EP1119458B1 - Matrix printer and interchangeable container for color ink supply - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a matrix printer in the preamble of claim 1 Art.

Such a matrix printer designed as an inkjet printer is known from the publication EP 0 606 047 A2. Its printhead has a relatively small storage volume for ink via a flexible connecting line is connected to a swap body, which contains a larger supply of ink. The printing ink is from the swap body through the connecting line into the supply volume of the print head. Thereby the inkjet printer can print jobs with very high Carry out ink consumption without printing for refilling the stock volume or replacing the Printhead is interrupted.

However, the well-known inkjet printer starts one Printing process even if no swap body with the Supply volume in the printhead is connected. It consists in In this case, there is a risk of particularly long print jobs only incomplete and / or incorrectly executed and therefore have to be repeated.

Another disadvantage is that in the bracket also Swap container with for the operation of the inkjet printer improper ink can be inserted, which the Makes the printhead inoperable or permanently damaged.

DE 91 16 990 U1 has therefore proposed a line pattern on the surface of an ink tank to attach the two arranged on a container holder Connects when the ink tank is properly connected is inserted in the container holder. The Contact is reported to a control unit, which in turn releases the printing process. Another disadvantage is with this arrangement, that by improper connection the contacts faked a proper ink tank can be, but one that is unsuitable for the printer Contains ink. Secondly, it can last longer Use one and the same ink container for oxidation of the wiring pattern and the contacts.

In US-A-5 506 611 there is an ink jet printer and a interchangeable ink container operable therein. For the proof of a correct arrangement of the ink tank within a receptacle of the Among other things, a reporting system is proposed to the printer which is structured as follows: There is one on the printer shaft-like recording provided in their clearance Protrusion. At the top of the ink tank an opening is provided through a movable Cover is closed. When inserting the cover of the ink tank into the receptacle retained by the protrusion so that the opening in the top of the ink tank as you push it in further the ink tank into the receptacle. This releases the swivel path of a flag that driven by a spring from the ink tank swings out and dips into a fork light barrier. This reports the presence of an ink tank in the Printer to a printer controller.

It is an object of the invention to provide a matrix printer initially mentioned type and one to be used with this Exchange container for printing ink so that the printing process is released or blocked reliably if there is no or an unsuitable swap body in the bracket is inserted.

This task is performed by a matrix printer with the Features of claim 1 solved. Advantageous further training of the invention are in the dependent claims specified.

The matrix printer according to the invention has to lock and Release the printing process using a switching device a signal generator and a signal receiver, which at the Bracket are formed, and a signal transmission device, arranged on the swap body is. The receipt of one sent by the signal generator Release signal by the signal receiver is interrupted, as long as the swap body with the signal transmission device not inserted in the bracket is. The printing process remains blocked and is only then released when the signal transmission device of the swap body fully inserted into the holder forwards the release signal to the signal receiver.

On the one hand, the invention ensures that that the printing process is only released if in the holder a swap body with the described Equipment is inserted. On the other hand it is achieved that a swap body without the signal transmission device cannot be operated with the matrix printer. In this way the matrix printer becomes simultaneous before using an interchangeable container with unsuitable Ink that the signal transmission device has not protected.

A signal input, a signal transmission element, acts and a signal output together. The order of signal input and signal output is such that the Release signal from the signal generator to the signal receiver the bracket can be transferred. This arrangement makes the signal transmission device particularly robust against external influences. Also carry the inkjet printer and the swap body by the precisely defined one mutual arrangement of signal generator and signal input on the one hand and signal output and signal receiver on the other hand, as well as a corresponding arrangement and design of the signal transmission element additional Features before using unsuitable swap bodies protect.

It is advantageous that the signal transmission device stored in the swap body separately from the ink supply is. This prevents them from possible harmful effects the printing ink is protected and is otherwise eliminated necessary devices for sealing the swap body at the signal input and at the signal output.

