ES2225474T3 - INK CONTAINER FOR RELIABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WITH AN ACCOMMODATION STATION. - Google Patents

Abstract

Replaceable ink container (12) for supplying ink to an inkjet printing system (10), comprising the replaceable ink container: a housing (34) of the ink container having a defined front end surface (72) with respect to a direction of insertion of the ink container housing into the printing system, and a lateral surface (76) having at least one fluid outlet (88), including the ink container housing: a device (42 ) of coupling arranged on the front end surface, the coupling device defining a rotation axis (92) around which the ink container housing rotates during the insertion of the ink container housing in the printing system; and a plurality of electrical contacts (78) disposed on the front end surface (72) of the ink container housing at least partially between the axis of rotation and the lateral surface such that the rotation of the ink container housing around the axis of rotation during insertion causes the plurality of electrical contacts on the ink container housing to move to corresponding electrical contacts (64) associated with the printing system to establish an electrical interconnection between them.

Description

Ink container for electrical connection Reliable with a hosting station.

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to containers of ink to supply ink to inkjet printers. Plus specifically, the present invention relates to a container of ink that is set to insert into a station housing inside an inkjet printing system to establish a reliable electrical connection with it.

Inkjet printers use frequently an inkjet printhead mounted inside a car that moves with respect to a material of Printing, such as paper. As the printhead gets moves with respect to the print material, a control system activate the printhead to deposit or eject drops of ink on the print material to form images and text. The ink is supplied to the printhead by means of a ink supply that is either integral with the head of printing, such as in the case of a print cartridge disposable, or by an ink supply that is Replaceable regardless of print head.

A type of printing system previously used uses the ink supply that is carried with the car. This ink supply has been formed integrally with the head of printing, whereby when the ink runs out, the Print head and ink supply completely. Alternatively, the ink supply can be carried with the carriage and be replaced separately from the printhead. For that matter in which the ink supply is replaceable separately, the Ink supply is replaced when it runs out. Then the head print is replaced at the end of the life of the head of Print. Regardless of where the supply of ink inside the printing system, it is important that the ink supply provide a reliable supply of ink to the Inkjet print head.

European patent application 0 551 752 A2 describes a type of ink supply that is directed to control information of the recording head in an inkjet recording apparatus. The recording apparatus includes a recording head attached to a head base plate. An ink reservoir comprising a reservoir box, which has an ink supply hole, can be attached to the head base plate. A coupling device is arranged in the reservoir box and is configured to engage with a corresponding coupling device of the head base plate. Electric transmission paths allow information to be transferred from the ink tank to the recording head. In the European patent application
0 590 669 A1 describes another type of ink supply that is directed to an apparatus for mounting an inkjet cartridge in a printing system. The cartridge includes a front wall that has an electrical connector that includes electrical terminals. The electrical terminals on the front wall of the cartridge are adapted to be coupled to electrical terminals of an electrical connector of a cartridge support means. The cartridge support means includes shoe parts adapted to receive foot parts on a base wall of the cartridge to align the electrical terminals of the cartridge with the electrical terminals of the support means.

There is an ever present need for systems Inkjet printing using ink containers Replaceable that are easy to install and remove. Installation of the ink container should produce a functional connection Reliable to the printer. These ink containers should be relatively easy to manufacture, thus tending to reduce The cost of ink supply. A reduction in the cost of Ink supply tends to reduce the cost of printing by Print system page.

Summary of the invention

An aspect of the present invention is a Replaceable ink container to supply ink to a system Inkjet printing. The replaceable ink container comprises an ink container housing that has a front end surface, defined with respect to a sense of insertion of the ink container housing into the system impression, and a side surface that has at least one exit of the fluid. The ink container housing includes a coupling device arranged on the end surface lead. The coupling device defines a rotation axis around which the ink container housing rotates during insertion into the inkjet printing system. A replaceable ink container also includes a plurality of electrical contacts arranged on the surface front end of the ink container housing at least partially between the axis of rotation and the lateral surface, so that the rotation of the ink container housing around the axis of rotation during insertion causes the plurality of electrical contacts in the ink container housing are move towards corresponding electrical contacts associated with the printing system to establish an electrical interconnection between them.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method, as set forth in the attached claim 7.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is an embodiment by way of example of an inkjet printing system of the present invention shown with an open lid to show a plurality of replaceable ink containers of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the inkjet printing system shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a very perspective view. enlarged from a part of a sweeping car that shows the replaceable ink containers of the present invention placed in an accommodation station that provides a fluid communication between replaceable ink containers and one or more printheads.

Figure 4 is a side plan view of a scanning car part showing devices of guidance and retention associated with each of the containers of Replaceable ink and housing station to hold the replaceable ink container, thus allowing a fluid communication with the printhead.

Figure 5 is a housing station shown insulated to accommodate one or more ink containers replaceable of the present invention.

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are views Isometric of a three-color replaceable ink container of the present invention shown isolated.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a replaceable ink container of one color of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of a electrical storage device that is electrically connected to a plurality of electrical contacts.

