CN1196590C

CN1196590C - Changeable ink box for ink jet printing system

Info

Publication number: CN1196590C
Application number: CNB011119640A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·R·斯坦梅茨; S·D·斯图尔格安; D·C·约翰逊; J·T·亨德里科斯
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Co
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2000-01-31
Filing date: 2001-01-31
Publication date: 2005-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-31
Also published as: KR20010087169A; DE60109967D1; EP1431042A1; EP1122078A2; DE60131687T2; JP2001253087A; EP1431042B1; EP1122078A3; KR100676031B1; HK1068011A1; DE60131687D1; CN1310095A; DE60109967T2; EP1122078B1

Abstract

The present invention disclosure relates to a replaceable ink container for providing ink to an inkjet printing system. The inkjet printing system has a receiving station that is mounted to a scanning carriage. The receiving station has a keyed portion indicative of a replaceable ink container parameter of a plurality of replaceable ink container parameters. The replaceable ink container includes a reservoir portion having a leading end and a trailing end relative to an insertion direction into the receiving station. Also included is a keying portion disposed on the trailing end and configured to be complementary to the keyed portion thereby allowing the replaceable ink container to be fully inserted into the receiving station.

Description

The changeable ink box that is used for ink-jet print system

Technical field

The present invention relates to provide the print cartridge of ink to ink-jet printer.Exactly, the present invention relates to guarantee to insert the interior print cartridge that holds platform of ink-jet printer and the method and apparatus of this ink-jet printer compatibility.

Background technology

Ink-jet printer often adopts the ink jet-print head that is installed in the balladeur train that print media such as paper move.When printhead when print media moves, control system starts printhead droplet deposition or be ejected on the print media, thereby forms image and text.Ink by with the printhead all-in-one-piece as if the black source when the disposable print cartridge or can be supplied to printhead with the black source that printhead separate replacing.

One type of previously used print system has been utilized the black source that is fitted together with balladeur train.This black source and printhead are integral, and therefore, when ink exhausts, change whole printhead and Mo Yuan.Perhaps, this China ink source and balladeur train is fitted together and can separate replacing with printhead.For this situation, owing to can change black source separately, so, when China ink exhausts, change black source.Like this, print head longevity is just changed printhead to the end the time.No matter where black source is positioned at print system, crucial is that Mo Yuan gives the ink jet-print head ink supply reliably.

For ink-jet print system, always exist and utilize the needs be easy to the changeable ink box installing and remove.The print cartridge installation should produce reliable fluid with printer and be connected.These print cartridges should have some parts that match with supply table in the print system, to avoid inserting the black source incompatible with this print system.At last, these print cartridges should be made than being easier to, thereby are tending towards reducing black source cost and every page of printing cost.

Summary of the invention

One aspect of the present invention is a kind of changeable ink box that ink is provided to ink-jet print system, this ink-jet print system has a platform that holds that is installed on the scanning balladeur train, this hold platform have one the expression one group of changeable ink box parameter a changeable ink box parameter by the keyed jointing part, this changeable ink box comprises:

One has with respect to insertion and holds the front end of direction of platform and the container portions of a rear end;

One be positioned at the rear end and be configured to can with this by the complementary keyed jointing part of keyed jointing part, hold platform thereby make this changeable ink box insert this fully;

This keyed jointing partly comprises one group from the outward extending protuberance of container portions;

This keyed jointing part by remove selectively at least one of this group protuberance be configured to can with by partly complementation of keyed jointing.

Another aspect of the present invention is a kind of a changeable ink box to be inserted the method in the platform held of an ink-jet print system, this hold that platform is positioned on the one scan balladeur train and with balladeur train on the spout part fluid coupling of installing, the method for this insertion print cartridge comprises:

Promote changeable ink box towards the rear wall that holds platform linearly, make on keyed jointing structure and the antetheca that holds platform on the changeable ink box by the keyed jointing structure alignment; This keyed jointing partly comprises one group from the outward extending protuberance of container portions; This keyed jointing part by remove selectively at least one of this group protuberance be configured to can with by partly complementation of keyed jointing;

Downwards promote print cartridge, make the keyed jointing structure allow the further insertion of compatible changeable ink box with being matched, realize near the feasible coupling of the fluid intake that fluid issuing and the bottom surface that holds platform on the changeable ink box is by the keyed jointing structure towards the bottom surface that holds platform.

Another aspect of the present invention is the method for holding the changeable ink box in the platform that a kind of manufacturing is used for inserting ink-jet print system, and this holds platform has one by the keyed jointing structure, and this is a kind of by the corresponding one group of changeable ink box type of keyed jointing structure, and this manufacture method comprises:

Form a holder, this holder has a bottom surface and the end face that fluid outlet is arranged on, and this holder also comprises a front end and a rear end of inserting the direction of holding platform with respect to this holder, and there is one group of keyed jointing structure towards sole arrangement this rear end;

Remove at least one keyed jointing structure, with the type of the compatible changeable ink box of correspondence.

