EP1401663A1 - Cartouche d'encre de tete d'impression compacte a mecanisme de deplacement integre et dispositif d'entretien - Google Patents

Cartouche d'encre de tete d'impression compacte a mecanisme de deplacement integre et dispositif d'entretien

Info

Publication number
EP1401663A1
EP1401663A1 EP02744207A EP02744207A EP1401663A1 EP 1401663 A1 EP1401663 A1 EP 1401663A1 EP 02744207 A EP02744207 A EP 02744207A EP 02744207 A EP02744207 A EP 02744207A EP 1401663 A1 EP1401663 A1 EP 1401663A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
print head
printing
receptacle
media
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP02744207A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Randy Q. Jones
Jan E. Unter
George L. Bradshaw
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.)
Nidec Elesys Americas Corp
Original Assignee
Nidec Elesys Americas Corp
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
Application filed by Nidec Elesys Americas Corp filed Critical Nidec Elesys Americas Corp
Publication of EP1401663A1 publication Critical patent/EP1401663A1/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4071—Printing on disk-shaped media, e.g. CDs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to printing systems and methods for printing with the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to printing systems with cartridges that are configured to radially print onto a media that rotates in relation to a printing assembly.
  • Conventional printing systems typically utilize rectangular based bitmaps.
  • a conventional printing system prints onto a standard size rectangular-shaped media along a horizontal axis, for example, and the media is moved along a vertical axis.
  • the printing assembly moves across the paper to print an image onto the paper while the paper is held stationary.
  • conventional printing systems generally implement movements within a rectangular coordinate system for printing onto media having standard sizes and shapes.
  • FIG. 1 depicts a conventional printing system 10 in the form of a typical ink jet printer.
  • the printing system 10 includes a print head 102, a roller 106, an actuator 108, and an ink head service and capping area 120.
  • the print head 102 is configured for dispensing ink onto a print media 100, representing, for example, a rectangular sheet of paper.
  • the actuator 108 is configured for moving the print head 102 across the print media 100.
  • the roller 106 is configured for moving the print media 100 under the print head 102.
  • the roller 106 moves the print media 100 perpendicularly to the movement of the print head 102. That is, the media 100 travels under the print head
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a radial print system 200, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Number
  • 210 in one embodiment of this invention consists of an conventional ink jet cartridge that also has print head 102 that moves radially and tangentially to the spinning media underneath in contrast to the conventional printing system 10 of FIG. 1, which moves print head 102 in the x-axis direction across the media 100 under print while the media 100 gradually advances along the y-axis.
  • the spatial resolution of the ink object resolution is normally constant across the conventional printing system 10 media
  • the spatial resolution of the radial print system printing ink objects increases as the radial position of the ink jet cartridge increases with respect to the circular CD-R media.
  • FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate the bottom view of a conventional cartridge 300 that has nozzles 320 with orientation, firing order, and firing rates optimized for rectangular printing in the orthogonal or Cartesian reference coordinate system.
  • this same cartridge print head and nozzles produce non-optimal results when used to print radially in the polar reference coordinate system.
  • nozzles 320 are usually arranged along a parallel vertical lines offset 334 from the centerline 330 of the print head 310.
  • ink jet cartridges 300 used in conventional rectangular printers are too tall for particular printing applications.
  • Conventional ink jet cartridges are usually not designed to limit physical height, but rather are so designed to be as tall as practical for larger ink reservoir capacity.
  • FIG. 1 the conventional design of a print head 102 necessitates it being serviced frequently to maintain optimal performance of the print head, so a separate service station 120 is required to wipe 126 clear the print head 102 nozzles during printing and cap 124 the print head for storage wlender not in use.
  • This service station is often a
  • a separate service station may occupy substantial portions of the space available in a radial printing system.
  • a separate service station 120 can inherently slow down printing due to the need to add extra motion steps outside the
  • the present invention provides an ink cartridge that includes therein a print head for dispensing ink onto a media, a movement mechanism for enabling movement of the print head, and/or an ink service station.