Figures 9a, 9b and 9c represent the method of the present invention to insert the ink container Replaceable at the supply station.

Figure 10 is a very enlarged plan view of a leading edge of the replaceable ink container shown in figure 6a, shown with an axis of rotation shown in lines discontinuous

Figures 11a and 11b are very representations enlarged showing the rotation of the replaceable ink container around the axis of rotation during insertion of the Replaceable ink at the supply station.

Figure 12 is a superior representation in ink container plant installed in the station supply to establish an electrical connection between the Ink container and supply station.

Figures 13a and 13b represent the passage of ink container replaceable by a vertical fluid inlet at the accommodation station observed from a side view and a view from one end, respectively.

Figures 14a, 14b and 14c represent a method to remove the replaceable ink container from the station accommodation.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a exemplary embodiment of a printing system 10 with its open lid, which includes at least one ink container 12 replaceable that is installed in a housing station 14. With the replaceable ink container 12 properly installed in the housing part 14, ink is supplied from the ink container 12 replaceable to at least one head 16 of inkjet printing. The 16 jet print head of ink is sensitive to activation signals from one part 18 of the printer to deposit ink on a material Print. As the ink is ejected from head 16 of print, print head 16 is filled with ink from of the ink container 12. In a described embodiment, the replaceable ink container 12, housing station 14 and the inkjet print head 16 each form part of a sweeping car that moves with respect to a material 22 of printing to carry out printing. The printing part 18 includes a tray 24 of material to receive the material 22 of Print. As the print material 22 moves gradually through a printing area, carriage 20 of scan moves printhead 16 with respect to material 22 of impression. Printer part 18 selectively activates the printhead 16 for depositing ink on material 22 of printing to effect printing.

The sweeping car 20 moves through the printing area on a scanning mechanism that includes a sliding bar 26 on which carriage 20 slides from scan as the scan car 20 moves through a sweeping shaft A placement medium (not shown) is used to accurately position the sweeping car 20. In addition, a paper feed mechanism (not shown) to gradually move print media 22 through the custom print area that the print carriage 20 moves along the scan axis. Electrical signals are provided to the scanning car 20 for selectively activate print head 16 by means of a electrical connection such as a flat cable 28.

An important aspect of the present invention is the method and apparatus for inserting the ink container 12 into the housing station 14, so that the ink container 12 form an appropriate fluid and electrical interconnection with part 18 Printer It is essential that between the ink container 12 and the ink part 18 establishes both an electrical connection and an appropriate fluid. The fluid interconnection allows a ink supply inside the replaceable ink container 12 fits fluidly to print head 16 to provide a source of ink to the print head 16. The electrical interconnection allows information to pass between the Replaceable ink container 12 and printer part 18. The information transferred between the replaceable ink container 12 and the printer part 18 may include information related to the compatibility of the replaceable ink container 12 with the printer part 18 and operating status information, such as ink level information, to name a few examples.

The method and apparatus of the present invention, such as will be discussed with respect to figures 2 to 14, show those devices that allow inserting the container 12 of replaceable ink in the housing station 14 in a way such that a reliable fluid and electrical connection is established between replaceable ink container 12 and station 14 of accommodation. In addition, the method and apparatus of the present invention allow the insertion and removal of the printing component 12 Replaceable part of printer 18 in a reliable way, allowing at the same time as the total height of part 18 of printer, represented by a dimension designated as "h" in Figure 1, be a relatively small dimension, providing thus a profile printing system 10 relatively low. It is important that the printing system 10 has a profile low to provide a more compact printing system as well as to allow the use of the printer part in a variety of printing applications.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation simplified system 10 inkjet printing of the present invention shown in figure 1. Figure 2 is simplified to illustrate a single printhead 16 connected to a single ink container 12.

The inkjet printing system 10 of The present invention includes the printer part 18 and the ink container 12, which is configured to be housed in printer part 18. Printer part 18 includes the head 16 inkjet printing and a controller 29. With the ink container 12 properly inserted in part 18 of printer, a fluid and electrical coupling is established between the ink container 12 and printer part 18. The coupling fluid allows to supply ink stored inside the container 12 Ink to print head 16. Electrical coupling allows information to be passed between a storage device 80 electric disposed on the ink container 12 and part 18 of printer. The exchange of information between container 12 of ink and printer part 18 is to ensure that the operation of the printer part 18 is compatible with the ink contained within the replaceable ink container 12, thus achieving high print quality and a stable operation of the printing system 10.

Among other things, controller 29 controls the transfer of information between printer part 18 and the 12 replaceable ink container. In addition, controller 29 controls the transfer of information between head 16 of print and controller 29 to activate the print head for the purpose of selectively depositing the ink on the material of Print. In addition, the controller 29 controls the relative movement of print head 16 and print material. He controller 29 performs additional functions, such as controlling the transfer of information between the printing system 10 and a central device, such as a central computer (not shown).