Another aspect of the present invention is a kind of changeable ink box, it is one that inserts in a pair of changeable ink box that holds platform of ink-jet print system, this holds platform a pair of layout, each layout has one by the keyed jointing part, this is partly held this to changeable ink box by keyed jointing, and this changeable ink box comprises:

A holder that fills some inks, this memory have a front end and rear end that holds the direction of platform with respect to insertion;

One group of keyed jointing structure that is positioned on this holder, its be placed on described rear end and with to should be to first layout of layout complementary by the keyed jointing part, the opposite configuration of corresponding keys access node structure of this group keyed jointing structural configuration one-tenth and the changeable ink box of second layout that is used for this group layout.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of ink-jet print system of the present invention, shows a lid of opening, thereby exposes one group of changeable ink box of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the enlarged perspective of the part of a scanning balladeur train, shows to be positioned at a changeable ink box of the present invention that holds platform, and holding platform provides the fluid connection between changeable ink box and one or more printhead.

Fig. 3 is the side view of the part of scanning balladeur train, and each changeable ink box and the guiding and the sticking department that hold platform are shown, and is used for fixing changeable ink box, thereby makes it to be communicated with the printhead fluid.

Fig. 4 is a platform that holds that is in released state, is used to hold one or more changeable ink boxes of the present invention.

Fig. 5 a, 5b, 5c and 5d are the isometric views with the three look changeable ink boxes of the present invention shown in the released state.

Fig. 6 is the perspective view of monochromatic changeable ink box of the present invention.

Fig. 7 a, 7b and 7c show the method for changeable ink box being inserted supply table of the present invention.

Fig. 8 a and 8b show respectively from side view and end-view see at the passage that holds the changeable ink box on the upright fluid intake on the platform.

Fig. 9 a, 9b and 9c show of the present invention being used for changeable ink box from holding the method that platform is removed.

Figure 10 a-10j shows the top plan view of the various configurations of keyed jointing part of print cartridge in the mode of separating, and this keyed jointing part is shown and holds the corresponding of platform and partly separated by keyed jointing.

Figure 11 is the top plan view that holds platform that print cartridge shown in Figure 10 a inserts a correspondence fully.

The specific embodiment

Fig. 1 is the perspective view of an example embodiment of a print system 10, and it shows the lid that is opened, and this print system comprises that at least one is installed in a changeable ink box 12 that holds on the platform 14.Held on the platform 14 along with changeable ink box 12 correctly is installed in, ink is supplied at least one ink jet-print head 16 from changeable ink box 12.The enabling signal of ink jet-print head 16 response printer section 18 and with deposit of ink on print media.When ink during from printhead 16 ejection, printhead 16 obtains ink replenishing from print cartridge 12.In a preferred embodiment of this changeable ink box 12, holding platform 14 and ink jet-print head 16 is various pieces of scanning balladeur train, and the scanning balladeur train moves with respect to print media 22, thereby finishes printing.Printer section 18 comprises a medium pallet that is used to hold print media 22.When print media 22 progressively passed through print zone, scanning balladeur train 20 was with respect to print media 22 mobile print heads 16.Printer section 18 starts printhead selectively, so as with deposit of ink on print media 22, thereby finish printing.

Scanning balladeur train 20 moves through print zone on a sweep mechanism, this sweep mechanism comprises a slide bar 26, and scanning balladeur train 20 slides on this slide bar when scanning balladeur train 20 moves through a scan axis.A positioning element (not shown) is used for accurately location scanning balladeur train 20.In addition, a paper feed mechanism (not shown) is used for making print media 22 progressively pass through print zone when scan axis moves when scanning balladeur train 20.The signal of telecommunication offers scanning balladeur train 20 by electrical connector such as ribbon cable 28, is used for starting selectively printhead 16.

An importance of the present invention is to guarantee to insert the print cartridge 12 that holds platform 14 to be and the method and apparatus that holds platform 14 compatibilities.Print cartridge 12 can be equipped with many different perhaps how different ink colors of ink type.These different ink types have different chemistry and physical property, such as different ink viscosities or in water different dissolubility.Use a kind of dissimilar ink if be designed for the ink jet-print head 16 of particular type ink, will break down so.Ink color relates to and is generally used for colour print and is combined in one of four kinds of colors of the very popular color output of generation on the print media.Ink holds platform 14 and is communicated with printhead 16 fluids, gives printhead 16 supply inks.Because each printhead or printing portion 16 are relevant with a kind of ink color, this holds platform and is limited to the same color of use so, so these colors must not polluted by any other color.

Print cartridge 12 of the present invention comprise on it form, give and be contained in the part that the holder ink inside provides the mark of particular ink type or ink color.Provide similar part holding platform 14.Print cartridge 12 and to hold these parts on the platform 14 be to remove a kind of ink feed box 12 that has with the complementary portion of the counterpart coupling of holding platform 14 prevents that any print cartridge 12 insertions from holding the critical piece of the system of platform 14.