  • the cartridge is designed to be inserted into a receptacle so that the cartridge and receptacle form a radial printing system.
  • the receptacle may also include a motion actuator for engaging with the movement mechanism of the cartridge to thereby move the print head of the cartridge.
  • the movement mechanism of the cartridge works in conjunction with the actuator of the receptacle to thereby
  • the print head 115 move the print head with respect to the cartridge, e.g., moving into and out of the cartridge, and with respect to a rotating media to enable ink to be dispensed by the print head along a radius of a rotating circular media.
  • the cartridge remains fixed with respect to the media.
  • the radial print system may be used to print a label on the top surface of a recordable
  • the cartridge and receptacle are sized into a slim form factor.
  • the cartridge and receptacle together serve as an ink jet printing system.
  • the cartridge includes one or more ink storage mechanisms, such as ink storage bladders, a mechanism to enable print
  • 125 head positioning and a mechanism to perform print head servicing, including nozzle clean-out, nozzle wiping, and nozzle capping for storage.
  • mating receptacle components such as a communication bus coupled with a processor, externally activate the cartridge to enable printing. These mating receptacle components also actuate internal cartridge
  • the cartridge is operable to enable printing onto spinning CD-R media while mounted and positioned over or integrated with a standard slimline-height CD-R drive. More particularly, some of the particular embodiments of the present invention provide a printing ink jet "print head" cartridge
  • the cartridge and printing receptacle are designed so that a combination of the cartridge, printing receptacle and CD-R drive substantially fits within a standard ⁇ -height computer bay or in a externally mounted computer
  • the cartridge is designed to have a height that is less than or equal to a slimline-height CD-R drive (currently sized to be 20.7 mm or less in height). Most preferably, the cartridge has a height less than or equal to the size of an opening for receiving CD- ROMS (currently sized to be about 14 mm or less in height). Additionally, the
  • 145 cartridge preferably has a width and length that are less than or equal to a slimline
  • CD-R drive (currently sized to 146mm or less in width and 203mm or less in length, respectively).
  • Some of the specific cartridge embodiments are removable from and insertable into a printing assembly that is mounted in a computer bay.
  • a removable cartridge
  • 150 may contain replaceable and disposable portions that may be inserted or removed, permitting new features or extensions in function. Accordingly, users may freely and easily swap printing cartridges, as one might now do with floppy disks. For example, this enables repetitively swapping out specialty printing cartridges with alternate colors or other featured coatings to layer onto the same target CD-R under print.
  • a printing cartridge for radially printing onto a rotating circular media includes an ink print head having a plurality of nozzles operable to dispense ink onto the rotating circular media and a motion mechanism coupled with the ink print head to allow radial movement of the print head over the rotating circular media.
  • the motion mechanism is designed to be engagable with an actuator of a receptacle when the cartridge is coupled with the receptacle, and the actuator is operable to move the print head via the motion mechanism.
  • the motion mechanism is a cam wheel having a groove for receiving a pin coupled to the print head. The cam wheel is engagable
  • the motion mechanism further includes a bladder assembly for supporting an ink reservoir coupled to the print head, and the bladder assembly is also coupled with the print head.
  • the bladder assembly includes two pivots on two opposing sides of the bladder assembly, and the pivots are positioned to slidably and pivotably engage with two rails of an inside surface of the cartridge.
  • the groove is configured to allow vertical and horizontal movement of the print head when the cam wheel rotates.
  • the cam wheel includes a service station for maintaining the print head.
  • the service station includes a spit, a wipe, and a cap device.
  • the groove is further configured to rotate the print head over the service station.
  • the cartridge and the receptacle are arranged together so that the cartridge remains in a fixed position with respect to the rotating 180 media when the print head is moving over the media.
  • the motion mechanism includes an attachment mechanism coupled with the print head, and the attachment mechanism is engagable with the actuator of the receptacle when the cartridge is coupled with the receptacle.
  • the actuator is operable to move the print head via the attachment mechanism.