To ensure that the printing system 10 provides high quality images on the print material, it is necessary that the operation of the controller 29 have in account the particular replaceable ink container 12 installed inside part 18 of the printer. Controller 29 uses the parameters that are provided by the device 80 of electrical storage to account for the ink container 12 Particular replaceable installed in part 18 of printer with aims to ensure reliable operation and printed images of high quality.

Among the parameters, for example, that can stored in the electrical storage device 80 associated with the replaceable ink container 12 can be include the following: a date code associated with the Replaceable ink container 12, an insertion date code initial of the ink container 12, system coefficients, type of ink and ink color, ink container size, number of printer model or identification number and information on use of the cartridge, just to name a few.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a part of the sweeping car 20 showing a pair of containers 12 of replaceable ink properly installed in station 14 accommodation. An inkjet print head 16 is in fluid communication with the accommodation station 14. In the preferred embodiment, the inkjet printing system 10 shown in figure 1 includes a tri-color ink container that it contains three different ink colors, and a second container of ink containing an ink of a single color. In this embodiment preferred, the tri-color ink container contains cyan inks, Magenta and yellow, and the single color ink container it contains black ink to carry out a four print colors. Replaceable ink containers 12 may be divided in different ways to contain less than three colors of ink or more than three colors of ink, if more are required. By example, in the case of a high fidelity print, six or more colors are often used to carry out the Print.

The sweeping car part 20 shown in the Figure 3 is shown fluidly coupled to a single head 16 Printing for simplicity. In the realization Preferred, four 16 inkjet print heads are fluidly coupled to the housing station 14. In this preferred embodiment, each of the four printheads is fluidly coupled to each of the color inks contained in replaceable ink containers. In this way, 16 print heads cyan, magenta, yellow and black are each coupled to their corresponding cyan ink supplies, Magenta, yellow and black, respectively. Are also possible other configurations that use less than four heads of Print. For example, printhead 16 can be configured to print more than one ink color by properly dividing the 16 ink head to allow supplying a first color of ink to a first group of ink nozzles and supply a second ink color to a second group of ink nozzles, the second group of ink nozzles being different from the first group. In this way, a single head 16 of printing to print more than one ink color, allowing less than four 16 print heads carry out an impression of four colors. The fluid path between each of the Replaceable ink containers 12 and print head 16 are will expose in more detail with respect to figure 4.

Each of the ink containers 12 Replaceable includes a hitch 30 to hold the container 12 ink replaceable to housing station 14. In the preferred embodiment, the housing station 14 includes a set of 32 plugs that interact with devices corresponding interlocked (not shown) in container 12 of replaceable ink The interlocked devices in the container 12 replaceable ink interact with pins 32 on the housing station 14 to ensure that the container 12 of Replaceable ink is compatible with station 14 of accommodation.

Figure 4 is a side plan view of the sweeping car part 20 shown in figure 2. Part 20 of sweeping cart includes the ink container 12 shown properly installed in the housing station 14, thus establishing a fluid communication between the Replaceable ink container 12 and print head 16.

Replaceable ink container 12 includes a deposit part 34 to contain one or more quantities of ink. In the preferred embodiment, the ink container 12 Three-color replaceable has three ink container tanks independent that each contain ink of a different color. In this preferred embodiment, the replaceable ink container 12 Monochrome is a single ink reservoir 34 to contain ink from a color only

In the preferred embodiment, reservoir 34 has a capillary storage element (not shown) arranged in the same. The capillary storage element is a porous element which has enough capillarity to retain the ink for the purpose of prevent ink leakage from the tank during insertion and removal of the ink container 12 in and from the system 20 of Print. This capillary force must be large enough to prevent ink leaks from the ink reservoir 34 in a wide variety of environmental conditions such as temperature changes and Pressure. In addition, the capillarity of the capillary element is sufficient. to retain the ink inside the ink reservoir 34 for all ink tank orientations as well as for a degree reasonable impact and vibration that the Ink container during normal handling. The capillary element of Preferred storage is a network of polymer fibers thermo-bonded described in the US patent application titled "Ink Reservoir for an Inkjet Printer" with number of file of the attorney 10991407, filed on October 29, 1999, with serial number 09 / 430.400, now granted as US 6460985, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

Once the ink container 12 is properly installed in the housing station 14, the ink container 12 is fluidly coupled to head 16 of printing via a fluid interconnection 36. When activating the head 16 print, ink is ejected from the ejection part 38, which which produces a negative gauge pressure, called some back pressure, inside print head 16. This negative gauge pressure inside print head 16 is enough to overcome the resulting capillary force of the element capillary disposed within the ink reservoir 34. Ink is dragged by this back pressure from the ink container 12 Replaceable at print head 16. In this way, the head 16 print is filled with ink supplied by the container 12 replaceable ink.