Method and apparatus of the present invention, this discusses with reference to Fig. 2 to 11, has described with a kind of at changeable ink box 12 with hold those parts of setting up reliable fluid ways of connecting between the platform 14 and changeable ink box 12 can being inserted hold platform 14.Before setting up the fluid connection, method and apparatus of the present invention is guaranteed changeable ink box and the specific layout compatibility of holding in the platform 14, is not polluted by the ink of dissimilar or different colours with corresponding 16 ink paths thereby guarantee to hold platform 14.

Fig. 2 is the perspective view of the part of scanning balladeur train 20, shows a pair of changeable ink box 12 that holds on the platform 14 that correctly is installed in.Printhead 16 with hold platform 14 fluids and be communicated with.In the preferred embodiment, the ink-jet print system 10 shown in Fig. 1 comprises the Three-colour ink cartridge and second print cartridge that fills a kind of ink color that fill three kinds of different ink colors.In the preferred embodiment, this Three-colour ink cartridge fills cyan, magenta and yellow ink, and should fill black ink by the monochrome print cartridge, prints so that finish four looks.Changeable ink box 12 is subregion differently, with hold than three kinds still less ink color or more many if desired and hold than three kinds of more ink colors.For example, under the situation that high fidelity is printed, usually finish printing with six kinds or more colors.

For simplicity, the platform 14 that holds shown in Fig. 2 is shown fluid and is coupled in a printhead 16.In the preferred embodiment, four ink jet-print heads 16 fluid separately are coupled in this and hold platform 14.In the preferred embodiment, four printheads all separately fluid be coupled in a kind of in the ink of four kinds of colors in the changeable ink box.Like this, cyan, magenta, yellow and black print head 16 are coupled in their corresponding cyans, magenta, yellow and black ink source separately respectively.It also is possible using than four kinds of other printhead configuration still less.For example, printhead 16 can be constructed to be permeable to by to printhead 16 suitably subregion print more than a kind of ink color, make first ink color offer first group of ink nozzle, and second ink color offers second group of ink nozzle, second group of ink nozzle is different from first group.By this way, printhead 16 can be used to print the ink color more than a kind of, makes that being less than four printheads 16 also can finish four looks and print.Fluid path between each changeable ink box 12 and printhead 16 will go through with respect to Fig. 3.

Each changeable ink box 12 comprises that is fixed on this changeable ink box 12 locking piece 30 that holds on the platform 14.Hold platform 14 and comprise one group by keyed jointing structure 32 in the preferred embodiment, the correspondent button access node structure (not shown) on they and the changeable ink box 12 interacts.Keyed jointing structure on the changeable ink box 12 with hold being interacted on the platform 14 by keyed jointing structure 32, thereby guarantee that this changeable ink box 12 and this hold platform 14 compatibilities.

Fig. 3 is the side view of scanning balladeur train 20 shown in Figure 2.Correctly be installed in shown in scanning balladeur train part 20 comprises and hold on the platform 14, thereby between changeable ink box 12 and printhead 16, set up the print cartridge 12 that fluid is communicated with.

This changeable ink box 12 comprises a container portions 34, and one or more inks are housed in it.In the preferred embodiment, three look changeable ink boxes 12 have three storage ink containers that separate, and each fills a kind of ink of different colours.In the preferred embodiment, monochromatic changeable ink box 12 is ink housing tubes 34 that fill a kind of color ink.

In the preferred embodiment, holder 34 has a capillary reservoir part (not shown) that is positioned at wherein.This capillary reservoir part is a porous member, has enough capillarities to keep ink, prevents from print cartridge 12 is being inserted print system 10 or revealing from holder 34 from the process ink inside that print system 10 is removed.This capillary force is must be enough big, so as the environmental condition of broad such as the temperature and pressure excursion in, prevent that ink is from ink housing tube 34 leakages.In addition, the capillarity of this capillary members enough on all orientation of ink housing tube and the vibrations of the fair amount that print cartridge may stand in course of normal operation and when waving, remains on ink in the ink housing tube 34.The net that this preferred capillary reservoir part is a heat seal polymer fiber, it is called that " the storage ink container of ink-jet printer ", proxy records were submitted at October 29 in 10991407,1999, sequence number in name is 09/430400, transfer in assignee of the present invention's the U.S. Patent application and obtain describing, this in conjunction with and reference.

Hold on the platform 14 in case print cartridge 12 correctly is installed in, print cartridge 12 is by fluid interconnection spare 36 and the coupling of printhead 16 fluids.When starting printhead 16, ink produces a negative pressure from spout part 38 ejections in printhead 16, be called back pressure sometimes.This negative pressure in printhead 16 enough overcomes the capillary force that capillary members kept that is positioned at ink housing tube 34.Ink is extracted out from changeable ink box 12 by this back pressure and is arrived printhead 16.In this way, printhead 16 obtains the ink replenishing that changeable ink box 12 is provided.