  • the actuator includes a motor coupled with a lever arm which is engageable with the attachment mechanism when the cartridge is inserted within the receptacle.
  • the motion mechanism includes a second attachment mechanism coupled with a service platform, and wherein the attachment mechanism is engagable with a second actuator of the receptacle when the cartridge is coupled 190 with the receptacle, and the second actuator is operable to move the service platform with respect to the print head via the second attachment mechanism.
  • the cartridge is sized to couple with a printer receptacle, wherein the printer receptacle is positioned adjacent to or integrated with a standard slimline CD-R device, so that a combination of the cartridge, the printer
  • the cartridge includes a print service component configured to service the print head by cleaning and/or capping the nozzles of the print head.
  • the cartridge is has a similar size as a slimline type CD-R 200 drive bay.
  • the invention pertains to a method of radially printing onto a rotating media using a cartridge having an ink print head having a plurality of nozzles operable to dispense ink onto the rotating circular media and a motion mechanism coupled with the ink print head to allow radial movement of the print head
  • the motion mechanism of the cartridge is engaged to thereby move the print head over the rotating circular media, and ink is dispensed onto the rotating circular media.
  • the engaging operation includes activation of a servicing operation on the print head.
  • the cartridge is inserted into a slimline printer system to activate engagement of the motion
  • a radial printing and compact disc recording (CD- 215 R) system is disclosed.
  • the system includes a CD-R drive for recording on a rotating media, the CD-R drive having a standard slimline size and a radial printing receptacle arranged to receive a cartridge.
  • the radial printing receptacle is positioned adjacent to or integrated with the CD-R drive, and the radial printing receptacle and cartridge are operable to print onto the rotating media.
  • the radial printing receptacle and 220 cartridge are sized such that a combination of the radial printing receptacle, cartridge, and CD-R drive substantially fit within a standard l A height computer bay.
  • the cartridge includes an ink print head having a plurality of nozzles operable to dispense ink onto the rotating media and a motion mechanism coupled with the ink print head to allow radial movement of the print head 225 over the rotating media.
  • the radial movement is defined with respect to a circular motion of the rotating media.
  • the motion mechanism is designed to be engagable with an actuator of a receptacle when the cartridge is coupled with the receptacle, the actuator being operable to move the print head via the motion mechanism.
  • FIG. 1 represents a conventional printing system.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a radial printing system.
  • FIG. 3 a is a diagrammatic representation of the bottom nozzle surface pattern of a conventional ink jet cartridge assembly typically used in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 b is a diagrammatic representation of the nozzle pattern of a 240 conventional cartridge assembly overlaid onto radial polar coordinate lines as representative in a radial printing system.
  • FIG. 4a is a diagrammatic representation of the radial print head of a radial cartridge assembly with its nozzles positioned over and substantially along the radius of a CD-R media, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4b is a diagrammatic representation of the optimal placement of the radial nozzle pattern of a radial cartridge print head with respect to the radial coordinate lines over spinning media in a radial printing system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a combination device consisting of 250 a slimline CD-R drive and radial printing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6a is diagrammatic representation perspective view of the cartridge of FIG. 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6b is diagrammatic representation side view of the cartridge of FIG. 5 in 255 accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6c is a diagrammatic top view representation of the cam wheel of the cartridge of FIGS. 6a and 6b in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6d is a diagrammatic perspective end view representation of the cam 260 wheel of the cartridge FIGS. 6a and 6b in a partially closed position as the print head retracts in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 7a ⁇ 7e are diagrammatic top view representations of the cam wheel and print head positioned in relation to the cartridge and media 220 at various stages within the print and maintenance cycle in accordance with one embodiment of the 265 present invention.
  • FIG. 7f is a diagrammatic side view representation of the cartridge and cam shutter wheel rotated with the print head fully retracted in the capped position and the cam shutter in the closed position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8a and 8b are illustrations of two charts representative of the relative vertical and horizontal positions, respectively, of the print head with respect to the CD-R media and cartridge housing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9a and 9b are diagrammatic perspective view and side view 275 representations, respectively, of an extended ink supply cartridge used for CD-R radial printing in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a radial printing system in which the cartridge of the present invention may be implemented.