The fluid interconnection 36 is preferably a vertical ink tube that extends upwards into the interior of the ink container 12 and down to print head 16 of ink-jet. The fluid interconnection 36 is shown very simplified in Figure 4. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnection 36 is a collector that takes into account a deviation in the placement of print heads 16 at length of the sweeping axis, thus allowing the head 16 Print is offset from the ink container 12 corresponding replaceable. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnection 36 extends into the reservoir 34 to compress the capillary element, thereby forming a zone of increased capillarity adjacent to fluid interconnection 36. This increased capillary zone tends to drag ink towards the fluid interconnection 36, thereby allowing ink to flow through the fluid interconnection 36 to the print head 16. As will be discussed, it is crucial that the ink container 12 be properly place inside the housing station 14 of so that proper compression of the element is carried out capillary when ink container 12 is inserted into the station accommodation. To establish a reliable flow of ink from the ink container 12 to the print head 16 a proper compression of the capillary element.

Replaceable ink container 12 includes additionally a guiding device 40, a device 42 of coupling, a handle 44 and a hitch device 30 that allow the ink container 12 to be inserted in station 14 of housing for a reliable fluid interconnection with the print head 16, as well as to form an interconnection reliable electrical between replaceable ink container 12 and the sweeping car 20, as will be shown with respect to the figures 9a to 9c and 10a to 10b.

Accommodation station 14 includes a lane 46 guidance, a coupling device 48 and a device 50 coupling hitch. Guide rail 46 cooperates with the guide rail coupling device 40 and with replaceable ink container 12 to guide container 12 of ink inside the housing station 14. Once replaceable ink container 12 is fully inserted at the housing station 14, the coupling device 42 associated with the replaceable ink container is coupled with the coupling device 48 associated with station 14 of housing, holding a front end or a front end of the ink container 12 replaceable to the housing station 14. Next, the ink container 12 is pressed down to compress a spring thrust element 52 associated with the housing station 14 until a device 50 of hitch coupling associated with housing station 14 is coupled with a hook device 54 associated with the element 30 hitch to hold a rear end or rear end from the ink container 12 to the housing station 14. The cooperation of the devices in the ink container 12 with the devices associated with the hosting station 14 is the one that it allows an appropriate insertion and a functional connection between the Replaceable ink container 12 and housing station 14. Next, station 14 of accommodation with respect to figure 5.

Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the ink housing station 14 shown in isolation. The accommodation station 14 shown in figure 5 includes a Monochrome compartment 56 to accommodate an ink container 12 which contains a single ink color and a tricolor 58 compartment to house an ink container that has three colors of ink different contents in it. In this preferred embodiment, the Monochrome compartment 56 houses an ink container 12 Replaceable containing black ink, and the tri-color compartment houses a replaceable ink container containing cyan inks, magenta and yellow, each separated in a separate warehouse inside the ink container 12. The accommodation station 14, as well as the replaceable ink container 12, it may have other provisions of compartments 56 and 58 to accommodate containers of ink containing different numbers of different inks contained therein. In addition, the number of compartments 56 and 58 accommodation for accommodation station 14 may be greater or less than two. For example, a housing station 14 may have four independent compartments to accommodate four 12 independent monochrome ink containers, each containing ink container a different ink color to carry out A print in four colors.

Each compartment 56 and 58 of station 14 of housing includes an opening 60 to accommodate each of the interconnects 36 vertical fluids that extends through the same. The fluid interconnection 36 is a fluid inlet for the ink exits through a corresponding fluid outlet associated with the ink container 12. In each compartment 56 and 58 of Housing also includes an electrical interconnection 62. The electrical interconnection 62 includes a plurality of contacts 64 electrical In the preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts 64 they are an arrangement of four electrical contacts powered by spring with proper installation of ink container 12 replaceable in the corresponding compartment of station 14 accommodation. An appropriate coupling must be established with each one of the electrical connectors 62 and with the interconnections 36 fluids in a reliable way.

The guide rails 46 arranged at each side of the fluid interconnections within each compartment 56 and 58 are coupled with the corresponding guidance device 40 on each side of the guide vessel 12, to guide the Ink container inside the accommodation station. When the ink container 12 is fully inserted into the housing station 14, coupling devices 48 arranged on a rear wall 66 of station 14 of housing are coupled to coupling devices 42 corresponding shown in figure 3 on the container 12 of ink. The coupling devices 48 are arranged at each side of electrical interconnection 62. A pushing means 52, such like a leaf spring, it is arranged inside station 14 accommodation. The leaf spring 52 provides a force of thrust that tends to push the ink container 12 up from a lower surface 68 of the accommodation station 14. The leaf spring helps to engage the ink container 12 to the accommodation station 14 as well as helps to extract the ink container 12 of the housing station as will exhibit with respect to figures 10 and 11.

Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d show a view front, side view, rear view and bottom view on the floor, respectively, of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6a, the Replaceable ink container 12 includes a pair of devices 40 guide rail coupling projecting to Exterior. In the preferred embodiment, each of these guiding rail coupling devices 40 extends out in an orthogonal direction to the vertical side 70 of the 12 replaceable ink container. The devices 42 of coupling extend outward from a front surface or leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. The devices 42 coupling are arranged on each side of an interface 74 electrical and are arranged towards a lower surface 76 of the 12 replaceable ink container. The electric interface 74 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78, connected electrically each of the electrical contacts 78 to a Electric storage device 80.

