EP2272674A1 - Ink cartridge and inkjet printer for receiving such an ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The removable ink cartridge has a mounting detection device which cooperates with the fill level detector of a printer such that the mounting and demounting of the ink cartridge is detectable. The mounting detection device includes a light beam interruption element which is mounted so as to be movable relative to a fill level detection device and permits an asymmetric signal sequence on mounting and demounting of the ink cartridge. An independent claim is also included for an inkjet printer.

Description

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a printer, in particular ink jet printer for use of such an ink cartridge.

Ink jet printers with residual ink detection sensors are well known. For this purpose, at least a part of the ink cartridge is transparent or translucent. The waste ink detection sensors are typically optical sensors that receive a light emitter that emits light and a light receiver that receives light that has been emitted from the light emitter and that passes through the ink cartridge or through the transparent portion thereof , It is in this regard, for example, on the JP 2-960614 B2 directed. In this prior art has been found to be disadvantageous that the removal or disassembly of an ink cartridge from the printer by the optical sensors is not detected. In particular, it is not determined whether or not the ink cartridge is inserted or mounted in the printer. This can result in printer malfunction.

To avoid this disadvantage is in the DE 60 2005 001 410 T2 = EP 1 570 994 B1 proposed to provide an ink cartridge having a first detection section for the level thereof, and a second detection section for detecting the mounting or dismounting of the ink cartridge, wherein both detection sections are detected by one and the same printer-side detector, the light beam sensor and a Includes light beam receiver. In this case, only a signal reversal in relation to the installation of the printer cartridge occurs during disassembly of the cartridge. This is not guaranteed to detect in any case, whether a signal interruption has been triggered by a mounting or dismounting a printer cartridge.

This is where the present invention begins. It is therefore a system to develop, which allows to distinguish the mounting of a printer cartridge clearly from the disassembly of the same.

This object is achieved with respect to an ink cartridge by the characterizing features of claim 1, wherein advantageous details and structural developments are specified in the dependent claims. With respect to a corresponding printer, in particular inkjet printer, reference is made to claim 12.

An essential aspect of the present invention is therefore that provisions are made that allow any, in particular asymmetric signal sequence during assembly and disassembly of an ink cartridge. Thus, the assembly of an ink cartridge can be clearly distinguished from the disassembly of the same. The simplest type of asymmetry is that, for example, when mounting an ink cartridge, a light beam interrupt signal is triggered, while no signal is triggered during disassembly or removal of the ink cartridge from the printer or the cartridge receptacle. However, it is conceivable that a signal occurs during assembly, while during disassembly two or three signals are triggered. Decisive is therefore the asymmetry of the signals during assembly on the one hand and disassembly on the other.

In order to achieve the above object, it is required in any case that the ink cartridge has a mounting detecting device with a relative to the ink cartridge, in particular relative to the level detecting means movably mounted light beam interrupting element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the above-mentioned light beam interruption element is dragged along by an active during assembly or disassembly of the ink cartridge, also movably mounted relative to the ink cartridge driver, in particular in the form of a plunger od. Like., And in each case delayed in time to move the driver or Tappet.

Thus, it is possible, for example, that the entrainment of the light beam interruption element takes place so that the associated light beam detector, usually level detector during assembly or disassembly of the ink cartridge each generates a different number of signals, in particular only a signal during assembly , but not when disassembling the ink cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment, the driver, in particular in the form of a plunger during assembly of the ink cartridge against the action of an elastic element, in particular a compression spring in the ink cartridge or in a housing defining this is movable into. By this movement, the light beam interruption element is entrained or entrained after a predetermined distance, over a second predetermined distance. In this case, the light beam interruption element associated with opaque part interrupts the beam path between the light beam transmitter and light beam receiver, with the result that a corresponding "mounting" signal is triggered. When disassembling the ink cartridge again takes place a delayed movement of the light beam interruption element in the starting position with the result that during the disassembly of the ink cartridge, the beam path between the light beam transmitter and light beam receiver is not interrupted and accordingly no signal is generated. This achieves the previously desired asymmetry of the signal sequence.

The opaque part of the light beam interrupting element is preferably formed in the form of a projection or a flag.