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the on-board cartridge control circuitry of FIG. 280 6b in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view representation a cartridge having motion mechanisms which use linear actuators in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of the side view of the linear 285 actuators of FIG. 12, illustrating the relative vertical movement of internal components of the cartridge and the print head.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of the top view of the linear actuators of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation of the side view of the linear 290 actuators of FIG. 12, illustrating the relative vertical arrangement of significant internal components of the cartridge, with the print head shown in a capped position.
  • the present invention relates to circular recording media, such as an optical disc, such as a recordable compact disc (CD-R).
  • circular recording media such as an optical disc, such as a recordable compact disc (CD-R).
  • CD-R compact disc
  • CD-R and CD are intended to mean all varieties of recordable circular media (e.g., CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and the like.).
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a combination CD-R device or drive and radial printing system 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the combination system 500 includes a low-profile radial printer system 520 having a cartridge system 530 that is designed to physically mate with, substantially mount directly over or adjacent to, and/or may be manufactured in combination with a
  • standard slimline CD-R device 510 such as Teac model CD-W216E and the like, which CD devices are often used in present-day computer laptops and are well known to those familiar with the art.
  • the combined standard slimline CD-R device 510 and cartridge system 530 substantially fit within a standard l height computer bay.
  • the system 500 includes a receptacle for receiving the cartridge, as well as for providing other printing operations.
  • the receptacle may include an interlocking mechanisms (e.g. 524) for coupling with and ejecting of the cartridge, one or more actuators for facilitating movement of a print head within the cartridge (e.g., 604 and 606 of FIG. 6a or 1212, 330 1210, 1214, and 1216 of FIG. 14), and hardware and/or software components for enabling printing (e.g., 660).
  • the user may press or snap the cartridge 530 into an interlocking mechanism 524 in the printer system 520 and thereby place the cartridge 530 substantially horizontally into position over the media 220.
  • the user may insert or remove the media 220 via the CD-R tray mechanism 514.
  • the cartridge 530 is activated from the radial printer mechanism 520, which engages the cartridge 530 to move the print head 410 into position over the CD-R media 220.
  • the interlocking mechanism is in the form of any suitable device for providing active restraint of the cartridge.
  • the interlocking mechanism may be in the form of a positive detent or clasp.
  • the interlocking mechanism may be operable to grab the cartridge as it is inserted within the tray 514 and then pull and lock the cartridge into the printing system 520.
  • the interlocking mechanism may be
  • the interlocking mechanism is also operable to eject the cartridge from the printing system.
  • the interlocking mechanism may be coupled with a processor, which is configured to activate an ejection (e.g., via activation of a solenoid) when printing is complete.
  • the interlocking mechanism may also include a user selectable eject mechanism which the
  • This user may activate to eject the cartridge.
  • This user selectable ejection mechanism may also be controlled by a processor to prevent the cartridge from being ejected during printing or to query whether the user really wants to eject prior to activating ejection of the cartridge.
  • the design of the print head 410 is preferably of a type, a technology and a
  • FIG. 4a shows
  • a print head designed for radial printing in this fashion and thus aligned over the radial axis enables printing successive concentric annual print position lines 336 as the media
  • FIG. 4b This is also shown in a perspective view in FIG. 4b, illustrating the placement of the radial print head 410 in relation to the media 220 and the radial print centerline 330, offset by azimuthal angle 340 from a reference origin radial line 342.
  • radial print head nozzles 412 ideally fire in time so as to place ink objects
  • the print head designed for radial printing in this fashion, optimizes placement of ink objects directly along the radial axis, minimizing print distortion.
  • the cartridge also includes a motion mechanism that enables movement of the print head 410 with respect to the media.
