JP2001253086A - Replaceable ink container for inkjet printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent improper insertion of an ink container by guiding the ink container to a receiving station and performing fluid communication and electrical connection surely. SOLUTION: The receiving station 14 has a fluid inlet and a pair of guide rails 46 extending along either side of the fluid inlet. The replaceable ink container 12 includes a fluid outlet configured for connection to the fluid inlet associated with the receiving station. Also included is a pair of outwardly extending guide rail engaging features 42. Each of the pair of guide rail engaging features are so disposed and arranged on the replaceable ink container for engagement with each of the pair of guide rails to guide the replaceable ink container in both horizontal and vertical directions into the receiving station. The pair of guide rail engaging features and the pair of guide rails cooperate to align the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet to establish fluid communication between the ink container and the receiving station.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an ink container that supplies ink to a printer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for attaching and detaching an ink container to and from a storage mechanism in an ink jet printer.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ink jet printers are often
It uses an inkjet printhead mounted in a carriage that moves relative to a print medium such as paper. When the printhead moves relative to the print media,
A control system operates the printhead to deposit or eject ink drops onto the print media to form images and characters. Ink is provided to the printhead by an ink supply integrated with the printhead in the case of a disposable print cartridge, or by a replaceable ink supply separate from the printhead.

[0003] One of the printing systems used so far is
One type utilizes an ink supply conveyed by a carriage. This ink supply source is formed integrally with the print head, and when the ink is used up, the entire print head and the ink supply source are exchanged. Alternatively, the ink supply can be carried with the carriage and replaced separately from the printhead.
If the ink supply is separately replaceable, the ink supply
Replaced when empty. The printhead is replaced at the end of its life. Regardless of where the ink supply is located in the printing system,
It is very important that the ink supply be able to reliably supply ink to the inkjet printhead.

[0004]

There is a continuing need for an ink jet printing system that utilizes replaceable ink containers that are easily removable. Installation of the ink container must create a secure fluid connection to the printer. Such an ink container should be relatively easy to manufacture, thereby reducing the cost of the ink supply. Reducing the cost of the ink supply is one of the advantages of a printing system.
This results in reduced printing costs per page. Further, such ink containers must be compact and must be configured to be inserted into an inkjet printing system to maintain a relatively low height of the entire printing system, which allows for a thin printing system. Must.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention provides
1 is a replaceable ink container for providing ink to an inkjet printing system. An inkjet printing system has a storage mechanism mounted on a scanning carriage. The containment mechanism has a fluid inlet and a pair of guide rails extending along opposite sides of the fluid inlet. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid outlet configured to connect to a fluid inlet associated with the containment mechanism. It also includes a pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engagement features. Each of the pair of guide rail engaging features has a pair of guide rails.
The replaceable ink container is disposed and arranged on the replaceable ink container to engage with each of the rails, and guides the replaceable ink container both horizontally and vertically into the receiving mechanism. The pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engagement features and the pair of guide rails cooperate to align the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet to establish fluid communication between the ink container and the receiving mechanism. I do.

Another aspect of the invention is that the replaceable ink container is first guided in a linear motion inward toward the rear wall of the storage mechanism and then toward the rear wall and below the storage mechanism. A guide feature associated with a receiving mechanism that guides in both inward and downward movements toward.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to an electrical storage device.
The ink container guide feature engages the containment guide feature to first guide the replaceable ink container inward toward the back wall and then in both directions of the back wall and the bottom of the containment mechanism. Are arranged and arranged as follows. The guide feature on the ink container cooperates with the guide feature associated with the storage mechanism to align the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet and to connect the plurality of electrical contacts on the replaceable ink container to the plurality of electrical contacts on the storage mechanism. Align with the electrical contacts to establish both electrical and fluid connections between the ink container and the receiving mechanism.

[0008]

FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of a printing system 10 including at least one replaceable ink container 12 mounted on a storage mechanism 14 with its cover open. It is a perspective view. When the replaceable ink container 12 is properly installed in the storage mechanism 14, ink is provided from the replaceable ink container 12 to at least one inkjet printhead 16. The inkjet print head 16 deposits ink on a print medium in response to an operation signal from the printer unit 18. When the ink is ejected from the print head 16, the print head 16 is refilled with ink from the ink container 12. In one preferred embodiment, the replaceable ink container 12, the receiving mechanism 14, and the inkjet printhead 16 are each part of a scanning carriage that moves relative to the print medium 22 to accomplish printing. The printer section 18 includes a medium tray for storing the print medium 22. As the print medium 22 advances stepwise in the print zone, the scanning carriage 20
6 is moved with respect to the print medium 22. Printer section 18
Selectively activates the printhead 16 to deposit ink on the print medium 22 to achieve printing.