By applying and transferring a mechanical Release signals you get a particularly simple and robust embodiment of the inkjet printer and Standing container. As a mechanical signal in this Connection through the transport of kinetic energy or potential energy in a coupled mechanical system Components transferred character with a certain Understood meaning. The signal transmitter protrudes one side of the holder facing the swap body out, engages when inserting the swap body whose signal input and enters with one against spring force movable transmission element in contact. At the the transmission element is further introduced by the signal generator forced to move against spring force through which it pressed on the signal receiver which is a connected to the switching device Switching element is biased into an open position is. When the swap body is completely in the Bracket is inserted, the switching element from Transmission element set in a closed position, in which the printing process is released. At this Embodiment does not succeed, an interchangeable container completely with the wrong ink Insert bracket, which protects the printer and the printer operator It is clearly conveyed that he is trying to use a swap body paste with unsuitable printing ink.

In particular, the signal generator can be designed as a pin be and the transmission element as a pivot lever, whose Axis of rotation runs transversely to the direction of insertion and at its one arm the pen attacks. As a result, the pen fulfills the task of a signal generator and that of one Guide element when inserting the swap body in the bracket. Another type of matrix printer, that only with a certain other variety Ink is functional in its manufacture by a slight change in the position of the pen on the bracket and a corresponding change in arrangement the signal input and the swivel lever in the swap body in a particularly simple way before use unsuitable swap bodies are protected.

The matrix printer can be both an inkjet printer as well as a dot matrix printer. In the first case, the swap body is an ink tank and in the second case designed as an ink ribbon cassette. Both types of printer can be out of ink or soaking the ribbon. The invention offers reliable protection for both.

Figur 1

eine längs geschnittene Ansicht eines Teils einer Halterung mit einem Wechselbehälter in seiner gelösten Stellung nach einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Figur 2

eine längs geschnittene Ansicht des Teils der Halterung mit dem Wechselbehälter in seiner eingefügten Stellung nach dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,

Figur 3

eine längs geschnittene Ansicht eines Teils einer Halterung mit einem Wechselbehälter in seiner gelösten Stellung nach einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, und

Figur 4

eine längs geschnittene Ansicht des Teils der Halterung mit dem Wechselbehälter in seiner eingefügten Stellung nach dem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. Show in it

Figure 1

2 shows a longitudinally sectioned view of part of a holder with an interchangeable container in its released position according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2

2 shows a longitudinal section of the part of the holder with the swap body in its inserted position according to the first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 3

a longitudinal sectional view of part of a holder with an interchangeable container in its released position according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 4

a longitudinally sectioned view of the part of the holder with the swap body in its inserted position according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a bracket 10 for use in a Inkjet printer according to a first embodiment the invention. The bracket 10 has a longitudinal section seen rectangular frame 12 with a first opening 14 on its top, for insertion and removal a swap body 16 is used. When inserting the swap body 16 is first from above through the Opening 14 loosely inserted into a compartment 18 which is inside the frame 12 arranged and in this along a Insertion direction 20 is displaceable.

One arranged on the left in the illustration in FIG. 1 Side wall 22 of the frame 12 has on its inner surface, the direction opposite to the insertion direction 20 points, a pin 24 which is approximately a right angle standing towards the inner surface in the direction of the compartment 18 protrudes. Is also on the left side wall 22 an opening 26 is formed below the pin 24. she takes an electrical switching element 28 with one in one open position elastically biased switch pin 30 on that is movable in the direction 20 against a spring force and which has approximately the length of the pin 24.

On a left side wall 32 of the movable compartment 18 and a left side wall 36 of the swap body 16 an upper opening 34 and 38 is formed. The Upper openings 34 and 38 have seen in cross section one corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the pin 24 Shape and swear with it when the swap body is in the compartment 18 is inserted.

Inside the swap body 16 is a two-armed Pivoted lever 40 rotatably mounted about its axis of rotation 42, its upper and lower arms 40a and 40b with approximately the same Stand out from the axis of rotation 42. The axis of rotation 42 runs horizontally and at the same time transversely to the direction of insertion 20 and is on the swap body 16 near the side wall 36 and viewed in a vertical direction approximately stored in the middle.