  • the motion mechanism is coupled with the
  • activation of the motion mechanism causes the print head 410 to be physically translated over any portion of the radial axis 330 of the rotating media 220 (e.g., over the rear 414 portion or the front 914 portion of the media, as shown in FIG.
  • FIGS. 6a ⁇ 6b are more detailed diagrammatic representations of the cartridge 530 of FIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a portion of the cartridge 530 internal components discussed in FIG. 5, as shown engaged with an external actuator in accordance with one 385 embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6b is a detailed side view of the cartridge
  • the cartridge includes any suitable number and type of motion mechanism(s).
  • the cartridge includes a 390 cam shutter wheel 610, which may be activated by an external actuator.
  • the cam wheel 610 is coupled with the print head through a bladder assembly 620, which holds one or more ink bladders 630 which are coupled to ink pathways 632 which are coupled with print head 410. Movement of the cam wheel 610 substantially causes the print head to move in concert with the bladder assembly.
  • FIG. 6c is a perspective top view of the cam wheel 610 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Spring 612 applies pressure to keep the track tracking pin 650 in
  • the irregular-shaped, raised and/or recessed cam guide track 710 as fashioned in the cam shutter wheel 610 as shown in FIG. 6c.
  • the cam wheel may be alternately positioned over the bladder assembly.
  • the external actuator may be in the form of a print motor 606, pinion gear 604, and servo actuator (1060 of FIG. 10).
  • the print may be in the form of a print motor 606, pinion gear 604, and servo actuator (1060 of FIG. 10).
  • the bladder assembly 620 containing ink bladders 630, ink pathways 632 and print head 410, all pivot together around pivots 624 on either side (see FIG. 6b), allowing the entire bladder assembly 620 to move in concert.
  • a one-piece, rigid bladder assembly potentially reduces ink leak or seal problems and lowers manufacturing costs.
  • the bladder assembly 620 may be formed from a plurality of parts. However, a single piece assembly 620 is more cost effective to manufacture and maintain.
  • the ink pathways 632 may be capillaries or a capillary sponge material as used in the art, to allow ink to
  • An ink well (not shown) may be located at the capillary end near the print head on the bladder assembly. Also while the print head- bladder assembly 620 is lowered during printing, the slightly downward slope of the pivoted assembly aids ink flow.
  • FIG. 6c is a diagrammatic top view of the cam wheel 610 of FIGS. 6a and 6b 425 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cam wheel 610 includes a guide track 710 for receiving the tracking pin 650 affixed to the bottom of the bladder assembly 620.
  • the guide track 710 may be embossed, machined, milled, molded, stamped, or otherwise fashioned into or attached onto the cam shutter wheel 610 of the print head positioning mechanism.
  • This guide track 710 430 is so shaped as to accurately profile the complete movement cycle to substantially support all necessary print head positioning, printing and servicing operations.
  • FIGS. 7a ⁇ 7e are diagrammatic top view representations and FIG. 7f is a side view representation of the cam wheel 610 and print head 410 positioned in relation to the cartridge 520 and media 220 at various stages within the print and maintenance
  • the print head 410 end of the print head-bladder assembly 620 is forced out of the cartridge 520 via the guide pin 650 following track 710 by rotating the cam shutter wheel 610 to a maximum extension, position 740 on the cam, so as to be over the edge of the target media 220 (FIG. 7a).
  • the shutter 720 is forced out of the cartridge 520 via the guide pin 650 following track 710 by rotating the cam shutter wheel 610 to a maximum extension, position 740 on the cam, so as to be over the edge of the target media 220 (FIG. 7a).
  • the print head 410 opens as the cam wheel rotates and the print head 410 extends.
  • the print head 410 gradually moves radially along path 734 towards the radial center of the media 220 (FIG. 7a) along track 710 through consecutive positions towards the other edge of the media 220, starting at position 740 , then on to position 741 approximately halfway
  • FIG. 7c on the cam shutter wheel 610.
  • the direction of movement along the media 220 need not exclusively move from outer to inner portion of the media.