A rear edge 82 is shown in Figure 6c opposite the leading edge 72. The rear edge 82 of the container 12 Replaceable ink includes hitch device 30 which It has a coupling hook 54. The hitch device 30 It is formed of an elastic material that allows the device hitch extends outward from the rear edge, thereby extending the coupling device towards out towards the associated corresponding coupling device with accommodation station 14. As item 30 of hitch is compressed inward towards the rear edge 82, the hitch element exerts a pushing force outward to ensure that the coupling device 54 remains in coupling with the corresponding coupling device 50 associated with the housing station 14 to hold the ink container 12 at the housing station 14.

The replaceable ink container 12 also includes pins 84 arranged at the rear edge of the 12 replaceable ink container. The pegs are preferably arranged on each side of the hitch 30 towards the lower surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The pins 84, together with the interlocking devices 32 of the accommodation station 14, interact to ensure that the ink container 12 is inserted into compartment 56 and 58 correct at station 14 of accommodation. In addition, pins 84 and the interlocking devices 32 ensure that the container 12 Replaceable ink contains ink that is compatible in both color as in chemical agents or compatibility with the corresponding housing compartment 56 and 58 within the accommodation station 14.

The handle part 44 is arranged on a upper surface 86 at the rear edge 82 of the container 12 of replaceable ink The handle part 44 allows the container to be grasped 12 ink along the rear edge 82 while inserting into the appropriate compartment of the housing station 14. The placing the handle part over the openings 88 tends to reduce the possibility of the user staining the hands of ink when you insert the ink container 12 into station 14 of accommodation. In addition, the handle part 44 is arranged in the reservoir 34 opposite the electrical contacts to reduce or eliminate manipulation of electrical contacts 78 during ink container 12 insert in station 14 of accommodation. This manipulation by a person can contaminate the electrical contacts Contamination of electrical contact with salts and oils frequently found in human skin gives as result a high resistance or unreliable electrical connection between the ink container 12 and the printer part 18.

The ink container 12 includes openings 88 arranged on the lower surface 76 of the container 12 of replaceable ink The openings 88 allow the interconnection 36 fluid spreads through reservoir 34 to couple the hair element arranged therein. In case of container 12 of Three-color replaceable ink, there are three fluid outlets 88, each fluid outlet corresponding to a different ink color. In the case of the three-color camera, each of three interconnections of fluid extends into each of the outlets 88 of fluid to provide fluid communication between each camera of ink and the corresponding printhead for that color of ink.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a Monochrome ink container placed to be inserted into the Monochrome compartment 56 at accommodation station 14 shown in figure 5. The monochrome ink container shown in figure 7 it is similar to the tri-color ink container shown in figures 6a to 6d except that only a single one is provided fluid outlet 88 on the lower surface 76. Vessel 12 Replaceable monochrome ink contains only one color of ink and therefore it only houses a single fluid interconnection 36 corresponding to supply ink from the container 12 of ink to the corresponding printhead.

Figure 8 is a very enlarged view of the electrical and contact storage device 80 electrical In a preferred embodiment, the device 80 of electrical storage and electrical contacts are mounted on a substrate 85. Each of the electrical contacts 78 is electrically connected to storage device 80 electric. Each of the electrical contacts 78 is electrically isolated from the rest by the substrate 85. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical storage device 80 it is a semiconductor memory that is mounted to substrate 85. In the preferred embodiment, the substrate 85 is adhered so adhesive to the ink container 12.

In a preferred embodiment, there are four electrical contacts 78 representing contacts for ones connections to ground and electricity, as well as for some connections of data and clock. The insertion of the ink container 12 Replaceable in print part 18 establishes a connection electrical between electrical contacts 64 at station 14 of housing and electrical contacts 78 in the container 12 of replaceable ink When electricity is applied and an outlet ground to the electrical storage device 80, are transferred data between the print part 18 and the ink container 12 Replaceable at a speed set by the clock signal. Is fundamental that the electrical connections between part 18 of printer and replaceable ink container 12 formed by electrical contacts 64 and 78, respectively, are connections of Low resistance to ensure reliable data transfer. If the electrical contacts 64 and 78 do not provide a connection low resistance, then data cannot be transferred properly, or the data may be corrupted or inaccurate. By Therefore, it is essential that a reliable low connection is made resistance between the ink container 12 and the part 18 of printing to ensure proper operation of the system 10 of impression. In figures 10, 11a and 11b it is explained in more detail one aspect of the present invention to establish a connection reliable electrical between ink container 12 and part 18 of Print.

Figures 9a, 9b and 9c are a sequence of figures to illustrate the technique of the present invention for insert the replaceable ink container 12 into station 14 of housing to form reliable fluid and electrical connections with accommodation station 14.

