EP1186421A1 - Ink supply container - Google Patents

Ink supply container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1186421A1
EP1186421A1 EP00119055A EP00119055A EP1186421A1 EP 1186421 A1 EP1186421 A1 EP 1186421A1 EP 00119055 A EP00119055 A EP 00119055A EP 00119055 A EP00119055 A EP 00119055A EP 1186421 A1 EP1186421 A1 EP 1186421A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink
chamber
supply container
container according
ink supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP00119055A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1186421B1 (en
Inventor
Helmut Dr. Michele
Peter Busch
Dirk Klein
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Artech GmbH Design and Production in Plastic
Original Assignee
Artech GmbH Design and Production in Plastic
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to DE19920922A priority Critical patent/DE19920922C1/en
Priority to US09/653,766 priority patent/US6394592B1/en
Application filed by Artech GmbH Design and Production in Plastic filed Critical Artech GmbH Design and Production in Plastic
Priority to EP00119055A priority patent/EP1186421B1/en
Priority to ES00119055T priority patent/ES2234492T3/en
Publication of EP1186421A1 publication Critical patent/EP1186421A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1186421B1 publication Critical patent/EP1186421B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/17513—Inner structure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/1714—Conditioning of the outside of ink supply systems, e.g. inkjet collector cleaning, ink mist removal
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
    • B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
    • B41J2/17523—Ink connection

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ink reservoir for an ink jet printer, which has a chamber which can be filled with ink, in the At the bottom there is an ink outlet with an ink outlet.
  • the ink reservoir is in the most varied of embodiments known and used to supply inkjet printheads in Inkjet printers or plotters.
  • the ink reservoir has a housing that matches the actual inkjet printhead is combined into an integral unit, or it forms a pure storage tank that has appropriate connection means on his Ink outlet opening can be connected to the supply line of a printhead is.
  • the outer shape of the housing is indeed one individually adapted to the special printer type. A variety of these designs is common, however, that the housing is essentially cuboid is, the ink outlet with the actual ink outlet opening on the bottom, d. H. located in the ground.
  • connection means for the printhead usually as a connecting pin or cannulas are usually required corresponding connection piece or the like, which guides the cannula and seals and therefore must have an appropriate installation depth.
  • the housing has in the resulting versions relatively flat on the outside Walls, the ink outlet with the aforementioned receptacle for the Connection cannula in the form of a dome in the bottom of the chamber molded connection piece includes.
  • This design enables one compact outer structure and is therefore often used, and both if the chamber with a sponge-like Ink storage medium is filled, or, as in EP 0 603 516 A2, in the Chamber can flow freely.
  • the invention proposes starting from an ink reservoir of the type mentioned before that the ink outlet is formed siphon-like, with one from the ink outlet opening leg extending into the chamber, which over a Deflection curve merges into a suction opening, which from the inside against the Chamber floor is directed.
  • a siphon is integrated in the chamber bottom, i. H. on arcuate flow channel, the legs with their openings both are directed downwards.
  • One opening is identical to that Ink outlet opening and can be designed with respect to the connection means be like the connecting pieces known in the prior art. Alternatively, the printhead can also be attached directly there.
  • the suction opening At the at the other end of the siphon is the suction opening through which the ink is sucked out of the chamber.
  • the special according to the invention Arrangement consists in that the suction opening with vertical from above is directed towards the chamber floor.
  • the small distance of the suction opening from the chamber floor should be like this be dimensioned so that the product from the edge length of the suction opening and the distance approximately the required flow cross section of the ink outlet equivalent. As a rule, this becomes clear at a distance of lead below 1 mm. This has the further advantage that due to the existing surface tension of the ink is almost complete Emptying the chamber is easily possible, independently on the length of the connecting piece.
  • a particularly advantageous embodiment of the ink outlet according to the invention provides that one leg is a vertical upward is directed pipe section, on which this one with radial and axial Cross-over deflection cap is attached.
  • the central pipe section is regarding Dimension the length and diameter so that it can hold the cannula or the mandrel on the printer is suitable.
  • the pipe section at the top is straight cut off.
  • the deflection cap is placed on the pipe end from above placed, the annular gap between the outer wall of the Pipe section and the inner wall of the deflection cap the other Forms leg of the siphon.
  • the suction opening is also there ring-shaped and is located around the passage edge of the Intake pipe all around the chamber floor.
  • the annulus opens at the top between cap and tube over the axial distance there between the ceiling of the cover cap and the pipe end in the Pipe section.
  • the pipe section can be integral with the housing, i.e. H. the Be molded onto the chamber and have radially projecting retaining ribs. This should be dimensioned so that the deflection cap only by friction is securely attachable. This can also be considered inexpensive and be rationally manufactured plastic injection molded part.
  • the ink outlet opening is expediently provided with connecting means for provided an ink jet print head.
  • the ink reservoir can be non-releasably attached to an ink jet printhead be connected, which then instead of the aforementioned connection means connected to the ink reservoir to form an integral unit is.
  • an ink reservoir is shown schematically in section and provided with the reference number 1 as a whole.
  • This consists of an essentially cuboid plastic housing 2, which with free flowing ink 3 is filled.
  • an ink outlet At the bottom of the housing 2 there is an ink outlet according to the invention, which is provided overall with the reference number 4 and one after has an ink outlet opening directed below, into which a connecting cannula 5 an ink jet printer or not shown in detail -plotters can be inserted, which is indicated by the arrow.
  • the ink outlet 4 according to Figure 1 is enlarged again in all details are shown, using the same reference numerals Find. It follows that on the housing base 2a a Interior of the housing 2, i.e. leg 6 extending into the ink chamber is formed, which is essentially designed as a tube section and on the lower end of the ink outlet for receiving the Has connection cannula 5 and is just cut off at its upper end.
  • connection means 7 arranged, for example, O-rings can contain pierceable septum or the like.
  • a deflection cap 8 is placed on the leg 6 from above, the axial Has a distance to its upper end and this with a radial distance surrounds, where it is frictionally through to the pipe section 6 outside molded, dashed lines holding ribs 9 is fixed.
  • the lower edge of the deflection cap 8 has a small distance to the inside of the Housing base 2a, whereby a circumferential, narrow annular gap is formed in which the ink 3 - as indicated by the curved arrows - can flow in.
  • the particular advantage of the invention is that the ink 3 thanks to the siphon-shaped flow course as long without problems via the connecting cannula 5 taken, i.e. can be suctioned off until the ink level below the gap width between the lower edge of the deflection cap 8 and the Case bottom 2 falls. In practice, this distance can be so narrow be that due to the surface tension, the ink 3 practically completely is removed.
  • the Housing 2 partitions 10 may be attached, which are over the housing cross section extend, however, between its bottom and the Housing 2, i.e. the housing bottom 2a, a narrow flow gap free to let. This divides the interior of the housing into narrow compartments, in which the ink 3 in it is even with rapid movements of the Ink reservoir 1 is less likely to rock than if it were Housing 2 would not be divided.
  • This has the advantage that even when violent Movement, for example when changing direction during printing, the current ink level at the ink outlet 4 will not decrease so much, that 5 air is sucked in via the connecting cannula.

