EP2253474B1 - Cartridge filled with consumable product - Google Patents

Cartridge filled with consumable product Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2253474B1
EP2253474B1 EP20100163240 EP10163240A EP2253474B1 EP 2253474 B1 EP2253474 B1 EP 2253474B1 EP 20100163240 EP20100163240 EP 20100163240 EP 10163240 A EP10163240 A EP 10163240A EP 2253474 B1 EP2253474 B1 EP 2253474B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
consumable
material cartridge
cartridge according
receiving region
contact
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20100163240
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2253474A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Drescher
Richard Keller
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.)
3T Supplies AG
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3T Supplies AG
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Publication date
Application filed by 3T Supplies AG filed Critical 3T Supplies AG
Publication of EP2253474A1 publication Critical patent/EP2253474A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2253474B1 publication Critical patent/EP2253474B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a consumable cartridge according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 for insertion into a corresponding device, in particular a printer device, for example an inkjet printer, laser printer or the like.
  • a printer device for example an inkjet printer, laser printer or the like.
  • Ink cartridges are widely used as examples of this type of consumable cassettes and are used in various designs.
  • a pivotable lever is often connected to the housing, which alone or in cooperation with other engagement elements and / or provided on the housing Ink outlet releasably holds the housing in the receptacle.
  • Newer ink cartridges often contain a semiconductor memory device (a so-called "chip") in which information about the ink cartridge, for example about the ink contained therein, technical parameters or the level are stored and exchanged this information with the printer device and possibly on the chip be processed to signal certain information via a signaling element to the outside.
  • the information may be e.g. be communicated to a user via signals in the visible spectrum (i.e., light signals) or wirelessly passed via signals in the visible or invisible spectrum (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet) to corresponding sensors of the printer device.
  • the semiconductor memory device and the signaling element are usually on a printed circuit board with conductor tracks and one or more contacts, which when inserted into the printer device with one or more a plurality of corresponding mating contact (s) of the printer device is bring into touching contact / are arranged, and the board is firmly welded or glued to the housing of the ink cartridge, for example by a plastic fusion compound.
  • the mating contacts are regularly inside the printer device, so that the signals emitted by the signaling elements consuming, e.g. through fiber optics, to a position where they can be seen by a user.
  • the boards are relatively expensive, in particular because of the semiconductor memory device mounted thereon, contain valuable and / or environmentally harmful or at least questionable substances that are to be supplied to a separate recycling, and are not at the end of their service life with emptied ink cartridge.
  • a removal of the board is in the known ink cartridges but only with great effort possible, so that a separate utilization of the components of the ink cartridges often fails or leads to the destruction of the board and / or the ink cartridge, so that the still functional components can hardly be used.
  • a "device" to which the consumable cartridge of the invention relates may be any device that has a replaceable consumable cartridge with a liquid or powdery consumables is supplied, with a Data processing and a signaling of certain operating conditions on the consumable cassette is done.
  • the EP 1650033 A1 discloses a consumable cartridge in the form of an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • This ink cartridge has a housing and a steerable lever connected to the housing for locking the ink cartridge in the printer in an insertion position of the ink cartridge.
  • a receiving area for receiving a board with contacts which are to be coupled with appropriate mating contacts for insertion of information into the inkjet printer for the purpose of information transmission, as well as with a signaling element in the form of an LED.
  • the board In the insertion position, the board is located with the signaling element inside the printer, so that emitted from the signaling element light radiation is passed through a separate Lichtleitabites on the housing to an upper side of the ink cartridge.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to improve such exchangeable consumable cassettes to the effect that at least some of the problems mentioned are eliminated.
  • the invention brings a consumable cartridge according to claim 1 in proposal.
  • Preferred embodiments of the consumable cartridge are given in the dependent claims.
  • the relatively expensive board with electronic components can be removably received in the receiving area in the pivotable lever of the housing.
  • the board is thus mounted on a very accessible area of the housing, which is easily accessible and visible to a user even in a state used in the corresponding device, because the user has to attack the lever for inserting and removing the cassette anyway, so in that a possibly present on the board signaling device is also directly visible and well in the inserted state of the cassette.
  • the sensitive board is also well protected against external influences such as bumps, consumable residues (ink, toner, fuel, etc.) compared to arrangements where the board is mounted on an outer wall of the housing at one location. which is used in advance in the direction of insertion into a corresponding device and is no longer visible by a user.
  • the board can be removed even in the inserted state of the cassette from this and replacement, reuse or recovery and separate disposal of the board is simplified.
  • the board is separated from the contact element for coupling with the mating contacts in the printer device and the contact element is mounted at a different location of the housing and coupled to the board via a flexible connection line, a significantly larger number of variants of a cassette type with a small number of modified individual components and thus be manufactured at low cost.
