EP2252464B1 - Device for refilling an ink cartridge for an ink-jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for refilling an ink cartridge (10 or 13) for an ink-jet printer, comprising a printer head (16) provided with nozzles, or an ink outlet that can be coupled to the ink supply of an ink-jet head. Either the nozzles of the printer head are directly connected by a fluidic connection or, in the event of an ink outlet that can be coupled to the ink supply of an ink-jet head, said opening is fluidically connected, especially by means of a wick and/or a valve, to an ink storage element arranged inside the ink cartridge and comprising a mechanism producing a low pressure or a material which is absorbent for example. The device according to the invention comprises an ink container (11) filled with ink and having a aeration opening (29) and an ink outlet (18) through which an element that can be fluidically connected by the ink (19) extends and on which the ink cartridge (10 or 13) or the ink storage element thereof can be docked, producing a fluidic connection. Positioning and/or identifying elements (24, 25, 26) for the identification and exact positioning of at least one ink cartridge (10 or 13) to be filled, in relation to the ink outlet of the ink container (11), are associated with the ink outlet (18).

Description

The invention relates to a device for refilling an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer according to the preamble of claim 1.

When refilling ink cartridges for ink jet printers with ink, a distinction is made between cartridges with integrated printheads on the one hand and cartridges with an ink outlet opening that can be coupled to the ink supply of an ink jet head. The aforementioned printheads include a plurality of very fine jet nozzles through which the ink is transferred to a print carrier. In the case of cartridges having an ink outlet opening which can be coupled to the ink supply of an inkjet head, a wick is usually arranged therein, which is in fluid connection with an ink storage element arranged inside the ink cartridge and consisting of absorbent material. In multi-color ink cartridges, a predetermined number of jet nozzles are assigned to a predetermined color, respectively.

In cartridges with integrated printheads, the aforesaid nozzles are directly in fluid communication with the ink storage element disposed within the cartridge. The ink storage element is made in a manner well known in the art of either fibrous material or foam. Other negative pressure generating mechanisms are known in the art to ensure metered ink transfer within the ink cartridge to the nozzles or to the ink outlet port. Since these mechanisms also have memory function, they are also summarized below under the term "ink storage element".

Cartridges with integrated printheads need to be very carefully opened (opened) and resealed for refilling with ink. This is associated with correspondingly great effort and actually not profitable for ink cartridges with their relatively small quantities.

There are also known as syringe refill systems for ink cartridges of the aforementioned type. With their help, e.g. to refill an original cartridge. The corresponding refill kits usually include a drill, a hot glue gun, multiple syringes with cannula, ink, rubber bands and closure means. These commercially available systems are characterized by unwieldiness and disproportionate effort in terms of material and tools.

Commercially also so-called "compatible cartridges" are offered. These cartridges did not contain an electronics chip; this must be removed from the empty original cartridge and mounted on the "compatible cartridge" again. Again, this requires skill and tools as well as glue.

Cartridges with integrated printhead are traded on the recycling market at relatively high prices. These used cartridges must be mechanically opened, cleaned and replaced with a new ink storage element, e.g. Sponge od. Like. Be provided. Then they are filled with ink and the filled cartridge is closed again. This work can be expertly carried out only at special refill companies; the user himself is usually overwhelmed with this form of refilling.

The prior art is in addition to the DE 197 37 177 A1 pointed. From this document, an apparatus and a method for refilling an ink cartridge is known in which the refilling takes place from a refillable ink cartridge via an intermediate core. Such a refilling process is also complicated and difficult to carry out by inexperienced people.

In all devices and methods according to the prior art, no measures are taken to safely prevent leaks in the preparation, the refilling and reclosing from the ink tank, either through the vent or through the capillary.

From the prior art (see, eg EP 1 651 444 B1 It is also known to provide in inkjet printer directly usable ink cartridges with compartments / openings of various shape and size, which cooperate with insertions of the cartridge in the printer with projections in the cartridge holder of the printer to the correct positioning on the one hand and on the other hand, the use of the right Cartridge, eg by type or color, to ensure.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for refilling an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer available, which is easy to manufacture and easy and safe to use, so that it can be controlled by the user (end user) without further notice and without Danger of ink leaks, cartridges or inks (by color, quality) -change is applicable. The device should also be suitable both for cartridges with an integrated printhead and for cartridges with an ink discharge port which can be coupled to the ink supply of an inkjet head in the inkjet printer.