Abstract

The ink reservoir (1) has a chamber (2) which is filled with ink (3) provided on its underside with a syphon ink outlet (4) having a cylindrical wall section (6) projecting into the ink reservoir from the ink delivery opening, fitted with a cooperating cap (8) for defining a suction opening at the base of the ink reservoir, either or both provided as an injection moulded plastics component.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Tintenvorratsbehälter für einen Tintenstrahldrucker, der eine mit Tinte befüllbare Kammer aufweist, in dessen Unterseite sich ein Tintenauslaß mit einer Tintenaustrittsöffnung befindet.The present invention relates to an ink reservoir for an ink jet printer, which has a chamber which can be filled with ink, in the At the bottom there is an ink outlet with an ink outlet.

Derartige Tintenvorratsbehälter sind in den unterschiedlichsten Ausführungsformen bekannt und dienen zur Versorgung von Tintenstrahldruckköpfen in Tintenstrahldruckern oder -plottern. Je nach Ausführungsform hat der Tintenvorratsbehälter ein Gehäuse, welches mit dem eigentlichen Tintenstrahldruckkopf zu einer integralen Baueinheit zusammengefaßt ist, oder er bildet einen reinen Vorratstank, der über entsprechende Anschlußmittel an seiner Tintenaustrittsöffnung mit der Versorgungsleitung eines Druckkopfes verbindbar ist. Die äußere Form des Gehäuses ist dabei zwar jeweils auf einen speziellen Druckertyp individuell angepaßt. Einer Vielzahl dieser Ausführungen ist jedoch gemeinsam, daß das Gehäuse im wesentlichen quaderförmig ist, wobei sich der Tintenauslaß mit der eigentlichen Tintenaustrittsöffnung auf der Unterseite, d. h. im Boden befindet.Such ink reservoirs are in the most varied of embodiments known and used to supply inkjet printheads in Inkjet printers or plotters. Depending on the embodiment, the ink reservoir has a housing that matches the actual inkjet printhead is combined into an integral unit, or it forms a pure storage tank that has appropriate connection means on his Ink outlet opening can be connected to the supply line of a printhead is. The outer shape of the housing is indeed one individually adapted to the special printer type. A variety of these designs is common, however, that the housing is essentially cuboid is, the ink outlet with the actual ink outlet opening on the bottom, d. H. located in the ground.