The ink barrel that fluid interconnection spare 36 is preferably upright, it extends upwardly in the print cartridge 12, extends downwardly into ink jet-print head 16.This fluid interconnection spare 36 illustrates in Fig. 3 very simplifiedly.In the preferred embodiment, fluid interconnection spare 36 is manifolds, allows at printhead 16 along being offset in the scan axis position fixing process, thereby makes printhead 16 and corresponding changeable ink box 12 placed offset.In the preferred embodiment, fluid interconnection spare 36 extends in the holder 34 and the compression capillary members, thereby forms the capillary zone of enhancing of an adjacent fluid cross tie part 36.The zone that this capillarity increases is tending towards ink is taken out to fluid interconnection spare 36, thereby makes the ink fluid interconnection spare 36 of flowing through arrive printheads 16.What discuss is, print cartridge 12 is positioned at correctly that to hold in the platform 14 be crucial, so that the suitable compression of inserting realization capillary members when holding platform when print cartridge 12.For setting up from print cartridge 12 to printhead 16 reliable ink stream, the suitable compression of capillary members is necessary.

Changeable ink box 12 also comprises a leader 40, engaging piece 42, a handle 44 and a sticking department 30, make print cartridge 12 insert and hold platform 14, acquisition forms with printhead 16 reliable fluid interconnections and between changeable ink box 12 and scanning balladeur train 20 and is electrically connected reliably, and this discusses with reference to Fig. 7 a-7c and Fig. 8 a-8b.

Hold platform 14 and comprise a guide rail 46, an engaging piece 48 and a locking mesh portion 50.This guide rail 46 matches with the guide rail engaging piece 40 of changeable ink box 12, and guiding print cartridge 12 enters and holds platform 14.Hold platform 14 in case changeable ink box 12 inserts fully, the engaging piece 48 of platform 14 is held in 42 engagements of the engaging piece of changeable ink box, the front end of changeable ink box 12 or head end is fixed on holds on the platform 14.Print cartridge 12 presses down then, and the spring-biased member 52 of compressed container platform 14 up to the hook portions 54 of the locking mesh portion 50 engaging lock limiting-members 30 of holding platform 14, is held on the platform 14 and the rear end of print cartridge 12 or tail end be fixed on.Part on the print cartridge 12 and the part of holding platform 14 match just, just realize changeable ink box 12 and the correct insertion held between the platform 14 is connected with function.Discuss in more detail now with reference to Fig. 4 and to hold platform 14.

Fig. 4 is the front perspective view that holds platform 14 with the ink shown in the unpack format.The platform 14 that holds shown in Fig. 4 comprises that one holds the monochromatic layout of the print cartridge 12 that fills a kind of ink color and three look layouts of a print cartridge 12 that holds to fill three kinds of ink colors.In the preferred embodiment, monochromatic layout 56 holds the changeable ink box 12 that fills black ink, and three look layouts hold a changeable ink box that fills cyan, magenta and yellow ink, and every kind of ink subregion is put into the different holders of print cartridge 12.Hold platform 14 and changeable ink box 12 and can be useful on the layout 56 that holds the print cartridge that fills different numbers, different inks and other configurations of 58.In addition, hold platform 14 the number that holds

layout

56 and 58 can less than or greater than 2.For example, holding platform 14 can have four layouts that are used to hold four different monochromatic print cartridges 12 that separate, and each print cartridge fills a kind of different ink color, prints thereby finish four looks.

Each

layout

56 and 58 that holds platform 14 comprises a hole 60, is used to hold the upright fluid interconnection spare 36 that extends through.Fluid interconnection spare 36 is fluid intakes that ink leaves the corresponding fluids outlet of print cartridge 12.Electrical interconnection 62 is also included within each to be held in layout 56 and 58.Electrical interconnection 62 comprises one group of electric contact 64.In the preferred embodiment, electric contact is the arrangement of four spring electric contacts, and wherein changeable ink box 12 is correctly installed in holding the corresponding layout of platform 14.Must set up correct engagement with each electrical connector 62 and fluid interconnection spare 36 in a kind of reliable mode.

Be positioned at the respective guide part 40 on guide rail 46 engagement print cartridges 12 both sides of fluid interconnection spare both sides of each

layout

56 and 58, the guiding print cartridge enters and holds platform.When print cartridge 12 inserts when holding platform 14 fully, be positioned at corresponding engaging piece 42 engagements shown in the Fig. 3 on the engaging piece 48 that holds on platform 14 rear walls 66 and the print cartridge 12.Engaging piece 48 is positioned at the both sides of electrical interconnection 62.A biasing member 52 is positioned at such as flat spring and holds platform 14.Flat spring 52 produces biasing force, and this power is tending towards upwards promoting print cartridge 12 from the bottom surface 68 that holds platform 14.This flat spring helps print cartridge 12 is locked in and holds on the platform 14 and help print cartridge 12 to remove from holding platform 14, and this discusses with reference to Fig. 8 and 9.