  • an ink outlet 2b is arranged which, after insertion into a printer device, cooperates with an ink receiving mandrel of the printer device so that ink is discharged from an ink reservoir inside the housing 2 of the ink cartridge via the outlet 2b can.
  • the position of the outlet is irrelevant to the present invention and can be adapted to the respective printer model.
  • the ink cartridge has a pivotable lever 3 connected to the housing 2 for releasably locking the ink cartridge in the printer device in a deployed position.
  • a pivotable lever 3 connected to the housing 2 for releasably locking the ink cartridge in the printer device in a deployed position.
  • latching projections 3a are provided for this purpose, which can be brought into engagement with corresponding printer-side counter-elements.
  • the lever 3 is connected, for example via a hinge or hinge 4 on the housing 2 or on a separate part connected to the housing and optionally biased by a biasing means (spring, elastic piece of material, etc.) elastically in a locking position (not shown).
  • a biasing means spring, elastic piece of material, etc.
  • an extension 3b which may be referred to as a handle portion, on which a user can engage to push the lever against the biasing force to unlock the cartridge and remove or insert it into the printer device .
  • further protrusions or recesses may optionally be provided at different positions on the housing, which are releasably engageable with the corresponding printer-side counter-elements linearly or via a tilting / pivoting movement of the cassette.
  • the arrangement and exact size and shape of the lever can be adapted to the respective printer model.
  • a receiving area 5 for receiving a board 6 which has the functional elements described in the introduction to the description such as memory and signaling element 6a.
  • the receiving area 5 is preferably designed and arranged so that the board 6 can be removably inserted and removed. It has, for example, insertion rails and / or locking or clamping elements which guide the board and fix it in an end position.
  • the receiving area 5 has a recess 5a, in which the signaling element comes to rest when the board is fully inserted.
  • one (not shown) at least partially be provided transparent cover can pass through the signals of the signaling element to the outside.
  • a contact element 8 is arranged, which has one or more contact (s) 8a / cooperates with one or more corresponding mating contact (s) on a mating contact device of the printer device and the / upon insertion of the ink cartridge into the printer device is to be coupled with the mating contact device of the printer device for the purpose of information transfer.
  • the contact element 8 is for example a printed circuit board or board with contact electrodes applied thereto.
  • the contact element 8 is rigid or preferably pivotally connected to the housing or a separate part connected to the housing (possibly also to the separate part to which the lever 4 is connected).
  • the contact element 8 and the lever 3 are independently pivotable.
  • the preferred pivotal attachment of the contact element 8, which in turn by a hinge or hinge and in this case (eg by a uniform material elastic connection point) or be designed releasably, allows an adjustment of the exact position of the contacts to the position of the mating contacts in the printer, so that a reliable contact is ensured.
  • the position of the contacts can follow at least over a certain range of the insertion movement of the cassette, starting, for example, from a horizontal or vertical basic position, so that even during the insertion process, the touch contact is reliably maintained.
  • the allowed Mobility of the contact element a use of a cartridge type for different printers, which differ in the position of the mating contacts.
  • the contact element 8 is connected via a flexible information line 7, for example, a ribbon cable or flex cable 7 with the receiving area 5 in the lever 3.
  • the contact element 8 is thus one of the board 6 and its functional elements (memory, signaling element, etc.) in principle independent and separate component and in this embodiment contains no sensitive electronic components.
  • the contact elements and the boards for the respective printer models can be adapted according to the respective specific functions / contact positions, so that overall a cost-effective increase in the variety of variants can be achieved by modularization of individual functional parts.
  • the receiving area 5 at least one contact is provided, which is / are connected to the flexible information line 7.
  • the contacts in the receiving area 5 are designed such that a preferably detachable coupling of the flexible information line 7 is made with mating contacts of the board 6 when the board 6 is inserted into the receiving area (5).
  • the conductive connection and assignment between the contacts of the board 6 and the contacts on the contact element eighth is designed such that a preferably detachable coupling of the flexible information line 7 is made with mating contacts of the board 6 when the board 6 is inserted into the receiving area (5).
  • the flexible information line 7 is preferably at least partially guided by a channel 3b in the lever 3 and is thereby protected from external influences. It is necessary, however, for the information line 7 to permit the pivoting movement of the lever and possibly of the contact element 8, if this is not rigidly attached to the housing.
  • the board If the life of the board is exhausted, it is simply removed from the receiving area 5 on the lever 3 and fed to a separate recycling. Equally, however, the board can also be used with a new housing with fresh consumables.
  • the ink cartridge normally has a reservoir for receiving ink, which is transferred via the outlet 2b to the printer device.
  • the ink cartridge may also have a receptacle into which a separate reservoir for the ink is to be inserted. This is advantageous, for example, if the ink cartridge is adapted for different printers, but a uniform reservoir is to be used or if the ink cartridge directly contains a printhead instead of the ink outlet.
  • This embodiment with integrated printhead is of course also applicable to an ink cartridge with integrated reservoir.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verbrauchsmaterialkassette gemäß den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffes des Patentanspruches 1 zum Einsetzen in eine entsprechende Vorrichtung, insbesondere eine Druckervorrichtung, beispielsweise einen Tintenstrahldrucker, Laserdrucker oder dergleichen.The invention relates to a consumable cartridge according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 for insertion into a corresponding device, in particular a printer device, for example an inkjet printer, laser printer or the like.