  • FIG. 9a using a similar cam shutter wheel to guide the print head path, the print head 410 conversely moves in a path 914 from
  • the print head 410 When finished printing, the print head 410 continues radially 734 into the service area of the wheel, following the relative path 720, as guided along by the cam wheel track, starting at position 744 to spit 716 (FIG. 7d), through the wipe blade 714 and function, and eventually into the cap 712 in cam wheel track position 746 (FIG.
  • the print cycle may then either begin once more, or alternately prepare for cartridge ejection.
  • the shutter 720 closes while rotating 732 over the cartridge opening, as shown in FIG. 6d, a diagrammatic end view of the cam wheel of the cartridge in a partially closed position in accordance with one
  • graph 820 illustrates the horizontal extension position of the print head 410 as a function of degrees rotation of the cam wheel 610, starting with 0 degrees in the stow position, illustrating the print head at various relative lateral positions as the guide pin
  • the print head 410 first extends all the way out to the starting edge of the CD-R, then gradually moves to the other edge of the CD-R, finally ending up in the service areas 644 and 646 and finally in the pen cap 648 stow position 814, in the process of cycling through graph regions 806, 810,
  • FIG. 470 812 and 814 respectively, ready to repeat the cycle once more again.
  • FIG. 470 812 and 814 respectively, ready to repeat the cycle once more again.
  • the stow-position 814 also prepares the cartridge 530 for ejection and removal.
  • the cartridge cam shutter 720 (FIGS. 6c and 6d) is also in closed position, protecting the cartridge internals from damage and intrusive objects that may damage the mechanism and rupture the ink bladders.
  • FIG. 9a and 9b are diagrammatic perspective view and side view representations, respectively, of an extended ink supply cartridge 930 for inserting into a CD-R printing system (510 and 520) in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cartridge 930 is similar to the cartridge of FIGS. 5 ⁇ 8b, except it includes a relatively large ink 485 reservoir 932 which extends outside the printer assembly 520.
  • the ink reservoir 932 may be coupled to the print head via flexible ink chaimels 934 or via a combination of ink channels 934 and additional ink reservoirs within the bladder assembly 630.
  • the CD tray 514 of the CD-R device 510 may also be formed to extend out flush with the end of the reservoir housing 930 (not shown) to allow greater clearance.
  • the extended ink reservoir may be detachable from the rest of the cartridge 530 to allow easy replacement of the ink reservoir.
  • the ink reservoir may include nozzles 934 to attach to and remove from the cartridge at point 524.
  • Activation of the cartridge 530 may be accomplished through a series of 495 commands to printer mechanism 520 from a hosting computer system or any combination of hardware and/or software.
  • Printer assembly 520 attaches with and routes command signals and power through connector 664 (FIG. 6b) to the control circuitry 660 located in the panhandle 656 of the cartridge 530.
  • the overall print operation is controlled by the printer mechanism 520 shown in FIG. 5, which 500 receives, processes and ejects the print cartridge 530 from the host computer.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a radial printing and CD-R system 1000 in which the cartridge print system of the present invention may be implemented.
  • the CD-R and radial print system 1000 includes the printer assembly 520 having a cartridge (not shown) as described above.
  • the print head 410 505 extends out of the cartridge and moves along a radial path 414 by an actuator, while the media 100 spins 214 underneath the print head 410, which fires in along a trajectory 430 to place ink on the disc at a specific target location, also referred to as the print zone 440.
  • the Pen control system 1050 controls the positioning and firing of the pen 510 410. Images from the imaging algorithms 1072 are prepared by the imaging system
  • FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the on-board cartridge control circuitry 660 of
  • control circuitry 660 may be implemented within any suitable combination of hardware and/or software.
  • the control circuitry includes an input/output interface 1110 for interfacing with the cartridge and may also include an encryption decoder 1112 for decoding an authentication code from the cartridge (e.g.,
  • the control circuitry also may include a mechanism for determining whether the authentication code indicate invalid access by an invalid cartridge (1118). If the access is valid, an ink counter located within the printing assembly and/or cartridge 1150 may be updated or reset. Otherwise, access may be denied (1116) and the cartridge is unable to be used. This access mechanism
  • 530 may be implemented to ensure use of only a particular type of cartridge having an authentic serial number.
