DE102008010961A1 - Apparatus for refilling an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a filling device for refilling an ink cartridge (13) for an ink jet printer, with a printhead comprising nozzles or with an ink outlet openings (16) which can be coupled to the ink supply of an ink jet head, either the nozzles of the printhead being in direct contact or in contact with the ink supply of an ink jet head dockable ink outlet port (16) in fluid communication with a ink storage element (17) disposed within the ink cartridge (13) and provided with, for example, an absorbent material or vacuum generating mechanism, comprising an ink filled container (11) an opening (18) in which a capillary element (wick 20) immersed in the ink (19) and in contact with the ink storage element (17) of the ink cartridge (13) is located, the device for refilling an ink cartridge comprising an electronic infan ormationsverarbeitungseinheit (47) which is adapted to interact with a provided on the ink cartridge (13) memory chip (48).

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for refilling an ink cartridge for an ink jet printer according to the Preamble of claim 1.

in the This case is therefore about the refilling of a Ink cartridge for an inkjet printer with ink. There is a distinction between cartridges with integrated printheads on the one hand and cartridges with one to the Tintenzuführöffnung an ink jet head dockable ink outlet. The aforementioned printheads include a variety of very fine jet nozzles, through which the ink on one Print carrier is transmitted. For multi-color ink cartridges are each a predetermined number of jet nozzles one assigned to predetermined color. For cartridges, one to the ink supply an ink jet head dockable ink outlet opening have, in this usually a wick is arranged, the with an inside of the ink cartridge and arranged from absorbent Material existing ink storage element is in fluid communication.

at Cartridges with integrated printheads are the aforementioned Nozzles directly in fluid communication with the inside the cartridge is arranged ink storage element. The ink storage element is made of either fiber material or foam. Since this is a known measure in this regard is unnecessary, here is a more detailed description the same. Also, there are now other "negative pressure generating mechanisms ", which provides a metered ink supply to the nozzles or to the ink outlet opening. There also these mechanisms possess memory function, they should be in the following also under the term "ink storage element" fall.

cartridges with integrated printheads need to refill With ink very carefully broken open and resealed become. The effort is correspondingly large and for Cartridges with small quantities not profitable.

Of others are for cartridges of the aforementioned type also called Syringe refill systems are known by means of which an original cartridge can be refilled. The corresponding sets include a drill, a hot glue gun, at least four syringes with cannula, ink, conventional rubber band and Closure means. The aforementioned systems are commercially available available. However, they are characterized by unwieldiness and disproportionately large Expenses in terms of material and tools.

alternative So-called "compatible cartridges" are offered, which do not include electronics. The electronics must then from the empty original cartridge to be remounted. Again, this requires Skill and tools as well as glue.

cartridges with integrated printhead are very expensive in practice on the so-called recycling market shopped. Then be mechanically opened, cleaned and with a new ink storage element, z. B. sponge od. Like. Provided. Subsequently, substitute ink filled and the cartridge closed again. All these Actually, you can only work at a special refill company be performed, not by the user himself.

The prior art should be further pointed to the DE 197 37 177 A1 such as WO 2004/091919 A1 , These documents can be a device for refilling an ink cartridge with an attachable to the ink supply of an ink jet head Tintenauslaßöffnung according to the preamble of claim 1 are taken.

at However, this state of the art can cause it to malfunction the filling device or the ink cartridge comes, causing damage to the filling device and the ink cartridge or become useless and need to be replaced associated with additional costs. Starting from this the present invention is based in general on the object, a device for refilling an ink cartridge for to show an inkjet printer that in their user friendliness is significantly improved, so not only easy to manufacture and very easy to handle, so they can be controlled by the end user without further ado, but also characterized by the fact that an accidental, incorrect filling of the ink cartridge is prevented. there It should be noted that the device alike should be effective for cartridges with integrated printheads as well Cartridges with a to the ink supply of an ink jet head connectable ink outlet.

These The object is achieved by the characterizing Characteristics of claim 1 solved, wherein advantageous developments and structural details in the dependent claims are.

In particular, the object is achieved by a filling device for refilling an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer, comprising a nozzle printhead or with an ink supply to an ink jet head coupled ink outlet openings, either the nozzles of the printhead directly or at ei An ink discharge port coupled to the ink supply of an ink jet head is in fluid communication with a ink storage element disposed within the ink cartridge and incorporating, for example, an absorbent material or a negative pressure generating mechanism, comprising an ink filled container having an opening therein the wick immersed in the ink and in contact with the ink storage element of the ink cartridge, the ink cartridge refilling device comprising an information processing unit adapted to interact with an information processing unit provided on the ink cartridge or one provided on the filter cartridge To read and / or change information.

One The essential point of the invention is therefore that of the filling device a device is provided which is connected to one of the ink cartridge arranged device for unidirectional or bidirectional Information exchange is enabled. This makes it possible that the filling device on special requirements the ink cartridge - and vice versa, that the ink cartridge on special requirements of the filling device - itself can adjust.