Tintenkassetten sind als Beispiele dieser Art von Verbrauchsmaterialkassetten weit verbreitet und werden in unterschiedlichen Bauformen eingesetzt. Um ein Gehäuse der Tintenkassette, in dem sich das Tintenreservoir befindet, in einer Aufnahme der Druckervorrichtung in einer Einsatzstellung zu verriegeln, ist mit dem Gehäuse häufig ein schwenkbarer Hebel verbunden, der allein oder im Zusammenwirken mit anderen Eingriffselementen und/oder dem an dem Gehäuse vorgesehen Tintenauslaß das Gehäuse lösbar in der Aufnahme hält.Ink cartridges are widely used as examples of this type of consumable cassettes and are used in various designs. In order to lock a housing of the ink cartridge in which the ink reservoir is located in a receptacle of the printer device in an insertion position, a pivotable lever is often connected to the housing, which alone or in cooperation with other engagement elements and / or provided on the housing Ink outlet releasably holds the housing in the receptacle.

Neuere Tintenkassetten enthalten häufig eine Halbleiterspeichervorrichtung (ein sogenannter "Chip"), in der Information über die Tintenkassette, beispielsweise über die darin enthaltene Tinte, über technische Parameter oder über den Füllstand gespeichert werden und diese Informationen mit der Druckervorrichtung ausgetauscht und ggf. auf dem Chip verarbeitet werden, um bestimmte Informationen über ein Signalisierungselement nach Außen zu signalisieren. Dadurch kann die Information z.B. über Signale im sichtbaren Spektrum (d.h. Lichtsignale) einem Anwender mitgeteilt oder über Signale im sichtbaren oder im unsichtbaren Spektrum (z.B. Infrarot, Ultraviolett) drahtlos an entsprechende Sensoren der Druckervorrichtung geleitet werden.Newer ink cartridges often contain a semiconductor memory device (a so-called "chip") in which information about the ink cartridge, for example about the ink contained therein, technical parameters or the level are stored and exchanged this information with the printer device and possibly on the chip be processed to signal certain information via a signaling element to the outside. As a result, the information may be e.g. be communicated to a user via signals in the visible spectrum (i.e., light signals) or wirelessly passed via signals in the visible or invisible spectrum (e.g., infrared, ultraviolet) to corresponding sensors of the printer device.

Die Halbleiterspeichervorrichtung und das Signalisierungselement sind üblicherweise auf einer Platine mit Leiterbahnen und einem oder mehreren Kontakten, welche beim Einsetzen in die Druckervorrichtung mit einem oder mehreren entsprechenden Gegenkontakt(en) der Druckervorrichtung in Berührungskontakt zu bringen ist/sind, angeordnet und die Platine ist fest mit dem Gehäuse der Tintenkassette beispielsweise durch eine Kunststoff-Schmelzverbindung verschweißt oder verklebt.The semiconductor memory device and the signaling element are usually on a printed circuit board with conductor tracks and one or more contacts, which when inserted into the printer device with one or more a plurality of corresponding mating contact (s) of the printer device is bring into touching contact / are arranged, and the board is firmly welded or glued to the housing of the ink cartridge, for example by a plastic fusion compound.

Diese Struktur besitzt eine Reihe von Nachteilen. So ist die Positioniergenauigkeit bei Schmelzverbindungen häufig ungenau und erfordert aufwändige Positionierungs-Hilfsmittel bei automatisierten Montageprozessen, um eine ungewollte Verschiebung der Platine zu verhindern, während das Kunststoffmaterial noch elastisch ist.This structure has a number of disadvantages. Thus, the positioning accuracy of fuses is often inaccurate and requires expensive positioning aids in automated assembly processes to prevent unwanted displacement of the board, while the plastic material is still elastic.

Die Gegenkontakte liegen regelmäßig im Inneren der Druckervorrichtung, so dass die von den Signalisierungselementen ausgesandten Signale aufwändig, z.B. durch Lichtleiter, an eine Position geleitet werden müssen, wo sie von einem Benutzer gesehen werden können.The mating contacts are regularly inside the printer device, so that the signals emitted by the signaling elements consuming, e.g. through fiber optics, to a position where they can be seen by a user.

Ferner sind die Platinen, insbesondere wegen der darauf angebrachten Halbleiterspeichervorrichtung relativ teuer, enthalten wertvolle und/oder umwelttechnisch schädliche oder jedenfalls bedenkliche Stoffe, welche einer separaten Verwertung zuzuführen sind, und sind bei entleerter Tintenkassette noch nicht am Ende ihrer Betriebs-Lebenszeit. Eine Entfernung der Platine ist bei den bekannten Tintenkassetten aber nur mit großem Aufwand möglich, so dass eine getrennte Verwertung der Komponenten der Tintenkassetten oft unterbleibt oder zur Zerstörung der Platine und/oder der Tintenkassette führt, so dass die noch funktionstüchtigen Bestandteile kaum weiterverwendet werden können.Furthermore, the boards are relatively expensive, in particular because of the semiconductor memory device mounted thereon, contain valuable and / or environmentally harmful or at least questionable substances that are to be supplied to a separate recycling, and are not at the end of their service life with emptied ink cartridge. A removal of the board is in the known ink cartridges but only with great effort possible, so that a separate utilization of the components of the ink cartridges often fails or leads to the destruction of the board and / or the ink cartridge, so that the still functional components can hardly be used.

Die selben Überlegungen gelten für andere Verbrauchsmaterialkassetten wie Tonerkassetten in Laserdruckern oder zukünftig für Brennstoffkartuschen in mobilen Kleinst-Brennstoffzellen, so dass eine "Vorrichtung", auf die sich die Verbrauchsmaterialkassette der Erfindung bezieht, jedes Gerät sein kann, das über eine austauschbare Verbrauchsmaterialkassette mit einem flüssigen oder pulverartigen Verbrauchsmaterial versorgt wird, wobei eine Datenverarbeitung und eine Signalisierung von bestimmten Betriebszuständen auf der Verbrauchsmaterialkassette erfolgt.The same considerations apply to other supplies cassettes such as toner cartridges in laser printers or, in the future, fuel cartridges in miniature mobile fuel cells, so that a "device" to which the consumable cartridge of the invention relates may be any device that has a replaceable consumable cartridge with a liquid or powdery consumables is supplied, with a Data processing and a signaling of certain operating conditions on the consumable cassette is done.

