WO2019236095A1 - Couvercle d'orifice de remplissage - Google Patents

Couvercle d'orifice de remplissage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019236095A1
WO2019236095A1 PCT/US2018/036582 US2018036582W WO2019236095A1 WO 2019236095 A1 WO2019236095 A1 WO 2019236095A1 US 2018036582 W US2018036582 W US 2018036582W WO 2019236095 A1 WO2019236095 A1 WO 2019236095A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fill port
cover
fluid container
fill
print fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2018/036582
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Moeller
Ki Jung Han
Howard G. Wong
Original Assignee
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. filed Critical Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority to PCT/US2018/036582 priority Critical patent/WO2019236095A1/fr
Publication of WO2019236095A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019236095A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41F—PRINTING MACHINES OR PRESSES
    • B41F31/00—Inking arrangements or devices
    • B41F31/02—Ducts, containers, supply or metering devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/10—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a liquid developer
    • G03G15/104—Preparing, mixing, transporting or dispensing developer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit
    • G03G15/0881—Sealing of developer cartridges
    • G03G15/0886—Sealing of developer cartridges by mechanical means, e.g. shutter, plug

Definitions

  • Imaging systems such as printers, copiers, etc.
  • imaging systems may form markings on the physical medium by performing a print job.
  • a print job can include forming markings such as text and/or images by transferring a print substance (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) to the physical medium.
  • a print substance e.g., ink, toner, etc.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • Figures 2A-2C illustrate partial prospective views of a fill port cover assembly useful in an imaging device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic side view of another fill port cover assembly useful in an imaging device is accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart of an example method in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • Imaging devices may include a supply of a print substance (e.g., a liquid colorant, binding agent, etc.) located in a reservoir.
  • the print substance can be deposited onto a physical medium during an imaging or printing process.
  • an imaging device can include a printer, a copier, or the like.
  • An imaging device can be any hardware device with functionalities to physically produce representation(s) (e.g., text, images, models, etc.) on a medium.
  • a medium can include paper, photopolymers, plastics, composite, metal, wood, or the like.
  • the imaging device can draw the print substance from the reservoir as the imaging device creates physical
  • the reservoir can be disposed inside of the imaging device and contain a supply of the print substance.
  • An imaging device may include more than one reservoir such that various types (e.g., various colors) of print substance can be contained within the imaging device.
  • Each reservoir for containing the print substance can be fluidly connected to a fill port such that a user may fill each reservoir as the supply of print substance is used by the imaging device.
  • a print fluid container can be used to fill or refill the reservoir connected to the fill port.
  • the print fluid container can be a vessel, bottle, bag, box, carton, or other suitable receptacle for the transfer and/or containment of a print substance.
  • the print substance can be transferred from the print fluid container, through the fill port, to within the reservoir with the assistance of gravity during filling and/or refilling of the reservoir.
  • a fill port cover can protect the contents of the reservoir from the external environment.
  • the fill port cover can be used to moveably cover the fill port such that the fill port is selectively obstructed.
  • the fill port cover can be opened in order to transfer print substance to the print substance reservoir.
  • An imaging device with multiple reservoirs can result in tedious repetition with the user manually opening multiple fill port covers to expose the multiple fill ports for connection of the print substances for filling operations of each of the multiple reservoirs and then manually closing the fill port covers after the filling operations are completed.
  • a fill port cover may be left open by a user after filling and/or refilling the reservoir.
  • the fill port cover can prevent a print substance from evaporating and/or becoming contaminated (e.g., by dust or other contaminants)
  • a fill port cover having been left open may lead to the print substance evaporating and/or being contaminated.
  • the print substance may be exposed to external elements which may have a detrimental effect on the print substance performance and/or the fill port assembly.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an imaging device 10 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the imaging device 10 includes a housing 12, a reservoir 14, a fill port 16, and a fill port cover 18.
  • the reservoir 14 is disposed within the housing 12 to contain a colorant, or print substance (not shown).