In a preferred embodiment, the light beam interruption element is formed by a longitudinally displaceable bar with a movable during assembly of the cartridge by the light beam of the level detector through the flag.

The above-mentioned designed as a ram driver is mounted longitudinally displaceable parallel to the mentioned bar of the light beam interruption element in a concrete embodiment. Furthermore, this driver preferably has a projection which engages in a longitudinal groove of the strip or vice versa, wherein the length of the longitudinal groove defines the first distance, during which the light beam interrupting element is not entrained or entrained. The then taking place displacement of the bar including the flag or the light beam interruption element defines the second path, during the assembly of the Ink cartridge, the opaque portion of the light beam interrupting element moves through the beam path of the level detector through and generates the already mentioned "mounting" signal.

In a further preferred embodiment of the ink cartridge comprises the level detection means comprises a prismatic reflector and a spaced-apart the housing outer or -inner Umlenkprisma, which comes into contact with ink, as long as the fill level of the cartridge is still sufficient. In operating position, i. After mounting the ink cartridge, the prism surfaces of the reflector are between the beam transmitter and the light beam receiver of the level detector.

Advantageously, when mounting the ink cartridge of the driver or plunger acted upon by a projection on the printer or on an ink cartridge receptacle, in particular by a part of the level detector, in such a way that this first covers the first distance, and then the second distance, wherein in the second path, the light beam interrupting element is entrained by the plunger.

It should be noted at this point that even a cartridge generating a signal by a combination of a signal generated by or through the plunger on the same detector or by another interrupter on another detector with the "asymmetric" signal generated by the described invention causes, in certain cases can be useful.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Tintenpatrone in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 2

die Tintenpatrone gemäß Fig. 1 im Schnitt längs Linie II-II;

Fig. 3

die Tintenpatrone gemäß den Fig. 1 und 2 in perspektivischer Ansicht von vorne schräg oben;

Fig. 4a

die Tintenpatrone entsprechend Fig. 1 beim Beginn der Montage im Drucker oder einer Patronenaufnahme (Startposition);

Fig. 4b

die Tintenpatrone gemäß Fig. 1 in Montage-Zwischenposition;

Fig. 4c

die Tintenpatrone gemäß Fig. 1 in montierter Betriebsstellung (Endposition);

Fig. 5

eine Ausführungsform einer Füllstand-Erfassungseinrichtung, wie sie bei der Ausführungsform einer Tintenpatrone gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 4 zum Einsatz kommt, und zwar in schematischer Vorderansicht unter Darstellung des Strahlengangs bei ausreichender Befüllung der Tinten- patrone einerseits und bei Leerstand derselben andererseits; und

Fig. 6

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Tintenpatrone, und zwar eine sogenannte "top-loader"-Patrone, in schematischer Seitenansicht, teilweise im Längsschnitt.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an ink cartridge designed according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of an inventive ink cartridge in side view;

Fig. 2

the ink cartridge according to Fig. 1 in section along line II-II;

Fig. 3

the ink cartridge according to the Fig. 1 and 2 in a perspective view from the front obliquely above;

Fig. 4a

the ink cartridge accordingly Fig. 1 when starting the installation in the printer or a cartridge receptacle (start position);

Fig. 4b

the ink cartridge according to Fig. 1 in assembly intermediate position;

Fig. 4c

the ink cartridge according to Fig. 1 in mounted operating position (end position);

Fig. 5

an embodiment of a level detection device, as in the embodiment of an ink cartridge according to the FIGS. 1 to 4 is used, in a schematic front view showing the beam path with sufficient filling of the ink cartridge on the one hand and at vacancy thereof on the other. and

Fig. 6

a second embodiment of an ink cartridge according to the invention, namely a so-called "top-loader" cartridge, in a schematic side view, partially in longitudinal section.

The FIGS. 1 to 3 show an ink cartridge 9, namely a so-called "front-loader" cartridge, on whose in the mounting direction according to arrow 10 in Fig. 1 front side of the ink outlet 11 and a level detecting means 6, 8 are arranged. The two aforementioned parts are part of a cover 12 defining the front side. Longitudinal guide ribs 13, 14, 15 and 16 are formed on the upper side and on the bottom side of the cartridge. Incidentally, the ink cartridge 9 is defined by an ink tank 1 defining an ink accommodating space and having a flat-bottomed outline.