Die EP 1650033 A1 offenbart eine Verbrauchsmaterialkassette in Form einer Tintenkassette für einen Tintenstrahldrucker gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1. Diese Tintenkassette besitzt ein Gehäuse und einen mit dem Gehäuse verbundenen lenkbaren Hebel zum Verriegeln der Tintenkassette in dem Drucker in einer Einsatzstellung der Tintenkassette. In einem unteren Eckbereich des Gehäuses ist ein Aufnahmebereich zur Aufnahme einer Platine mit Kontakten, die beim Einsetzen in den Tintenstrahldrucker mit entsprechenden Gegenkontakten zum Zwecke einer Informationsübertragung zu koppeln sind, sowie mit einem Signalisierungselement in Form einer LED. In der Einsatzstellung befindet sich die Platine mit dem Signalisierungselement im Inneren des Druckers, so daß von dem Signalisierungselement ausgestrahlte Lichtstrahlung über einen separaten Lichtleitabschnitt an dem Gehäuse zu einer Oberseite der Tintenkassette hin geleitet wird.The EP 1650033 A1 discloses a consumable cartridge in the form of an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer according to the preamble of claim 1. This ink cartridge has a housing and a steerable lever connected to the housing for locking the ink cartridge in the printer in an insertion position of the ink cartridge. In a lower corner region of the housing is a receiving area for receiving a board with contacts which are to be coupled with appropriate mating contacts for insertion of information into the inkjet printer for the purpose of information transmission, as well as with a signaling element in the form of an LED. In the insertion position, the board is located with the signaling element inside the printer, so that emitted from the signaling element light radiation is passed through a separate Lichtleitabschnitt on the housing to an upper side of the ink cartridge.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, derartige austauschbare Verbrauchsmaterialkassetten dahingehend zu verbessern, dass zumindest einige der genannten Probleme beseitigt werden.The object of the invention is therefore to improve such exchangeable consumable cassettes to the effect that at least some of the problems mentioned are eliminated.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe bringt die Erfindung eine Verbrauchsmaterialkassette gemäß Patentanspruch 1 in Vorschlag. Bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen der Verbrauchsmaterialkassette sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.To solve this problem, the invention brings a consumable cartridge according to claim 1 in proposal. Preferred embodiments of the consumable cartridge are given in the dependent claims.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Verbrauchsmaterialkassette kann die relativ teure Platine mit elektronischen Bauteilen (Speicherchip, Signalisierungselement) in dem Aufnahmebereich in dem schwenkbaren Hebel des Gehäuses entfernbar aufgenommen sein. Die Platine ist damit an einem sehr gut zugänglichen Bereich des Gehäuses angebracht, der auch in einem in die entsprechende Vorrichtung eingesetzten Zustand für einen Benutzer gut zugänglich und einsehbar ist, weil der Benutzer an dem Hebel zum Einsetzen und Entnehmen der Kassette ohnehin angreifen muß, so dass eine auf der Platine ggf. vorhandene Signalisierungseinrichtung auch im eingesetzten Zustand der Kassette unmittelbar und gut erkennbar ist. In dem Aufnahmebereich in dem schwenkbaren Hebel ist die empfindliche Platine auch gut geschützt gegenüber externen Einflüssen wie Stößen, Verbrauchsmaterialresten (Tinte, Toner, Brennstoff etc.), im Vergleich zu Anordnungen, wo die Platine an einer Außenwand des Gehäuses an einer Stelle angebracht ist, die in Einsetzrichtung voraus in eine entsprechende Vorrichtung eingesetzt wird und von einem Benutzer nicht mehr einsehbar ist.In the consumable cassette according to the invention, the relatively expensive board with electronic components (memory chip, signaling element) can be removably received in the receiving area in the pivotable lever of the housing. The board is thus mounted on a very accessible area of the housing, which is easily accessible and visible to a user even in a state used in the corresponding device, because the user has to attack the lever for inserting and removing the cassette anyway, so in that a possibly present on the board signaling device is also directly visible and well in the inserted state of the cassette. In the receiving area in the pivotable lever, the sensitive board is also well protected against external influences such as bumps, consumable residues (ink, toner, fuel, etc.) compared to arrangements where the board is mounted on an outer wall of the housing at one location. which is used in advance in the direction of insertion into a corresponding device and is no longer visible by a user.

Ferner kann die Platine auch im eingesetzten Zustand der Kassette aus dieser entnommen werden und ein Austausch, eine Wiederverwendung oder eine Verwertung und getrennte Entsorgung der Platine ist vereinfacht.Furthermore, the board can be removed even in the inserted state of the cassette from this and replacement, reuse or recovery and separate disposal of the board is simplified.

