WO2009103422A1

WO2009103422A1 - Device for refilling an ink cartridge for an ink-jet printer

Info

Publication number: WO2009103422A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/000757
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roland Steiner; Daniel Sulser; Joachim Kretschmer; René Butty; Migjen Rahimi; André Huber
Original assignee: Pelikan Hardcopy Production Ag
Priority date: 2008-02-22
Filing date: 2009-02-04
Publication date: 2009-08-27
Also published as: ATE534524T1; EP2252464B1; DE102008010505A1; EP2252464A1

Abstract

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

Description

"Apparatus for Refilling an Ink Cartridge for an Ink Jet Printer"

E n g lis h

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

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

In cartridges with integrated printheads, the aforesaid nozzles are directly in fluid communication with the ink storage element disposed within the cartridge. The ink storage element is made in a manner well known in the art of either fibrous material or foam. Other negative pressure generating mechanisms are known in the art to ensure metered ink transfer within the ink cartridge to the nozzles or to the ink outlet port. Since these mechanisms also have memory function, they are also summarized below under the term "ink storage element". Cartridges with integrated printheads need to be very carefully opened (opened) and resealed for refilling with ink. This is associated with correspondingly great effort and actually not profitable for ink cartridges with their relatively small quantities.

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

Also commercially available are so-called "compatible cartridges." These cartridges do not contain an electronic chip, which must be disassembled from the empty original cartridge and mounted on the "compatible cartridge" again. Again, this requires skill and tools as well as glue.

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

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

In all the devices and methods according to the prior art, no measures are taken to safely prevent leakage during preparation, refilling and reclosing from the ink tank, whether it be through the vent opening or through the capillary element. From the prior art (see, for example, EP 1 651 444 B1), it is also known to provide in inkjet printer directly usable ink cartridges with subjects / openings of various shape and size, when inserting the cartridge in the printer with projections in the cartridge receptacle of the printer cooperate to ensure the correct positioning on the one hand and on the other hand the use of the correct cartridge, eg by type or color.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for re filling an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer available, which is easy to manufacture and easy and safe to use, so that they are the user

(Consumer) can be controlled easily and without the risk of ink leakage, cartridges or inks (color, quality) -Verwechslungen applies. The device should also be suitable both for cartridges with an integrated printhead and for cartridges with an ink discharge port which can be coupled to the ink supply of an inkjet head in the inkjet printer.

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

The invention relates to a "capillary refill system." The refill of an ink cartridge utilizes its capillary suction power. "The system has a generally relatively flat ink container of sufficiently high stability." This ink container contains a wick immersed in ink leads out of the top of the ink container and is arranged so that a capillary connection is formed with the attached ink cartridge, either with the nozzles of the integrated printhead or with the ink supply port of an ink jet head which can be coupled to the ink outlet or pressure equalization opening, so that ink can be absorbed capillary by the capped ink cartridge unimpeded, which can also serve to fill the ink tank.

With a device designed in accordance with the invention, the secure infiltration of an ink cartridge is accomplished by having one or more positioning and / or identification elements for identifying at least one ink cartridge to be replenished and for accurately positioning the ink cartridge relative to the capillary element in the ink outlet port associated are. This reliably prevents confusion of the cartridges or incorrect filling of cartridges can occur. At the same time, sealing elements which reliably prevent leaks during insertion or removal and during the filling of an ink cartridge can be assigned to these positioning or identification elements.

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

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

No additional pressure is required to refill the ink cartridge. The ink storage element in the cartridge, e.g. Sponge or fiber material od. Like. Suck - in particular by its exact positioning using the positioning elements - as long as ink until a saturation occurs. Therefore, overfilling the cartridge is excluded. The device according to the invention is designed so that a contact with open ink is absolutely avoided and thus a risk of contamination of the user or the environment is excluded. The risk of injuries, such as When refilling cartridges by means of syringes is also avoided. The refilling operation of an ink cartridge is much faster than spraying and other refilling processes and no mechanical action (such as boring) is required. Likewise, eliminating the closing of the corresponding hole after refilling. All these

Work takes a relatively long time and requires great skill and the use of special tools. With the device according to the invention, these disadvantages are avoided. The ink portions in the device can be sized so that no residual ink remains in the ink container. Experiments have shown that the ink storage element of the ink cartridge is completely filled after about 2.5 to a maximum of 5.0 minutes of suction time. That is, after this period, the ink storage element is saturated.