Die Anschlußmittel für den Druckkopf, die meist als Anschlußdorn oder -kanüle ausgebildet sind, erfordern in aller Regel einen damit korrespondierenden Anschlußstutzen oder dergleichen, der die Kanüle führt und dichtet und deswegen eine entsprechende Einbautiefe haben muß. Dies führt in der Praxis zu Konstruktionen, wie sie beispielsweise aus der DE 195 34 577 A1 oder EP 0 603 516 A2 bekannt sind. Das Gehäuse hat bei den daraus hervorgehenden Ausführungen außen relativ ebene Wandungen, wobei der Tintenauslaß mit der vorgenannten Aufnahme für die Anschlußkanüle einen in Form eines Doms in die Unterseite der Kammer eingeformten Anschlußstutzen umfaßt. Diese Bauform ermöglicht einen kompakten äußeren Aufbau und kommt deswegen häufig zum Einsatz, und zwar sowohl, wenn die Kammer mit einem schwammartigen Tintenspeichermedium gefüllt ist, oder, wie in der EP 0 603 516 A2, in der Kammer frei fließen kann. Es sind ebenfalls Ausführungsformen wie die in der DE 195 34 577 A1 beschriebene bekannt, die sich lediglich dadurch unterscheiden, daß kein Schaum oder Schwamm vorhanden ist.The connection means for the printhead, usually as a connecting pin or cannulas are usually required corresponding connection piece or the like, which guides the cannula and seals and therefore must have an appropriate installation depth. This leads in practice to constructions such as those from the DE 195 34 577 A1 or EP 0 603 516 A2 are known. The housing has in the resulting versions relatively flat on the outside Walls, the ink outlet with the aforementioned receptacle for the Connection cannula in the form of a dome in the bottom of the chamber molded connection piece includes. This design enables one compact outer structure and is therefore often used, and both if the chamber with a sponge-like Ink storage medium is filled, or, as in EP 0 603 516 A2, in the Chamber can flow freely. There are also embodiments like that in FIG known from DE 195 34 577 A1, which is only characterized by this distinguish that there is no foam or sponge.

Insbesondere bei den letztgenannten Tintenkammern mit frei fließender Tinte tritt das Problem auf, daß der Tintenvorrat nicht aufgebraucht werden kann, wenn der Flüssigkeitspegel unter die Höhe des in den Boden eingeformten Anschlußstutzens fällt. Darüber hinaus führen die Trägheitskräfte beim Hin- und Herfahren des Tintenvorratsbehälters während des Druckens mitunter zum unkontrollierten Aufschaukeln der Flüssigkeit, so daß selbst bei nur teilweise entleertem Volumen die Tintenaustrittsöffnung nicht mit Tinte benetzt ist und es zu Druckaussetzern kommt, weil der Druckkopf Luft ansaugt.Especially in the latter ink chambers with free flowing ink there is a problem that the ink supply cannot be used up, if the liquid level is below the level of the molded in the bottom Connection piece falls. In addition, the inertial forces and sometimes moving the ink reservoir during printing for uncontrolled rocking of the liquid, so that even with only partially empty volume, the ink outlet port does not contain ink is wet and there are pressure dropouts because the print head is air sucks.

Aus der vorgenannten Problematik ergibt sich die Aufgabenstellung, einen Tintenvorratsbehälter für frei fließende Tinte mit den eingangs genannten Merkmalen zur Verfügung zu stellen, der eine gleichmäßige und sichere Tintenentnahme gewährleistet, und zwar unabhängiger vom jeweiligen Füllstand und einer eventuellen Bewegung des Tinteninhalts.The problem arises from the aforementioned problem, one Ink reservoir for free-flowing ink with the aforementioned To provide features that ensure even and safe ink removal guaranteed, regardless of the level and a possible movement of the ink content.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabenstellung schlägt die Erfindung ausgehend von einem Tintenvorratsbehälter der eingangs genannten Art vor, daß der Tintenauslaß siphonartig ausgebildet ist, mit einem sich von der Tintenaustrittsöffnung ins Kammerinnere erstreckenden Schenkel, der über einen Umlenkbogen in eine Ansaugöffnung übergeht, die von Innen gegen den Kammerboden gerichtet ist.To solve this problem, the invention proposes starting from an ink reservoir of the type mentioned before that the ink outlet is formed siphon-like, with one from the ink outlet opening leg extending into the chamber, which over a Deflection curve merges into a suction opening, which from the inside against the Chamber floor is directed.