  • the reservoir 14 can be a container, a tank, and/or a similar vessel to store a supply of the print substance for use by the imaging device 10.
  • the fill port 16 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 14.
  • the fill port 16 can be accessible from the exterior of the imaging device 10 such that a user may access the fill port 16 to fill and/or re-fill the reservoir 14 with the appropriate print substance as the volume of the print substance in the reservoir 14 decreases.
  • the fill port 16 can be an aperture or other opening from the housing 12 that fluidly connects to the reservoir 14 to receive a print substance and transfer the received print substance to the reservoir 14 (e.g., to replenish the print substance supply) included in the imaging device 10.
  • the fill port cover 18 can cover the fill port 16 such that the fill port 16 is selectively obstructed, such as when the reservoir 14 is not being filled.
  • the fill port cover 18 can be opened at the fill port 16 to expose the fill port 16 for filling of the reservoir 14, as described further below.
  • FIGS 2A-2C illustrate partial prospective views of a fill port cover assembly 20 useful in an imaging device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the fill port cover assembly 20 can include a cover base 22 and a fill port cover (e.g., fill port cover 24a).
  • the cover base 22 can be disposed on a housing of an imaging device (e.g., imaging device 10) and includes a fill port (e.g., fill port 26a) extending through the cover base 22 to be fluidly coupled to a reservoir (e.g., reservoir 14a) with the fill port 26a accessible to a user.
  • the fill port cover 24a is moveably disposed along a first surface 28 of the cover base 22 to selectively expose the fill port 26 for filling of the reservoir 14.
  • fill port cover assembly 20 may comprise a single fill port 26, in another example, fill port cover assembly 20 may comprise a plurality of fill ports 26a... x (collectively, fill port 26).
  • an imaging device can include a corresponding reservoir 14a...x connected to each fill port of the plurality of fill ports 26a.... x as represented by 14a.
  • Figures 2A-2C illustrate the fill port cover assembly 20 with cover base 22 including a plurality of fill ports 26a-d with each of the fill ports 26a-d having a corresponding fill port cover 24a-d (collectively, fill port cover 24).
  • Figure 2A illustrates the fill port cover assembly 20 with the fill port cover 24 in a closed position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes and for clarity not all elements of the cover base and fill port cover are illustrated at each of the fill ports 26b, 26c, and 26d (see Figures 2B and 2C).
  • the fill port 26c in Figure 2A is shown without a fill port cover in order that the fill port 26c be visible. It is understood that all elements discussed with respect to fill port 26a are also included at each of the plurality of fill ports 26b...26x.
  • the fill ports 26a and 26b are indicated with a dashed line in Figure 2A to indicate the fill ports 26a and 26b obstructed by the fill port covers 24a and 24b, respectively.
  • the cover base 22 is rectangular with the fill ports 26a-d disposed in a row along a length of the cover base 22. Other shapes and configurations are also acceptable as appropriate to accommodate the image device shape and configuration and the filling/refilling operations of the imaging device.
  • the cover base 22 can include a first edge 30 and a second edge 32 opposite the first edge 30 with the first surface 28 and opposing second surface 34 extending between the first edge 30 and the second edge 32.
  • the first surface 28 is generally planar.
  • the first surface 28 can be horizontally disposed on the housing.
  • the first surface 28 can be vertically disposed on the imaging device or disposed at any angle between horizontal and vertical on the imaging device.
  • the fill ports 26 can be apertures defined by the cover base 22 that extend through the cover base 22, from the first surface 28 to the second surface 34. Although illustrated as circular, the fill ports 26 can be any suitable shape and are sized to facilitate transfer of the print substance to the reservoir (see, e.g., Figure 1 ).
  • the cover base 22 can include tracks 36 extending from, or disposed on, the first surface 28 to facilitate positioning of the fill port covers 24 over each fill port 26.
  • the tracks 36 can extend partially or fully between the first edge 30 and the second edge 32.
  • the tracks 36 can be generally
  • the tracks 36 extend parallel to one another and between adjacent fill ports 26. In one example, the tracks 36 include a tapered side surface 38. In some examples, the tracks 36 can assist with guiding the fill port covers 24 between open and closed positions and in selectively retaining the fill port covers 24 at the cover base 22.
  • the fill port cover 24 is sized and shaped to completely extend across and cover the respective fill port 26 and to sealingly close the fill port 26 from an exterior environment at the cover base 22 when in a closed position.
  • the fill port cover 24 includes a front edge 40, a back edge 42, and opposing side edges 44, 46.
  • a top surface 48 and a bottom surface opposite the top surface (not shown) extend between the front edge 40, the back edge 42, and opposing side edges 44, 46.
  • the bottom surface can engage with and against the cover base 22 to selectively seal the fill port 26.