This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments and structural details are specified in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a "capillary refill system". To refill an ink cartridge, its capillary suction force is utilized. The system has a generally relatively flat designed ink tank with sufficiently high stability. This ink container contains a wick immersed in ink. The wick leads out of the top of the ink container and is arranged to provide a capillary connection with the attached ink cartridge, either with the nozzles of the integrated printhead or with the ink outlet port coupled to the ink supply of an ink jet head. The ink tank preferably still has a ventilation or pressure equalization opening, so that ink can be absorbed without capillarity from the mounted ink cartridge. This opening can also serve to fill the ink tank.

With a device designed according to the invention, the secure filling of an ink cartridge is achieved in that the Tintenauslaßöffnung the ink container one or more positioning and / or identification elements for identifying at least one refillable ink cartridge and for the exact positioning of the ink cartridge with respect to the capillary in the Tintenauslaßöffnung associated are. This reliably prevents confusion of the cartridges or incorrect filling of cartridges can occur. At the same time, sealing elements which reliably prevent leaks during insertion or removal and during the filling of an ink cartridge can be assigned to these positioning or identification elements.

It is conceivable to arrange a plurality of repositioning or identification elements for different ink cartridges (e.g., different sized ink cartridges) on top of the ink container, as long as these different cartridges are coated with the ink, e.g. of the same quality and the same color should be filled.

It is crucial that the refilling of ink cartridges can be done in a simple manner without the use of tools and within a very short time, without any risk of contamination. Ink portions of different colors and, if appropriate, quality can be made available as low-cost disposable items by the trade. Original cartridges can be filled several times using the device according to the invention.

No additional pressure is required to refill the ink cartridge. The ink storage element in the cartridge, for example a sponge or fibrous material or the like, sucks in ink, in particular also through its exact positioning with the aid of the positioning elements, until a saturation occurs. Therefore, overfilling the cartridge is excluded. The device according to the invention is designed so that a contact with open ink is absolutely avoided and thus a risk of contamination of the user or the environment is excluded. The risk of injury, such as when refilling cartridges by means of syringes, is also avoided. The refilling process of an ink cartridge is much faster compared to spraying and other refilling processes and no mechanical action (eg drilling) is required. Likewise, eliminating the closing of the corresponding hole after refilling. All of this work takes a relatively long time and requires great skill and the use of special tools. With the device according to the invention, these disadvantages are avoided. The ink portions in the device can be sized so that no residual ink remains in the ink container.

Experiments have shown that the ink storage element of the ink cartridge is completely filled after about 2.5 to a maximum of 5.0 minutes of suction time. That is, after this period, the ink storage element is saturated.

The pressure equalization opening, which can also serve to fill the ink tank according to the invention, is dimensioned so that the outer barrier pressure is always greater than the discharge pressure. Thus, no ink can leak from the container through this opening. The same applies to the wick of the device according to the invention.

• den Tintenbehälter,
• die darin befindliche Tinte als Tintenvorrat, und
• einen in die Tinte eingetauchten und aus dem Tintenbehälter vorstehenden Docht.

The device according to the invention essentially comprises only three basic elements, namely

• the ink tank,
• the ink therein as an ink supply, and
• a wick immersed in the ink and protruding from the ink tank.

The mentioned wick of the ink container is formed, dimensioned and arranged so as to be easily brought into contact either with the nozzles formed in the print head of the ink cartridge or with a wick disposed in the ink outlet port of the ink cartridge. In the latter case, the wick of the ink container is made of a softer material than the wick of the ink cartridge so that the wick of the ink cartridge does not deform due to contact with the wick of the ink container. This is important to ensure the fluid connection between the ink cartridge and the ink supply of an ink jet head, even after refilling the cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wick of the ink container extends through the bottom of a trough-like depression at the top of the ink container. This trough-like depression serves, on the one hand, to possibly be collected from the wick of the ink tank or after the ink cartridge has been refilled from this leaking ink. On the other hand, this trough-like depression serves to properly position the cartridge for filling. In this respect, the trough-like depression on the one hand provides additional protection against contamination; on the other hand, it is an essential element of the invention by assuming leadership, identification and positioning function.