The level detection device comprises in the illustrated embodiment, a prismatic reflector 6 and a spaced below the same arranged deflecting prism 8, which comes inside the container with ink in contact, as long as the level of the cartridge is still sufficient. Schematically, such a level detection device is in Fig. 5 in a schematic front view showing the beam path 19 between a light emitter or light emitter 20 and a light receiver 21. If, as in Fig. 5 shown right, in the ink tank 1 is sufficient ink, the container inner side of the deflection prism 8 is wetted with ink. The deflected by the reflector 6 light beam is then largely absorbed in the ink. The ink is in Fig. 5 with the Reference numeral 22 marked. As soon as the ink cartridge is emptied so far that the ink no longer wets the deflecting prism 8, the light beam 19 emitted by the light emitter 20 is transformed into the left-hand illustration in FIG Fig. 5 completely reflected so that it is received by the light receiver 21. The corresponding signal indicates that the ink cartridge must be replaced or replaced by a filled cartridge.

Light transmitter 20 and light receiver 21 define a level detector arranged on the printer side corresponding to FIG FIGS. 1 to 4 , When mounted or inserted ink cartridge 9 so that the level of the same can be detected.

The ink cartridge 9 has - as already mentioned - on the front nor a mounting-detecting device 3, 4, 4b, which in the present case also cooperates with the level detector 7, in such a way that the assembly and / or disassembly of the ink cartridge 9 is detectable. Specifically, the mounting detection device has a relative to the ink cartridge 9, and here relative to the level detection means 6, 8 movably mounted light beam interruption element 4, 4b, which allows an asymmetric signal sequence during assembly and disassembly of the ink cartridge 9. The light beam interrupting element 4, 4b is corresponding Fig. 2 with a parallel movable, namely longitudinally slidably mounted driver in the form of a plunger 3 coupled. The light beam interruption element 4, 4b and the plunger 3 are mounted longitudinally displaceably above the two prism surfaces of the reflector 6 within the same and the ink container 1, in the direction perpendicular to the front, which is defined by the cover 12. This longitudinal displacement is in Fig. 2 indicated by the double arrows 17 and 18.

The plunger 3 is acted upon during assembly of the ink cartridge 9 in the printer or an associated cartridge receptacle by the facing side of the detector 7 and displaced against the action of a compression spring 5 in the interior of the ink container 1, by a first distance "X" (see Fig. 2 ). The plunger 3 has a projection 23 which dips into a facing longitudinal groove 24 of the light beam interrupting element 4. After the plunger 3 has traveled the distance "X", the light beam interruption element 4, 4b is entrained or entrained by the plunger 3 through the driver 23, to the inner housing stop 25 of the light beam interruption element 4, 4b. This defines a second path "Y" of the light beam interruption element 4, 4b. After both path have been covered, the ink cartridge 9 is in the operating end position accordingly Fig. 4c , Fig. 4a shows the starting position during assembly of the ink cartridge. 9 Fig. 4b shows an intermediate position in which the plunger 3 has covered the distance "X" and the light beam interruption element 4, 4b for driving just detected. In this position, no assembly signal has been generated because the opaque portion 4b of the light beam interruption element has not yet interrupted the beam path 19 of the level detector. The opaque part 4b of the light beam interrupting element is formed as a downwardly extending lug. So this has in the intermediate position according to Fig. 4b not yet moved through the beam path mentioned. Only when the flag 4b has moved through the beam path of the level detector 7, a signal is generated, which indicates that the ink cartridge is mounted or used. Then, when the ink cartridge is in the operating end position accordingly Fig. 4c is located, the light beam interruption element 4, 4b so far moved into the ink container 1 in that the opaque flag 4b is no longer visible. This is then located within the over the front of the ink cartridge projecting housing of the reflector 6 behind the light sensor associated prism surface. For this purpose, a receiving slot 26 is formed between the two prism surfaces of the reflector 6, in which the flag 4b is moved in the assembled position of the cartridge. The corresponding receiving slot is in Fig. 3 recognizable.