Fig. 5 a, 5b, 5c and 5d show front, side, the back side and the ground plan of changeable ink box 12 of the present invention respectively.Shown in Fig. 5 a, this changeable ink box 12 comprises a pair of outwardly directed guide rail engaging piece 40.In the preferred embodiment, each of these guide rail engaging pieces all stretches out along the direction of upstanding side 70 quadratures of changeable ink box 12.Engaging piece 42 stretches out from the front or the leading edge 72 of print cartridge.Engaging piece 42 is positioned at the both sides of an electrical interface 74 and towards the bottom surface 76 of changeable ink box 12.This electrical interface 74 comprises one group of electric contact 78, and each electric contact 78 is electrically connected with electric power storage parts 80.

Opposite with front end 72 is the rear end 82 shown in Fig. 5 c.The rear end 82 of this changeable ink box 12 comprises the sticking department 30 with an engagement hook 54.Sticking department 30 is made by a kind of elastomeric material, and this makes this sticking department stretch out from tail end, thereby engaging piece is stretched out towards the corresponding engaging piece that holds platform 14.What discuss is that this locking piece 30 is inwardly compressed towards tail end 82, and this Lock Part outwards applies a biasing force, thereby guarantees that engaging piece 54 and the corresponding engaging piece 50 that holds platform 14 keep engagement, are fixed on print cartridge 12 and hold in the platform 14.

This changeable ink box 12 also comprises the keyed jointing structure or the key 84 of the rear end that is positioned at changeable ink box 12.These keys preferably be positioned at Lock Part 30 on the both sides of changeable ink box 12 bottom surfaces 76.These keys 84 with hold being interacted on the platform 14 by keyed jointing structure 32, guaranteeing that print cartridge 12 inserts holds in the

correct layout

56 and 58 of platform 14.In addition, these keys and guaranteed that by keyed jointing structure 32 changeable ink box 12 fills on color and chemical property or compatibility and holds the corresponding ink that holds

layout

56 and 58 compatibilities in the platform 14.

In print cartridge 12, also comprise on the end face 86 that is positioned at changeable ink box 12 handle portion 44 at trailing edge 82 places.This handle portion 44 makes can catch print cartridge 12 at trailing edge 82 places when insertion is held in the corresponding layout of platform 14.

At last, this print cartridge 12 comprises the hole 88 that is positioned on changeable ink box 12 bottom surfaces.Hole 88 makes fluid interconnection spare 36 extend through holder 34, and engagement is positioned at capillary members wherein.Under the situation of three look changeable ink boxes 12, three fluid issuings 88 are arranged, the corresponding a kind of different ink color of each fluid issuing.Under the situation in three look chambeies, three fluid interconnection spares 36 extend into fluid outlet 88 separately, thereby at each inking chamber be used for forming fluid between the corresponding printhead of this ink color and be communicated with.

Fig. 6 is one and inserts the perspective view that holds the monochromatic print cartridge of locating in the monochromatic layout 56 of platform 14 shown in Figure 4.Monochromatic print cartridge shown in Fig. 6 is except only providing on the bottom surface 76 fluid issuing 88, and is identical with the Three-colour ink cartridge shown in Fig. 5 a-5d.This monochrome changeable ink box 12 fills a kind of ink color, and therefore only holds a corresponding fluid interconnection spare 36, ink is provided for corresponding printhead from print cartridge 12.

Fig. 7 a, 7b and 7c to be explanation with changeable ink box 12 insert in the receiving stations 14 and with hold platform 14 and form the precedence diagram that reliable electricity is connected with fluid.

Fig. 7 a shows part and inserts the print cartridge 12 that holds platform 14.In the preferred embodiment, by catching handle portion 44 and making leading edge or front 72 is inserted at first and with print cartridge and held in the platform, print cartridge 12 inserts and holds platform 14.Along with entering, leading edge 72 holds platform 14, outwardly directed guiding parts 40 these a pair of guide rails 46 of engagement of print cartridge.Guide rail 46 guides print cartridges 12 with level or linear movement towards the rear wall 66 that holds platform 14.Guide rail 46 edges guide changeable ink box towards the horizontal direction of rear wall 66 with towards the vertical direction of holding platform 14 bottom surfaces then, thereby the engaging piece 42 on the print cartridge 12 is received by corresponding engaging piece 48 on the rear wall that holds platform 14 66 shown in Fig. 7 b.The insertion of print cartridge 12 only needs an insertion force edge rail 46 to promote print cartridge linearly.The gravity that acts on the print cartridge 12 is tending towards making print cartridge to advance along guide rail 46, and guide rail extends in a downward direction and

engaging piece

42 and 48 is meshed simultaneously.The surface that guide rail engaging piece 40 is preferably circular gradually is so that freely slide along guide rail 46.