  • the fill port cover 24 can include a first, or receiver, portion 52 to matingly engage with a second, or mating, portion 54 of a print fluid container (not shown).
  • An example mating portion 54 of a print fluid container (without the print fluid container) is included for illustrative purposes.
  • the receiver portion 52 is formed along the front edge 40 and is keyed with a shape (female features)
  • the fill port cover 24 of each of the fill ports 26 can include an electrical contact 56 to identify and confirm that the fill port cover 24 is mated with an appropriate print fluid container for the fluidly connected reservoir 14a.
  • the fill port cover 24a can be engaged with the engaging mating portion 54 of the print fluid container and moved to expose the fill port 26a to a print fluid port of the print fluid container, as described further below.
  • the fill port cover 24a is movably disposed across the fill port 26a between adjacent tracks 36.
  • a filler 58 can be included between adjacent fill ports 26a, 26d over the track 36.
  • the filler 58 can be planar with the first surface 28 of the fill port cover 24.
  • a guide 60 can extend from or be fixedly coupled to the fill port cover 24.
  • the guide 60 can be spring-like and biased to extend outward from the opposing sides 44, 46 of the fill port cover 24 to engage with the tracks 36.
  • the guide 60 can include an engaging surface 62 to slidably engage with the tracks 36.
  • the guide 60 can include opposing feet 64, 66 to that can engage the mating portion 54 of the print fluid container. As illustrated in Figure 2B, the feet 64, 66 can be pressed apart by the mating portion 54 of the print fluid container when the print fluid container is initially engaged with the fill port cover 24 and then, as illustrated in Figure 2C, the feet 64, 66 can be pressed toward a centerline of the fill port cover 24 as the fill port cover 24 is moved laterally along the first surface 28 of the cover base 22 between the tracks 36 from the first edge 30 and toward the second edge 32 with the lateral pressure from, and movement of, the print fluid container, as indicated by arrow 67.
  • the mating portion 54 of the print fluid container can include a lip 68 and nubs 70 that can matingly engage with guide 60 of the fill port cover 24 and/or the tracks 36 along opposing sides of the fill port 24.
  • Other engaging mechanisms can also be used to maintain the print fluid container vertically and horizontally in a fill position at the fill port 26 while the fill port cover 24 is in an open position.
  • Engagement of the print fluid container with the fill port cover 24 and/or cover base 22 can assist with maintaining the print fluid container tightly coupled with the fill port 26 during the fill process without inadvertent movement, disengagement, or removal of the print fluid container away from the fill port 26 during the filling process.
  • the fill port cover 24 can be automatically returned to a closed position by moving the print fluid container with mating portion 54 in a second direction (now show) that is opposite the first direction indicated by arrow 67 and disengaging and removing the print fluid container from the fill port cover assembly 20.
  • the fill port cover 24 can be biased to a closed position with a spring or other biasing mechanism.
  • an electro-mechanical mechanism can be employed to assist with moving the fill port cover 24 between open and closed positions and maintaining in a closed position when not mated with a corresponding print fluid container.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic side view of another fill port cover assembly 120 useful in an imaging device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure
  • the fill port cover 124 can be rotatably moveable with respect to the cover base 122, between open and closed positions and is illustrated in Figure 3 in a partially opened position.
  • the fill port cover 124 can be hinged along the back edge 142 or side edge (not shown) and the fill port cover 124 can be rotatably opened, as indicated by arrow 167, when engaged with the mating portion 154 of a print fluid container.
  • the receiver portion (not shown) can be shaped to mate with a wedged shaped mating portion 154 of a print fluid container and the fill port cover 124 can be lifted, or rotated away from the fill port 126 to an open position as the print fluid container is translatably moved in a first direction into a connecting position, as indicated by arrow 167.
  • tracks 138 are included on the cover base 122 to guide, position, and slidably secure the print fluid container against the cover base 122 and the fill port 126.
  • tracks 138 can include grooves, notches, etc. to assist with guiding, position, and slidably securing the print fluid container against the cover base 122.
  • the fill port cover 124 can be automatically returned to a closed position by moving the print fluid container with mating portion 154 in a second direction, indicated by arrow 169, that is opposite the first direction, indicated by 167, and disengaging the print fluid container from the fill port cover assembly 120.
  • the fill port cover 124 can be returned to a closed position with the assistance of a mechanical biasing mechanism or an electromechanical device.
  • the fill port cover 24, 124 can be moved between closed and opened positions in response to a lateral (e.g., parallel to) movement of the print fluid container along the cover base 22, 122 when the fill port cover 24, 124 and the print fluid container are engaged together.