Bei der bevorzugten Ausführungsform, bei der die Platine von dem Kontaktelement für die Kopplung mit den Gegenkontakten in der Druckervorrichtung getrennt ist und das Kontaktelement an einer anderen Stelle des Gehäuses angebracht und über eine flexible Verbindungsleitung mit der Platine gekoppelt ist, kann eine erheblich größere Variantenzahl von einem Kassettentyp bei einer geringen Zahl von abgewandelten Einzelkomponenten und damit bei geringen Kosten hergestellt werden.In the preferred embodiment wherein the board is separated from the contact element for coupling with the mating contacts in the printer device and the contact element is mounted at a different location of the housing and coupled to the board via a flexible connection line, a significantly larger number of variants of a cassette type with a small number of modified individual components and thus be manufactured at low cost.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand bevorzugter Ausführungsformen beschrieben. Es zeigen in der beigefügten Zeichnung:

  • Figur 1 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer beispielhaften Tintenkassette von unten betrachtet,
  • Figur 2 die Tintenkassette von Fig. 1 von oben betrachtet, und
  • Figur 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Platine, die in den Aufnahmebereich der beispielhaften Tintenkassette von Fig. 1 einsetzbar ist.
The invention will be described below with reference to preferred embodiments. In the attached drawing:
  • FIG. 1 a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge viewed from below,
  • FIG. 2 the ink cartridge from Fig. 1 viewed from above, and
  • FIG. 3 a perspective view of a board, which in the receiving area of the exemplary ink cartridge of Fig. 1 can be used.

Die Figuren 1 und 2 zeigen exemplarisch eine erfindungsgemäße Verbrauchsmaterialkassette in Form einer Tintenkassette 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht.The Figures 1 and 2 show an example of a consumable cartridge according to the invention in the form of an ink cartridge 1 in a perspective view.

An einer Unterseite eines etwa quaderförmigen Gehäuses 2 der Tintenkassette 1 ist ein Tintenauslass 2b angeordnet, der nach dem Einsetzen in eine Druckervorrichtung mit einem Tintenaufnahmedorn der Druckervorrichtung zusammenwirkt, so dass Tinte aus einem Tintenreservoir im Inneren des Gehäuses 2 der Tintenkassette über den Auslass 2b abgeführt werden kann. Die Position des Auslasses ist für die vorliegenden Erfindung unerheblich und kann dem jeweiligen Druckermodell angepasst werden.On an underside of an approximately parallelepiped housing 2 of the ink cartridge 1, an ink outlet 2b is arranged which, after insertion into a printer device, cooperates with an ink receiving mandrel of the printer device so that ink is discharged from an ink reservoir inside the housing 2 of the ink cartridge via the outlet 2b can. The position of the outlet is irrelevant to the present invention and can be adapted to the respective printer model.

Im gezeigten Beispiel besitzt die Tintenkassette einen mit dem Gehäuse 2 verbundenen schwenkbaren Hebel 3 zum lösbaren Verriegeln der Tintenkassette in der Druckervorrichtung in einer Einsatzstellung. An dem Hebel 3 sind dazu beispielsweise Rastvorsprünge 3a vorgesehen, die mit entsprechenden druckerseitigen Gegenelementen in Eingriff bringbar sind.In the example shown, the ink cartridge has a pivotable lever 3 connected to the housing 2 for releasably locking the ink cartridge in the printer device in a deployed position. On the lever 3 For example, latching projections 3a are provided for this purpose, which can be brought into engagement with corresponding printer-side counter-elements.

Der Hebel 3 ist beispielsweise über ein Gelenk oder Scharnier 4 an dem Gehäuse 2 oder an einem mit dem Gehäuse verbundenen separaten Teil verbunden und ggf. durch ein Vorbelastungsmittel (Feder, elastisches Materialstück etc.) elastisch in eine Verriegelungsstellung vorbelastet (nicht dargestellt). Am äußeren Ende des Hebels 3 befindet sich eine Erweiterung 3b, die als Griffabschnitt bezeichnet werden kann, an der ein Benutzer angreifen kann, um den Hebel entgegen der Vorbelastungskraft zu drücken, um die Kassette zu entriegeln und aus der Druckervorrichtung zu entnehmen oder in diese einzusetzen. Für eine Befestigung in der Aufnahme der Druckervorrichtung können an dem Gehäuse ggf. weitere Vorsprünge oder Ausnehmungen an verschiedenen Positionen vorgesehen sein, die mit den entsprechenden druckerseitigen Gegenelementen linear oder über eine Kipp-/Schwenkbewegung der Kassette lösbar in Eingriff bringbar sind. Die Anordnung und genaue Größe und Form des Hebels kann dem jeweiligen Druckermodell angepasst werden.The lever 3 is connected, for example via a hinge or hinge 4 on the housing 2 or on a separate part connected to the housing and optionally biased by a biasing means (spring, elastic piece of material, etc.) elastically in a locking position (not shown). At the outer end of the lever 3 there is an extension 3b, which may be referred to as a handle portion, on which a user can engage to push the lever against the biasing force to unlock the cartridge and remove or insert it into the printer device , For attachment in the receptacle of the printer device, further protrusions or recesses may optionally be provided at different positions on the housing, which are releasably engageable with the corresponding printer-side counter-elements linearly or via a tilting / pivoting movement of the cassette. The arrangement and exact size and shape of the lever can be adapted to the respective printer model.

In der Erweiterung 3b des schwenkbaren Hebels 3 befindet sich ein Aufnahmebereich 5 zur Aufnahme einer Platine 6, die die in der Beschreibungseinleitung beschriebenen Funktionselemente wie Speicher und Signalisierungselement 6a aufweist.In the extension 3b of the pivotable lever 3 is a receiving area 5 for receiving a board 6, which has the functional elements described in the introduction to the description such as memory and signaling element 6a.

Der Aufnahmebereich 5 ist vorzugsweise so gestaltet und eingerichtet, dass die Platine 6 entfernbar eingesetzt und entnommen werden kann. Sie besitzt hierfür beispielsweise Einsetzschienen und/oder Rast- bzw. Klemmelemente, die die Platine führen und in einer Endstellung fixieren.The receiving area 5 is preferably designed and arranged so that the board 6 can be removably inserted and removed. It has, for example, insertion rails and / or locking or clamping elements which guide the board and fix it in an end position.