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

The device according to the invention essentially comprises only three basic elements, namely the ink container, the ink therein as an ink supply, and a wick immersed in the ink and protruding from the ink container.

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

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wick of the ink container extends through the bottom of a trough-like depression at the top of the ink container. This trough-like depression serves, on the one hand, to possibly be collected from the wick of the ink tank or after the ink cartridge has been refilled from this leaking ink. On the other hand, this trough-like depression serves to properly position the cartridge for filling. In this respect, the trough-like depression on the one hand provides additional protection against contamination; on the other hand, it is an essential element of the invention by assuming leadership, identification and positioning function. At least one - preferably several - groove-shaped receiving opening (s) for receiving the ink cartridge can be formed on the upper side of the ink container. Within this groove-shaped receptacle, the ink cartridge is so placeable and held in particular clamping that either the nozzles in the integrated print head of the cartridge or alternatively the wick in the ink outlet opening to form a

Capillary connection with the wick of the ink container positionally come in contact or comes.

For this purpose, the various positioning or identification elements are provided for the exact positioning and identification of the ink cartridge to be refilled. It is conceivable that positioning and identification elements are designed as one and the same element (for example as a receiving groove). For example, at least two, in particular cross-extending grooves for differently wide ink cartridges may be arranged on the upper side of the ink container. Accordingly, of course, the receiving grooves themselves have different widths.

In addition to such receiving grooves can be arranged as identification elements on the ink container positive or negative x-, y-, z- or any other contour shape having projections corresponding to negative or positive corresponding outline having projections on the cartridge.

The above-mentioned venting opening at the top of the ink container also preferably serves as an ink refilling port for the ink container.

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

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

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

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

A particularly simple embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the device for refilling an ink cartridge comprises an ink-filled container having an opening through which the ink storage element can be brought directly into contact via the nozzles of the print head or the ink outlet opening of the ink cartridge , In this embodiment, therefore, eliminates the capillary in the container opening, which is designed in particular as a wick. As a result, the device is even easier without the functionality is impaired. The risk of contamination, which is already very low in a device according to the invention anyway, can be further reduced or avoided altogether, if one provides the opening of the container at its top and the cross-section of the outer contour of the nozzles comprising the printhead or the ink outlet of the inks Cartridge accordingly forms, and preferably the container opening and / or the edge regions of the positioning elements still by sealing strips, in particular of elastomer or rubber, seals. These sealing strips are then preferably dimensioned so that they lie in docked ink cartridge to the ink tank fluid-tight at the print head or Tintenauslaßöffnung.

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

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

In the case of the last-mentioned embodiment, a separate ventilation or pressure equalization opening can preferably be provided in the ink container, which is preferably arranged within a container depression. This ventilation or pressure equalization opening must be closed before the first use. A sealing strip, in particular the same sealing strip with which the opening for docking the ink cartridge is sealed, is preferably used for this purpose. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a trained according to the invention device will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for re-filling an ink cartridge in a perspective plan view from above;

FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the device according to FIG. 1 along the line II-II in FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the top of the ink container of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows the ink container of Fig. 1 with attached ink cartridge in

Side view;

Fig. 5 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in plan view showing the coupling of two ink cartridges of different widths (schematically).

Fig. 6 shows a modified imple mentation form of a device of Figure 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above ..;

Fig. 7 shows a further modified imple mentation form of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above ..;

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment according to Figure 1 with a cap, in a perspective view obliquely from above.

FIG. 9 shows the closure lid according to FIG. 1 in a perspective bottom view and on an enlarged scale; FIG.