Fig. 7 b shows and inserts the print cartridge 12 that holds platform 14, and wherein engaging piece 42 is meshed with the engaging piece 48 that holds platform 14.Apply a downward power shown in arrow 90, for print cartridge 12, compressed tablet spring 52, the rear end 82 that promotes print cartridge 12 towards the bottom surface 68 that holds platform 14 downwards.Key 84 is must be correctly corresponding hold on the platform 14 by keyed jointing structure 32.If the key 84 on the print cartridge 12 is not corresponding to keyed jointing structure 82, this key connected system will stop print cartridge 12 further insertions to be held in the platform 14 so.This prevent from further to be inserted by key 84 with by the key connected system that keyed jointing structure 32 constitutes with the print cartridge that holds platform 14 compatibilities do not hold platform 14.Print cartridge 12 further inserts and holds platform 14 and will cause fluid interconnection spare 36 and print cartridge 12 interior capillary members to contact, thereby makes incompatible inkiness fluid interconnection spare 36.Incompatible ink mixes with fluid interconnection spare 36 can cause precipitation, and this may damage printhead 16.Except the incompatible ink of chemical property, print cartridge has incompatible color, and this may cause blend of colors, thereby reduces the print quality of output.

Key 84 on the print cartridge 12 and hold and allowed correct print cartridge 12 to insert correct holding in the platform 14 fully by keyed jointing structure 32 on the platform 14.The downward power that is applied to the rear end 82 of print cartridge 12 makes print cartridge 12 rotate around a pivotal axis, compressed tablet spring 52, thus move the trailing edge 82 of print cartridge 12 towards the bottom surface 68 that holds platform 14.When print cartridge 12 is pushed downwards when holding platform 14, elastic locking spare 30 by slight inwardly towards trailing edge 82 compressions of print cartridge 12.In case it is enough far away that print cartridge 12 is pushed downwards, the engaging piece 54 on the locking piece 30 meshes with the corresponding engaging piece 50 that holds on the platform 14, print cartridge 12 is fixed on holds on the platform 14, shown in Fig. 7 c.

Hold in the platform 14 along with print cartridge 12 correctly is fixed on, shown in Fig. 7 c, fluid interconnection spare 36 extends in the holder 34 and the compression capillary members, thereby forms the capillary zone of enhancing of an adjacent fluid cross tie part 36.The zone that this capillarity increases is tending towards ink is taken out to fluid interconnection spare 36, thereby makes the ink fluid interconnection spare 36 of flowing through arrive printheads 16.In the preferred embodiment, print cartridge 12 is arranged in a gravitational frame of reference when platform 14 is held in insertion, thereby gravity acts on the ink in the print cartridge 12, is tending towards ink is pulled to the bottom surface 76 of print cartridge 12.Therefore, the ink in the print cartridge 12 is pulled to the bottom surface 76 of print cartridge 12, is pulled to fluid interconnection spare 36 at this ink by capillary attraction, thereby is tending towards reducing or minimizing the cutout of ink in the print cartridge 12.

Fig. 8 a, 8b show a position in the insertion process of reference Fig. 7 a, 7b and 7c description, and wherein the leading edge 72 of print cartridge 12 is positioned at fluid interconnection spare 36 tops.Fig. 8 a shows a side view, and Fig. 8 b illustrates an end-view.Can find out that from Fig. 8 a and 8b leader 40 must be positioned on the print cartridge 12 towards enough low place, the bottom surface 76 of print cartridge 12, thereby the leading edge 72 of print cartridge 12 just can not collided fluid interconnection spare 36 during insertion.

Another restriction on guide member 40 location is that guide member 40 must be enough near from the end face of print cartridge 12, correctly meshes the corresponding engaging piece 42 that holds on the platform 14 to guarantee engaging piece 42.

In addition, outwardly directed guiding parts 40 must stretch out enough far away and engagement guide rail 46 on the print cartridge 12.Yet outward extending guiding parts 40 should not stretch out far away, so that guiding parts 40 engagement holds the upstanding side of platform 14, produced and interfered, and this interference produces friction and adhesion, hindered print cartridge 12 and inserted and hold in the platform 14.

Fig. 9 a, 9b and 9c show print cartridge 12 from holding the technology that platform 14 is removed.The technology of removing print cartridge of the present invention starts from making engaging piece from holding the release of the corresponding engaging piece on the platform 14 by the 82 urge lock parts 30 towards the back.In case the trailing edge of print cartridge 12 discharges, spring 52 upwards promotes the trailing edge of print cartridge, shown in Fig. 9 b.Can catch the handle 44 of print cartridge 12 and take out print cartridge 12 along the direction opposite with direction of insertion.Along with print cartridge 12 takes out from holding platform 14, guiding parts 40 is before guide rail 46 and then promote print cartridges, thereby avoids interfering between the fluid issuing on fluid interconnection spare 36 and the print cartridge 12.