  • the control circuitry 660 may also include a mechanism for determining whether the cartridge 1150 has run out of ink (1122). If there is no more ink, a report
  • print head 410 firing may then be enabled
  • the print mechanism motor 606 and pinion gear 604 may also serve to pull in and eject the cartridge 530, when mating teeth are fashioned on the outer cartridge
  • an interlocking hook is used to mate to and engage with a recess in the outer cartridge sidewall, so that when the user partially inserts the cartridge, the cartridge thereafter automatically is moved 545 horizontally into position over the CD-R media 220.
  • the cartridge 530 may couple to a lever arm through the front panhandle end 656 or front cartridge door 654 (FIGS. 6b and 6d), which positions the print head inward and outward along the radial centerline 330.
  • the print head bladder assembly 620 when activated by the
  • 550 level arm rather than pinion gear, would follow a modified track groove 636 on the inside of the cartridge 530 housing, profiling the vertical position 800 (FIG. 8a and 8b) only of the print head position, while the print head service functions are still performed by the cam-shutter wheel.
  • the print head service function may be performed instead by a sliding lever
  • FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view representation of a cartridge having motion mechanisms which use linear actuators in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of the side view of the linear actuators of FIG. 12, illustrating the
  • FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation of the top view of the linear actuators of linear actuators of FIG. 12.
  • the cartridge includes motion mechanisms in the form of two attachment mechanisms 1220 and 1314 for engaging with two external lever arms 1212 and 1216, respectively, which are in turn
  • lever arms and motors form part of the printer assembly (not shown).
  • the lever arms insert into the cartridge 530 to engage with the attachment mechanisms.
  • One attachment mechanism 1220 is coupled with the bladder assembly 620, 570 and the other attachment mechanism 1314 is attached to a movable service platform
  • FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic 580 representation of the side view of the linear actuators of FIG. 12, illustrating the relative vertical arrangement of significant internal components of the cartridge, with the print head shown in a capped position.
  • the bladder assembly 620 include pivot points 624 which pivot and slide along side rail guide grooves 636 (FIG. 6b).
  • the service station platform 1320 may have any suitable shape which allows maintenance of the print head, while not interfering with printing operations. As shown in FIG. 14, the service station platform 1320 may have a semi-circular 590 shape.
  • the motion in the radial printer mechanism 520 is actuated by a "rack and pinion” gear.
  • the motion could be actuated by a suitable actuator 1066 and motor 1060 (FIG. 10) in any suitable form for radially moving the print head 410 across the media 220.
  • the actuator 1066 and translational motor 1060 may be in the form of, among others, a screw drive and stepper motor, a voice coil, linear drive with feedback position, a band actuator and stepper motor, or a scissor joint attached to a gear or a linear actuator.
  • a pinion gear 604 (FIG. 6c) driven by a motor 606 is mounted in the printer's housing 520 and the rack 616 is fashioned as gear teeth 616
  • the upper graph 800 illustrates the vertical position throughout the 360-degree rotation of the cam shutter wheel 614. As shown
  • the print head 410 begins motion from a higher stow position 814 and moves to a lower print position 806, hovering over the CD-R media 220 surface while printing.
  • the print head 410 then moves back up, eventually ending in the stow position 814 ready to repeat the cycle one more.
  • the cam shutter wheel 610 may use a plurality of spirals instead of a single track 710 to move the print head 410 along the radius 330 of the CD-R media surface 220.
  • the print head 410 is made to move more gradually, thereby increasing the effective radial resolution and precision to the radial motion with each additional rotation along the spiral track in
  • the cartridge 530 may be configured for activation of printing or forming a desired pattern of any type of media.