A compression spring 44 is on the one hand on the lower arm 40b Swivel lever and on the other hand on the left side wall 36 of the swap body 16 attached. This will make the Bias lever 40 in a position in which the upper arm 40a with its upper end on the left side wall 36 of the swap body 16 above the opening 38 is present. On the left side wall 36 of the swap body 16 and the one on the left in the direction of insertion 20 Side wall of compartment 18 is opposite the lower end of the lower arm 40b of the pivot lever 40 each have an opening 46 or 48 trained.

If the compartment 18 is moved in the insertion direction 20, grip pin 24 through openings 34 at about the same time and 38 and switch pin 30 through openings 46 and 48 in the swap body 16. The pin 24 hits it on the upper arm 40a of the pivot lever 40 and steers this against the force of the compression spring 44. Doing so whose lower arm 40b towards the side wall 36 of the Swap body pivoted, the switching pin 30 of the Switching element 28 actuates as soon as the compartment 18 on the Inner surface of the side wall 22 of the frame 12 abuts (Figure 2). With the actuation of the switching pin 30 of Switching element 28 becomes an electrical one (not shown) Circuit closed, which is the release of the Controls inkjet printer for printing. Only at closed circuit becomes the inkjet printer Approved. The maximum possible actuation path of the Switch pin 30 is set so that it on everyone Case must pass through openings 46, 48 before the left side wall 32 of the compartment 18 on the frame 12 is applied.

It is also possible to place the swap body 16 directly in the Insert frame 12. The compartment 18 and with it the openings 34 and 48 can then be omitted.

FIG. 3 shows a holder 50 for use in a Inkjet printer according to a second embodiment the invention. The bracket 50 has a longitudinal section seen rectangular frame 52 with an insertion opening 54 on its top for insertion and Removing an interchangeable container 56. When inserting the interchangeable container 56 is first loosely inserted from above Tray 58 inserted, which is arranged within the frame 52 and in this along a horizontal direction of insertion 60 is displaceable.

At the left end of the frame in the illustration in FIG. 3 52 is a locking lever 62 which is arranged around a Frame attached axis of rotation 64 is rotatably mounted. The Locking lever 64 can be part of a not shown Closing flap for the insertion opening 54. The The axis of rotation 64 of the locking lever 62 runs horizontally and at the same time transversely to the direction of insertion 60. FIG. 3 shows the locking lever 62 in an open position in which it extends vertically upwards. Seen from above he has a right-angled profile with one himself Long side 67 and extending transversely to the direction of insertion a largely rectangular one facing the viewer Transverse page 68, which is only at its lower end in the Shape of an arc 70 circumscribing the axis of rotation 64, the arcuate edge of the insertion direction 60 opposes.

In this widened section of the transverse side 68 is a guide slot 72 is formed which is substantially runs parallel to the arcuate edge 70. The guide slot 72 has an end close to the axis of rotation and an end away from the axis of rotation. The guide slot 72 approaches in a section 72 'starting from its the axis of rotation 64 far end, continuously the axis of rotation 64 and goes at a swivel angle α des Locking lever 62 corresponding point in a second, portion extending circularly around the axis of rotation 64 72 "above. In the open position shown in FIG. 3 of the closing lever 62 is the near end of the guide slot 72 above the axis of rotation 64 and with it, Seen in the direction of insertion 60, at the same height. That from end of the guide slot 72 remote from the axis of rotation 64 lies on the right of the axis of rotation 64 and with it same vertical height. A guide pin 74 engages the guide slot 72, in the open position of the Locking lever 62 on the remote from the axis of rotation 64 End of the guide slot 72. The guide pin 74 is on the viewer, not shown in FIG. 3 Side surface of the compartment 58 is formed.

Alternatively, the guide pin 74 can also be on the swap body 56 be arranged. In this case it is Guide slot 72 at its end remote from the axis of rotation 64 open so that it can be used to insert and remove the swap body 56 out of the compartment 58 out of engagement with the guide pin 74 can be brought. This is special advantageous if, in accordance with an alternative embodiment the holder 50- dispenses with the compartment 58 and the swap body 56 directly into the frame 52 is inserted.

