WO2020096604A1

WO2020096604A1 - Print compound refill devices with channel plugs

Info

Publication number: WO2020096604A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/059828
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jeffrey Harold Luke; Dean J. Richtsmeier; Gabriel Scott MCDANIEL; Mathew LAVIGNE
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2018-11-08
Filing date: 2018-11-08
Publication date: 2020-05-14

Abstract

In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a print compound refill device is described. The print compound refill device includes a housing which includes a channel, an inlet to receive a print compound from a first container, and an outlet to transfer the print compound to a second container. The print compound refill device also includes a channel plug disposed within the channel. The channel plug, when in a closed position, blocks the inlet. A shaft of the print compound refill device extends into the channel. The shaft is selectively coupled with the channel plug to move the channel plug to an open position to allow the print compound to flow from the inlet to the outlet.

Description

PRINT COMPOUND REFILL DEVICES WITH CHANNEL PLUGS

BACKGROUND

[0001] Printing devices include multiple components used in forming markings on a print target. Different printing devices dispense different types of print compound on a print target surface. For example, a two-dimensional (2D) printer provides wet print compound such as ink, or dry compound such as toner, to form images/text on print media. In another example, a three- dimensional (3D) printer provides fluid, such as a fusing agent, or a dry material such as particulate build material into a bed. Over time, the print compound that is deposited on the target is depleted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principles described herein and are part of the specification. The illustrated examples are given merely for illustration, and do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0003] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a print compound refill device with a channel plug, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0004] Figs. 2A and 2B are isometric views of a print compound refill device with a channel plug, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0005] Fig 3. is an isometric view of a print compound refill device with a channel plug, according to an example of the principles described herein. [0006] Figs. 4A-4D are cross-sectional views of the print compound refill device at various states of operation, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0007] Fig. 5 is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of a print compound refill device with a channel plug, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0008] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a print compound container with a print compound refill device with a channel plug, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0009] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a print compound refill container with a print compound refill device with a channel plug, according to an example of the principles described herein.

[0010] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] As described above, printing devices in general dispense print compound onto a surface in the form of images, text, or other patterns.

Different printing devices dispense different print compounds. For example, the print compound may be dry, or particle-based such as toner. In other examples, the print compound may be a liquid, such as liquid ink. Other types of compound may also be deposited on the surface via a printing device. For example, a three-dimensional printer may deposit a powder material that is to be sintered, fused, or otherwise solidified. Such a three-dimensional printer may also deposit an agent, that is dry or wet, which facilitates the solidifying of the powder material into a three-dimensional object. Over time, the repositories from which the print compound are drawn, are depleted. Accordingly, temporary or replaceable containers may be coupled to a permanent container on the printing device. These temporary or replaceable reservoirs include additional print compound that replenishes the printing device container.

[0012] While there is great value in offering a refillable container and while refill containers provide an effective way to provide a printing device with additional print compound, using them may be complicated and can lead to waste. As an example, transferring the print compound from the refill container to the permanent container on the printing device may be messy. For example, print compound such as toner or ink may spill out of the interface between the refill container and the device container. Some printing devices include open holes and funnels that are used to direct the print compound into the printing device container. These features are prone to user error and other causes of compound spillage. Moreover, during such operations, plugs may be removed from the ports on the refill container as well as the printing device container, exposing the print compound to air, which may have a deleterious effect on the print compound.

[0013] Accordingly, the present specification describes a print compound refill device that allows for the transfer of a print compound from one container, such as a refill container, to another, such as a printing device container, and reducing the amount of compound spillage and compound contamination. The refill device of the present specification provides such a refill operation relying on a unique mating and sealing system which prevents exposure of the print compound to the outside environment. The sealing system includes a double self-dealing interconnect with almost no trapped volume.