Gemäß der Erfindung ist in den Kammerboden ein Siphon integriert, d. h. ein bogenförmiger Durchflußkanal, dessen Schenkel mit ihren Öffnungen beide nach unten gerichtet sind. Die eine Öffnung ist dabei identisch mit der Tintenaustrittsöffnung und kann bezüglich der Anschlußmittel so ausgestaltet sein, wie die im Stand der Technik bekannten Anschlußstutzen. Alternativ kann dort auch der Druckkopf unmittelbar befestigt sein. Am anderen Ende des Siphons befindet sich die Ansaugöffnung, durch welche die Tinte aus der Kammer abgesaugt wird. Die besondere erfindungsgemäße Anordnung besteht darin, daß die Ansaugöffnung senkrecht von oben mit geringem Abstand gegen den Kammerboden gerichtet ist.According to the invention, a siphon is integrated in the chamber bottom, i. H. on arcuate flow channel, the legs with their openings both are directed downwards. One opening is identical to that Ink outlet opening and can be designed with respect to the connection means be like the connecting pieces known in the prior art. Alternatively, the printhead can also be attached directly there. At the at the other end of the siphon is the suction opening through which the ink is sucked out of the chamber. The special according to the invention Arrangement consists in that the suction opening with vertical from above is directed towards the chamber floor.

Die besonderen Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich daraus, daß der Abfluß der Tinte durch die Ansaugöffnung des Siphons praktisch unabhängig vom Füllstand der Kammer, d. h. vom aktuellen Tintenpegel ist, solange nur die Füllhöhe den geringen Abstand zwischen der Ansaugöffnung und dem Kammerboden nicht unterschreitet. Dieser Vorteil kommt natürlich insbesondere bei Tintenvorratsbehältern zur Geltung, bei denen die Kammer mit freifließender Tinte gefüllt ist. Der Tintenabfluß zum Druckkopf ist dank der Erfindung nämlich zum einen unabhängig von der Höhe des Anschlußstutzens, welche durch die Länge der Anschlußkanüle bzw. des Dorns vorgegeben wird. Zum anderen wird eine unregelmäßig schwankende Flüssigkeitsoberfläche selbst bei teilweise entleerter Kammer sich nicht auf einen gleichmäßigen Tintenabfluß auswirken.The particular advantages of the invention result from the fact that the drain the ink through the suction opening of the siphon practically independent of Level of the chamber, d. H. of the current ink level is as long as only that Level the small distance between the suction opening and the Chamber bottom not less. This advantage comes naturally especially in the case of ink reservoirs where the chamber is filled with free-flowing ink. The ink drain to the printhead is thanks the invention namely on the one hand regardless of the amount of Connection piece, which by the length of the connecting cannula or Dorns is specified. On the other hand, an irregularly fluctuating Liquid surface does not open up even when the chamber is partially empty smooth ink flow.

Der geringe Abstand der Ansaugöffnung vom Kammerboden sollte so bemessen sein, daß das Produkt aus der Kantenlänge der Ansaugöffnung und dem Abstand in etwa dem benötigten Durchflußquerschnitt des Tintenauslasses entspricht. In der Regel wird dies zu einem Abstand von deutlich unterhalb von 1 mm führen. Daraus ergibt sich der weitere Vorteil, daß aufgrund der vorhandenen Oberflächenspannung der Tinte eine nahezu vollständige Entleerung der Kammer ohne weiteres möglich ist, und zwar unabhängig von der Länge des Anschlußstutzens.The small distance of the suction opening from the chamber floor should be like this be dimensioned so that the product from the edge length of the suction opening and the distance approximately the required flow cross section of the ink outlet equivalent. As a rule, this becomes clear at a distance of lead below 1 mm. This has the further advantage that due to the existing surface tension of the ink is almost complete Emptying the chamber is easily possible, independently on the length of the connecting piece.