The scanning carriage 20 is moved within a print zone on a scanning mechanism that includes a slide rod 26 on which the scanning carriage 20 slides as the scanning carriage 20 moves along the scanning axis. Scanning carriage 20
Positioning means (not shown) are used to accurately position the. Furthermore, as the scanning carriage 20 moves along the scanning axis, the print medium 2
A paper advance mechanism (not shown) that advances step by step 2 is used. The scanning carriage 20 has a ribbon cable 28
An electrical signal that selectively activates printhead 16 is provided by an electrical coupling such as.

An important aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for inserting an ink container 12 into a receiving mechanism 14 such that the ink container 12 forms a suitable fluid and electrical interconnection with a printer 18. Ink container 12 and printer unit 1
It is very important that proper fluid and electrical interconnections both be achieved during the period of time 8. Fluid interconnects
An ink supply within the replaceable ink container 12 is fluidly coupled to the printhead 16 to enable the supply of ink to the printhead 16. The electrical interconnection allows information to be passed between the replaceable ink container 12 and the printer section 18. Replaceable ink container 12 and printer unit 1
The information passed to the printer 8 includes, for example, information relating to the compatibility of the replaceable ink container with the printer unit 18 and operation status information such as ink level information.

The method and apparatus of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS.
As discussed in connection with, the replaceable ink container 12 can be inserted into the storage mechanism 14 such that a secure electrical and fluid connection between the replaceable ink container 12 and the storage mechanism 14 is established. Is shown. further,
The method and apparatus of the present invention allows the ink container 12, which is a replaceable printing part, to be securely attached to and detached from the printer section 18, while at the same time allowing the printer section 18 to be represented by the dimension indicated by "h" in FIG. The overall height is relatively small, thereby making it possible to provide a relatively thin printing system 10. It is important that the printing system 10 be low in height to provide a more compact printing system and that the printer section be available for a variety of printing applications.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the scanning carriage 20 showing a pair of replaceable ink containers 12 properly mounted on the receiving mechanism 14. FIG. Inkjet printhead 16 is in fluid communication with storage mechanism 14. In a preferred embodiment, the inkjet printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 has three ink colors, three different colors.
A color ink container and a second ink container containing a single color ink. In this preferred embodiment, to achieve four-color printing, a three-color ink container contains cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, and a single-color ink container contains black ink. The replaceable ink container 12 can be partitioned differently to include less than three colors of ink, or more inks if more colors are needed. For example, for high fidelity printing,
Printing is achieved using six or more colors.

2 is shown fluidly coupled to one printhead 16 for simplicity. In a preferred embodiment, each of the four inkjet printheads 16 is
4 is fluidly coupled. In this preferred embodiment, each of the four printheads is fluidly coupled to each of the four colors of ink contained in the replaceable ink container. Thus, the cyan, magenta, yellow and black printheads 16 are each coupled to their corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink supplies. Other configurations utilizing fewer than four printheads are possible.
For example, the print head 16 is
6 so that a first ink color can be provided to a first group of ink nozzles and a second ink color can be provided to a second group of ink nozzles different from the first group. By doing so, it is possible to print a plurality of ink colors. In this manner, multiple ink colors can be printed using a single printhead 16 and four-color printing can be achieved with fewer than four printheads 16. The fluid path between each of the replaceable ink containers 12 and the printhead 16 will be described in more detail in connection with FIG.

Each replaceable ink container 12 includes a latch 30 that secures the replaceable ink container 12 to the receiving mechanism 14. Storage mechanism 14 in preferred embodiment
Is a set of keyed features 32 that interact with corresponding key features (not shown) on replaceable ink container 12.
Contains. The key features on the replaceable ink container 12 interact with the keyed features 32 on the storage mechanism 14 to ensure that the replaceable ink container 12 is compatible with the storage mechanism 14.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the scanning carriage portion 20 shown in FIG. The scanning carriage portion 20 includes the ink container 12 shown properly mounted within the receiving mechanism 14, thereby establishing fluid communication between the replaceable ink container 12 and the printhead 16.

The replaceable ink container 12 includes a reservoir portion 34 for containing one or more quantities of ink. In a preferred embodiment, the three-color replaceable ink container 12 has three separate ink storage reservoirs, each containing a different color of ink. In this preferred embodiment, the single color replaceable ink container 12 is a single ink reservoir 34 for storing a single color ink.