At least one - preferably several - groove-shaped receiving opening (s) for receiving the ink cartridge can be formed on the upper side of the ink container. Within this groove-shaped receptacle, the ink cartridge is so placeable and held in particular clamping that either the nozzles in the integrated print head of the cartridge or alternatively the wick in the ink outlet opening to form a capillary with the wick of the ink container positionally come into contact or comes.

For this purpose, the various positioning or Identifizierüngselemente for the exact positioning and identification of the ink cartridge to be refilled are provided. It is conceivable that positioning and identification elements are designed as one and the same element (for example as a receiving groove). For example, at least two, in particular cross-extending grooves for differently wide ink cartridges may be arranged on the upper side of the ink container. Accordingly, of course, the receiving grooves themselves have different widths. In addition to such receiving grooves can be arranged as identification elements on the ink container positive or negative x-, y-, z- or any other contour shape having projections corresponding to negative or positive corresponding outline having projections on the cartridge.

The aforementioned venting or pressure equalization opening at the top of the ink container is preferably also used as Tintennachfüllöffnung for the ink container.

The ink tank should have a footprint that is sized so that even with coupled and thereby extending beyond the peripheral edge of the ink tank addition ink cartridge sufficiently high stability is ensured. Accordingly, the ink container according to the invention is relatively flat and relatively wide. Preferably, the ink container has a truncated cone, truncated pyramid or spherical cap base body with a circular or rectangular bottom.

The wick in the ink container is sufficient for completely emptying it to the bottom and is arranged within a fluid-permeable, preferably also extending to the bottom of the ink tank cage. This cage may comprise at least three evenly distributed over the circumference arranged, in particular integrally connected to the ink tank or its upper side vertical webs. For the complete emptying of the ink container, it is advantageous if the bottom of the ink container drops to the bottom end of the wick out.

Prior to use, the wick of the ink container and its ink fill and pressure equalization port are sealed by a sealing strip. This sealing strip - an adhesive strip or the like - can also serve to close the ink container before disposal of the same again. Said sealing strip is preferably placed within one, in particular at a plurality of receiving grooves within the wider receiving groove for an ink cartridge such that it projects beyond the free edge of the receiving groove to form a grip tab on the side facing the Tintenfüll- and pressure equalization opening. This ensures that, upon removal of the sealing strip prior to first use of the device of the invention, first the trough-shaped depression within which the wick extends and then the ink filling and venting opening are opened before the wick is released. Thus, at first use, venting or pressure equalization over the wick in the trough-shaped recess of the ink tank, so that there is no risk that due to an overpressure within the container unintentionally escaped through the vent opening during removal of the sealing strip or even spurting out of the ink tank. Such overpressure can arise, for example, in a relatively warm environment. Thus, according to the invention, it is always ensured that pressure equalization is first established between the interior of the ink container and the external environment.

It is also advantageous, at least partially, preferably completely, to produce the ink container from transparent material, in particular from plastic. This allows the user to see if the ink container still contains ink and what color the ink has.

A particularly simple embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the device for refilling an ink cartridge comprises an ink-filled container having an opening through which the ink storage element via the nozzles of the print head or the ink outlet of the ink cartridge is directly brought into contact. In this embodiment, therefore, eliminates the capillary in the container opening, which is designed in particular as a wick. As a result, the device is even easier without the functionality is impaired.

The risk of contamination, which is already very low in a device according to the invention anyway, can be further reduced or avoided altogether, if one provides the opening of the container at its top and the cross-section of the outer contour of the nozzles comprising the printhead or the ink outlet of the ink cartridge forms accordingly, and preferably the container opening and / or the edge regions of the positioning elements still by sealing strips, in particular of elastomer or rubber, seals. These sealing strips are then preferably dimensioned so that they lie in docked ink cartridge to the ink tank fluid-tight at the print head or Tintenauslaßöffnung.

For complete emptying of the ink container, it is advantageous if the receiving grooves for the ink cartridge at the top of the ink container are formed so that the nozzles of the print head or the Tintenauslaßöffnung the ink cartridge while docking the same extend to the bottom of the ink container. Ultimately, this depends on the length of the printhead comprising the nozzles or the channel delimiting the ink outlet opening. Ink tank and ink cartridge should therefore be coordinated so that a complete emptying of the ink tank when docking the ink cartridge is easily possible.