Eine besonders vorteilhafte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Tintenauslasses sieht vor, daß der eine Schenkel ein senkrecht nach oben gerichteter Rohrabschnitt ist, auf dem eine diesen mit radialem und axialem Abstand übergreifende Umlenkkappe angebracht ist. Dadurch wird quasi ein koaxialer Siphon ausgebildet. Der zentrale Rohrabschnitt ist hinsichtlich Länge und Durchmesser so bemessen, daß er zur Aufnahme der Kanüle bzw. des Dorns am Drucker geeignet ist. Oben ist der Rohrabschnitt gerade abgeschnitten. Die Umlenkkappe wird von oben auf das Rohrende aufgesetzt, wobei der Ringspalt zwischen der Außenwandung des Rohrabschnitts und der Innenwandung der Umlenkkappe den anderen Schenkel des Siphons bildet. Die Ansaugöffnung ist damit ebenfalls ringförmig ausgebildet und befindet sich um die Durchtrittskante des Ansaugrohrs am Kammerboden umlaufend. Oben mündet der Ringraum zwischen Kappe und Rohr über den dort vorhandenen axialen Abstand zwischen der Decke der Abdeckkappe und dem Rohrende in den Rohrabschnitt ein.A particularly advantageous embodiment of the ink outlet according to the invention provides that one leg is a vertical upward is directed pipe section, on which this one with radial and axial Cross-over deflection cap is attached. This effectively becomes a coaxial siphon formed. The central pipe section is regarding Dimension the length and diameter so that it can hold the cannula or the mandrel on the printer is suitable. The pipe section at the top is straight cut off. The deflection cap is placed on the pipe end from above placed, the annular gap between the outer wall of the Pipe section and the inner wall of the deflection cap the other Forms leg of the siphon. The suction opening is also there ring-shaped and is located around the passage edge of the Intake pipe all around the chamber floor. The annulus opens at the top between cap and tube over the axial distance there between the ceiling of the cover cap and the pipe end in the Pipe section.

Ein besonderer Vorteil der vorgenannten Ausführungsform liegt in der symmetrischen Ausbildung. Darüber hinaus ermöglicht sie eine besonders einfache Fertigung: der Rohrabschnitt kann einstückig an das Gehäuse, d. h. die Kammer angeformt sein und radial abstehende Halterippen aufweisen. Diese sollten so bemessen sein, daß die Umlenkkappe allein durch Reibschluß festsitzend aufsteckbar ist. Diese kann ebenfalls als kostengünstig und rationell zu fertigendes Kunststoff-Spritzgußteil ausgebildet sein.A particular advantage of the aforementioned embodiment is the symmetrical one Education. In addition, it enables a particularly simple one Manufacturing: the pipe section can be integral with the housing, i.e. H. the Be molded onto the chamber and have radially projecting retaining ribs. This should be dimensioned so that the deflection cap only by friction is securely attachable. This can also be considered inexpensive and be rationally manufactured plastic injection molded part.

Es ist weiterhin von Vorteil, daß in der Kammer parallel nebeneinander Trennwände angeordnet sind, die mit ihren unteren Rändern oberhalb des Kammerbodens enden. Das bedeutet, daß eine Anzahl von separaten Tintenkammern gebildet wird, die jedoch durch die untenliegenden Spalte zwischen Trennwänden und Kammerboden miteinander kommunizieren. Der besondere Vorteil dieser Anordnung liegt darin, daß die Flüssigkeit selbst bei heftigen Bewegungen, beispielsweise bei der Richtungsumkehr des Druckkopfes beim Drucken, weniger stark aufgeschaukelt wird, als wenn nur eine große Kammer vorhanden wäre. Der Zufluß zur Ansaugöffnung des Tintenauslasses am Kammerboden ist in jedem Fall gewährleistet. Vorzugsweise ist dabei der Abstand der Trennwände zum Kammerboden, d. h. der Durchflußspalt, in etwa so groß bemessen wie der Abstand der Ansaugöffnung des Tintenauslasses zum Kammerboden. It is also advantageous that parallel in the chamber side by side Partitions are arranged with their lower edges above the Chamber floor ends. That means a number of separate ones Ink chambers is formed, however, by the column below communicate with each other between partition walls and chamber floor. The particular advantage of this arrangement is that the liquid itself violent movements, for example when reversing the direction of the Printhead when printing, is less rocked than if only there would be a large chamber. The inflow to the intake opening of the Ink outlet on the chamber floor is guaranteed in any case. Preferably, the distance of the partitions to the chamber floor, i. H. the flow gap, approximately as large as the distance of the Intake opening of the ink outlet to the chamber floor.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist die Tintenaustrittsöffnung mit Anschlußmitteln für einen Tintenstrahldruckkopf versehen. Damit sind beispielsweise Dichtungen und dergleichen gemeint, welche die dichte Aufnahme einer Anschlußkanüle ermöglichen und sich im außenliegenden Schenkel des Siphons befinden.The ink outlet opening is expediently provided with connecting means for provided an ink jet print head. This includes seals, for example and the like, which means the tight reception of a connecting cannula enable and are located in the outer leg of the siphon.

Alternativ kann der Tintenvorratsbehälter unlösbar mit einem Tintenstrahldruckkopf verbunden sein, der dann anstelle der vorgenannten Anschlußmittel mit dem Tintenvorratsbehälter zu einer integralen Einheit verbunden ist.Alternatively, the ink reservoir can be non-releasably attached to an ink jet printhead be connected, which then instead of the aforementioned connection means connected to the ink reservoir to form an integral unit is.