[0014] In general, the print compound refill device includes a plug that couples tightly with a plug on the printing device container before opening a compound passageway. After mating, the refill device retracts both the channel plug and the printing device plug together out of the compound passageway, allowing the compound to flow through the device from the refill container to the printing device container, all without being exposed to air and without spillage of the print compound. [0015] Specifically, the present specification describes a print compound refill device. The print compound refill device includes a housing that includes 1 ) a channel, 2) an inlet to receive a print compound from a first container, and 3) an outlet to transfer the print compound to a second container. A channel plug of the print compound refill device is disposed within the channel. The channel plug, when in a closed position, blocks the inlet. A shaft of the print compound refill device extends into the channel. The shaft is selectively coupled with the channel plug to move the channel plug to an open position to allow the print compound to flow from the inlet to the outlet.

[0016] In another example, the print compound refill device includes the housing with the channel, inlet, and outlet. The print compound refill device also includes an elastically deformable channel plug disposed within the channel.

The elastically deformable channel plug, when in a closed position, blocks the inlet. The shaft extends into the channel 1 ) is selectively coupled with the elastically deformable channel plug to move the elastically deformable channel plug to an open position to allow print compound to flow from the inlet to the outlet and 2) is selectively coupled to a elastically deformable container plug disposed in an opening of a print compound container. The shaft retracts the elastically deformable container plug and the elastically deformable channel plug in the channel creating a compound path from the inlet to the print compound container. In this example, the print compound refill device also includes a handle coupled to the shaft.

[0017] The present specification also describes a print compound refill container. The print compound refill container includes a reservoir to hold an amount of print compound to be refilled into a print compound container on a printing device. The print compound refill container also includes a print compound refill device, which includes a housing with the channel, inlet, outlet, and channel plug. The print compound refill device also includes the shaft extending into the channel. The shaft is selectively coupled with the channel plug to move the channel plug to an open position to allow the print compound to flow from the inlet to the outlet. [0018] In summary, using such a print compound refill device 1 ) provides a mating interface before creating a compound flow path so as to prevent spills or leaking, 2) prevents contamination of the print compound in either container;, 3) as a small trapped volume, and 4) removes the plugs as part of the refill operation, thus reducing a chance of spilling between plug removal and compound refill.

[0019] Turning now to the figures, Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a print compound refill device (100) with a channel plug (1 10), according to an example of the principles described herein. As described above, printing devices consume print compound, be it ink, toner, or other type of compound printed on a target surface. The print compound can be replenished through the use of refill containers that hold additional print compound. The print compound refill device (100) described herein facilitates the transfer of the print compound from a refill container.

[0020] The print compound refill device (100) includes a housing (102). The housing (102) may be formed of any material and may define a print compound flow path. That is, the housing (102) includes a channel (104) through which the print compound flows, an inlet (106) through which the print compound is introduced to the channel (104), and an outlet (108) through which the print compound passes. The inlet (106) may be coupled to a first container such as a print compound refill container and the outlet (108) may be coupled to a second container such as a print compound container on a printing device.

The print compound that is transferred may be of any variety of types including ink, toner, a fusing agent used in three-dimensional printing, or a build material used in three-dimensional printing, among others.

[0021] The print compound refill device (100) also includes a channel plug (1 10). The channel plug (1 10) resides in the channel (104). In some examples, the channel plug (1 10) is formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber. In other examples, the channel plug (1 10) may be formed of a different material, such as a metallic material. The channel plug (1 10) has an interference fit with the inside walls of the channel (104) so as to provide a sealed channel where print compound cannot escape or spill. [0022] The channel plug (1 10) is moveable between multiple positions, specifically a closed position, and an open position. When in the closed position, the channel plug (1 10) is positioned in front of, and therefore blocks, the inlet (106). That is, when the channel plug (1 10) is in the closed position, any print compound received in the inlet (106) does not enter the channel (104) and therefore does not pass through the outlet (108) into the second container.

[0023] The channel plug (1 10) may be moved, via action of the shaft (1 12), to an open position where a path between the inlet (106) and the channel (104) is no longer blocked. The channel plug (1 10) moves a sufficient distance that a container plug in the print compound container is also moved out of the path between the inlet (106), channel (104), and outlet (108) such that there is a compound path between the inlet (106) and the second container.