Then, when the ink cartridge 9 from the position according to Fig. 4c is removed again, first moves the plunger 3 by the distance "X" again from the ink tank 1 out. Then, the level detection device 6, 8 of the ink cartridge is already outside the beam path 19 of the level detector 7. Upon further removal of the ink cartridge from the associated cartridge receptacle is then entrained by the plunger 3, the light beam interrupting element 4 and again from the Ink tank 1 pulled out into a position corresponding to the FIGS. 1 to 3 , During disassembly, no signal, namely no light beam interruption signal is generated due to the facts presented. Such arises only in the assembly of the ink cartridge 9. This signal asymmetry makes a mounting and dismounting of the ink cartridge very accurately distinguish.

Depending on the geometry of the opaque portion of the light beam interruption element, the signal sequence may differ from that described above.

It should be mentioned at this point that the light beam interruption element comprises a longitudinally displaceable in the ink tank mounted bar 4 with opaque part in the form of a downwardly extending flag 4b. The strip 4 is displaceable parallel to the plunger 3.

The sliding space for the plunger 3 and the bar 4 together with the flag 4b is preferably also part of the lid 12, as Fig. 2 recognize. All functional elements of the ink cartridge are thus the subject of the lid 12. This has manufacturing advantages, since then the rest of the ink tank can also be made relatively easy. The thus composed ink cartridge 9 is preferably made of plastic, which may be transparent or opaque.

In the same way, of course, a so-called "top-loader" cartridge 2 according Fig. 6 be educated. In this is the aforementioned means for determining the mounting or dismounting at the bottom side of the cartridge. All the features described above as part of the front of the cartridge are in the embodiment according to Fig. 6 Part of the bottom, which is designed as a bottom cover 28. In this bottom cover 28, a ventilation channel 29 is integrated, the inlet 30 is arranged in the region of the ink outlet 11. The air outlet 31 opens into the ink receiving space above the ink level, the air outlet 31 is closed by an air-permeable, but fluid-impermeable membrane 32. This ensures that when using the ink cartridge through the channel 29 of the necessary pressure equalization is ensured inside the ink cartridge or in the ink receiving space, without the risk of leakage of ink through the ventilation duct 29 and the air inlet 30 therethrough.

The ink outlet 11 is still closed by a sealing film 33, which is either removed before or during the first use or simply broken through, by an ink supply needle associated with the printer.

The ink within the ink accommodating space or ink cartridge 2 is in Fig. 6 designated by the reference numeral 22.

The invention also relates to a printer, in particular inkjet printer with a receptacle for an ink cartridge of the type described above. If it is a printer with a separate cartridge receptacle, refers Invention also on such a cartridge holder. In both cases, a liquid level detector 7 is associated with the receiving space for the ink cartridge, in the beam path 19 when mounting an ink cartridge 9 and 2, a level detection device and a mounting detection device of the type described is submersed. Accordingly, the interfaces between the cartridge and cartridge receptacle are complementary, regardless of whether it is a "front-loader" or "top-loader" version.

Both embodiments of an ink cartridge 9 and 2 have at their functional element sides (front or bottom side) on separate guide elements 27 which improve the orientation during assembly or disassembly of the ink cartridge.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, as far as they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

Reference numerals:

1

ink tank

2

"Top-loader" -Tintenpatrone

3

tappet

4

Bar as part of a light beam interruption element

4b

opaque part of the light beam interruption element, in particular flag

5

compression spring

6

reflector

7

Level detector

8th

deflecting prism

9

"Front-loader" -Tintenpatrone

10

arrow

11

ink outlet

12

cover

13

Longitudinal guide rib

14

Longitudinal guide rib

15

Longitudinal guide rib

16

Longitudinal guide rib

17

arrow

18

arrow

19

Beam path (light beam)

20

light source

21

light receiver

22

ink

23

head Start

24

longitudinal groove

25

attack

26

Receiving slot (for flag 4b)

27

guide elements

28

ground cover

29

ventilation duct

30

air intake

31

air outlet

32

membrane

33

sealing film

Claims (12)