Print cartridge 12 of the present invention be configured to can with hold platform 14 engagement and interact, guiding print cartridge 12 enters and holds platform, and with hold platform 14 and form reliable fluids and be electrically connected.Technology of the present invention makes this insertion process simple relatively and be easy to prevent the incorrect insertion of print cartridge 12.The user catches the handle portion 44 of print cartridge 12 and print cartridge 12 levels is slipped into and holds platform 14.Guide rail 46 and leader 40 match and correctly guide print cartridge 12 to enter and hold platform 14.Print cartridge 12 is pressed down and locks print cartridge 12, and realizes print cartridge 12 and hold electricity between the platform 14 and the work interconnection of fluid.

Figure 10 a to 10j illustrates the top plan view that is positioned at the corresponding leading edge 72 of holding near platform 14 print cartridges 12.Print cartridge 12 with hold platform 14 spaced relationship location so as the key 84 on the print cartridge 12 to be shown better and hold on the platform 14 by the complementary relationship between the keyed jointing structure 32.Along with print cartridge 12 correct insertions are held platform 14, key 84 inserts by keyed jointing structure 32, and this is with reference to Figure 11 discussion.

In a preferred embodiment, the key of representing with Figure 10 a that is used for three look layouts 58 shown in Fig. 4 84 and by keyed jointing structure 32, be on the monochromatic layout 56 key 84 and by the opposite configuration or the mirror image of 32 configurations of keyed jointing structure.Mirror image or opposite paired key 84 and provided convenience to the user by the configuration of keyed jointing structure 32 help the user that print cartridge 12 is placed in the correct layout that holds platform 14 by a kind of visible sign is provided.By key 84 and keyed jointing structure 32 are arranged as on the contrary in pairs, know more for the user which layout print cartridge will be installed in.Opposite paired configuration does not need the user carefully to check single key at interval, decides which layout to be fit to and replace the overall appearance that the user only need discern the keyed jointing configuration.

In addition, make the user when platform 14 is held in the print cartridge insertion, see the configuration of key 84 in the location of key 84 on the trailing edge 72 of print cartridge 12.By key 84 is positioned on the trailing edge 72, the user can see key 84 and hold the keyed jointing structure 32 of platform 14, thereby definite soon print cartridge 12 insertions are held in the

correct layout

56,58 of platform 14.At last, by key 84 being positioned near the bottom surface 76 of print cartridge 12, key 84 and keyed jointing structure 32 match, and prevent from that incompatible print cartridge 12 from inserting to hold in the platform 14 and enough at print cartridge 12 with hold and set up fluid between the platform 14 and connect.Therefore, the location of key 84 guarantees that the ink of different colours or dissimilar inks can not pollute the fluid path that holds between platform 14 and the printhead 16.

Other opposite paired keyed jointing allocation plans are shown in Figure 10 c and 10d, 10e and 10f, 10g and 10h, 10i and the 10j.Key and all utilized by these configurations of keyed jointing structure 32 and a kind ofly on print cartridge 12, to form six keys that evenly separate, and remove three with the ink type in the difference print cartridge 12 and the allocation plan of ink color.By six keys 84 of mold pressing and remove wherein three, can produce unique keyed jointing configuration of maximum number.In addition, by using three keys 84,, also have two other keys to can be used to provide the keyed jointing function so, thereby can not insert wrong holding in the platform 14 even guarantee the print cartridge 12 of a damage if any key breaks or damages.

Opposite paired keyed jointing configuration shown in Figure 10 a to 10j is discussed with reference to inserting the black and the Three-colour ink cartridge 12 that hold the correspondence on the platform 14 respectively.The opposite paired configuration of this keyed jointing structure 84 also can be used in the print cartridge 12 of other configurations.For example, under the situation of seven look printers, form image with six kinds of different color inks and black ink.For this printer, print cartridge 12 can dispose two Three-colour ink cartridges 12 and a black print cartridge 12.Each Three-colour ink cartridge 12 can use opposite paired keyed jointing structure 84, prevents from that each Three-colour ink cartridge 12 from inserting to hold in the wrong layout of platform 14.

Holding otch 88 that holds the sticking department 30 on the print cartridge 12 of formation on the platform 14.Sticking department 30 is shown in Figure 10 a-10j, and for simplicity and local the removal.

Figure 11 is the top plan view that is fit into the print cartridge that holds platform 14.This print cartridge 12 is shown has keyed jointing configuration 84 shown in Figure 10 a and corresponding by keyed jointing structure 32.Key 84 and matched by keyed jointing structure 32 and guarantee that correct print cartridge 12 and corresponding correct ink type and color insert corresponding holding in the platform 14.