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

Fig. 11, the imple mentation form of FIG. 10 with the ink cartridge in the coupled state. In the first embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 1 to 5) of an apparatus for refilling an ink cartridge 10 or 13 (see FIG. 5) for an ink jet printer, with an ink outlet opening 16 which can be coupled to the ink supply of an ink jet head (see FIG. 4) which is in fluid communication via a wick, not shown here, with an ink reservoir 10 disposed within the ink cartridge 10 and made of absorbent material, the apparatus comprises an ink filled container 11 having an ink outlet port 18 into which ink 19 is inserted submerged and in contact with the ink storage element of the ink cartridge 10 in contact capillary element in the form of a wick 20 is located. The wick 20 is conventionally made of fibrous material with high capillary action in the wick longitudinal direction (in the axial direction). This wick 20 is for refilling an ink cartridge in the illustrated embodiment, contact with the disposed in the ink outlet 16 of the ink cartridge 10 wick in contact, the wick 20 of the ink tank 11 made of softer or more yielding material than the wick of the ink cartridge is, so that the wick of the ink cartridge 10 remains substantially undeformed by the contact with the wick 20 of the ink container 11. The contact in the filling position between the two aforementioned wicks of ink tank 11 and ink cartridge 10 is indicated in FIG. The ink container 11 of the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 5 comprises a circular base 21 and a spherical cap-shaped upper part 22. The wick 20 of the ink container 11 extends through the

Bottom 23 of a trough-shaped recess 24 at the top of the ink container through, in the trough-like recess 24, as shown clearly in Fig. 2. At the top of the ink tank 11, two cross-shaped groove-shaped positioning members (receiving openings) 25, 26 for ink cartridges 10 and 13 of different widths (see Fig. 5) are formed. Within these positioning elements 25, 26, the correspondingly wide ink cartridge 10 and 13 with respect to the Tintenauslaßöffnung or the capillary (wick 20) precisely placed, in particular clamped. Thus, the capillary element (wick 20) in the ink container 11 securely contacts the wick in the ink outlet port 16 of the ink cartridge to make a fluid or capillary connection. Each of the two positioning elements 25, 26 has an Anformung or a stop 27, 28 frontally for the exact positioning of the wiederzufefüllenden ink cartridge with respect to the Tintenauslaßöffnung or capillary (wick 20).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the device according to the invention and ink cartridges can be refilled with integrated printhead, by the printhead associated

Nozzle through which are directly in fluid communication with the or the ink storage element (s) within the ink cartridge. In this case, the mentioned nozzles are located directly on the free end face of the capillary 20 at. The nozzles themselves act as capillary channels.

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

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

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

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

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

The sealing element 38 opposite, and relative to the center axis of the central sealing element 37, is still a sealing element 38 corresponding element 44 is arranged, which, however, only serves as a support element, so that the lid in the closing direction assumes no imbalance within the recess 42. The support element, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed in the same way as the sealing element 38, keeps the cover 36 in the closing direction horizontally within the recess 42, so that the sealing element 38 or the sealing element 38 defining annular

Sealing lip in the closed position of the cover 36, the ventilation opening 29 surrounds fluid-tight, i. without canting to the ventilation opening 29. The support member 44 may of course be designed differently, e.g. od as a wart-like projection. Like. It has only support and no sealing function.

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

The imple mentation form of Figures 8 and 9 is absolutely functional in handling.

As shown in FIG. 8, a protruding tab 46 is arranged on the upper side of the lid as a handle for rotating the lid in the closed or open position or formed directly.

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

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

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

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

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

Dedicated to you

1 ink cartridge

2 Forming on the ink cartridge

5 ink outlet

6 valve

8 valve

9 Pressure equalization or ventilation opening

10 ink cartridge

11 ink tank

12 valve tappets

13 ink cartridge

14 sealing strips

16 ink outlet

18 ink outlet

19 ink

20 connecting element or wick

21 floor

22 housing upper part

23 bottom of a trough-shaped depression

24 trough-shaped depression

25 groove-shaped receiving opening

26 groove-shaped receiving opening

27 Forming on the ink cartridge

27 ', 27 "identification element

28 stop

29 Ventilation or pressure equalization opening

30 cage

31 formation

32 vertical webs

33 Grip bottle

34 ribs

35 clamping rib

36 lids

37 sealing element

38 sealing element 39 Bayonet catch - rotary latch element

40 bayonet catch - groove element

41 deepening

42 pot-shaped recess 43 projection

44 support element

45 darts

46 tab

47 sealing elements 48 free edge of the receiving groove 25th

Claims

"Apparatus for Refilling an Ink Cartridge for an Ink Jet Printer" Patent application