Vorteilhafte Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind im folgenden anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Hierzu zeigen im einzelnen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch einen erfindungsgemäßen Tintenvorratsbehälter;
Fig. 2
eine vergrößerte Detailansicht aus Figur 1.
Advantageous exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The following show in detail:
Fig. 1
is a schematic sectional view through an ink reservoir according to the invention;
Fig. 2
an enlarged detail view of Figure 1.

In Figur 1 ist ein Tintenvorratsbehälter schematisch im Schnitt dargestellt und darin als ganzes mit dem Bezugszeichen 1 versehen. Dieser besteht aus einem im wesentlichen quaderförmigen Kunststoffgehäuse 2, welches mit freifließender Tinte 3 gefüllt ist.In Figure 1, an ink reservoir is shown schematically in section and provided with the reference number 1 as a whole. This consists of an essentially cuboid plastic housing 2, which with free flowing ink 3 is filled.

Am Boden des Gehäuses 2 befindet sich ein erfindungsgemäßer Tintenauslaß, der insgesamt mit dem Bezugszeichen 4 versehen ist und eine nach unten gerichtete Tintenaustrittsöffnung aufweist, in die eine Anschlußkanüle 5 eines im einzelnen nicht dargestellten Tintenstrahldruckers oder -plotters einsteckbar ist, was mit dem Pfeil angedeutet ist.At the bottom of the housing 2 there is an ink outlet according to the invention, which is provided overall with the reference number 4 and one after has an ink outlet opening directed below, into which a connecting cannula 5 an ink jet printer or not shown in detail -plotters can be inserted, which is indicated by the arrow.

In Figur 2 ist der Tintenauslaß 4 gemäß Figur 1 noch einmal vergrößert in allen Details dargestellt, wobei im dieselben Bezugszeichen Verwendung finden. Daraus geht hervor, daß an dem Gehäuseboden 2a ein sich in das Innere des Gehäuses 2, also in die Tintenkammer erstreckender Schenkel 6 angeformt ist, der im wesentlichen als Rohrabschnitt ausgebildet ist und an seinem unteren Ende die Tintenaustrittsöffnung zur Aufnahme der Anschlußkanüle 5 hat und an seinem oberen Ende gerade abgeschnitten ist.In Figure 2, the ink outlet 4 according to Figure 1 is enlarged again in all details are shown, using the same reference numerals Find. It follows that on the housing base 2a a Interior of the housing 2, i.e. leg 6 extending into the ink chamber is formed, which is essentially designed as a tube section and on the lower end of the ink outlet for receiving the Has connection cannula 5 and is just cut off at its upper end.

In der Durchgangsöffnung des Schenkelss 6 sind Dicht- und Anschlußmittel 7 angeordnet, die beispielsweise O-Ringe, ein durchstechbares Septum oder dergleichen enthalten können.In the through opening of the leg 6 are sealing and Connection means 7 arranged, for example, O-rings can contain pierceable septum or the like.

Auf den Schenkel 6 ist von oben eine Umlenkkappe 8 aufgesetzt, die axialen Abstand zu dessen oberen Ende hat und diesen mit radialem Abstand umgibt, wobei sie reibschlüssig durch an den Rohrabschnitt 6 außen angespritzte, gestrichelt eingezeichnete Halterippen 9 fest fixiert ist. Der untere Rand der Umlenkkappe 8 hat geringen Abstand zur Innenseite des Gehäusebodens 2a, wodurch ein umlaufender, schmaler Ringspalt gebildet wird, in den die Tinte 3 - wie mit den gebogenen Pfeilen angedeutet - einströmen kann. Weiterhin durchfließt sie den Ringspalt zwischen der Außenseite des Rohrstutzens 6 und der Innenwandung der Umlenkkappe 8, wobei sie an der Decke der Kappe 8 siphonartig in Richtung der umgekehrt U-förmigen Pfeile in den Querschnitt des Rohrstutzens 6 hinein umgelenkt wird und auf diese Weise zur Tintenaustrittsöffnung bzw. zur Anschlußkanüle 5 gelangt.A deflection cap 8 is placed on the leg 6 from above, the axial Has a distance to its upper end and this with a radial distance surrounds, where it is frictionally through to the pipe section 6 outside molded, dashed lines holding ribs 9 is fixed. The lower edge of the deflection cap 8 has a small distance to the inside of the Housing base 2a, whereby a circumferential, narrow annular gap is formed in which the ink 3 - as indicated by the curved arrows - can flow in. It also flows through the annular gap between the Outside of the pipe socket 6 and the inner wall of the deflection cap 8, being siphon-like on the ceiling of the cap 8 in the opposite direction U-shaped arrows deflected into the cross section of the pipe socket 6 and in this way to the ink outlet or Connection cannula 5 arrives.