Claims

1. changeable ink box that ink is provided to ink-jet print system, this ink-jet print system has a platform that holds that is installed on the scanning balladeur train, this hold platform have one the expression one group of changeable ink box parameter a changeable ink box parameter by the keyed jointing part, this changeable ink box comprises:

2. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this keyed jointing is partly represented the ink parameter of the ink of containing in the changeable ink box.

3. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this changeable ink box has with respect to an end face and a bottom surface of inserting the orientation, and wherein protuberance is with side by side the mode sole arrangement towards trailing edge.

4. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this keyed jointing is partly represented one of ink color and ink compatibility.

5. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this keyed jointing part and partly matched by keyed jointing and guarantee changeable ink box and hold the platform compatibility.

6. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this keyed jointing part and partly matched by keyed jointing and avoid and the insertion of holding the incompatible changeable ink box of platform.

7. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, this changeable ink box inserts along a horizontal direction and holds in the platform, this keyed jointing partly is positioned at this by near the keyed jointing part, if this keyed jointing part is with compatible by the keyed jointing part then, this changeable ink box rotates around a pivotal axis so, makes the fluid issuing that is positioned on the container portions and is positioned at the fluid intake engagement of holding on the platform.

8. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this keyed jointing partly is positioned on this changeable ink box, set up between the platform before fluid is communicated with holding at changeable ink box, engagement hold correspondence on the platform by the keyed jointing part.

9. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, this holds platform has a rear wall, one to have on it bottom surface of a fluid intake and one to have one by the antetheca of keyed jointing part on it, and this changeable ink box also comprises:

One is used to connect the fluid issuing of the fluid intake that holds platform;

When this changeable ink box aligns fluid issuing and fluid intake along first linear direction towards the rear wall insertion, if this keyed jointing part is with complementary by the keyed jointing part, this keyed jointing partly meshes this by the keyed jointing part so, allow along further inserting, thereby set up fluid between the platform and be communicated with holding at changeable ink box towards the direction of bottom surface.

10. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 9, it is characterized in that, this changeable ink box inserts along a horizontal direction and holds in the platform, this keyed jointing partly is positioned at this by near the keyed jointing part, if this keyed jointing part is with compatible by the keyed jointing part then, this changeable ink box rotates around a pivotal axis so, makes the fluid issuing that is positioned on the container portions and is positioned at the fluid intake engagement of holding on the platform.

11. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, this keyed jointing partly is positioned on this changeable ink box, set up between the platform before fluid is communicated with holding at changeable ink box, engagement hold correspondence on the platform by the keyed jointing part.

12. one kind is inserted the method in the platform held of an ink-jet print system with a changeable ink box, this hold that platform is positioned on the one scan balladeur train and with balladeur train on the spout part fluid coupling of installing, the method for this insertion print cartridge comprises:

13. method as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that, this keyed jointing structure and matched by the keyed jointing structure and prevent the further insertion of incompatible changeable ink box, thus prevent to be coupled between fluid issuing on the changeable ink box and the fluid intake.

14. a manufacturing is used for inserting the method for holding the changeable ink box in the platform of ink-jet print system, this holds platform has one by the keyed jointing structure, and this is a kind of by the corresponding one group of changeable ink box type of keyed jointing structure, and this manufacture method comprises:

15. the method for manufacturing changeable ink box as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, also comprises the type of the changeable ink box that its ink inside correspondence should compatibility to this holder filling ink.

16. the method for manufacturing changeable ink box as claimed in claim 14 is characterized in that, this group keyed jointing structure be one group from the outward extending protuberance of this ink housing tube.

17. changeable ink box, it is one that inserts in a pair of changeable ink box that holds platform of ink-jet print system, and this holds platform a pair of layout, and each layout has one by the keyed jointing part, this is partly held this to changeable ink box by keyed jointing, and this changeable ink box comprises:

18. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, this group keyed jointing structural configuration becomes to be used for the mirror image of corresponding keys access node structure of changeable ink box of second layout of this group layout.

19. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that this group keyed jointing structure is three extension protuberances that are arranged at interval selectively on the changeable ink box.

20. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 17, it is characterized in that, this comprises that to changeable ink box one fills the monochromatic changeable ink box and three look changeable ink boxes that fill three kinds of different ink colors of black ink, and this comprises that to layout a monochromatic layout and that is used to hold monochromatic changeable ink box is used to hold three look layouts of three look changeable ink boxes.

21. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, first layout is a monochromatic layout, and second layout is one or three look layouts, and this group keyed jointing structure that is used for monochromatic layout is opposite with the corresponding one group of keyed jointing structure that is used for three look layouts.

22. changeable ink box as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, first layout is one or three look layouts, and second layout is a monochromatic layout, and this group keyed jointing structure that is used for three look layouts is opposite with the corresponding one group of keyed jointing structure that is used for monochromatic layout.