Um die "Sichtbarkeit" des Signalisierungselements 6a zu gewährleisten, besitzt der Aufnahmebereich 5 eine Ausnehmung 5a, in der das Signalisierungselement zu liegen kommt, wenn die Platine ganz eingesetzt ist. Um den Aufnahmebereich 5 zu verschließen und die darin eingesetzte Platine 6 zu schützen kann eine (nicht dargestellte) zumindest teilweise transparente Abdeckung vorgesehen sein, durch die Signale des Signalisierungselements nach Außen treten können. Obwohl der Begriff "Sichtbarkeit" verwendet wurde, sind damit erfindungsgemäß nicht nur solche Signalisierungselemente umfasst, die Signale im sichtbaren Spektrum (d.h. Lichtsignale von einer LED oder einer anderen Lichtquelle) aussenden, sondern auch solche, die Signale im unsichtbaren Spektrum (z.B. Infrarot, Ultraviolett) aussenden.In order to ensure the "visibility" of the signaling element 6a, the receiving area 5 has a recess 5a, in which the signaling element comes to rest when the board is fully inserted. In order to close the receiving area 5 and to protect the board 6 inserted therein, one (not shown) at least partially be provided transparent cover, can pass through the signals of the signaling element to the outside. Although the term "visibility" has been used, according to the invention not only those signaling elements are included which emit signals in the visible spectrum (ie light signals from an LED or other light source), but also those which emit signals in the invisible spectrum (eg infrared, ultraviolet ).

Im Bereich einer Ecke des Gehäuses 2 der Tintenkassette ist ein Kontaktelement 8 angeordnet, das einen oder mehrere Kontakt(e) 8a aufweist, der/die mit einem oder mehreren entsprechenden Gegenkontakt(en) an einer Gegenkontakteinrichtung der Druckervorrichtung zusammenwirkt/zusammenwirken und der/die beim Einsetzen der Tintenkassette in die Druckervorrichtung mit der Gegenkontakteinrichtung der Druckervorrichtung zum Zwecke einer Informationsübertragung zu koppeln ist. Das Kontaktelement 8 ist beispielsweise eine Leiterplatte oder Platine mit darauf aufgebrachten Kontaktelektroden.In the region of a corner of the housing 2 of the ink cartridge, a contact element 8 is arranged, which has one or more contact (s) 8a / cooperates with one or more corresponding mating contact (s) on a mating contact device of the printer device and the / upon insertion of the ink cartridge into the printer device is to be coupled with the mating contact device of the printer device for the purpose of information transfer. The contact element 8 is for example a printed circuit board or board with contact electrodes applied thereto.

Das Kontaktelement 8 ist starr oder vorzugsweise schwenkbar mit dem Gehäuse oder einem mit dem Gehäuse verbundenen separaten Teil (ggf. auch mit dem separaten Teil, an dem der Hebel 4 verbunden ist) verbunden. Das Kontaktelement 8 und der Hebel 3 sind aber unabhängig voneinander schwenkbar. Die bevorzugte schwenkbare Anbringung des Kontaktelements 8, die wiederum durch ein Gelenk oder Scharnier und hierbei fest (z.B. durch eine materialeinheitliche elastische Verbindungsstelle) oder lösbar ausgestaltet sein kann, ermöglicht eine Anpassung der genauen Position der Kontakte an die Position der Gegenkontakte im Drucker, so dass ein zuverlässiger Berührungskontakt gewährleistet ist. Ferner kann die Stellung der Kontakte zumindest über einen bestimmten Bereich der Einsetzbewegung der Kassette folgen, ausgehend z.B. von einer horizontalen oder vertikalen Grundstellung, so dass selbst während des Einsetzvorganges der Berührungskontakt zuverlässig aufrechterhalten bleibt. Im übrigen erlaubt die Beweglichkeit des Kontaktelements eine Verwendung eines Kassettentyps für unterschiedliche Drucker, die sich in der Stellung der Gegenkontakte unterscheiden.The contact element 8 is rigid or preferably pivotally connected to the housing or a separate part connected to the housing (possibly also to the separate part to which the lever 4 is connected). However, the contact element 8 and the lever 3 are independently pivotable. The preferred pivotal attachment of the contact element 8, which in turn by a hinge or hinge and in this case (eg by a uniform material elastic connection point) or be designed releasably, allows an adjustment of the exact position of the contacts to the position of the mating contacts in the printer, so that a reliable contact is ensured. Furthermore, the position of the contacts can follow at least over a certain range of the insertion movement of the cassette, starting, for example, from a horizontal or vertical basic position, so that even during the insertion process, the touch contact is reliably maintained. Moreover, the allowed Mobility of the contact element, a use of a cartridge type for different printers, which differ in the position of the mating contacts.