Before the first use, the container opening must of course be closed or covered. For this purpose, the container opening, via which the fluid contact with the ink storage element of the ink cartridge can be produced, is preferably closable by a film, in particular by a sealing strip. Before the first use, this sealing strip is then removed. After use, the container opening can be closed again by another sealing strip. It is also conceivable that the sealing strip is held by a re-adhesive cold adhesive, so that the container opening can be closed again with the original sealing strip.

In the latter embodiment, a separate venting or pressure equalization opening may preferably be provided in the ink container, which is preferably arranged within a container depression. This ventilation or pressure equalization opening must be closed before the first use. A sealing strip, in particular the same sealing strip with which the opening for docking the ink cartridge is sealed, is preferably used for this purpose.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung zur Wiederbefüllung einer Tintenpatrone in perspektivischer Draufsicht von oben;

Fig. 2

einen Querschnitt durch die Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 längs der Linie II-II in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Unteransicht des Oberteils des Tintenbehälters der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

den Tintenbehälter nach Fig. 1 mit aufgesteckter Tintenpatrone in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5

die Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in Draufsicht unter Darstellung der Ankopplung von zwei Tintenpatronen unterschiedlicher Breite (schematisch);

Fig. 6

eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg oben;

Fig. 7

eine weitere abgewandelte Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg oben;

Fig. 8

eine Ausführungsform entsprechend Fig. 1 mit einem Verschlußdeckel, in perspektivischer Ansicht von schräg oben;

Fig. 9

den Verschlußdeckel nach Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Unteransicht und vergrößertem Maßstab;

Fig. 10

eine weitere alternative Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung mit schematischer Darstellung der anzukoppelnden Tintenpatrone; und

Fig. 11

die Ausführungsform nach Fig. 10 mit der Tintenpatrone im angekoppelten Zustand.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a device according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for refilling an ink cartridge in a perspective top view from above;

Fig. 2

a cross section through the device according to Fig. 1 along the line II-II in Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a bottom perspective view of the upper part of the ink container of the device according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

the ink tank after Fig. 1 with attached ink cartridge in side view;

Fig. 5

the device after Fig. 1 in plan view showing the coupling of two ink cartridges of different widths (schematically);

Fig. 6

a modified embodiment of a device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above;

Fig. 7

a further modified embodiment of the device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above;

Fig. 8

an embodiment accordingly Fig. 1 with a closure lid, in a perspective view obliquely from above;

Fig. 9

the cap after Fig. 1 in perspective bottom view and enlarged scale;

Fig. 10

a further alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention with a schematic representation of the ink cartridge to be coupled; and

Fig. 11

the embodiment according to Fig. 10 with the ink cartridge in the connected state.

In the first embodiment of the invention ( FIGS. 1 to 5 ) of an apparatus for refilling an ink cartridge 10 or 13 (see Fig. 5 ) for an ink jet printer having an ink outlet port 16 (see FIG. 2) coupled to the ink supply of an ink jet head Fig. 4 ), which is in fluid communication via a wick, not shown here, with an ink storage element disposed within the ink cartridge 10 and made of absorbent material, the apparatus comprises an ink filled container 11 having an ink outlet port 18 in which an ink submerged in the ink 19 and capillary element in the form of a wick 20 which can be brought into contact with the ink storage element of the ink cartridge 10. The wick 20 is conventionally made of fibrous material with high capillary action in the wick longitudinal direction (in the axial direction). This wick 20 is for refilling an ink cartridge in the illustrated embodiment with the disposed in the ink outlet 16 of the ink cartridge 10 wick in contact, wherein the wick 20 of the ink container 11 made of softer or more resilient material than the wick of the ink cartridge is made so that the wick of the ink cartridge 10 remains substantially undeformed by contact with the wick 20 of the ink container 11. The contact in the filling position between the two aforementioned wicks of ink container 11 and ink cartridge 10 is in Fig. 4 indicated. The ink tank 11 of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 to 5 The wick 20 of the ink container 11 extends through the bottom 23 of a trough-shaped recess 24 at the top of the ink container, into the trough-like recess 24, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 is clearly shown. At the top of the ink tank 11 are two cross-shaped groove-shaped positioning members (receiving openings) 25, 26 for ink cartridges 10 and 13 of different widths (see FIG Fig. 5 ) educated. Within these positioning elements 25, 26, the correspondingly wide ink cartridge 10 and 13 with respect to the Tintenauslaßöffnung or the capillary (wick 20) precisely placed, in particular clamped. Thus, the capillary element (wick 20) in the ink container 11 securely contacts the wick in the ink outlet port 16 of the ink cartridge to establish a fluid or capillary connection. Each of the two positioning elements 25, 26 has an Anformung or a stop 28 frontally for the exact positioning of the wiederzufefüllenden ink cartridge with respect to the Tintenauslaßöfnhung or capillary (wick 20).