[0024] The print compound refill device (100) also includes a shaft (1 12) that extends into the channel (104). The shaft (1 12) is selectively coupled to the channel plug (1 10) to retract it from the closed position - wherein the inlet (106) is blocked - to an open position to allow the print compound to flow from the inlet (106) to the outlet (108). Such a selective coupling may be achieved in any number of ways. For example, the channel plug (1 10) may have a hole through which the shaft (1 12) passes. The shaft (1 12) may then selectively couple to a container plug. In this example, the shaft (1 12) is then retracted such that the container plug pulls the channel plug (1 10) out of the way of the inlet (106).

[0025] In some examples, the print compound refill device (100) is integrated with one of the first container or second container. That is, the print compound refill device (100) may be a component of a print compound refill container or may be a component of a print compound container disposed on a printing device.

[0026] In another example, the print compound refill device (100) is separate from both containers. In this example, when the housing (102) is placed over an opening of a print compound container, the shaft (1 12) selectively couples to a container plug disposed in the opening of the print compound container. The shaft (112) retracts the container plug against the channel plug (1 10) into the channel, past the inlet (106) such that a compound flow path is created from the inlet (106) to the print compound container. Thus, the present print compound refill device (100) facilitates refilling of print compound from a refill container to a printing device container in a manner that avoids, leaking, spilling, and contamination of the print compound.

[0027] Figs. 2A and 2B are isometric views of a print compound refill device (100) with a channel plug (Fig. 1 , 1 10), according to an example of the principles described herein. Figs. 2A and 2B clearly depict the housing (102) and the shaft (1 12) that extends into the housing (102). Fig. 2A also depicts the inlet (106) through which print compound from a first container is received. As described above, in some examples, the print compound refill device (100) is separate from the first container and the second container. In this example, the print compound refill device (100) may include a first attachment device (216) to selectively couple the print compound refill device (100) to the first container, which first container may be a refill container. Without such an attachment device (216), a user may have to hold the refill container in place during refill to maintain a fluid alignment between the refill container and the print compound refill device. The first attachment mechanism (216) allows for a hands-free coupling of the print compound refill device (100) to the refill container.

[0028] The first attachment device (216) may take many forms. For example, as depicted in Figs. 2A and 2B, the first attachment device (216) may include internal threading that mates with threading on the refill container. Accordingly, during a refill operation, a user may twist the refill container, or the print compound refill device, relative to the other such that the threads engage and a selective coupling is achieved.

[0029] While particular reference is made to a threaded first attachment device (216) other types of attachment devices may be implemented in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, a key/key slot system may be implemented as described in connection with Fig. 3. In yet another example, the attachment device (216) may simply be an interference fit between the print compound refill device (100) and the refill container.

[0030] Fig. 2B also depicts the outlet (108) through which the print compound passes into the print compound container on the printing device. In some examples, the outlet (108) is non-circular. A non-circular outlet (108) ensures the outlet (108) does not rotate relative to the print compound container. That is, as the handle (214) and shaft (1 12) are rotated, for example to draw the container plug into the channel (Fig. 1 , 104), the non-circular outlet (108) ensures that the print compound refill device (100) does not rotate, as such rotation may compromise the seal between the print compound refill device (100) and the print compound container. Any breaking of the seal may result in print compound spilling over, and onto for example, other components of the printing device. However, this is just one example, and in others the outlet (108) may be circular.

[0031] Figs. 2A and 2B also depict an example where a handle (214) is coupled to the shaft (112). In some examples, to retract the channel plug (Fig.

1 , 1 10) and the container plug, the shaft (1 12) may be rotated and/or translated. In these examples, the handle (214) allows a user to translate the shaft (1 12) and rotate the shaft (1 12) to selectively couple the shaft (1 12) to the channel plug (Fig. 1 , 1 10) and the container plug and to retract them into the channel (Fig. 1 , 104) so as to create the print compound path between the inlet (106) and the outlet (108).