1. A device for refilling an ink cartridge (10 bzw.13) for a

An ink jet printer having a printhead comprising nozzles or having an ink outlet opening which can be coupled to the ink supply of an inkjet head, wherein either the nozzles of the printhead directly or in the case of an ink outlet opening which can be coupled to the ink supply of an inkjet head, in particular via a wick and / or a valve or a direct fluid connection. tion, in fluid communication with a disposed within the ink cartridge and, for example, absorbent material or a negative pressure generating mechanism comprehensive ink storage element, with an ink filled ink container (11) having a ventilation opening (29) and a

Ink outlet opening (18) through which a connec tion (20), which can be fluid-connected with the ink (19), extends and to which the ink cartridge (10 or 13) or its ink storage element can be docked to produce a capillary fluid connection, characterized the ink outlet opening (18) of the ink container (11) is assigned at least one identification and / or positioning element (24, 25, 26) for identifying and / or positioning at least one ink cartridge (10 or 13) to be replenished.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of Identifϊzierungs- and / or positioning elements (24, 25, 26) for different ink cartridges (10 bzw.13) are provided.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the identification or positioning element (24, 25, 26) of the ink container (11) is designed in its contour with projections on the ink cartridge to be replenished (10 bzw.13) for matching meshing.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the identification elements (27 ', 27 ") on the ink container or the projections on the cartridge positive or negative x, y, z or have any other outline shape.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized gekennz eichnet that the identification or positioning elements at least one trough-like

A depression (24), through the bottom of which the ink outlet opening extends, and at least one groove-shaped receiving opening (25) in the upper side of the ink container (11).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized gekennz eichnet that the trough-like recesses (24) have different, with corresponding projections (2, 27) on the ink cartridge (10 bzw.13) corresponding bottom and / or side surfaces.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the identification or positioning elements (25, 26) or the trough-like recesses (24) are associated sealing elements (47) for fluid-tight sealing between inserted ink cartridge and ink container.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, ad d e ch e n e e hn h et that in the region of the identification or positioning elements (25, 26) or the trough-like recesses (24) locking elements (clamping ribs 35) for safe docking of the ink cartridge (10 bzw.13) are provided during the filling process.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, since dur ch ge e n ei ch net, that at the top of the ink container (11) at least one groove-shaped receiving opening (25, 26) for an ink cartridge (10 bzw.13 ) within which an ink cartridge (10 or 13) is placed so placeably, in particular clamping (clamping ribs 35) that either the nozzles in the integrated printhead of the cartridge or alternatively the Tintenauslaßöffnung (16) of the cartridge (10 or 13) to come into contact with the ink outlet port of the ink tank (11) to form a fluid connection.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one receiving groove (25, 26) has a projection (27) or a stop (28) for positioning the ink cartridge (13 or 13) to be refilled .10) in Nutlängsrichtung.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, as dur ch ge ch enn e e n e, at the top of the ink tank (11) a at least two, in particular over

Cross-extending grooves (25, 26) as positioning elements for different widths ink cartridges (13 bzw.10) are formed.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, as dur ch ge ke nn c e c hn et, d aß an Anformung (27) at an end corner, in particular at the corner between an integrated printhead and immediately adjacent end face of the ink cartridge (1) is provided and the ink container (11) on its docking side, namely upper side, one of the cartridge-side Anformung (27) complementary shape (31) into which the cartridge-side Anformung

(27) during docking, in particular under latching such as snapping in or click, hineinsteckbar and on removal of the cartridge (10, 13) from the ink container (11) or its Tintenauslaßöffnung / capillary element is detachable therefrom.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the formation (31) is assigned at least one stop rib with in the formation (31) obliquely extending clamping surface, so that the ink cartridge (1) substantially only by the jamming of their Anformung ( 27) within the associated formation (31) in the ink container (11) is positioned and held.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capillary element in the manner of a wick (20) is formed.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wick formed as a capillary element (20) of the ink container (11) either with the formed in the print head of the ink cartridge nozzles, or with a in the Tintenauslaßöffnung (16) of the ink cartridge (10). arranged wick is brought into contact, wherein in the latter case, the wick (20) of the ink container (11) made of softer or more yielding material than the wick of the ink cartridge (10 bzw.13), so that the wick of the ink cartridge (10 bzw. 13) remains substantially undeformed by contact with the wick (20) of the ink container (11) in the filling position.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wick (20) of the ink container (11) extends through the bottom (23) of the trough-like positioning recess (24) at the top of the ink container (11) ,