Figure 9a shows the container 12 of accommodation partially inserted in the housing station 14. In the preferred embodiment, the ink container 12 is inserted into housing station 14 grabbing part 44 of handle e inserting the ink container in the housing station 14 with leading edge 72 or front face first. To the extent that leading edge 72 enters the housing station 14, the guiding elements 40 extending outward in the ink container are attached to each of the pair of rails 46 of guidance The guide rails 46 guide the container 12 of ink in a linear or horizontal movement towards the rear wall 66 from accommodation station 14. The guide rails 46 then guide the replaceable ink container in both a horizontal direction towards the rear wall 66 as in a vertical direction towards the bottom surface of station 14 of housing, so that the device 42 of coupling in the ink container 12 by a device 48 of corresponding coupling on the rear wall 66 of the station 14, as shown in Figure 9b. Insertion of the ink container 12 only requires an insertion force to push the ink container linearly along the guide rail 46. The gravitational force acting on the ink container 12 tends to cause the ink container follow the guide rails 46 since the guide rails they extend in a downward direction to allow coupling of coupling devices 42 and 48. Preferably, the guiding rail coupling devices 40 are slightly rounded surfaces to slide freely to length of the guide rails 46.

Figure 9b shows the ink container 12 inserted in the housing station 14, so that the coupling device 42 is in engagement with the coupling device 48 associated with station 14 of accommodation. As represented by arrows 90, it is applied a force down to the ink container 12 to compress the leaf spring 52 and for pushing the rear edge 82 of the ink container 12 down toward lower surface 68 from accommodation station 14. Pins 84 must correspond properly with the devices 32 interlocked in the station 14 accommodation. If pins 84 of ink container 12 do not correspond to the interlocking devices 32, the system of interlocked will prevent additional insertion of container 12 from ink in the housing station 14. This interlock system composed of pins 84 and interlocking devices 32 prevents ink containers that are not compatible with the accommodation station 14 are more inserted in station 14 of accommodation. An additional insertion of the ink container 12 in accommodation station 14 could result in a contact of the fluid interconnection 36 with the capillary element within the ink container 12, thereby contaminating the interconnection 36 fluid with incompatible ink. An incompatible ink mix at fluid interconnection 36 it can result in a precipitation that can damage the printhead 16. In addition to Inks of incompatible chemical agents, the ink container may have an incompatible color that may result in a mixture of colors, thereby reducing the print quality of exit.

The pins 84 in the ink container 12 and the interlocking devices 32 in the housing station 14 allow a complete insertion of the appropriate ink container 12 at the appropriate accommodation station 14. Force down applied to the rear edge 82 of the ink container 12 causes the ink container 12 rotates around a rotation axis compressing the leaf spring 52, thereby moving the edge 82 rear of ink container 12 towards surface 68 lower station 14 accommodation. To the extent that ink container 12 is pushed down at station 14 of housing, the elastic hitch 30 compresses slightly towards in towards the rear edge 82 of the ink container 12. One time that the ink container 12 has been pushed down what far enough, the coupling device 54 in the hitch 30 is coupled with a coupling device 50 corresponding in the housing station 14 to hold the ink container 12 to the housing station 14, as is shown in figure 9c.

With the ink container 12 attached appropriately at the housing station 14, as shown in Fig. 9c, the fluid interconnection 36 extends inside of reservoir 34 to compress the capillary element, forming from this mode an increased capillary zone adjacent to the interconnection 36 fluid. This zone of increased capillary tends to drag ink towards fluid interconnection 36, thereby allowing the ink flows through the fluid interconnection 36 to the 16 print head. In the preferred embodiment, when the ink container 12 is inserted in station 14 of accommodation, this is oriented in a gravitational framework of reference so that a gravitational force acts on the ink inside the ink container 12, which tends to drag ink towards the lower surface 76 of the ink container 12. Therefore, the ink inside the ink container 12 is entrained to the lower surface 76, where this ink creeps towards fluid interconnection 36 by capillary attraction, tending this mode to reduce or minimize the ink jam inside the container 12 ink

Figure 10 shows a front plan view of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present invention. The front plan view of the front edge 72 of the container 12 of ink includes coupling devices 42 arranged toward the lower surface 76 of the leading edge 72 of the container 12 from ink. In the preferred embodiment, the device 42 of coupling is a pair of coupling devices arranged in opposite sides of the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. As previously stated with respect to the sequence of insert for ink container 12 at station 14 of accommodation shown in figures 9a, 9b and 9c, once partially inserted, the ink container 12 is rotated around of a rotating shaft 92 to fully insert the container 12 of ink in the housing station 14.

The axis 92 of rotation is shown in Figure 10 and It is arranged next to the coupling devices 42. The axis of rotation is defined by the coupling devices 42 in the ink container 12 that interact with devices 48 of corresponding coupling on the rear wall 66 of the Supply station 14. Once the ink container 12 is partially inserted in the housing station 14, such as shown in figure 9b, the force down, as is represented by arrows 90, to fully insert the ink container 12 at the housing station 14, gives as result of the rotation of the ink container 12 around the axis 92 of turn. The coupling devices 42 are coupled to the corresponding coupling devices 48 at the station housing for retaining the leading edge 72 of the container 12 of ink. This retention of the leading edge 42 prevents movement ascending the leading edge 72 while force 90 down it is applied to the rear edge 82 of the ink container 12 producing a turning movement around the turning axis 92.