Das Kontaktelement 8 ist über eine flexible Informationsleitung 7, beispielsweise ein Flachband- oder Flexkabel 7 mit dem Aufnahmebereich 5 in dem Hebel 3 verbunden. Das Kontaktelement 8 ist damit ein von der Platine 6 und dessen Funktionselementen (Speicher, Signalisierungselement etc.) prinzipiell unabhängiges und separates Bauteil und enthält in dieser Ausführungsform keine empfindlichen elektronischen Komponenten. Dadurch können beispielsweise die Kontaktelemente und die Platinen für die jeweiligen Druckermodelle entsprechend den jeweiligen spezifischen Funktionen/Kontaktpositionen angepasst werden, so dass dadurch insgesamt eine kostengünstige Erhöhung der Variantenvielfalt durch eine Modularisierung einzelner Funktionsteile erreicht werden kann.The contact element 8 is connected via a flexible information line 7, for example, a ribbon cable or flex cable 7 with the receiving area 5 in the lever 3. The contact element 8 is thus one of the board 6 and its functional elements (memory, signaling element, etc.) in principle independent and separate component and in this embodiment contains no sensitive electronic components. As a result, for example, the contact elements and the boards for the respective printer models can be adapted according to the respective specific functions / contact positions, so that overall a cost-effective increase in the variety of variants can be achieved by modularization of individual functional parts.

Obwohl in der vorstehenden Beschreibung von einem elektrische Berührungskontakt zwischen den Kontakten des Kontaktelements 8 der Tintenkassette und der Gegenkontakteinrichtung der Druckervorrichtung ausgegangen wurde, um elektrische Signale und Daten zu übertragen, ist die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung des Kontaktelements nicht hierauf beschränkt. Denkbar ist es ebenfalls, einen berührungslosen Austausch von Signalen, beispielsweise durch Induktion oder Funk oder über Lichtsignale zu verwirklichen. Deshalb ist der Begriff "Kontakt" in diesem erweiterten Sinne zu verstehen. Auch in dieser Hinsicht erlaubt die Trennung des Kontaktelements von der Platine eine Modularisierung, so dass auf einfache und kostengünstige Weise Varianten einer Kassette hergestellt werden können, die sich nur im Kontaktelement oder nur in der Platine unterscheiden, ansonsten aber baugleich sein können.Although in the foregoing description, electrical contact between the contacts of the contact element 8 of the ink cartridge and the mating contact device of the printer device was assumed to transmit electric signals and data, the arrangement of the contact element according to the present invention is not limited thereto. It is also conceivable to realize a contactless exchange of signals, for example by induction or radio or light signals. Therefore, the term "contact" should be understood in this broader sense. Also in this regard, the separation of the contact element allows the board a modularization, so that in a simple and inexpensive manner variants of a cassette can be made, which differ only in the contact element or only in the board, but otherwise can be identical.

In dem Aufnahmebereich 5 ist zumindest ein Kontakt vorgesehen, der bzw. die mit der flexiblen Informationsleitung 7 verbunden ist/sind. Die Kontakte im Aufnahmebereich 5 sind so ausgestaltet, dass eine vorzugsweise lösbare Kopplung der flexiblen Informationsleitung 7 mit Gegenkontakten der Platine 6 hergestellt ist, wenn die Platine 6 in den Aufnahmebereich (5) eingesetzt ist. Dadurch erfolgt die leitende Verbindung und Zuordnung zwischen den Kontakten der Platine 6 und den Kontakten auf dem Kontaktelement 8.In the receiving area 5, at least one contact is provided, which is / are connected to the flexible information line 7. The contacts in the receiving area 5 are designed such that a preferably detachable coupling of the flexible information line 7 is made with mating contacts of the board 6 when the board 6 is inserted into the receiving area (5). As a result, the conductive connection and assignment between the contacts of the board 6 and the contacts on the contact element eighth

Die flexible Informationsleitung 7 ist vorzugsweise zumindest teilweise durch einen Kanal 3b in dem Hebel 3 geführt und ist dadurch gegenüber äußeren Einflüssen geschützt. Erforderlich ist aber, dass die Informationsleitung 7 die Schwenkbewegung des Hebels und ggf. des Kontaktelements 8, wenn dieses nicht starr am Gehäuse angebracht ist, zulässt.The flexible information line 7 is preferably at least partially guided by a channel 3b in the lever 3 and is thereby protected from external influences. It is necessary, however, for the information line 7 to permit the pivoting movement of the lever and possibly of the contact element 8, if this is not rigidly attached to the housing.

Ist der Lebensdauer der Platine erschöpft, wird diese einfach aus dem Aufnahmebereich 5 am Hebel 3 entnommen und einer getrennten stofflichen Verwertung zugeführt. Gleichermaßen kann aber auch die Platine mit einem neuen Gehäuse mit frischem Verbrauchsmaterial weiterverwendet werden.If the life of the board is exhausted, it is simply removed from the receiving area 5 on the lever 3 and fed to a separate recycling. Equally, however, the board can also be used with a new housing with fresh consumables.

Obwohl die Erfindung in Verbindung mit einer Ausführungsform einer Tintenkassette beschrieben und dargestellt wurde, bei der das Kontaktelement in Bereich eines Eckbereichs einer Stirnwand angeordnet ist, ist die erfindungsgemäße Lösung hierauf nicht beschränkt sondern ist grundsätzlich auf alle Anordnungen eines Kontaktelements an einer Tintenkassette, beispielsweise auch in einer Vertiefung oder Ausnehmung an der Seitenwand, anwendbar.Although the invention has been described and illustrated in connection with an embodiment of an ink cartridge in which the contact element is located in the region of a corner region of an end wall, the solution according to the invention is not limited thereto but is basically applicable to all arrangements of a contact element on an ink cartridge, for example also in US Pat a recess or recess on the side wall, applicable.