In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir 34
Inside, a capillary storage member (not shown) is arranged.
The capillary storage member is used to transfer the ink container 12 to the printing system 1.
This is a porous member having a capillary phenomenon sufficient to hold the ink in order to prevent the ink from leaking from the reservoir 34 when it is attached to and detached from the reservoir 34. This capillary force must be large enough to prevent ink from leaking from the ink reservoir 34 over various environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature and pressure. In addition, the capillary action of the capillary member is such that the ink reservoir is capable of receiving ink in all orientations of the ink reservoir as well as a reasonable amount of shock and vibration that may be experienced by the ink container during normal operation.
4 is sufficient. A preferred capillary storage member is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference and filed on Oct. 29, 1999, Ser. No. 09 / 430,400, Attorney Docket No. 1099.
1407 "Ink Reservoir for an Inkjet Printer"
A thermally coupled polymer fiber network described in a U.S. patent application entitled "U.S. Pat.

When the ink container 12 is properly mounted in the receiving mechanism 14, the ink container 12 is
6 is fluidly coupled to the printhead 16.
When the print head 16 is activated, the ink is discharged
A negative gauge pressure is created in print head 16 which is released from print head 8 and is often referred to as back pressure. This negative gauge pressure in the printhead 16 is applied to the ink reservoir 34.
It is sufficient to overcome the forces of capillary action maintained within the capillary member disposed therein. This back pressure draws ink from the replaceable ink container 12 to the printhead 16. In this manner, printhead 16 is refilled with ink provided by replaceable ink container 12.

The fluid interconnect 36 is preferably an upright ink pipe that extends upward within the ink container 12 and extends downward toward the inkjet printhead 16. Fluid interconnect 36 is shown greatly simplified in FIG. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnect 3
Reference numeral 6 denotes a manifold that allows the print head 16 to be displaced in the scanning axis direction, thereby allowing the print head 16 to be displaced from the corresponding replaceable ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnect 36 extends into the reservoir 34 and compresses the capillary member, thereby forming a region of high capillary action near the fluid interconnect 36. This area of high capillary action is
Pulling the ink toward the fluid interconnect 36 works,
This allows ink to flow from the fluid interconnect 36 to the printhead 16. As will be discussed later, it is extremely important that the ink container 12 be properly positioned within the receiving mechanism 14 such that when the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving mechanism 14, proper compression of the capillary member occurs. is important. Proper compression of the capillary member is required to establish a reliable flow of ink from the ink container 12 to the printhead 16.

The replaceable ink container 12 further includes a
As discussed in connection with FIGS. 7c and 8a-8b, a secure fluid interconnect with printhead 16 is achieved to provide a secure electrical interconnect between replaceable ink container 12 and scan carriage 20. To form the ink container 12
Includes a guide feature 40, an engagement feature 42, a handle 44 and a latch feature 30 that allow the device to be inserted into the receiving mechanism 14.

The receiving mechanism 14 includes a guide rail 46, an engagement feature 48 and a latch engagement feature 50. Guide rail 46 cooperates with guide rail engagement feature 40 and replaceable ink container 12 to guide ink container 12 into receiving mechanism 14. When the replaceable ink container 12 is fully inserted into the storage mechanism 14, the engagement feature 42 associated with the replaceable ink container engages the engagement feature 48 associated with the storage mechanism 14,
The leading edge or the trailing edge of the replaceable ink container is fixed to the accommodation mechanism 14. Next, the ink container 12 is depressed and the latch engagement feature 50 associated with the storage mechanism 14 engages with the hook feature 54 associated with the latch member 30 to cause the trailing or leading edge of the ink container 12 to move. Housing mechanism 14
Until the spring biasing member 52 associated with the storage mechanism 14 is fixed. The cooperation of the features on the ink container 12 and the features associated with the receiving mechanism 14 allows for proper insertion and functional connection between the replaceable ink container 12 and the receiving mechanism 14. Next, the accommodation mechanism 14 will be discussed in more detail in connection with FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the ink storage mechanism 14 shown alone.
It is a front perspective view of. The storage mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 4 includes a black-and-white bay 56 for receiving an ink container 12 containing monochromatic ink therein, and a three-color bay 58 for receiving ink containers containing three individual color inks. In this preferred embodiment, the black and white bay 56 receives the replaceable ink container 12 containing black ink, and the three color bay 58 contains the ink container 12.
Receiving replaceable ink containers containing cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, respectively, partitioned in separate reservoirs within. The exchangeable ink container 12 also has a storage mechanism 14.
Can also have other configurations of bays 56 and 58 to receive ink containers containing different numbers of individual inks therein. Further, the number of storage bays 56 and 58 of storage mechanism 14 may be at least greater than two. For example, the containment mechanism 14 can have four separate bays that receive four separate single-color ink containers 12 each containing a separate color ink to achieve four-color printing.

