality.At last, height H should be selected to such an extent that make total height of printer 10 keep less so that make total size of printer 10 as best one can little.

Fig. 7 a, 7b and 7c show the isometric view of another most preferred embodiment of ink reservoir 12 of the present invention.Ink reservoir 12 is similar in appearance to Fig. 6 a, the ink reservoir shown in 6b and the 6c, and except Fig. 7 a, the ink reservoir shown in 7b and the 7c has bigger width W so that make ink reservoir 12 can adorn more printing ink.At Fig. 7 a, identical numeral among 7b and the 7c and letter are used for expression and Fig. 6 a, the similar structure of structure shown in 6b and the 6c.

Ink reservoir 12 has height and the length that the alphabetical H ' of relevant usefulness and L ' represent in Fig. 7 b.Length L ' be is along the direction that is approximately perpendicular to scan axis 51, and height H ' be along be approximately perpendicular to scan axis 51 and length L ' direction on.Ink reservoir 12 has the relative width with the letter w among Fig. 7 c ' represent.Width W ' be along the direction that is roughly parallel to scan axis 51.

In a most preferred embodiment, ink reservoir 12 to select have 85 millimeters height H ', be roughly width W ' and length of being roughly 73 millimeters of 32 millimeters.This best ink reservoir 12 has 80 cubic millimeters capacity.The cavity 82 of server 72 ' go up to form ' the be similar to a at Fig. 6, the cavity on the ink reservoir 12 shown in 6b and the 6c outside.Have electric contact 26 ' and fluid issuing 20 ' cavity 82 ' be set in respect to alignment member 62 ' same position on, thereby make less 30 cubic millimeters or 80 cubic millimeters bigger ink reservoir 12 can be inserted in the same line of rabbet joint.By making at least one line of rabbet joint on the information desk 45 can admit the ink reservoir 12 of wide variety can be to providing great convenience property of user.For example, if the application of printer uses a kind of speed of color fast than other colors, then the user can use the bigger ink reservoir of volume 12, thereby reduces the frequency of changing.In general, the speed that black ink uses is very fast, therefore, the line of rabbet joint of black ink container 12 every must opening so that hold the ink reservoir 12 of wide variety.

The invention provides a kind of like this ink reservoir 12, this container comprises that guiding ink reservoir 12 with guide member 66 enters into guide member 62 in the ink supply platform 14, so that provide a kind of electric reliably, machinery to be connected with fluid between ink reservoir 12 and ink reservoir receiving station 14.

Guide member

62 and 66 is provided with and is positioned to and allows ink reservoir 12 closely to separate installation abreast in receiving station 14.The size of setting ink reservoir 12 and information desk in the spatial dimension that is limited at least in part by receiving station 45 should keep total width of printer 10 less as far as possible.In addition, ink reservoir 12 being parallel to right side that scan axis 51 was provided with and was placed in the front of information desk 45 and

paper tray

40 and 46 can guarantee easily near ink reservoir 12 it to be changed.At last, the orientation with fluid on leading edge 74 and electric interfaces approximate vertical ink reservoir 12 can provide easily a kind of and make ink reservoir 12 insertion and take out all structural configuration very easily.

Claims

1. removable ink reservoir (12) that is used in the print system (10), this kind print system (10) has the printhead (16) and the ink supply platform (14) that is used to admit removable ink reservoir (12) that are installed in the scanning carriage, this ink supply platform (14) is that fluid is communicated with this printhead (16), and this removable ink reservoir (12) comprising:

The fluid issuing (20) of the fluid inlet part (28) of the correspondence on engageable this ink supply platform (14) of its configuration; With

Be arranged on first and second guide members (62) on the outer surface of ink reservoir (12) of this replacing, this first and second guide member (62) is provided with and is positioned to first and second guide members (66) that can mesh the correspondence on the opposite end that is arranged on this ink supply platform (14), so that should direct in this ink supply platform (14) by removable ink reservoir (12), with this fluid issuing (20) and corresponding fluid inlet (28) fluid couple together.

2. removable ink reservoir as claimed in claim 1 (12), it is characterized in that: this ink supply platform (14) comprises first and second ends (70,72), this first and second end defines a single chamber at least in part, this first end (70) is arranged on the opposite of this second end (72), this first and second end (70,72) forms first and second guide members (66) respectively, so that should direct in this ink supply platform (14) by removable ink reservoir (12).

3. removable ink reservoir as claimed in claim 2 (12), it is characterized in that: with this first and second guide member (66) of this ink supply platform (14) contact be that in first and second ends of this ink supply platform (14) each goes up at least one passage that forms, the passage orientation of every passage is to be inserted into the interior direction of this ink supply platform (14) along ink reservoir (12).

4. removable ink reservoir as claimed in claim 2 (12), it is characterized in that: the single chamber in this ink supply platform (14) is equipped with a plurality of fluid inlets (28), and the configuration of each in these a plurality of fluid inlets (28) all makes it can mesh with fluid and is connected on the fluid issuing (20) that interrelates with a corresponding ink reservoir (12).

5. removable ink reservoir as claimed in claim 4 (12), it is characterized in that: first and second guide members (66) that interrelate with this ink supply platform (14) are a plurality of first and second guide members (66), in these a plurality of first and second guide members (66) each all with a plurality of fluid inlets (28) in each interrelate, thereby allow a plurality of ink reservoirs (12) are inserted in this ink supply platform (14), in these a plurality of ink reservoirs (12) each has this first and second guide member (62) and is used for meshing a plurality of first and second guide members (66) that interrelate with this ink supply platform (14), so that each that guide in a plurality of replaceable ink reservoirs (12) is inserted in this ink supply platform (14), thus with in a plurality of fluid issuings (20) each with a plurality of fluid inlets in each fluid in a plurality of corresponding fluid inlets (28) couple together.

6. removable ink reservoir as claimed in claim 1 (12), it is characterized in that: this ink reservoir (12) has an auxiliary axis and one at the main shaft that is approximately perpendicular on the direction of direction of insertion, and this first and second guide member (62) is arranged on this main shaft.

7. one kind is used for ink reservoir (12) is inserted into the interior method of printer (10), this printer has one and is installed in a printhead (16) on the scanning carriage, this printer (10) comprises an ink supply platform (14) that is communicated with this printhead (16) fluid, and this method comprises:

One first ink reservoir (12) is inserted in this ink supply platform (14) so that first and second guide members (62) that will be arranged on the relative side of outer surface of this first ink reservoir (12) are meshed with first and second guide members (66) on the opposite end that is arranged on this ink supply platform (14) respectively;

This first ink reservoir (12) is inserted into first and second guide members (62) that make in this ink supply platform (14) on this ink reservoir (12) guides this first ink reservoir (12) with this first and second guide member (66) that interrelates with this ink supply platform (14), so that will set for the ink export (20) that this ink reservoir (12) interrelate and to mesh the printing ink import that interrelates with this ink supply platform (14), thereby this first ink reservoir (12) fluid will be connected on this ink supply platform (14).

8. as claimed in claim 7 ink reservoir (12) is inserted into method in the printer, this method comprises that also one second ink reservoir (12) is adjoined this first ink reservoir (12) to be arranged in this ink supply platform (14), so as to make on the opposite side of the outer surface that is arranged on this second ink reservoir (12) first and second guide members (62) respectively with adjoin third and fourth guide member (66) that this first and second guide member (62) is provided with respectively and be meshed.

9. method as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that: this method also comprises printing ink is offered this printhead (16) from this ink reservoir (12).

10. method as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that: this method also is included in printing ink offered gives this ink reservoir (12) refilling behind the printhead (16) again.