  • the cartridge 530 may be configured for insertion and for internal or external actuation of the internal print head 410 and internal service station components 664, 646, and 648 (FIG. 6) in any form that is 620 suitable for the implemented shape of the cartridge and radial printer assembly, whether as represented, for example, in 500 or 900 (FIG. 9) or any other suitable shape and configuration.
  • cam shutter is optional and may be excluded from the cartridge design.
  • cartridge may easily be configured to move the print head initially from the outer edge of the media to the inner edge, rather that from the inner to outer edge.
  • a multiple piece print head-ink bladder may be

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  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Dot-Matrix Printers And Others (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne des modes de réalisation d'une cartouche d'encre (530) comportant en son sein une tête d'impression (410) pour la distribution d'encre sur un support (220), un mécanisme de déplacement (1220, 1314) permettant le déplacement de la tête d'impression, et/ou un dispositif d'entretien d'encre (644, 646, 648). Dans un mode de réalisation, la cartouche est destinée à être insérée dans un réceptacle (524, 604, 606, 1212, 1210, 1214, 1214, 550) de sorte que la cartouche et le réceptacle constituent un système d'impression radial (500, 520, 1000). Le réceptacle peut également inclure un actionneur de mouvement (604, 606, 1212, 1214, 1214) pour son engagement avec le mécanisme de déplacement de la cartouche permettant ainsi de déplacement de la tête d'impression par rapport à la cartouche, par exemple dans et hors de la cartouche, et par rapport à un support en rotation pour permettre la distribution d'encre selon le rayon du support circulaire en rotation. Dans une mise en oeuvre spécifique, la cartouche reste stationnaire par rapport au support. A titre d'exemple, le système d'impression radial peut être utilisé pour l'impression d'une étiquette à la surface d'un support circulaire d'enregistrement, tel qu'un disque compact (CD.R).
EP02744207A 2001-06-01 2002-05-30 Cartouche d'encre de tete d'impression compacte a mecanisme de deplacement integre et dispositif d'entretien Ceased EP1401663A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US872345 1992-04-23
US87234501A 2001-06-01 2001-06-01
PCT/US2002/017350 WO2002098669A1 (fr) 2001-06-01 2002-05-30 Cartouche d'encre de tete d'impression compacte a mecanisme de deplacement integre et dispositif d'entretien

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EP1401663A1 true EP1401663A1 (fr) 2004-03-31

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EP02744207A Ceased EP1401663A1 (fr) 2001-06-01 2002-05-30 Cartouche d'encre de tete d'impression compacte a mecanisme de deplacement integre et dispositif d'entretien

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Country Link
EP (1) EP1401663A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2004528209A (fr)
WO (1) WO2002098669A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101971134B (zh) 2008-03-14 2013-03-27 惠普开发有限公司 对流体盒存储器的安全访问

Family Cites Families (9)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4872026A (en) 1987-03-11 1989-10-03 Hewlett-Packard Company Ink-jet printer with printhead carriage alignment mechanism
DE3721651A1 (de) * 1987-07-01 1989-01-12 Philips & Du Pont Optical Verfahren zum bedrucken plattenfoermiger informationstraeger
US5518325A (en) * 1994-02-28 1996-05-21 Compulog Disk label printing
JP3341572B2 (ja) * 1996-03-27 2002-11-05 セイコーエプソン株式会社 光ディスク装置
JP3584159B2 (ja) * 1997-05-23 2004-11-04 キヤノン株式会社 記録装置
US6264295B1 (en) 1998-04-17 2001-07-24 Elesys, Inc. Radial printing system and methods
US6310691B2 (en) * 1998-04-24 2001-10-30 Hewlett-Packard Company Technique for scanning documents using a spiral path locus
US6148722A (en) * 1998-06-08 2000-11-21 Primera Technology, Inc. Compact disc and recordable compact disc thermal transfer printer
IL127317A0 (en) * 1998-11-29 1999-09-22 Ink Jet Technology Printing mechanism for digital discs

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO02098669A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2004528209A (ja) 2004-09-16
WO2002098669A1 (fr) 2002-12-12

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