Within the trough-like recess 24 at the top of the ink tank 11 is still a ventilation or pressure compensation opening 29 is provided, which also serves as Tintennachfüllöffnung 11 can be used for the ink tank. The mode of operation has already been described in detail in the introduction to the description.

Instead of a trough-like depression 24, two or more trough-like depressions may also be provided in the upper side of the ink container 11, one of which contains the ink outlet opening or the capillary element (wick 20). The trough-like depression may have different contours in the bottom or side surfaces, which correspond directly to the contours on corresponding projections of the ink cartridge 10 or 13, thereby providing a clear positioning relative to the ink outlet opening or capillary element (wick 20) to guarantee. These moldings on the ink container 11 and ink cartridges 10 and 13, respectively, may have positive or negative outline shapes in, for example, x, y, z or any other outline shape for the absolutely secure identification of a cartridge and the ink for its quality, color , etc. - see Fig. 1 , At the edge region of the trough-like depression 24, soft-elastic sealing elements 47 for the fluid-tight seal between the cartridge 10 or 13 and the ink tank 11 can be arranged circumferentially.

The bottom 21 of the ink tank 11 defines a footprint (see FIG FIGS. 4 and 5 ) is dimensioned so that even when coupled, and thereby extending over the peripheral edge of the ink tank 11 away extending ink cartridge 10 and 13 during the filling process sufficient stability is ensured.

From the Figures 2 and 3 It can be seen that the wick 20 of the ink container 11 is formed so that it extends to the bottom of the ink container 11 down. It is held in position within a fluid-permeable cage 30, preferably also extending down to the bottom of the ink container 11. The cage 30 for the wick 20, in the illustrated embodiment, is uniformly distributed circumferentially, integral with the top 22 of the ink container 11 connected vertical webs 32, which keep the wick 20 centered within the opening 18. The bottom 21 (see Fig. 2 ) of the ink tank 11 drops toward the bottom end of the wick 20. This ensures a complete emptying of the container 11 of ink.

The wick 20 of the ink container 11 and its pressure compensation opening 29 are closed by a peel seal strip 14. The sealing strip 14 is in one, here in the wider positioning element 25 for an ink cartridge (here ink cartridge 13 accordingly Fig. 5 Placeable, in such a way that it at the Tintenfüll- or pressure equalization opening 29 side facing the free edge 48 of Receiving groove 25 protruding to form a grip tab 33. This ensures that when pulling off the sealing strip 14 first the trough-shaped recess 24 and thus over the wick 20 extending into it, the interior of the ink tank 11 are vented before the venting or pressure equalization opening 29 is released. Thus, a possible overpressure within the container 11 is reduced before the first use. After use, the trough-shaped recess 24 and the opening 29 can be closed again with the sealing strip 14 or any other adhesive strip. This ensures that, prior to disposal, ie after use of the device described, also soiling can be avoided.

The embodiment according to Fig. 6 has a lenticular basic structure. The bottom 21 is accordingly also cup-shaped. In order to ensure stability, at least three ribs 34, which are arranged uniformly over the circumference, are formed on the bottom 21, the horizontal lower edges of which define the base surface. All matching components in the FIGS. 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the embodiment Fig. 1 to 5 designated.

The embodiment according to Fig. 7 differs from the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 5 only in that the container 11 has a frustoconical basic structure.

Of particular importance are still vertical clamping ribs 35 at the four inner boundary corners between the intersecting positioning elements 25, 26 for the different widths ink cartridges 10 and 13. These diagonally to the wick 20 extending clamping ribs 35 serve to clamp and secure the position of the ink cartridges 10, 13 within the associated positioning elements 25, 26. These clamping ribs 35 compensate for even smaller tolerances with respect to the width of the ink cartridges used. The ink cartridges 10 and 13 are thus positioned between the clamping ribs 35 on the one hand and the respective stops 27, 28 on the other hand, in exact association with the Tintenauslaßöffnung or capillary (wick 20) of the ink tank 11th

With the apparatus of the invention, ink cartridges having an integral printhead can also be refilled through nozzles associated with the printhead that are in fluid communication directly with the ink storage element (s) within the ink cartridge. In this case, the mentioned nozzles are directly on the free end face of the capillary 20 at. The nozzles themselves act as capillary channels.