Each of the bays 56 and 58 of the accommodation mechanism 14
Opening 6 for receiving upstanding fluid interconnect 36 extending into it
Contains 0. The fluid interconnect 36 connects to the ink container 12
A fluid inlet for ink exiting from a corresponding fluid outlet associated with. Also, an electrical interconnect 62 is included in each of the receiving bays 56 and 58. Electrical interconnect 62
Includes a plurality of electrical contacts 64. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts are in the form of four spring electrical contacts, with the replaceable ink container 12 properly mounted in a corresponding bay of the receiving mechanism 14. Each electrical connector 6
Proper engagement between 2 and fluid interconnect 36 must be established.

Guide rails 46 located on either side of the fluid interconnect in each bay 56 and 58 are provided with ink reservoir 1.
Engagement with corresponding guide features 40 on both sides of the two guide the ink container into the receiving mechanism. When the ink container 12 is fully inserted into the receiving mechanism 14, the engaging features 48 located on the rear wall 66 of the receiving mechanism 14 are replaced by the corresponding engaging features shown on the ink container 12 in FIG. Engage with shape 42. Engagement features 48 are located on both sides of electrical interconnect 62. A biasing means 52 such as a leaf spring is arranged in the housing mechanism 14. The leaf spring 52 provides an urging force for urging the ink container 12 upward from the bottom surface 68 of the storage mechanism 14. As will be discussed with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 later, the leaf spring helps to latch the ink container 12 to the receiving mechanism 14 and helps to remove the ink container 12 from the receiving mechanism 14.

FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d respectively show a front view, a side view, a rear view and a bottom view of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5a, the replaceable ink container 12 includes a pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engagement features 40. In a preferred embodiment, each such guide rail engagement feature projects outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the upright side 70 of the replaceable ink container 12. Engagement feature 42 projects outwardly from the front or leading edge of ink container 72. Engagement features 42 are located on opposite sides of electrical interface 74 and are directed toward bottom surface 76 of replaceable ink container 12. The electrical interface 74 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78, such that
Each electrical contact 78 is electrically connected to an electrical storage device 80.

FIG. 5 c shows the trailing edge 82 opposite the leading edge 72. The trailing edge 82 of the replaceable ink container 12 has a latch feature (latch member) 30 having an engagement hook 54.
Contains. The latch feature 30 is such that the latch feature protrudes outwardly from the trailing edge so that the engagement feature can protrude outward toward a corresponding engagement feature associated with the receiving mechanism 14. It is formed from an elastic material. As will be discussed later, the latch member 30
Is pressed inward toward the trailing edge 82, the latch member exerts a biasing force outwardly so that the engagement feature 54 is associated with the corresponding engagement feature 5 associated with the receiving mechanism 14.
0, and the ink container 12 is securely fixed in the storage mechanism 14.

Further, the replaceable ink container 12 includes a key 84 arranged at the rear edge of the replaceable ink container 12. These keys are preferably located on both sides of the latch member 30 toward the bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The key 84 is the keyed feature 32 on the accommodation mechanism 14.
Interaction ensures that the ink container 12 is inserted into the appropriate bays 56 and 58 in the storage mechanism 14. Further, the key 84 and the keyed characteristic shape 32 are
Ensures that the replaceable ink container 12 contains ink that is compatible in both color and chemistry, or that is compatible with the corresponding receiving bays 56 and 58 in the receiving mechanism 14.

The replaceable ink container 12 has a handle 44 disposed on the upper surface 86 of the rear edge 82 of the replaceable ink container 12. The handle 44 allows the ink container 12 to be inserted into an appropriate bay of the storage mechanism 14 by grasping the rear edge 82.

Finally, the ink container 12 has an opening (fluid outlet) 88 disposed on the bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12.
Contains. Fluid outlet 88 allows fluid interconnect 36 to extend into reservoir 34 and engage a capillary member disposed therein. In the case of a three-color replaceable ink container 12, there are three fluid outlets 88, each fluid outlet corresponding to a different ink color. For a three-color chamber,
Three fluid interconnects 36 each extend into each fluid outlet 88 to provide fluid communication between each ink chamber and its corresponding printhead of that ink color.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a single color ink container positioned to be inserted into a single color (black and white) bay 56 in the storage mechanism 14 shown in FIG. The single color ink container shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the three color ink container shown in FIGS. 5a to 5d, except that only one fluid outlet 88 is provided on the bottom surface 76. The single-color replaceable ink container 12 contains a single-color ink and therefore receives only one corresponding fluid interconnect 36 to provide ink from the ink container 12 to a corresponding printhead.

FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate a series of techniques of the present invention for inserting a replaceable ink container 12 into a receiving mechanism 14 to form a secure electrical and fluid connection to the receiving mechanism 14. FIG.

FIG. 7 a shows the ink container 12 partially inserted into the storage mechanism 14. In a preferred embodiment, the ink container 12 grasps the handle portion 44,
The ink container is inserted into the storage mechanism 14 by inserting the ink container into the storage mechanism with the front edge or front face 72 first. When the leading edge 72 enters the receiving mechanism 14, the outwardly projecting guide member 40 on the ink container is formed by a pair of guide rails 4.
6 with each other. The guide rail 46 guides the ink container 12 straight or horizontally toward the rear wall 66 of the accommodation mechanism 14. Guide rail 46
Then directs the replaceable ink container both horizontally towards the rear wall 66 and vertically towards the bottom of the receiving mechanism 14, so that, as shown in FIG. Engagement features 42 on ink container 12 are received by corresponding engagement features 48 on rear wall 66 of containment mechanism 14. Insertion of the ink container 12 requires only an insertion force that urges the ink container linearly along the guide rail 46. Due to the gravity acting on the ink container 12, the ink container follows the guide rail 46 as the guide rail extends downward and the engagement features 42 and 48
Can be engaged. Guide rail engagement feature shape 40
Is preferably a smooth round surface that slides freely along the guide rails 46.

FIG. 7b shows that the engagement feature 42 is
4 shows the ink container 12 inserted into the storage mechanism 14 so as to be engaged with the engagement feature 48 associated with FIG. A downward force as indicated by an arrow 90 is applied to the ink container 12, the leaf spring 52 is compressed, and the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12 is urged downward toward the bottom surface 68 of the storage mechanism 14. Is done. The key 84 must properly correspond to the keyed feature 32 on the receiving mechanism 14.
If the key 84 on the ink container 12 does not correspond to the keyed feature 32, the keying system prevents the ink container 12 from being inserted further into the receiving mechanism 14. Key 8
4 and a keyed feature shape 32, the ink container that is not compatible with the accommodation
4 to prevent further insertion. Ink container 12
Is further inserted into the containment mechanism 14, the fluid interconnect 36 will come into contact with the capillary member in the ink container 12, thereby contaminating the fluid interconnect 36 with incompatible ink. Mixing ink that is not compatible with the fluid interconnect 36 can result in deposits and damage to the printhead 16. In addition to chemically incompatible inks, the ink container may have incompatible colors that cause color mixing, thereby reducing the output print quality.

Key 84 on ink container 12 and storage mechanism 1
The keyed feature 32 on 4 ensures that the appropriate ink container 12 is fully inserted into the appropriate storage mechanism 14. The downward force applied to the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12 causes the ink container 12 to rotate about a pivot and compress the leaf spring 52, thereby causing the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12 to Will move towards. When the ink container 12 is biased downward within the storage mechanism 14, the elastic latch member 30 is compressed slightly inward toward the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12. When the ink container 12 is sufficiently urged downward, as shown in FIG.
4 engages the corresponding engagement feature 50 of the receiving mechanism 14, and the ink container 12 is fixed to the receiving mechanism 14.

As shown in FIG. 7c, when the ink container 12 is properly secured to the receiving mechanism 14, the fluid interconnect 3
6 extends into reservoir 34 and compresses the capillary member, thereby forming a region of high capillary action near fluid interconnect 36. This area of high capillary action serves to draw ink toward the fluid interconnect 36 so that ink flows through the fluid interconnect 36 to the printhead 16. In a preferred embodiment, when inserted into the storage mechanism 14, the ink container 12 is oriented in a gravitational coordinate system, whereby gravity acts on the ink in the ink container 12 so that the ink is moved toward the bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12. Pulled out towards. Therefore, the ink container 1
2 is drawn to the bottom surface 76, which ink is drawn toward the fluid interconnect 36 by capillary attraction,
Thereby, the flow of ink in the ink container 12 is reduced or minimized.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show one position in the insertion process shown in connection with FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c, wherein the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12 is
6. FIG. 8a is a side view,
FIG. 8b is an end view. 8a and 8b, the guide feature 40 is positioned sufficiently low toward the bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12 so that the leading edge 72 of the ink container does not collide with the fluid interconnect 36 during insertion. Ink container 12
It can be seen that it must be placed on top. Another constraint on the positioning of the guide member 40 is the engagement feature 42
The guide member 40 must be positioned sufficiently close to the top surface 86 of the ink container 12 so that the mating member properly engages the corresponding engagement feature 42 on the receiving mechanism 14.