  • the fill port cover 24 may be opened in order to transfer print substance to a print substance reservoir. While the fill port cover 24 is accessible to a user, the user does not directly contact the fill port cover 24 to move the fill port cover 24 between open and closed positions.
  • the fill port cover 24 is moved by the force applied by the user to the print fluid container, and in automatic response to, the print fluid container pressed against the fill port cover in a first direction to move the fill port cover 24 to an open position, and in a second direction opposite the first direction to move the fill port cover 24 to a closed position.
  • the fill port cover 24 can be automatically opened in response to the engaged movement of the print fluid container and automatically closed in response to removal of the print fluid container.
  • the mating portion 54 of the print fluid container is translated laterally across the cover base 22 and, in turn, translating the fill port cover 24 laterally across the cover base 22 to expose the fill port 26 to the print fluid container.
  • a print fluid container is fluidly coupled to the respective fill port 26a... x, 126a...x.
  • the fill ports 26a...x, 126a...x can constantly remain closed to the environment, being either closed by the fill port cover 24a...x, 124a...x when not connected to a container or coupled to a container when the fill port cover 24a... x, 124a...x is opened.
  • the fill port cover 24, 124 can cover the fill port 26, 126 such that the print substance included in the reservoir 14 connected to the fill port 26, 126 does not evaporate and/or become contaminated.
  • the amount of print substance included in the reservoirs 14 can be depleted.
  • a fill operation may be performed to fill and/or re-fill the amount of print substance in the reservoirs 14.
  • a fill operation e.g., the activity of a user or machine filling the reservoir 14 with a print substance
  • a user may engage the print fluid container with the fill port cover 24, 124 to expose one of the fill ports 26.
  • the user can push the print fluid container against an edge of the fill port cover 24, 124 in a first direction, as indicated by arrows 67, 167, to engage and move the fill port cover 24, 124 to expose the fill port 26, 126.
  • the fill port cover 24, 124 opens in response to a force applied by the user onto the print fluid container with the force being transferred from the print fluid container to the fill port cover 24, 124.
  • the fill port cover 24 translates across the fill port 26 (see, e.g., Figures 2A-2C) in response to an applied force.
  • the fill port cover 124 is rotated to expose the fill port 126 as the print fluid container is pressed against the fill port cover 124 (see, e.g., Figure 3).
  • a vertical movement of the print fluid container can be used to press against a fill port cover to move the fill port cover in response to the connected movement of the print fluid container.
  • the fill port cover assemblies 20, 120 can indicate a type of print substance to be used in the reservoir 14 or how much print substance is in the reservoir 14.
  • the fill port cover 24a... x
  • 124a...x can include a color indicator to assist the user with identifying and matching the appropriate fill port 26a... x, 126a... x with the correct print fluid container (e.g., red marking on the fill port cover to indicate red colorant is to be supplied).
  • the receiver portion 52a... x corresponding to each color can be a different shape such that only a print fluid container intended to be supplied can be mated with the respect fill port cover 24a... x, 124a...x.
  • a potential for error e.g., overfilling, refill of the wrong type, etc.
  • statuses of the fill ports 26a... x, 126a...x can include a detection circuit to detect a status of each fill port 26a... x, 126a...x included on the imaging device.
  • a fill port status can include a condition of the fill port 26a...x, 126a...x such as the fill port cover 24a...x, 124a...x being open or being closed.
  • the fill port 26a...x, 126a...x can be closed via the fill port cover 24a...x, 124a...x or the fill port cover 24a...x, 124a...x can be opened via a print fluid container being connected to the fill port 26a... x, 126a...x.
  • the fill port cover 24a...x, 124a...x and/or the cover base 22, 122 can be include translucent of transparent portions.
  • An illumination source (not shown) can be included at the translucent or transparent portions to provide user feedback on a status of the reservoir 14 (e.g., full, empty).
  • the illumination source can flash when the reservoir 14 needs to be filled.
  • the illumination source can be colored to indicate the color of the colorant to be added at a particular fill port 26a...x, 126a...x.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an example method 200 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
  • a cover is moved in response to a lateral movement of a print fluid container, the cover movably covering a fill port of a reservoir, the cover including a first portion to engage with a second portion of the print fluid container, the first portion engaged with the second portion during the moving.
  • the fill port of the reservoir is exposed when the cover is moved to an open position.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Abstract