The ink tank 11 may preferably be made of transparent material, in particular of transparent plastic. In this case, it can be relatively easily determined by the user whether the ink tank 11 is still filled with ink and, if so, what color the ink has.

It should also be noted that the ink tank 11 consists of two parts, namely the upper housing part 22 and the bottom 21. These two parts are welded together at the edge before filling.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment modified relative to the above-described figures. The opening 18, via which the ink storage element of an ink cartridge to be filled in the manner described above can be brought into fluid communication with the ink in the container 11 is closed by a lid, here a screw 36. The screw cap 36 has circumferentially rotary latch elements 39, which engage under the formation of a bayonet closure container side groove elements 40. The rotary latch members 39 are formed relative to the lid center axis diametrically on the outer circumference of the lid 36, within peripheral recesses 41. The complementary groove elements 40 are formed within a formed on the top of the container 11 cup-shaped recess 42 for the lid 36, specifically Within itself in the cup-shaped recess 42 radially extending projections 43. After filling the container 11 through the opening 29 through the lid 36 is inserted into the recess 42, in such a way that the container-side projections 43 in the recesses 41 on the lid 36th plunge. Subsequently, the lid 36 is rotated clockwise, so that the rotary latch members 39 engage in the grooves 40 and hold the lid 36 in the closed position.

In this way, the opening 18 is closed, as well as the filling and ventilation opening 29, which is located at the bottom of the recess 42.

At the bottom of the lid 36 are accordingly Fig. 9 Sealing elements 37, 38 arranged, which consist of soft elastic, in particular elastomeric material. These sealing elements 37, 38 are associated with the opening 18 and the opening 29 on the one hand. Concretely, the aforementioned sealing elements comprise the container opening 18 and the vent 29 each annularly surrounding sealing lips. At least these sealing lips are made of the aforementioned soft elastic material.

The sealing element 38 opposite, and relative to the center axis of the central sealing element 37, is still a sealing element 38 corresponding element 44 is arranged, which, however, only serves as a support element, so that the lid in the closing direction assumes no imbalance within the recess 42. The support element, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment as well as the sealing element 38, keeps the lid 36 in the closing direction horizontally within the recess 42, so that the sealing element 38 and the sealing element 38 defining annular sealing lip in the closed position of the cover 36, the ventilation opening 29th surrounds fluid-tight, ie without canting to the ventilation opening 29. The support member 44 may of course be designed differently, e.g. od as a wart-like projection. Like. It has only support and no sealing function.

The representations in the FIGS. 8 and 9 can be seen very well that the center axis of the container opening 18 with the center axis of the lid 36 in the closed position is aligned, so that upon rotation of the lid 36 from the closed position, ie in the direction of arrow 45, first the vent opening 29 is opened before then the lid on further rotation in this direction is completely removable or removable. In this way, it is surely prevented that ink is inadvertently splashed out so far through the ventilation opening 29 that the user becomes dirty or soiled the base on which the container 11 stands. The lid retains ink that might accidentally spurt out through the opening 29. In any event, ink accidentally leaking through the aperture 29 will remain within the recess 42 at the top of the container 11.

The embodiment according to the FIGS. 8 and 9 is absolutely functional in handling.

As Fig. 8 shows still is arranged on the top of the lid, a protruding tab 46 as a handle for rotating the lid in the closed or open position or formed directly.

The FIGS. 10 and 11 show a further alternative embodiment of the article according to the invention. In these representations, the same reference numerals for the same objects as in the representations of FIGS. 1 to 9 used. An apparatus 11 for refilling an ink cartridge 1 for an ink jet printer with a nozzle comprising nozzles fluidly connects the nozzles of the printhead to an ink storage element of absorbent material disposed within the ink cartridge. This ink storage element is not shown in detail, since it is a per se known device. The same applies to the integrated printhead with nozzles in the ink cartridge 1. The device 11 comprises one with ink 19 (see Fig. 10 ) filled container with a pressure equalization or ventilation opening on the one hand and a further opening through which a capillary element in the form of a wick, which is fluid-bondable with the ink, to which the ink cartridge 1 or its ink storage element fluidly, ie, producing a capillary fluid connection, is dockable.