The locking lever 62 has the in the illustration of the figure 3 to the right-facing inner surface of its long side 67 a pin 76 which projects approximately perpendicularly from it. Its vertical position on the locking lever 62 is thereby determines that he pivots the locking lever 62 in the direction 66 in one on top of the Interchangeable container 56 arranged opening 78 engages. This is discussed in more detail below.

In the swap body 56 is a pin 80 with a vertical Longitudinal axis, the imaginary extension of about the center of the opening 78 extends in the axial direction movably mounted. For this is on an inner wall of the Swap body 56 a web 82 with a cross section of the pin 80 comprehensive opening attached. The pencil 80 is made using one hand at its lower end and on the other hand attached to the underside of the web 82 helical tension spring held in one position in which its upper end is slightly below the opening 78 and its lower end slightly above one in Extension of the pin arranged opening 86 in the Bottom of the swap body 56 is arranged.

An opening 88 at the bottom of the compartment 58 is aligned with an opening 94 in the bottom of the frame 52 when the tray 58 is in the position shown in Figure 4. An actuating element in the form of a protrudes from below Switch pin 90 arranged below the frame 52 Switching element 92 in the opening 94 without in the To protrude inside the frame 52. The switching element 92 corresponds in structure and mode of operation to that on the basis of first embodiment described switching element 28th

To insert the loosely inserted swap body 56 in the frame 52 becomes the lock lever 62 in the direction 66 pivoted. It will, as is the case with guided tours of this or a similar type is known about the guide pin 74 a force acting in the insertion direction 60 on the Compartment 58 or the swap body 56 exercised so that the Swap body 56 and the compartment 58 together in the insertion direction 60 can be moved. After swiveling the The swivel lever 62 by the angle a is the swap body 56 in its working position shown in FIG. 4. Becomes the pivot lever 62 is pivoted further in the direction of the arrow 66, the pin arranged on the pivot lever 62 engages 76 in the opening 78 on the top of the swap body 56, occurs with further movement of the pivot lever 62 with the upper end of the pin 80 in the swap body 56 in contact and presses it against the spring force below and one after the other in the opening 86 which is in the compartment 58 located opening 88 and against the switching pin 90 of the Switching element 92. In the position shown in Figure 4, in which the swap body 56 completely into the Bracket 50 is inserted and the pivot lever 62 in parallel is on the top, the pin 80 operates Switching element 92 and thus closes one of the first embodiment explained electrical Circuit, which makes the inkjet printer for printing is released.

In the left side wall 92 of Figures 3 and 4 of the Frame 52, another switching element 98 is used so that its actuating pin 100 in the interior of the frame 52 protrudes. In the shown in Figure 4 Position, the further switching element 98 by the left Side wall of compartment 58 or if this is dispensed with actuated by the left side wall of the swap body 56.

By logically linking the switching states of the switching elements 92 and 98 becomes a security concept as follows realized: Should a swap body 56 in the compartment 58 are inserted, the switching elements 92 and 98 must be unactuated his. After inserting the swap body 56 and pivoting the locking lever 62 into the closed Position is first the switching element 92 and only later the further switching element 98 is actuated. Only this one the timing of the switching edges is the printer Approved. Manipulation is such that one the switching elements 92, 98 in its actuated position blocked and thus a designated swap body is faked, prevented.

The security concept described above is also with the Bracket 10 in the first embodiment, as in 1 and 2 is shown, can be used. requirement is that a further switching element 98 corresponding further switching element in arrangement and function is provided.

Claims (14)