Ink cartridge (9; 2) with - A level detection device (6,8), which is assigned to a printer side and a light emitter (20) and light receiver (21) comprising level detector (7), such that when mounted ink cartridge (9; is detectable, and - An assembly detection device (3, 4, 4b), which also cooperates with a printer side arranged light beam detector, in particular level detector (7), such that the assembly and / or disassembly of the ink cartridge (9; 2) can be detected . characterized in that
the mounting detection device (3, 4, 4b) has a relative to the ink cartridge (9; 2), in particular relative to the level detection means (6, 8) of the same movably mounted light beam interruption element (4, 4b), during assembly and disassembly the ink cartridge (9; 2) allows any, in particular asymmetrical signal sequence, Ink cartridge according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the light beam interruption element (4, 4b) by a during assembly / disassembly of the ink cartridge (9; 2) effective, also relative to this movably mounted driver, in particular in the form of a plunger (3) od. Like. Is moved or entrained, but in each case delayed in time to move the driver or plunger (3). Ink cartridge according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the entrainment of the light beam interruption element (4, 4b) takes place in such a way that the associated light beam detector (7) generates a different number of signals (interruption signals) during assembly and disassembly of the ink cartridge, in particular only a signal during assembly, but not disassembly the ink cartridge. An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the driver, in particular in the form of a plunger (3) during assembly of the ink cartridge (9; 2) is movable against the action of an elastic element (compression spring 5) in the ink cartridge or in a container defining this (1). Ink cartridge according to one of claims 2 to 4,
characterized in that
the driver designed as a ram (3) in a "front-loader" cartridge (9) on the front side (cover 12) lying in the mounting direction, and in the case of a "top-loader" cartridge (2) on the bottom side (bottom cover 28 ) of the cartridge protrudes, and during assembly of the cartridge in each case against the action of an elastic element (compression spring 5) in the cartridge or in the cartridge container (1) can be pressed, the plunger (3) after a first distance (X) the light beam interruption element (4, 4b) over a predetermined second distance (Y) entrains. An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
the light beam interruption element (4, 4b) has an opaque lug (4b) or the like which can be moved, at least during assembly of the ink cartridge (9; 2), through the light beam (19) of the associated detector (7). An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that
the light beam interruption element (4, 4b) is formed by a longitudinally displaceably mounted bar (4) with a flag (4b) which can be moved through the light beam of the filling level detector (7) during assembly of the cartridge. Ink cartridge according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the driver formed as a plunger (3) is mounted longitudinally displaceable parallel to the strip (4) of the light beam interrupting element and has a projection (23) which engages in a longitudinal groove (24) of the strip (4) or vice versa, the length the longitudinal groove (24) the first distance (X) of the plunger (3) and the displacement of the bar (4) together with flag (4b) to a housing inner stop (25) determine the second distance (Y). Ink cartridge according to one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that
the level detection means comprises a prismatic reflector (6) and a housing outer or inner deflecting prism (8) associated therewith at a distance which comes into contact with ink as long as the level of the cartridge is still sufficient. Ink cartridge according to claim 9,
characterized in that
in operating position, ie after mounting the ink cartridge (9; 2) the prism surfaces of the reflector (6) between the light emitter (20) and the light receiver (21) of the level detector (7) are, and that during assembly and / or disassembly of Ink cartridge, the opaque part or the flag (4b) of the light beam interruption element (4, 4b) through the beam path (19) between the light transmitter (20) and light receiver (21) is movable therethrough. Ink cartridge according to one of claims 2 to 10,
characterized in that
when mounting the ink cartridge of the driver or plunger (3) by a projection on the printer or on an ink cartridge receptacle, in particular by a portion of the level detector (7) can be acted upon. Printer, in particular ink-jet printer with a receptacle for an ink cartridge (9; 2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, or a corresponding cartridge receptacle as a separate component of an ink-jet printer, wherein the cartridge receptacle is assigned a filling level detector (7) in whose beam path ( 19) when mounting an ink cartridge (9; 2) a level detection device (6, 8) and a mounting detection device (3, 4, 4b) is submersed.

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