Die Tintenkassette besitzt normalerweise ein Reservoir zur Aufnahme von Tinte, die über den Auslass 2b an die Druckervorrichtung übergeben wird. Alternativ kann die Tintenkassette aber auch eine Aufnahme besitzen, in die ein separates Reservoir für die Tinte einzusetzen ist. Dies ist beispielsweise dann von Vorteil, wenn die Tintenkassette für unterschiedliche Drucker angepasst ist, aber ein einheitliches Reservoir zu verwenden ist oder aber dann, wenn die Tintenkassette statt des Tintenauslasses unmittelbar einen Druckkopf enthält. Diese Ausgestaltung mit integriertem Druckkopf ist selbstverständlich auch bei einer Tintenkassette mit integrierten Reservoir anwendbar.The ink cartridge normally has a reservoir for receiving ink, which is transferred via the outlet 2b to the printer device. Alternatively, however, the ink cartridge may also have a receptacle into which a separate reservoir for the ink is to be inserted. This is advantageous, for example, if the ink cartridge is adapted for different printers, but a uniform reservoir is to be used or if the ink cartridge directly contains a printhead instead of the ink outlet. This embodiment with integrated printhead is of course also applicable to an ink cartridge with integrated reservoir.

Claims (13)

  1. Consumable-material cartridge for insertion into a device, having
    a housing (2),
    a pivotable lever (3) which is connected to the housing (2) for locking the consumable-material cartridge in the device in a use position of the consumable-material cartridge, and
    a receiving region (5) for receiving a printed circuit board (6) with a signalling element (6a),
    characterized in that
    the receiving region (5) is arranged on the pivotable lever (3).
  2. Consumable-material cartridge according to Claim 1, the receiving region (5) being set up for removably receiving the printed circuit board (6).
  3. Consumable-material cartridge according to Claim 1 or 2, the receiving region (5) having a recess (5a), at which the signalling element (6a) is visible from the outside when the printed circuit board (6) is situated in the receiving region (5).
  4. Consumable-material cartridge according to one of Claims 1 to 3, the receiving region (5) being closed by an at least partially transparent cover.
  5. Consumable-material cartridge according to one of Claims 1 to 4, the receiving region (5) being arranged on a handle section of the lever (3).
  6. Consumable-material cartridge according to one of Claims 1 to 5, a contact element (8) on the housing (2) being provided with at least one contact (8a) which, during insertion into the device, is to be coupled to a corresponding mating contact of the device for the purpose of information transmission.
  7. Consumable-material cartridge according to Claim 6, the contact element (8) being provided such that it can be pivoted.
  8. Consumable-material cartridge according to Claim 6 or 7, the contact element (8) being connected to the receiving region (5) via a flexible line (7).
  9. Consumable-material cartridge according to Claim 8, at least one contact being provided in the receiving region (5), which at least one contact makes (preferably releasable) coupling of the flexible line (7) to a mating contact of the printed circuit board (6) possible when the latter is inserted into the receiving region (5).
  10. Consumable-material cartridge according to Claim 8 or 9, the flexible line (7) being routed at least partially through a channel (3b) in the lever (3).
  11. Consumable-material cartridge according to one of Claims 1 to 10, the consumable-material cartridge being an ink cartridge (1) with an ink outlet (2b), which ink cartridge (1) is to be inserted into a printing device.
  12. Consumable-material cartridge according to Claim 11, latching projections (3a) which can be brought into engagement with corresponding printer-side mating elements being provided on the pivotable lever (3).
  13. Consumable-material cartridge according to one of Claims 1 to 10, the consumable-material cartridge being a toner cartridge which is to be inserted into a laser printer.
EP20100163240 2009-05-19 2010-05-19 Cartridge filled with consumable product Not-in-force EP2253474B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE200910021958 DE102009021958A1 (en) 2009-05-19 2009-05-19 ink cartridge

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EP2253474A1 EP2253474A1 (en) 2010-11-24
EP2253474B1 true EP2253474B1 (en) 2013-01-09

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DE102015009612A1 (en) * 2015-07-24 2017-01-26 Kmp Printtechnik Ag Print cartridge and printer with such a print cartridge
DE102015010677A1 (en) * 2015-08-12 2017-02-16 Kmp Printtechnik Ag Print cartridge and printer with such a print cartridge
CN109291653A (en) * 2018-11-09 2019-02-01 北海绩迅电子科技有限公司 A kind of print cartridge processing method and improve print cartridge
CN114851561B (en) * 2022-03-31 2023-06-20 江苏铭亚科技有限公司 Composite continuous fiber 3D printing equipment convenient for rapidly replacing consumable

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JP4533125B2 (en) * 2004-10-20 2010-09-01 キヤノン株式会社 Ink tank and ink jet recording apparatus
JP2006116787A (en) * 2004-10-20 2006-05-11 Canon Inc Ink tank, apparatus for mounting ink tank and inkjet recording apparatus
JP4125279B2 (en) * 2004-10-20 2008-07-30 キヤノン株式会社 INK TANK, INKJET RECORDING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH A HOLDER MOUNTING THE INK TANK AND INKJET RECORDING SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH INK TANK AND HOLDER
JP2007136746A (en) * 2005-11-15 2007-06-07 Canon Inc Ink tank and inkjet recording apparatus
JP4595870B2 (en) * 2006-03-31 2010-12-08 ブラザー工業株式会社 Ink cartridge holding member
US8550607B2 (en) * 2008-03-31 2013-10-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet recording system and ink container comprising a light emitting portion

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EP2253474A1 (en) 2010-11-24

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