Certains exemples de l'invention concernent un procédé de délivrance de colorant à un réservoir d'un dispositif de réalisation d'image, lequel procédé comprend le déplacement d'un couvercle en réponse à un déplacement d'un récipient de fluide d'impression, le couvercle recouvrant de façon mobile un orifice de remplissage d'un réservoir, le couvercle comprenant une première partie destinée à venir en prise avec une seconde partie du récipient de fluide d'impression, la première partie venant en prise avec la seconde partie pendant le déplacement, et exposant l'orifice de remplissage du réservoir quand le couvercle est déplacé vers une position ouverte.
PCT/US2018/036582 2018-06-08 2018-06-08 Couvercle d'orifice de remplissage WO2019236095A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2018/036582 WO2019236095A1 (fr) 2018-06-08 2018-06-08 Couvercle d'orifice de remplissage

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2018/036582 WO2019236095A1 (fr) 2018-06-08 2018-06-08 Couvercle d'orifice de remplissage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019236095A1 true WO2019236095A1 (fr) 2019-12-12

Family

ID=68770615

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2018/036582 WO2019236095A1 (fr) 2018-06-08 2018-06-08 Couvercle d'orifice de remplissage

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2019236095A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100039461A1 (en) * 2008-08-13 2010-02-18 Fujifilm Corporation Image Forming Apparatus
EP2610681A2 (fr) * 2011-12-30 2013-07-03 Lexmark International, Inc. Cartouche de toner ayant un couvercle d'orifice de sortie pivotant

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100039461A1 (en) * 2008-08-13 2010-02-18 Fujifilm Corporation Image Forming Apparatus
EP2610681A2 (fr) * 2011-12-30 2013-07-03 Lexmark International, Inc. Cartouche de toner ayant un couvercle d'orifice de sortie pivotant

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