In addition, the outwardly projecting guide member 40 on the ink container must extend sufficiently outward to engage the guide rail 46. However, the guide member 40 protruding outwardly is
0 engages with the upright side surface of the storage mechanism 14, and the ink container 1
The two must not protrude too far to create interference creating frictional and binding forces that prevent insertion into the receiving mechanism 14.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C show a method of removing the ink container 12 from the storage mechanism 14. FIG.
The method of removing the ink container 12 of the present invention involves first biasing the latch member 30 toward the rear surface 82 to release the engagement feature from the corresponding engagement feature 50 on the receiving mechanism 14. I do. When the trailing edge of the ink container 12 is released, the leaf spring 52 urges the trailing edge of the ink container upward, as shown in FIG. 9b. If the ink container 12 is grasped by the handle portion 44, the ink container 12 can be taken out in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. When the ink container 12 is removed from the storage mechanism 14, the guide member 40 is lifted out of the ink container along the guide rail 46, thereby preventing interference between the fluid interconnect 36 and the fluid outlet on the bottom surface of the ink container 12. Is done.

The ink container 12 of the present invention includes a storage mechanism 14.
The ink container 12 is configured to engage with and interact with the storage mechanism 14 to make a secure fluid connection and electrical connection with the storage mechanism 14. The techniques of the present invention can make this insertion process relatively simple and easy, and prevent improper insertion of the ink container 12. The customer grips the ink container 12 with the handle portion 44 and slides the ink container 12 in the housing mechanism 14 in the horizontal direction. The guide rail 46 and the guide feature 40 cooperate to form the ink container 1.
2 is appropriately guided into the accommodation mechanism 14. Ink container 1
2 is pressed down, the ink container 12 is latched and an effective interconnection between the ink container 12 and the receiving mechanism 14 is achieved both electrically and fluidically.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the inkjet printing system of the present invention shown with the cover open to show a plurality of replaceable ink containers of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a scanning carriage showing the replaceable ink container of the present invention positioned within a storage mechanism that provides fluid communication between the replaceable ink container and one or more printheads. is there.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of a scanning carriage showing a guide and latch feature associated with each replaceable ink container and a receiving mechanism that secures the replaceable ink container and thereby allows fluid communication with a printhead. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a storage mechanism shown alone for storing one or more replaceable ink containers of the present invention.

FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are isometric views of the three-color replaceable ink container of the present invention shown alone.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a single-color replaceable ink container of the present invention.

FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c are side views showing a method of inserting a replaceable ink container into a supply mechanism.

FIGS. 8a and 8b are side and end views, respectively, showing the passage of the replaceable ink container above the upright fluid inlet of the containment mechanism.

FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are side views showing a method of removing a replaceable ink container from a storage mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 printing system 12 replaceable ink container 14 ink storage mechanism 16 inkjet printhead 18 printer unit 20 scanning carriage 22 print medium 32 keyed feature 36 fluid interconnect 40 guide feature 42 engagement feature 46 guide rail 48 engagement Characteristic shape 52 Leaf spring 72 Trailing edge 76 Bottom surface 84 Key characteristic shape

Continuing the front page (72) Inventor Scott Dee Stargen, Washington, USA 98683, Vancouver, Seventeens Way, SE 17004 (72) Inventor David C. Johnson, United States Oregon 97212, Portland, United States Thirty Six Avenue, NE 3902