[0032] Fig 3. is an isometric view of a print compound refill device (100) with a channel plug (Fig. 1 , 1 10), according to an example of the principles described herein. As described above, in some examples the print compound refill device (100) is separate from the print compound container (320).

Accordingly, in these examples, the print compound refill device (100) includes a second attachment device (318) to selectively couple the print compound refill device (100) to the second container, which may be a print compound container (320). As described above in regards to the first attachment device (Fig. 2,

216), the second attachment device (318) may be a threaded arrangement. However as mentioned above, other forms of attachment are also available.

For example, the print compound refill device (100) may include a protrusion, or key that passes into a key slot in the port of the print compound container (320). In the case of a non-circular outlet (Fig. 1 , 108), the print compound refill device (100) may not rotate to lock in place. In an example, where the outlet (Fig. 1 , 108) is circular, after passing the key through the key slot, the print compound refill device (100) may rotate to lock in place. As with the first attachment device (Fig. 2, 216), the second attachment device (318) ensures a snug fit between the print compound refill device (100) and the print compound container (320) so that a user’s hands may be freed to perform other operations, such as actuating the handle (214). A secure attachment also ensures that the seal is maintained between the print compound refill device (100) and the print compound container (320) so that no print compound spills over.

[0033] Figs. 4A-4D are cross-sectional views of the print compound refill device (100) at various states of operation, according to an example of the principles described herein. Specifically, Figs. 4A-4D are cross-sectional views taken along the line A-A in Fig. 3. Fig. 4A depicts the print compound refill device (100) before engaging the container plug (422), Fig. 4B depicts the print compound refill device (100) with the shaft (1 12) beginning to engage the container plug (422), Fig. 4C depicts the print compound refill device (100) with the container plug (422) fully engaged on the shaft (112), and Fig. 4D depicts the print compound refill device (100) with the container plug (422) and the channel plug (1 10) retracted to establish a compound flow path between the inlet (106) and the outlet (108). In these examples, the print compound refill device (100) is installed onto the print compound reservoir (320) and for simplicity the print compound refill container is not depicted.

[0034] Fig. 4A clearly depicts the channel plug (1 10) blocking compound flow from the inlet (106) to the outlet (108). Fig. 4 also depicts the container plug (422) disposed within the opening of the print compound container (320).

As with the channel plug (1 10), the container plug (422) may be formed of an elastically deformable material such as plastic so as to completely seal the print compound container (320) and to remain in place in the opening. Being formed of an elastically deformable material, the channel plug (422) may have an interference fit within the opening.

[0035] Fig. 4A also clearly depicts the shaft (1 12) disposed within the channel (104) of the housing (102). In Fig. 4A, the shaft (1 12) is in a retracted position. That is, the shaft (1 12) is not engaging with either of the channel plug (1 10) or the container plug (422). As described above, the shaft (1 12) may translate, in the vertical direction indicated in Fig. 4A, to engage with the plugs (1 10, 422).

[0036] In some examples, the print compound refill device (100) includes a spring (424). As will be described in connection with later figures, the spring (424) compresses to provide a force which compresses the channel plug (1 10) against the container plug (422).

[0037] T urning now to Fig. 4B, engagement of the shaft (1 12) with the channel plug (1 10) and the container plug (422) is now described. As depicted in Fig. 4B, in some examples the channel plug (1 10) includes an opening through which the shaft (1 12) passes as it translates towards the container plug (422). That is, a user may press on the handle (214) in the direction indicated by the arrow (426). Such a force translates the shaft (1 12) towards the channel plug (422).