In a concrete embodiment, the information processing unit on the device for refilling an ink cartridge as electrical, electronic or optical information processing unit be educated. Consequently, the information processing is through the device for refilling a wide field sometimes industry standard and standardized information processing mechanisms open, which, depending on the requirement by the ink cartridge advantageous adjusted to these requirements and without great technical Complications can be realized.

In Another embodiment of the present invention may be the ink cartridge side information processing unit as an electrical, electronic or optical information processing unit be educated. Depending on the request by the information processing unit The device for refilling can also be the information processing unit the ink cartridge is to the requirements as possible adjust flexibly. In addition, information processing devices may also be used or sub-aspects thereof are used, which are customary in the industry as well as technically prefabricated, and for this reason manufacturing and Shorten the development times of the information processing units help.

In in turn, another embodiment of the filter cartridge can be provided that provided on the filter cartridge Information as barcode, or RFID tag identifier or as resistance value a resistance bridge present. The capture of the filter cartridge information provided in the form of a barcode can be easily done by widely used devices. numerous Advantages in terms of detectability from the use of barcodes also result from the fact that both in the production process, such as also in logistic and marketing steps a barcode can be detected easily, quickly and without physical contact. These benefits can also be used to provide information as RFID tag identifier, since both RFID tag identifiers over Widely used RFID tag reader in the industrial as well as in the sales area easy and also without contact can be read. The detection of a resistance value, in particular of a resistance bridge, can be performed in simple electrical measurement and is thus compared as an identifier or state value to a predefined finite number of possible state values look well suited.

In a concrete embodiment, the filling device electrical contact elements for contacting corresponding contact elements The ink cartridge, which is a particularly easy way represents information between the filling device and transfer the ink cartridge. This information exchange preferably takes place between the information exchange device the device for filling the ink cartridge and the Information exchange device of the ink cartridge itself instead.

additionally or alternatively, the filling device may also be light-receiving and / or light emitting devices include unidirectional or bidirectional Signal or data exchange with a light-emitting and / or light-receiving device of Ink cartridge, wherein preferably at least one light conversion device, which with the light receiving and / or light emitting devices of Filling device may be in operative connection, the conversion the optical signals into electrical signals and / or the electrical Signals into optical signals makes. Such alternative embodiments are particularly advantageous when filling and ink cartridge have a non-constant distance from each other.

In a further embodiment it is provided that light receiving and / or light emitting devices of the filling device enable a unidirectional or bidirectional data exchange between the information processing unit of the filling device and the information processing unit of the ink cartridge. Accordingly the information processing takes place without an intermediate step directly in the information processing units of the filling device and the ink cartridge itself.

In Another embodiment includes the filling device RFID receiving and / or RFID transmitting devices for unidirectional or bidirectional signal or data exchange with an RFID unit an ink cartridge. Such an embodiment is particular then advantageous if, on the one hand, the distance between the ink cartridge and Filling device varies and on the other hand, a relative irregular tilting of the ink cartridge opposite the filling device can take place.

Preferably the filling device comprises a storage device, in particular a memory chip, so that for in the container recorded ink and / or for the filling device generally and / or characteristic of the associated ink cartridges Data can be stored.

Preferably the filling device comprises at least one sensor, which with the information processing unit, in particular with because memory chip, interacts and allows, for the filling device characteristic data, in particular humidity, temperature and the Level, to capture. That characteristic data, which of the sensor (s) of the filling device capture / capture, preferably in the information processing unit, in particular stored in the memory chip, at least temporarily become.

The Information processing unit, for example, a detachable or permanent component of the filling device be. A detachable attachment would be advantageous prove when replacing or replacing the storage device, for example in case of a malfunction, should be necessary.

In In a preferred embodiment, the information processing unit acts with a provided on or in the container level detection device together to the level of ink in the container capture. This ensures that the electronic information processing unit can monitor the ink level. The electronic information unit can this indirectly also a refilling of the Estimate ink cartridge or the time span or the time Calculate after a sufficient amount of ink for refilling the ink cartridge discharged from the filling is.

In a concrete embodiment, the information processing unit a chip resetter on to the information processing unit the ink cartridge stored data, in particular former filling data and / or former fill level data or reprogram.

Preferably the information processing unit comprises an ink cartridge inspection unit; allowing characteristic data of the ink cartridge, such as type of ink cartridge and / or original fill date and / or current Level and / or color or type of ink taken and / or condition of residual ink existing in the ink cartridge can be.

Concrete the ink cartridge check unit works with a shut-off together, the refilling of the Ink cartridge only releases when checking through the ink cartridge check unit the Fulfillment of predetermined criteria.

at A preferred embodiment is the filling device with additional communication ports for connection to a PC and / or for direct connection to the Internet or a telecommunications network provided, whereby data of the filling device or the Ink cartridge can be recycled externally.