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A replaceable ink container for providing ink to an inkjet printing system, the inkjet printing system having a storage mechanism mounted on a scanning carriage, wherein the storage mechanism includes a fluid inlet and the fluid. A fluid outlet having a pair of guide rails extending along opposite sides of the inlet, the fluid outlet configured to connect to the fluid inlet associated with the containment mechanism; and a pair of outwardly projecting guides. A rail engaging feature, wherein the pair of guide rail engaging features are respectively arranged to engage with the pair of guide rails, and wherein the replaceable ink container is housed in the storage mechanism. A replaceable that guides both horizontally and vertically into the fluid outlet and aligns the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet to establish fluid communication between the ink container and the storage mechanism. Link container. 2. The pair of outwardly protruding guide rail engaging features engage the pair of guide rails to initially position the replaceable ink container in the receiving mechanism. 2. The replaceable ink container according to claim 1, wherein the container is guided in a direction and then in a vertical direction. 3. The replaceable ink container according to claim 1, wherein said pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engagement features project perpendicularly from a surface of said replaceable ink container. 4. The replaceable ink container has a leading edge and a trailing edge with respect to the insertion direction, and wherein the pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engaging features are configured to allow the replacement during insertion. The pair of outwardly protruding guide rail engagement features are positioned low enough on the replaceable ink container so that the ink inlet and the fluid inlet do not collide, and are located at the leading edge. The replaceable ink of claim 1, wherein the at least one engagement feature is positioned high enough on the replaceable ink container to ensure engagement with the engagement feature associated with the storage mechanism. container. 5. The replacement of claim 4, wherein the storage mechanism includes at least one engagement feature configured to engage a corresponding engagement feature associated with the replaceable ink container. Formula ink container. 6. The replaceable ink container according to claim 4, wherein said engagement feature is a hook feature protruding outward from said leading edge. 7. The replaceable ink container has a leading edge and a trailing edge with respect to the insertion direction, and wherein the pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engagement features are formed with respect to the insertion direction. 2. The replaceable ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink container protrudes vertically. 8. The replaceable ink container has a leading edge and a trailing edge with respect to the insertion direction, and the replaceable ink container is further disposed at the leading edge and associated with the storage mechanism. An engaging feature configured to engage with the engaging feature; and a latch feature disposed on the trailing edge and corresponding to lock the replaceable ink container to the receiving mechanism. And a latch feature configured to engage the replaceable ink container. 9. The engagement feature on the replaceable ink container, wherein the replaceable ink container is inserted into the storage mechanism in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A shape is engaged with the engagement feature on the storage mechanism and the engagement feature on the replaceable ink container is engaged with the engagement feature on the storage mechanism; 9. The replaceable ink container of claim 8, wherein the replaceable ink container is rotated about a pivot axis and the latch feature is engaged with the corresponding latch feature on the receiving mechanism. 10. The replaceable ink container according to claim 8, wherein the storage mechanism includes a spring that biases a trailing edge of the replaceable ink container in a direction away from the storage mechanism. 11. The storage mechanism includes a spring that biases a trailing edge of the replaceable ink container in a direction away from the storage mechanism, and a latch feature on the replaceable ink container includes:
The latch feature configured to overcome the spring bias and secure the replaceable ink container to the storage mechanism when engaged with the corresponding latch feature on the storage mechanism. Item 9. A replaceable ink container according to Item 8. 12. The replaceable ink container according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal direction is a direction perpendicular to the scanning axis, and the vertical direction is perpendicular to the horizontal direction. 13. An electronic storage device electrically connected to an electrical storage device,
A plurality of electrical contacts configured to connect to a plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the storage mechanism;
A pair of guide rail engaging features engages each of the pair of guide rails, directs the replaceable ink container into the receiving mechanism, and places each of the plurality of electrical contacts in the receiving mechanism. The replaceable ink container according to claim 1, wherein the replaceable ink container is arranged and arranged on the replaceable ink container so as to be aligned with each of the plurality of electrical contacts arranged in the replaceable ink container. 14. A replaceable ink container for providing ink to an ink-jet printing system, the ink-jet printing system having a scanning carriage that moves along a scan axis, wherein the scanning carriage includes the replaceable ink container. A fluid outlet configured to connect to the fluid inlet associated with the fluid storage mechanism, the fluid outlet including a fluid inlet for receiving ink, Guiding the replaceable ink container in an insertion direction perpendicular to the scanning axis in the storage mechanism, engaging the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet, and providing fluid communication between the ink container and the storage mechanism. A replaceable ink container comprising an ink container guide feature arranged and arranged to establish a replaceable ink container. 15. The replaceable ink container according to claim 14, wherein the pair of guide rails extend in a direction perpendicular to the scanning axis. 16. Electrically connected to an electrical storage device,