Der besondere Vorteil der Erfindung liegt darin, daß die Tinte 3 dank des siphonförmigen Strömungsverlaufs so lange problemlos über die Anschlußkanüle 5 entnommen, d.h. abgesaugt werden kann, bis der Tintenstand unter die Spaltbreite zwischen der Unterkante der Umlenkkappe 8 und dem Gehäuseboden 2 fällt. In der Praxis kann dieser Abstand so knapp bemessen werden, daß aufgrund der Oberflächenspannung die Tinte 3 praktisch restlos entnommen wird. Diese vorteilhaften Effekte sind unabhängig davon, wie lang die Anschlußkanüle 5 ist und wie weit sich entsprechend der Rohrstutzen 6 in die Tintenkammer, d.h. in das Gehäuse 2 hinein erstreckt.The particular advantage of the invention is that the ink 3 thanks to the siphon-shaped flow course as long without problems via the connecting cannula 5 taken, i.e. can be suctioned off until the ink level below the gap width between the lower edge of the deflection cap 8 and the Case bottom 2 falls. In practice, this distance can be so narrow be that due to the surface tension, the ink 3 practically completely is removed. These beneficial effects are independent of how long is the connecting cannula 5 and how far the Pipe socket 6 into the ink chamber, i.e. extends into the housing 2.

Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung können in dem Gehäuse 2 Trennwände 10 angebracht sein, die sich über den Gehäusequerschnitt erstrecken, jedoch zwischen ihrer Unterseite und dem Gehäuse 2, d.h. dem Gehäuseboden 2a, einen schmalen Durchflußspalt frei lassen. Dadurch wird das Gehäuseinnere in schmale Abteile unterteilt, in denen die darin befindliche Tinte 3 sich auch bei schnellen Bewegungen des Tintenvorratsbehälters 1 weniger zum Aufschaukeln neigt, als wenn das Gehäuse 2 nicht unterteilt wäre. Das hat den Vorteil, daß selbst bei heftiger Bewegung, beispielsweise bei der Richtungsumkehr während des Druckens, am Tintenauslaß 4 der momentane Tintenpegel nicht so weit absinken wird, daß über die Anschlußkanüle 5 Luft angesaugt wird.According to an advantageous development of the invention, the Housing 2 partitions 10 may be attached, which are over the housing cross section extend, however, between its bottom and the Housing 2, i.e. the housing bottom 2a, a narrow flow gap free to let. This divides the interior of the housing into narrow compartments, in which the ink 3 in it is even with rapid movements of the Ink reservoir 1 is less likely to rock than if it were Housing 2 would not be divided. This has the advantage that even when violent Movement, for example when changing direction during printing, the current ink level at the ink outlet 4 will not decrease so much, that 5 air is sucked in via the connecting cannula.

Claims (10)