For example, if devices 42 of coupling in the ink container 12 do not mate appropriately to docking devices 48 at the station 14 housing, then, as the force 90 descends shall be applied to the rear edge 82 of the ink container 12, the leading edge 72 of the ink container would rise because the coupling of the fluid interconnection 36 extends in the openings 88 and is coupled to the capillary element inside the reservoir 34 and push the leading edge 72 upward as the edge 82 Rear is pushed down by force 90 descending. By therefore, it is essential that the coupling devices 42 be properly attach to coupling devices 48 corresponding at the housing station 14 to turn appropriately the ink container 12 around the axis 92 of rotation during the insertion of the ink container 12 in the station 14 accommodation. Both the coupling devices 42 and their coupling with the corresponding coupling devices in the housing station 14 are those that define the axis 92 of turn.

The ink container 12, as shown in Figure 10 also includes a plurality of contacts 78 electrical, each of which is electrically connected to the electric storage device 90, all of which are mounted on the substrate 85. The substrate 85 is arranged in turn at the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. It is important that the electrical contacts 78 are arranged at least partially between the axis of rotation 92 and the lower surface 76 of the 12 ink container. As will be discussed with respect to Figures 11a and 11b, is the placement of electrical contacts 78 below the axis 92 of rotation, which allows contacts 78 electric move forward during the rotation of the container 12 of ink, which allows an appropriate electrical coupling between the ink container 12 and the housing station 14.

Figures 11a and 11b are representations simplified rotation of the ink container 12 at station 14 of housing, as previously shown in the figures 9b and 9c. Figures 11a and 11b are very simplified to illustrate better placement of electrical contacts 78 in the container 12 ink and how this placement during the rotation of the container 12 Ink around the axis 92 of rotation guarantees a coupling appropriate electrical contacts in the ink container 12 with the electrical contacts 64 of station 14 of accommodation.

Figures 11a and 11b are side views in plant of the ink container 12 and the housing station 14 shown very enlarged and partially cut. Axis 92 of rotation is represented by a circle that has a cross centered about it. The axis 92 of rotation is a point in the container of ink around which the ink container 12 rotates during the ink container 12 insert in station 14 of accommodation. It should be noted that not so much the coupling devices 42 associated with the container 12 of ink as the coupling device 48 associated with the housing station 14 to better illustrate the coupling electrical between the ink container 12 and the station 14 of accommodation. Figure 11a represents a partial insertion of the ink container 12 inside the housing station 14, such as previously shown in figure 9b. Then it applies a downward force to the rear edge of the container 12 of ink to rotate the ink container about axis 92 of turn. As the ink container 12 rotates around the axis 92 of rotation, parts of the leading edge 72 above the axis of rotation they move away from the rear wall 66 of the housing station 14. Conversely, parts of the leading edge 72 below the axis 92 of rotation, or between the axis 92 of rotation and the lower surface 76 of the ink container 12, move towards the rear wall 66 of the accommodation station 14. It is the placement of contacts 78 electric below the axis 92 of rotation which allows the electrical contacts move in an arc towards contacts 64 electrical in the electrical connector 62 to obtain contacts electrical between the ink container 12 and the station 14 of accommodation.

Figure 11b shows the ink container 12 fully inserted in the housing station 14. It can be seen that as the ink container 12 rotates in an arc around the axis of rotation 92, the electrical contacts 78 move in an arc towards the electrical contacts 64 associated with the housing station 14. When the electrical contacts 78 are coupled to the corresponding electrical contacts 64, an electrical or operational connection is established between the ink container 12 and the housing station 14. In the preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts 64 associated with the housing station 14 are pushed by a spring and, therefore, are slightly compressed or retracted when the electrical contacts 78 are coupled to the electrical contacts 64. The use of spring-loaded electrical contacts 64 in the housing station 14 helps to obtain a more reliable electrical contact and allows greater tolerance variation in both the ink container 12 and the station 14
accommodation.

Figure 12 is a top plan view simplified of the ink container 12 installed inside the accommodation station 14. Figure 12 is intended to illustrate how the electrical interconnection between the container 12 is achieved ink and station 14 housing and is not drawn to scale. In the preferred embodiment, the housing station 14 includes electrical interconnection 62 having a plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts 64.

The ink container 12 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78 arranged therein. Vessel 12 ink is set up so that when it is inserted into the accommodation station 14, each of the plurality of contacts 78 electrical mates with each of the plurality of contacts 64 electric springs pushed by the docking station 14. The electrical contacts 64 are slightly compressed so that each of the electrical contacts is pushed against each one of the electrical contacts 78 associated with the container ink, so that an electrical interconnection is established reliable between the ink container 12 and the station 14 of accommodation. This electrical interconnection between the container 12 of ink and housing station 14 allows transfer of information between the electrical storage device 80 arranged on the ink container 12 and the controller 29 arranged in the part 18 printer shown in figure 2.