1. Matrix printer having a moveable print head, having at least one interchangeable container (16, 56) for a printing-ink supply, and having a holder (10, 50) to hold the interchangeable container (16, 56), having a switching device to block and enable the printing operation, a signal transmitter (24, 76) and a signal receiver (28, 92) connected to the switching device being arranged on the holder (10, 50), a signal transmitting device which cannot be wetted by the printing ink being provided on the interchangeable container (16, 56) and transmitting an enable signal from the signal transmitter (24, 76) to the signal receiver (28, 92) during or after the insertion of the interchangeable container (16, 56) into the holder, the signal transmitting device being used to transmit mechanical signals and the interchangeable container (16, 56) having a signal input (38, 78) and a signal output (48, 86),
   characterized in that the signal transmitter (24; 76) engages in the interior of the interchangeable container (16, 56) through an opening (38; 78) in a wall (36) of the interchangeable container (16, 56).
2. Matrix printer according to Claim 1, characterized in that the signal transmitter (24) is designed as a pin on that side (22) of the holder which faces the surface (36) of the interchangeable container (16) which points in an insertion direction (20), in that the signal transmission element is a two-armed pivoting lever (40) whose axis of rotation (42) runs transversely with respect to the insertion direction (20) and on whose one arm (40a) the pin (24) acts, and in that a switching element (28), which is prestressed into an unoperated position, forms the signal receiver and which is arranged on the same side (22) of the frame (12) of the holder (10) as the pin (24), is operated by the other arm (40b) of the pivoting lever (40).
3. Matrix printer according to Claim 2, characterized in that the switching element (28) comprises a switching pin (30) which projects into the interior of the frame (12) and which, when an interchangeable container (16) is moved into its working position, penetrates into the interior of the interchangeable container (16) through an opening (48) in its surface (36) pointing in the insertion direction.
4. Matrix printer according to Claim 1, characterized in that on the holder (50) there is provided a pivoting closing lever (62) for locking the interchangeable container (56) in the holder (50) and having a pin (76) for operating the signal transmission element (80) in such a way that, in a closed position of the closing lever (62), the pin (76), the signal transmission element (80), likewise designed as a pin, and the switching element (92) are arranged along a straight line of action, and in that the pin (80) of the signal transmission element can be moved along the line of action in order to operate the switching element (92).
5. Matrix printer according to Claim 4, characterized in that an opening (94) is let into the bottom of the frame (52), and the switching element (92) comprises an operating element (90) which is aligned with the opening (94) and whose operating surface is located underneath the inner surface of the bottom of the frame (52).
6. Matrix printer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the holder (10, 50) there is provided a compartment (18, 58) to hold the interchangeable container (16, 56), it being possible to move said compartment (18, 58) between a holding position and a locked position, in which the enable signal is transmitted.
7. Matrix printer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further switching element (98) is incorporated in that side wall (96) of the frame (52) which limits the insertion movement of the interchangeable container (56) and comprises an operating pin (100) which projects into the interior of the frame (52) and which is operated by that side wall of the compartment (58) or of the interchangeable container (56) which leads as viewed in the insertion direction (60).
8. Matrix printer according to Claim 7, characterized in that before an interchangeable container (56) is put into the compartment (58) or into the frame (52), the switching element (92) and the further switching element (98) are unoperated, in that during the insertion movement, firstly the further switching element (98) and then the switching element (92) are operated, and in that the printer is enabled only after this chronological sequence of the switching edges of the switching elements (98, 92).
9. Matrix printer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printer is an inkjet printer, and the interchangeable container is designed to hold printing ink.
10. Matrix printer according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printer is a dot matrix printer, and the interchangeable container is designed as an ink ribbon cartridge.
11. Interchangeable container (16; 56) for a printing-ink supply for a matrix printer, which has a switching device that can be operated by a signal transmitter (24; 76) to control the enabling of printing, the interchangeable container (16; 56) having a signal transmitting device for mechanical signals with a signal input (38; 78), a signal transmitting element (40; 80) and a signal output (48; 86) for an enable signal starting from the signal transmitter (24; 76), characterized in that the enable signal can be transmitted through the interchangeable container (16; 56) to the switching device, one wall (36) of the interchangeable container (16; 56) having an opening (38; 78) in which the signal transmitter (24; 76) is intended to engage.
12. Interchangeable container (16, 56) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the signal transmission element (40, 80) is provided inside the interchangeable container (16, 56), and the signal input (38, 78) and the signal output (48, 86) are formed on at least one wall of the interchangeable container (16, 56).
13. Interchangeable container according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it is an ink supply container for an inkjet printer.
14. Interchangeable container according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it is an ink ribbon cartridge.

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