The ink container guide feature further includes a plurality of electrical contacts configured to connect to a plurality of electrical contacts disposed within the receiving mechanism, the ink container guide feature engaging the receiving mechanism guide feature, and the replaceable type. Guiding the ink container into the storage mechanism, aligning each of the plurality of electrical contacts, engaging with each of the plurality of electrical contacts disposed in the storage mechanism, and placing the replaceable ink container in the storage mechanism; 15. The replaceable ink container according to claim 14, wherein the replaceable ink container is arranged and arranged to operatively couple with the ink container. 17. The replaceable ink container according to claim 14, wherein the guide feature associated with the storage mechanism guides the replaceable ink container in a linear motion perpendicular to the scan axis. 18. The guide feature associated with the storage mechanism wherein the replaceable ink container initially directs the replaceable ink container in a linear motion inward toward a rear wall of the storage mechanism.
18. The replaceable ink container according to claim 17, wherein the ink container is guided by inward and downward movements toward the rear wall and downward in the storage mechanism. 19. The replaceable ink container has a leading edge and a trailing edge with respect to the direction of insertion, and the replaceable ink container is further associated with a corresponding engagement feature associated with the storage mechanism. An engaging feature disposed on the leading edge configured to mate with the engaging feature on the replaceable ink container when the replaceable ink container is inserted into the storage mechanism. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said replaceable ink container is engaged with said engagement feature on said storage mechanism, and said replaceable ink container is rotated about a pivot axis and said fluid outlet is engaged with said fluid inlet. A replaceable ink container as described. 20. The replaceable ink container has a leading edge and a trailing edge with respect to the direction of insertion, and is further configured to engage a corresponding engagement feature associated with the storage mechanism. An engaging feature located on the leading edge; a latch position and an unlatching position located on the trailing edge and configured to engage a corresponding latch feature on the storage mechanism. And a latch feature configured to secure the replaceable ink container to the storage mechanism against a spring biasing force acting on the trailing edge of the replaceable ink container in the latched position. Item 15. A replaceable ink container according to Item 14. 21. The replaceable ink container, wherein the latch feature at the unlatched position is urged by the spring biasing force to urge the trailing edge of the replaceable ink container away from the storage mechanism. 21. The replaceable ink container of claim 20, wherein the container can be removed from the storage mechanism. 22. A replaceable ink container for providing ink to an ink jet printing system, the ink jet printing system comprising a scanning carriage having a receiving mechanism for receiving the replaceable ink container, wherein the receiving mechanism is provided. Has a pair of side walls having a guide feature, a rear wall on which a plurality of electrical contacts are disposed, and a bottom surface on which a fluid inlet for receiving ink is disposed. A plurality of electrical contacts connected thereto; a fluid outlet configured to connect to the fluid inlet associated with the containment mechanism; and engaging the containment mechanism guide feature to apply the replaceable ink first and thereafter. Directing in a straight line direction toward the wall, and then in both the rear wall and bottom direction, aligning the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet, and providing the plurality of electrical contacts on the replaceable ink container. An ink container guide arranged and arranged to align a pneumatic contact with the plurality of electrical contacts on the receiving mechanism and to establish both electrical and fluid connections between the ink container and the receiving mechanism. A replaceable ink container including a characteristic shape. 23. A method of inserting a replaceable ink container into a storage mechanism of an inkjet printing system, the storage mechanism being disposed on a scanning carriage and fluidly coupled to an attached ink discharge portion; Engaging a pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engagement features on the ink container with each of a pair of guide rails on the storage mechanism; and biasing the ink container against the storage mechanism. Each of the pair of guide rails guides the replaceable ink container linearly toward the rear wall of the storage mechanism and then toward the bottom surface of the storage mechanism. Directing downward to align a fluid outlet on the replaceable ink container with a fluid inlet near the bottom surface of the containment mechanism. 24. The ink mechanism of claim 23, including the step of engaging a hook feature on a front edge of the replaceable ink container with a hook engaging feature near a rear wall of the housing. How to insert. 25. The replacement ink container is biased toward the bottom surface to compress a biasing spring, and a latch portion disposed on the replacement ink container is placed on the storage mechanism. The method of inserting an ink container into a storage mechanism according to claim 24, wherein the replaceable ink container is secured to the storage mechanism by engaging with a latch engagement portion disposed. 26. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: engaging the pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engaging features with each of the pair of guide rail engaging features. 24. The ink of claim 23, including positioning the pair of outwardly protruding guide rail engagement features with each of the pair of guide rail engagement features near the center. A method of inserting a container into a storage mechanism. 27. A method for removing a replaceable ink container from a storage mechanism of an inkjet printing system, the storage mechanism being disposed on a scanning carriage and fluidly coupled to an attached ink discharge, Releasing the latch feature on the container from engagement with the latch feature on the storage mechanism, and biasing the latch end of the ink container upwardly from the bottom surface of the storage mechanism by a biasing device; Sliding the ink container away from the rear wall of the storage mechanism, wherein the replaceable ink container is engaged with each of a pair of guide rails on the storage mechanism. A method guided by a pair of outwardly projecting guide rail engagement features on the container.