[0038] Accordingly, an inside diameter of the channel plug (1 10) opening may be larger than the outside diameter of the shaft (1 12). In another example, the inside diameter of the channel plug (1 10) may be slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the shaft (1 12). Given that the channel plug (1 10) may be formed of an elastically deformable, or soft, material, this would result in a greater force being used to push the shaft (112) through the opening of the channel plug (1 10). In this example, the inside diameter of the channel (104) includes a shoulder to retain the channel plug (1 10) in place as the shaft passes through. An example of the shoulder is depicted in Fig. 5.

[0039] Note that as depicted in Fig. 4B, the shaft (1 12) may be translated to a point where the shaft (1 12) begins to interface with the container plug (422). As depicted in Fig. 4C, the handle (214) may be used to fully engage the container plug (422) to the shaft (1 12) and to compress the container plug (1 10).

[0040] That is, the shaft (1 12) and container plug (422) include features that selectively couple the two together such that the container plug (422) may be retracted. The selective coupling of the container plug (422) to the shaft (1 12) also facilitates the selective coupling of the channel plug (1 10) to the shaft (1 12) such that it too may be retracted from the compound path.

[0041] Specifically, in one example the container plug (422) includes a threading on an inside diameter and the shaft (1 12) includes a corresponding threading that engages with the threading in the container plug (422).

Accordingly, as the shaft (1 12) is rotated by action on the handle (214) in the direction indicated by the arrow (428), the container plug (422) is drawn on to the shaft (1 12) thus overcoming the friction force between the container plug (422) and the opening. This action retracts the container plug (422) from the opening of the print compound container (320). The shaft (1 12) is not drawn down, due to the action of a first stop (430) of the shaft (1 12) against a top surface of the housing (102).

[0042] In some examples, the length of the threading on the shaft (1 12) and the container plug (422) and the depth of the container plug (422) hole may be such that the container plug (422) contacts the channel plug (1 10) before the end of the threading is reached. In this example, continued rotation of the shaft (1 12), and translation of the container plug (422) compresses the spring (424) and moves the channel plug (1 10) in a same direction. As described above, the spring (424) provides a force against which the channel plug (1 10) is

compressed. That is, the second stop (432) prevents the spring (424) from simply translating and the spring force of the spring (424) exerts a force in one direction on the channel plug (1 10) while the container plug (422) being twisted onto the shaft (1 12) provides a force in an opposite direction. This action serves to tightly fit the two plugs (1 10, 422) against one another, thus ensuring no gap between them where print compound could potentially reside and thus be wasted.

[0043] With the two plugs (1 10, 422) firmly juxtaposed and the container plug (422) removed from the opening of the print compound container (320), a user may now establish the compound flow path as depicted in Fig. 4D. That is, a user may pull on the handle (214) in a direction indicated by the arrow (434). Doing so pulls the shaft (1 12) up as well as the selectively coupled channel plug (1 10) and container plug (422). This action removes both plugs (1 10, 422) from the flow path such that print compound may readily flow from the inlet (106), through the channel (104), and out the outlet (108). Thus, a compound flow path is established between the first container such as a print compound refill container and a second container such as a print compound container (320).

[0044] Thus, as depicted in Figs. 4A-4D, the print compound refill device (100) as described herein provides a simple and clean way to transfer print compound from a refill container to a print compound container (320) on a printing device without exposing the user to potential spills of the print compound and without exposing the print compound to air, which could have a negative effect on the use of the print compound.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a zoomed-in cross-sectional view of a print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) with a channel plug (1 10), according to an example of the principles described herein. Specifically, Fig. 5 is a zoomed in view of the components identified by the circle (Fig. 4A, 425) in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5 clearly depicts the shaft (1 12), channel plug (1 10), housing (102), and the container plug (422).

[0046] Fig. 5 also clearly depicts the shoulder (536) described above. That is, as described above, the user depresses a handle (Fig. 2, 214) which moves the shaft (1 12) towards the container plug (422). In so doing the shaft (1 12) passes through the channel plug (1 10) which may offer some resistance. To ensure that the channel plug (1 10) remains in place in general and specifically as the shaft (1 12) passes through, a shoulder (536) may be formed into a wall of the channel (104). The horizontal face of the shoulder (536) provides a contact point past which the channel plug (1 10) cannot travel. Thus, the channel plug (1 10) is not permitted to travel further through the channel (104) than is allowed by the shoulder (536).