Figures 13a and 13b illustrate a position in the insertion process described with respect to figures 9a, 9b and 9c, wherein the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12 is placed on fluid interconnection 36. Figure 13a represents a side view, showing figure 13b a view from a extreme. From figures 13a and 13b it can be seen that the guiding device 40 must be placed on the container 12 ink low enough towards lower surface 76 of the ink container 12 so that the leading edge 72 of the ink container does not collide with fluid interconnection 36 during the insertion Another limitation in the placement of element 40 of guidance is that the guiding element 40 must be placed so sufficiently close to the upper surface 86 of the container 12 of ink as to ensure that device 42 of coupling fits properly with the device 48 of corresponding coupling on station 14 of accommodation.

In addition, the guiding elements 40 that are extend out into the ink container should extend out far enough to engage the guide rails 46. However, elements 40 of guidance that extend outward should not extend too far out so that the elements 40 of guidance fit to the vertical sides at station 14 of accommodation, producing interference that causes friction and a joint that resists the insertion of the ink container 12 into the accommodation station 14.

Figures 14a, 14b and 14c illustrate the technique to remove the ink container 12 from the station 14 of accommodation. The technique to extract the ink container 12 from the present invention begins with the release of the device from coupling of the corresponding coupling device 50 in the accommodation station 14 pushing the hitch 30 towards the rear surface 82. Once the rear edge of the container 12 ink has been released, spring 52 pushes the rear edge of the ink container up, as shown in the figure 14b The ink container 12 can be grasped by the handle 44 to recover the ink container 12 in a direction opposite to the direction Insertion When the ink container 12 is removed from the accommodation station 14, the guide element 40 follows the guide rails 46 for lifting the ink container, thus avoiding interference between interconnection 36 fluid and fluid outlet on the bottom surface of the 12 ink container.

The ink container 12 of the present invention is configured to engage and interact with the housing station 14 to guide the ink container 12 to the inside the accommodation station and for an electrical connection and reliable fluid with the housing station 14. The technique of The present invention allows this insertion process to be relatively simple and easy to avoid inappropriate insertion of the ink container 12. The user grabs the container 12 of ink through the handle part 44 and slide the ink container 12 horizontally inside the housing station 14. The guide rails 46 and guiding devices 40 cooperate to properly guide the ink container 12 to the interior of the guide station 14. The ink container 12 it is pressed down to engage the ink container 12 and achieve an operational interconnection both electric and fluid between the ink container 12 and the housing station 14.

Claims (7)

1. Replaceable ink container (12) for supply ink to an ink jet printing system (10), comprising the replaceable ink container: a housing (34) of the ink container which it has a front end surface (72), defined with respect to a sense of insertion of the ink container housing in the printing system, and a lateral surface (76) that has the minus one fluid outlet (88), including the housing of the ink container:

a device (42) coupling arranged on the end surface front, the coupling device defining an axis (92) of spin around which the ink container housing rotates during insertion of the ink container housing into the printing system; Y

a plurality of electrical contacts (78) arranged on the surface (72) front end of the ink container housing at least partially between the axis of rotation and the lateral surface so that the rotation of the ink container housing around the axis of rotation during insertion causes the plurality of electrical contacts on the ink container housing are move towards corresponding electrical contacts (64) associated with the printing system to establish a electrical interconnection between them.

2. Replaceable ink container (12) according to the claim 1, wherein the plurality of contacts (78) Electrical are four electrical contacts. 3. Replaceable ink container (12) according to claim 2, wherein the four electrical contacts include a pair of contacts to provide a supply voltage between them and a pair of electrical contacts to provide control and relative data signals a reference
common. 4. Replaceable ink container (12) according to the claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of contacts (78) electric moves along an arc as the housing (34) of the ink container rotates around the axis (92) rotation. 5. Replaceable ink container (12) according to any preceding claim, which additionally includes a electric storage device (80) that is electrically connected to the plurality (78) of electrical contacts. 6. Replaceable ink container (12) according to the claim 5, wherein the storage device (80) Electric is a semiconductor memory device. 7. Method for establishing an interconnection electric between a replaceable ink container (12) and a inkjet printing system (10), comprising the method: provide a replaceable ink container comprising a housing (34) of the ink container having a front end surface (72), defined with respect to a direction of insertion of the ink container housing into the printing system, and a lateral surface (76) that has the minus a fluid outlet (88), a coupling device (42) disposed on the front end surface and a plurality of electrical contacts (78) arranged on the end surface lead; provide a printing system (10) of ink-jet; place the replaceable ink container at less partially within the jet printing system of ink so that the coupling device (42) defines a axis (92) of rotation; and insert the housing (34) of the container ink in the printing system (10), including rotating the ink container housing around the axis of rotation, so the plurality of contacts (78) electrical are arranged on the surface (72) extreme front at least partially between the axis (92) of rotation and the lateral surface (88) so that the rotation of the housing of the ink container around the axis of rotation during the stage of insertion causes the plurality of electrical contacts to be move towards corresponding electrical contacts (64) associated with the printing system to establish a connection electric between them.