Tintenvorratsbehälter (1) für einen Tintenstrahldrucker, der eine mit Tinte (3) befüllbare Kammer (2) aufweist, in deren Unterseite sich ein Tintenauslaß (4) mit einer Tintenaustrittsöffnung befindet, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Tintenauslaß (4) siphonartig ausgebildet ist, mit einem sich von der Tintenaustrittsöffnung ins Kammerinnere erstreckenden Schenkel (6), der über einen Umlenkbogen (8) in eine Ansaugöffnung übergeht, die von Innen gegen den Kammerboden (2a) gerichtet ist.Ink reservoir (1) for an inkjet printer, which has a chamber (2) which can be filled with ink (3) and in the underside of which there is an ink outlet (4) with an ink outlet opening, characterized in that the ink outlet (4) is designed to be siphon-like a leg (6) which extends from the ink outlet opening into the chamber interior and which, via a deflection bend (8), merges into a suction opening which is directed against the chamber floor (2a) from the inside. Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Kammer (2) mit freifließender Tinte (3) befüllbar ist.Ink reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that the chamber (2) can be filled with free-flowing ink (3). Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Ansaugöffnung senkrecht mit geringem Abstand gegen den Kammerboden (2a) gerichtet ist.Ink supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction opening is directed vertically with a small distance against the chamber bottom (2a). Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schenkel (6) ein senkrecht nach oben gerichteter Rohrabschnitt ist, auf dem eine diesen mit radialem und axialem Abstand übergreifende Umlenkkappe (8) angebracht ist.Ink supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that the leg (6) is a pipe section directed vertically upwards, on which a deflection cap (8) is attached which overlaps it with radial and axial spacing. Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Umlenkkappe (8) auf radial vom Rohrabschnitt (6) abstehende Halterippen (9) aufgesteckt ist. Ink supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that the deflecting cap (8) is pushed onto retaining ribs (9) projecting radially from the tube section (6). Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Kammer (2) parallel nebeneinander Trennwände (10) angeordnet sind, die mit ihren unteren Rändern oberhalb des Kammerbodens (2a) enden.Ink supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that in the chamber (2) there are parallel partition walls (10) which end with their lower edges above the chamber base (2a). Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Abstand der Trennwände (10) zum Kammerboden (2a) in etwa so groß ist wie der Abstand der Ansaugöffnung des Tintenauslasses (4) zum Kammerboden (2a).Ink supply container according to claim 6, characterized in that the distance between the partitions (10) to the chamber bottom (2a) is approximately as large as the distance from the suction opening of the ink outlet (4) to the chamber bottom (2a). Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Tintenauslaß (4) mit Anschlußmitteln (7) für einen Tintenstrahldrucker versehen ist.Ink supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink outlet (4) is provided with connecting means (7) for an ink jet printer. Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Tintenvorratsbehälter (1) unlösbar mit einem Tintenstrahldruckkopf verbunden ist.Ink supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink supply container (1) is non-detachably connected to an ink jet print head. Tintenvorratsbehälter nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Tintenauslaß (4) aus einem oder mehreren Kunststoff-Spritzgußteilen (6, 8) gebildet wird.Ink reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that the ink outlet (4) is formed from one or more plastic injection molded parts (6, 8).
EP00119055A 1999-05-06 2000-09-02 Ink supply container Expired - Lifetime EP1186421B1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19920922A DE19920922C1 (en) 1999-05-06 1999-05-06 Ink reservoir for ink jet printer has syphon ink outlet on underneath of ink chamber for providing uniform ink delivery
US09/653,766 US6394592B1 (en) 1999-05-06 2000-09-01 Ink reservoir
EP00119055A EP1186421B1 (en) 1999-05-06 2000-09-02 Ink supply container
ES00119055T ES2234492T3 (en) 1999-05-06 2000-09-02 INK RESERVE DEPOSIT.

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19920922A DE19920922C1 (en) 1999-05-06 1999-05-06 Ink reservoir for ink jet printer has syphon ink outlet on underneath of ink chamber for providing uniform ink delivery
US09/653,766 US6394592B1 (en) 1999-05-06 2000-09-01 Ink reservoir
EP00119055A EP1186421B1 (en) 1999-05-06 2000-09-02 Ink supply container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1186421A1 true EP1186421A1 (en) 2002-03-13
EP1186421B1 EP1186421B1 (en) 2005-02-09

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00119055A Expired - Lifetime EP1186421B1 (en) 1999-05-06 2000-09-02 Ink supply container

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US (1) US6394592B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1186421B1 (en)
DE (1) DE19920922C1 (en)
ES (1) ES2234492T3 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5103243A (en) * 1988-12-16 1992-04-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Volumetrically efficient ink jet pen capable of extreme altitude and temperature excursions
DE19534577A1 (en) * 1994-09-16 1996-03-28 Seiko Epson Corp Ink jet printers, ink cartridges for ink jet printers, and ink delivery system and method
US5900895A (en) * 1995-12-04 1999-05-04 Hewlett-Packard Company Method for refilling an ink supply for an ink-jet printer
US5971530A (en) * 1993-10-27 1999-10-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Refillable, evaporation-suppressing liquid container

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3799053A (en) * 1972-07-13 1974-03-26 Marsh Stencil Machine Co Hand printer
US4931811A (en) * 1989-01-31 1990-06-05 Hewlett-Packard Company Thermal ink jet pen having a feedtube with improved sizing and operational with a minimum of depriming
US5451995A (en) * 1992-12-22 1995-09-19 Hewlett-Packard Company Rigid loop case structure for thermal ink-jet pen

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5103243A (en) * 1988-12-16 1992-04-07 Hewlett-Packard Company Volumetrically efficient ink jet pen capable of extreme altitude and temperature excursions
US5971530A (en) * 1993-10-27 1999-10-26 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Refillable, evaporation-suppressing liquid container
DE19534577A1 (en) * 1994-09-16 1996-03-28 Seiko Epson Corp Ink jet printers, ink cartridges for ink jet printers, and ink delivery system and method
US5900895A (en) * 1995-12-04 1999-05-04 Hewlett-Packard Company Method for refilling an ink supply for an ink-jet printer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6394592B1 (en) 2002-05-28
DE19920922C1 (en) 2000-12-07
EP1186421B1 (en) 2005-02-09
ES2234492T3 (en) 2005-07-01

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