The ventilation opening 9 formed in the ink container 11 is designed in a manner known per se so that it corresponds only when the ink cartridge 1 is docked Fig. 11 is opened. For this purpose, the vent opening is associated with a valve 8, which is only moved during docking of the ink cartridge 1 by this via a valve stem 12 in the open position (see Fig. 11 ).

The ink tank 11 further has a separate ink outlet, which is formed in the bottom of the container 11 and opens into a bottom-side connecting channel to the capillary. This ink outlet is preferably also openable only when docking the ink cartridge. For this purpose, a second valve operable with the first valve actuated via the valve tappet 12 is also associated with the ink outlet.

The ink tank 11 has a trough-like recess 24 with a bottom 23 at the top of the ink tank 11. The top of the bottom 23 of the trough-like recess 24 defines a positioning surface for the ink cartridge 1 and an integrated print head thereof. The trough-like recess 24 is designed so that within the same, the ink cartridge 1 and a print head thereof can be accurately positioned and held with respect to the capillary, which ensure the transport of the ink from the ink tank 11 to the cartridge 1. The outline of the trough-like depression 24 corresponds, for example, to the outline of an associated print head or corresponding formations on the ink cartridge 1. In addition, corresponding (not shown here) positioning and identification elements on the ink cartridge 1 and the ink tank 11 - as described above - are provided , At the docking side, namely at the top of the ink tank 11 projections, projections may be provided which trigger when docking the ink cartridge 1 latching or clicking and when removing the ink cartridge 1 from the ink tank 11 again correspondingly solvable. Upon insertion or latching into the recess 24, 23, the ink cartridge 1 can be positioned and held precisely relative to the ink outlet / capillary element.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

ink cartridge

2

Forming on the ink cartridge

5

ink outlet

6

Valve

8th

Valve

9

Pressure equalization or ventilation opening

10

ink cartridge

11

ink tank

12

tappet

13

ink cartridge

14

sealing strips

16

ink outlet

18

ink outlet

19

ink

20

Connecting element or wick

21

ground

22

Housing top

23

Bottom of a trough-shaped depression

24

trough-shaped depression

25

groove-shaped receiving opening

26

groove-shaped receiving opening

27

Forming on the ink cartridge

27 ', 27 "

identification element

28

attack

29

Ventilation or pressure equalization opening

30

Cage

31

formation

32

vertical webs

33

grip tab

34

ribs

35

clamping rib

36

cover

37

sealing element

38

sealing element

39

Bayonet lock - rotary latch element

40

Bayonet catch - groove element

41

deepening

42

cup-shaped recess

43

head Start

44

support element

45

arrow

46

flap

47

sealing elements

48

free edge of the receiving groove 25

Claims (20)