[0047] Fig. 5 also depicts another feature that is present in some examples. That is, the channel plug (1 10) may include a ridge (538) around its circumference. Such a ridge (538) interfaces with the housing (102) wall to provide a tight seal between the channel plug (1 10) and the housing (102). This tight seal ensures that no print compound leaks to undesired locations and stays where intended. In some examples, the ridges (538) may be formed out of a same elastically deformable material as the rest of the channel plug (1 10).

In other examples the ridges (538) may be formed of a different material from the channel plug (1 10). For example, the channel plug (1 10) may be a metallic material, and the ridge (538) may be formed of an elastically deformable material, such as a plastic O-ring, disposed in a track in the channel plug (1 10). The channel plug (1 10) may include any number of ridges (538) around its circumference to provide the above-described cleaning/sealing characteristic.

In some examples, the container plug (422) has similarly structured ridges (538).

[0048] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a print compound container (320) with an integrated print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) with a channel plug (1 10), according to an example of the principles described herein. As described above, the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) may be separate from either the first container or the second container. In other examples, the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) is integrated with at least one of the first container and the second container. Fig. 6 depicts an example where the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) is integrated with the second container, which may be the print compound container (320) of a printing device. That is, the print compound container (320) and the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) may be formed of the same material at the same time, or may be formed separately and then permanently affixed to one another.

[0049] As described above, the print compound container (320) may refer to any reservoir that holds a compound, such as a print compound, that is to replenish a printing device supply. That is, the print compound in a printing device depletes over time as the printing device is used to carry out its intended function of depositing the print compound onto a print target.

[0050] The print compound container (320) includes a reservoir to hold a volume of print compound. The reservoir may hold any variety of print compound. For example, the print compound may be powdered toner or a liquid ink that is used by a printing system to form images, text, and/or other patterns on a target such as paper. In another example, the print compound may be a build material that is to be deposited in a three-dimensional printing system for forming three-dimensional objects. As the print compound depletes over time, the print compound container (320) includes a fixture to receive additional print compound. This fixture is the print compound refill device (Fig.

1 , 100) described herein.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a print compound refill container (740) with an integrated print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) with a channel plug (1 10), according to an example of the principles described herein. As described above, the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) may be separate from either the first container or the second container. In other examples, the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) is integrated with at least one of the first container and the second container. Fig. 7 depicts an example where the print compound refill device (100) is integrated with the first container, which may be the print compound refill container (740) that is coupled to a printing device. That is, the print compound refill container (740) and the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) may be formed of the same material, or formed and then permanently affixed to one another.

[0052] The print compound refill container (740) includes a reservoir (742) that holds a compound, such as a print compound, that is to replenish a print compound container (320) of the printing device with addition compound. That is, the print compound in a printing device depletes over time as the printing device is used to carry out its intended function of depositing the print compound onto a print target.

[0053] The print compound refill container (740) includes a reservoir (742) to hold a volume of print compound. The reservoir (742) may hold any variety of print compound. For example, the print compound may be powdered toner or liquid ink that is used by a printing system to form images, text, and/or other patterns on a target such as paper. In another example, the print compound may be a build material that is to be deposited in a three-dimensional printing system for forming three-dimensional objects. In some examples, the reservoir (742) may be rigid or flexible, such as a bag.

[0054] As the print compound depletes over time, the print compound container (320) includes a fixture to receive additional print compound. This fixture is the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) and the print compound refill container (740) integrated thereto.

[0055] As described above, the print compound refill device (Fig. 1 , 100) includes a housing (102) with a channel (104), inlet (106) and outlet (Fig. 1 ,

108) as well as a channel plug (1 10) to block the inlet path until acted upon by the shaft (1 12) which is selectively coupled to the channel plug (1 10) and the container plug (422) to move the plugs (1 10, 442) to an open position thereby allowing the print compound to flow from the inlet (106) to the outlet (Fig. 1 , 108).