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the upper side of the ink container (11) a venting or pressure equalization opening (29) is provided which is also provided as Tinteneinfüllöffnung.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ink container (11) has a footprint which is dimensioned so that even when over the positioning or identification elements successful coupling and thereby over the peripheral edge of the ink tank (11) extending away

Ink cartridge (10 bzw.13) is ensured sufficient stability.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wick (20) of the ink container (11) extends to the bottom thereof and within a fluid-permeable, preferably also to the bottom (21) of the ink container (11) out extending cage (30) is arranged.

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cage (30) for the wick (20) at least three evenly distributed over the circumference arranged, in particular integrally with the ink container (11) or its upper part (22) connected vertical webs (32).

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized eichnet that the bottom (21) of the ink tank (11) to the bottom end of the wick (20) drops out.

22. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized eichnet that the wick (20) of the ink container (11) and the Tintenfüll- or pressure equalization opening (29) by a peelable adhesive strip (14) are sealable.

23. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized eichnet that the adhesive strip (14) within one, in particular the wider receiving groove (25) for an ink cartridge (13) can be placed such that it at the Tintenfüll- or

Pressure equalization opening (29) facing side beyond the free edge (32) of the receiving groove (25) to form a gripping tab (33) protrudes.

24. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ink container (11) is at least partially made of transparent material, in particular plastic.

25. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ink container (11) has a truncated cone, truncated pyramid, lenticular or spherical dome-shaped basic shape (22) with circular or rectangular bottom (21).

26. Device according to one of the preceding claims, marked eichnet by an ink-filled container (11) having an opening through which the ink storage element (17) via the nozzles of the print head or the ink outlet opening (16) of the ink cartridge (10 bzw. .13) is directly brought into contact.

27. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening of the container (11) is formed on its upper side and a cross section corresponding to the outer contour of the nozzles comprising the printhead or the Tintenauslaßöffnung (16) of the ink cartridge (10 bzw. 13).

28. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized eichnet that the container opening is limited by a sealing strip, in particular made of elastomer or rubber, the fluid-tight with docked ink cartridge at the print head or the Tintenauslaßöffnung.

29. Device according to one of the preceding claims, dikur ch gekennz eichnet that a separate ventilation or pressure equalization opening in the ink tank (11) is provided, which is preferably disposed within a container recess and before the first use also by a film strip, in particular by the Opening for docking the ink cartridge (10 bzw.13) occlusive

Foil strip is sealed.

30. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving grooves for the ink cartridge at the top of the ink container are formed so that the nozzles of the print head or the Tintenauslaßöffnung the ink cartridge while docking the same extend to the bottom of the ink container.

31. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized eichnet that the opening (18) through which the ink storage element (17) with the ink in the container (11) can be brought into fluid communication by a lid, in particular screw cap (36) closable is.

32. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (36) at the same time serves as closure of a venting or pressure equalization opening (29) located within the projection surface of the cover.

33. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized eichnet that on the underside or on the container (11) facing side of the lid (36) sealing elements (37, 38) are arranged, the Tintenauslaßöffnung (18) on the one hand and the ventilation opening (29) are assigned on the other hand, such that they close these openings (18, 29) fluid-tight in the closed position of the lid (36).

34. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing elements (37, 38) in the closed position of the lid (36) through the container opening (18) and ventilation opening (29) respectively surrounding annular sealing lips made of relatively soft elastic, in particular elastomeric material are formed.

35. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing position of the cover (36), the center axis of the opening (18) via which the ink storage element with the ink in the container (11) can be brought into fluid communication with the center axis the lid (36) is aligned, so that upon rotation of the lid (36) from the closed position first the vent opening (29) is opened before the lid (36) is completely removable.

36. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (36) by means of complementary bayonet closure elements (39, 40) on the container (11) can be locked.

37. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (36) within a complementary pot-shaped recess (42) in the container (11) can be placed.