1. Device for refilling an ink cartridge (10, 13) for an inkjet printer, the ink cartridge (10, 13) containing a print head comprising nozzles or an ink-outlet opening couplable to the ink supply of an inkjet head, either the nozzles of the print head being directly in fluid connection or, in the case of an ink-outlet opening couplable to the ink supply of an inkjet head, the ink-outlet opening being in fluid connection, especially by way of a wick and/or a valve or a direct fluid connection, with an ink reservoir element arranged inside the ink cartridge and comprising, for example, absorbent material or a mechanism that generates negative pressure, having an ink-filled ink container (11) with an air-inlet opening (29) and an ink-outlet opening (18), through which there extends a connecting element (20) which is arranged to be brought into fluid connection with the ink (19) and to which the ink cartridge (10, 13) or the ink reservoir element thereof is dockable, with establishment of a capillary fluid connection,
   characterized in that
   there are associated with the ink-outlet opening (18) of the ink container (11) a plurality of identification and/or positioning elements (24, 25, 26, 27', 27") for identification and/or exact positioning of different ink cartridges (1; 10, 13) to be replenished.
2. Device according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the identification and/or positioning elements (24, 25, 26) of the ink container (11) are contoured for mutually fitting engagement with shaped portions on the ink cartridge (10, 13) to be replenished.
3. Device according to claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the identification elements (27', 27") on the ink container and the shaped portions on the cartridge have positive and negative outlines, respectively.
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the identification and/or positioning elements comprise at least one trough-like depression (24) through the base of which the ink-outlet opening passes, and at least one groove-like receiving opening (25) in the upper side of the ink container (11).
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the trough-like depressions (24) have different base and/or side faces which match corresponding shaped portions (2, 27) on the ink cartridge (10, 13).
6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   there are associated with the identification and/or positioning elements (25, 26) or the trough-like depressions (24) sealing elements (47) for fluid-tight sealing between an inserted ink cartridge and an ink container.
7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   in the region of the identification and/or positioning elements (25, 26) or the trough-like depressions (24) there are provided locking elements (clamping rips 35) for secure docking of the ink cartridge (10, 13) during the filling operation.
8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   on the upper side of the ink container (11) there is formed at least one groove-like receiving opening (25, 26) for an ink cartridge (10, 13), inside which an ink cartridge (10, 13) is placeable, especially clamped (clamping ribs 35), so that either the nozzles in the integrated print head of the cartridge or alternatively the ink-outlet opening (16) of the cartridge (10, 13) come(s) into contact with the ink-outlet opening of the ink container (11), creating a fluid connection.
9. Device according to claim 8,
   characterized in that
   on the upper side of the ink container (11) there are formed at least two receiving grooves (25, 26), which especially extend crosswise, as positioning elements for ink cartridges (13, 10) of different widths.
10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    a shaped portion (27) is provided on a corner of an end face, especially on the corner between an integrated print head and the directly adjoining end face of the ink cartridge (1), and the ink container (11) has on its docking side, that is to say the upper side, a shaped region (31) which is complementary to the cartridge-side shaped portion (27) and into which the cartridge-side shaped portion (27) is insertable, especially by latching, such as snapping-in or clicking-in, during docking and from which it is releasable on removal of the cartridge (10, 13) from the ink container (11) or the ink-outlet opening/capillary element thereof.
11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    on the upper side of the ink container (11) there is provided an air-inlet or pressure-equalisation opening (29) which is simultaneously provided as an ink-filling opening.
12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the connecting element (20) of the ink container (11) extends as far as the base thereof and is arranged inside a fluid-permeable cage (30) which preferably likewise extends as far as the base (21) of the ink container (11).
13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the connecting element (20) of the ink container (11) and the ink-filling or pressure-equalisation opening (29) thereof are sealable by a removable adhesive strip (14).
14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the ink container (11) is made at least partly of transparent material, especially plastics material, the ink container (11) preferably having the basic shape (22) of a truncated cone, truncated pyramid, lens or spherical cap with a circular or rectangular base (21).
15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    receiving grooves for the ink cartridge are formed on the upper side of the ink container so that, on docking, the nozzles of the print head or the ink-outlet opening of the ink cartridge extend as far as the base of the ink container.
16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the ink-outlet opening (18), by means of which the ink reservoir element (17) is arranged to be brought into fluid connection with the ink in the container (11), is closable by a lid, especially a screw-on lid (36), the centre axis of the ink-outlet opening (18), by means of which the ink reservoir element is arranged to be brought into fluid connection with the ink in the ink container (11), preferably being in alignment with the centre axis of the lid (36) when the lid (36) is in the closed position, so that when the lid (36) is rotated out of the closed position the air-inlet opening (29) is opened before the lid (36) is fully removable.
17. Device according to claim 16,
    characterized in that
    the lid (36) serves simultaneously as the closure of an air-inlet or pressure-equalisation opening (29) located inside the projection surface of the lid.
18. Device according to claim 16 or 17,
    characterized in that
    on the underside of the lid (36), i.e. on the side thereof facing the container (11), there are arranged sealing elements (37, 38) which are associated with the ink-outlet opening (18) on the one hand and with the air-inlet opening (29) on the other hand in such a way that when the lid (36) is in the closed position they effect fluid-tight closure of those openings (18, 29), the sealing elements (37, 38), when the lid (36) is in the closed position, preferably being formed by sealing lips made of relatively flexible material, especially elastomeric material, which encircle the container opening (18) and the air-inlet opening (29).
19. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 18,
    characterized in that
    the container (36) is lockable on the container (11) by means of complementary bayonet closure elements (39, 40).
20. Device according to any one of claims 16 to 19,
    characterized in that
    the lid (36) is positionable inside a complementary cup-like recess (42) in the container (11).

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