[0056] In summary, using such a print compound refill device 1 ) provides a mating interface before creating a compound flow path so as to prevent spills or leaking, 2) prevents contamination of the print compound in either container;, 3) as a small trapped volume, and 4) removes the plugs as part of the refill operation, thus reducing a chance of spilling between plug removal and compound refill.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A print compound refill device, comprising:

a housing comprising:

a channel;

an inlet to receive a print compound from a first container;

an outlet to transfer the print compound to a second container; a channel plug disposed within the channel, wherein the channel plug, when in a closed position, blocks the inlet; and

a shaft extending into the channel, wherein the shaft is selectively coupled to the channel plug to move it to an open position to allow the print compound to move from the inlet to the outlet.

2. The print compound refill device of claim 1 , wherein when the housing is placed over an opening of a print compound container, the shaft is to selectively couple to a container plug disposed in the opening to retract the container plug and the channel plug into the channel creating a compound path from the inlet to the print compound container.

3. The print compound refill device of claim 2, further comprising a handle to retract the container plug and channel plug by translating the shaft and selectively coupled container plug and channel plug out of the compound path.

4. The print compound refill device of claim 2, wherein:

the container plug comprises threading on an inside diameter; and the shaft comprises threading that engages with the threading on the container plug such that as the shaft is rotated, the container plug is pulled onto the shaft.

5. The print compound refill device of claim 4, wherein the channel plug comprises:

an opening through which the shaft is to translate towards the container plug to engage the threading on the container plug; and

a ridge that interfaces against an inside diameter of the channel.

6. The print compound refill device of claim 5, wherein the channel comprises a shoulder to retain the channel plug in place as the shaft translates towards the container plug.

7. The print compound refill device of claim 4:

further comprising:

a spring disposed within the channel around the shaft; and a stop disposed on the shaft against which the spring compresses; wherein as the container plug is pulled onto the shaft, the channel plug is compressed between the spring and the container plug.

8. The print compound refill device of claim 1 , wherein the print compound is a powdered print material.

9. A print compound refill device, comprising:

a housing comprising:

a channel;

an inlet to receive a print compound from a first container;

an outlet to transfer the print compound to a second container; an elastically deformable channel plug disposed within the channel, wherein the elastically deformable channel plug, when in a closed position, blocks the inlet;

a shaft extending into the channel, wherein:

the shaft is selectively coupled with the elastically deformable channel plug to move the elastically deformable channel plug to an open position to allow print compound to flow from the inlet to the outlet; the shaft is selectively coupled to an elastically deformable container plug disposed in an opening of a print compound container to retract the elastically deformable container plug and the elastically deformable channel plug into the channel creating a compound path from the inlet to the print compound container; and

a handle coupled to the shaft.

10. The print compound refill device of claim 9, further comprising:

a first attachment device to selectively couple the print compound refill device to the first container; and

a second attachment device to selectively couple the print compound refill device to the second container.

1 1. The print compound refill device of claim 9, wherein the device is integrated with at least one of the first container and the second container.

12. The print compound refill device of claim 9, wherein the print compound is a powdered print material.

13. A print compound refill container comprising:

a reservoir to hold an amount of print compound to be refilled into a print compound container on a printing device; and

a print compound refill device, comprising:

a housing comprising:

a channel;

an inlet to receive the print compound from the reservoir; an outlet to transfer print compound to the print compound container on the printing device;

a channel plug disposed within the channel, wherein the channel plug, when in a closed position, blocks the inlet; and a shaft extending into the channel, wherein the shaft is selectively coupled with the channel plug to move the channel plug to an open position to allow the print compound to flow from the inlet to the outlet.

14. The print compound refill container of claim 13, wherein the outlet is non- circular.

15. The print compound refill container of claim 13, wherein the print compound is a powdered print material.