Farther the filling device preferably comprises loose or detachable kept a replacement information unit, which is designed to before, during or after filling the ink cartridge the previously replacement information unit installed there.

at a preferred embodiment comprises the filling device at least one releasable and at least partially adhesive Strip, which is removed before refilling the ink cartridge must be provided and intended to cover the wick, which means effective protection of the sensitive wick, for example during a Transportes or storage of the filling ensured is.

following The invention also relates to further features and advantages described on the basis of embodiments, based on the illustrations are explained in more detail.

in this connection demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of the filling device including an attached to the filling ink cartridge;

2 a schematic illustration of an alternative data transmission method and

3 another alternative of a data transmission method.

In 1 is a filling device 10 to see which one over a wick 20 with an ink storage element 17 an ink cartridge 13 connected is. A first end of the wick 20 is in a container filled with ink 11 the filling device 10 and a second end of the wick 20 contacts the absorbent ink storage element 17 such that when there is a pressure difference between the two ends, ink from the filling device 10 in the ink cartridge 13 is transferred individually. The wick comes through an opening 18 from the filling device 10 and enters via an ink outlet 16 the ink cartridge 13 in the ink cartridge 13 one.

In the in 1 illustrated embodiment is by the process of insertion of the wick 20 in the ink cartridge 13 an electrical contact between contact elements 49 the filling device and contact elements 49 ' the ink cartridge 13 produced.

As a result, it is possible data of a memory chip 48 which is in the ink cartridge 13 is arranged on an information processing unit 47 on or in the filling device 10 transferred to. Conversely, data from the filling device can also be used 10 or the information processing unit 47 over the contact elements 49 . 49 ' to the ink cartridge 13 or the memory chip 48 be transmitted.

As in 1 shown is the information processing unit 47 Part of the filling device 10 , Alternatively, it is also conceivable the information processing unit 47 separated from the filling device 10 provided on or in the ink cartridge 13 to arrange.

The memory chip 48 Can be inside the ink cartridge 13 be provided or attached to an outer edge surface. On the one hand, it is conceivable to use the memory chip 48 detachable, for example by snapping into a bridge-shaped carrier or insoluble, for example by gluing or welding to the ink cartridge 13 connect to. The memory chip can alternatively also be arranged on a card.

Im in 1 the embodiment shown, the data transfer from the chip 48 or the ink cartridge 13 to the information processing unit 47 over the contact elements 49 . 49 ' and thus essentially wired. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a wireless transmission, which in the 2 and 3 is shown schematically.

The embodiment of 2 differs from the embodiment according to 1 by the at the information processing unit 47 and the ink cartridge 13 or the memory chip 48 arranged RFID receiving devices 52 . 52 ' and the RFID transmitting devices 53 . 53 ' which in the present concrete embodiment, the contact elements 49 . 49 ' replace. It is also conceivable both contact elements 49 . 49 ' as well as RFID receiving and RFID transmitting devices 52 . 52 ' . 53 . 53 ' provided. In such a case z. B. the RFID receiving and RFID transmitting devices 52 . 52 ' . 53 . 53 ' assume the function of a coding / decoding device, wherein the contact elements 49 . 49 ' the transmission of operating data, such as ink level, temperature or the like can take over.

In 3 another wireless data transmission device is shown. In that particular embodiment, light receiving devices take over 50 . 50 ' and light emitting devices 51 . 51 ' the exchange of data or information between the ink cartridge 13 and the information processing unit 47 , wherein light conversion devices 63 . 63 ' with the light receiving and light emitting devices 50 . 50 ' . 51 . 51 ' the filling device 10 be in operative connection and make the conversion of the optical signals into electrical signals and the electrical signals in optical signals. The light receiving and light emitting devices 50 . 50 ' . 51 . 51 ' and the light conversion devices 63 . 63 ' can stand alone or parallel to (in the embodiment of 3 not provided) contact elements 49 . 49 ' or RFID receiving and RFID transmitting devices 52 . 52 ' . 53 . 53 ' to transmit the data or information. At the light emitting device 51 respectively. 51 ' it is preferably a laser or a laser diode. It should be noted at this point that light here is understood to mean the entire optical spectrum, ie in particular also infrared and ultraviolet light.

The information processing unit 47 (please refer 1 ) stands with a memory chip 54 in operative connection, so that data to be stored of the information processing unit 47 at least temporarily can be stored. The memory chip 54 at the same time takes over the storage of data from a sensor 62 the filling device 10 that allows it for the filling device 10 characteristic data, in particular humidity, temperature and viscosity of the ink.

The electronic information processing unit 47 also stands with a level detection device 55 in conjunction, so that the level of ink in the container 11 is detected. The detection of the level by the level detection device 55 On the one hand directly, for example by a swimmer or the like, but also indirectly by a determination or estimation of the in the wick 20 Entering or exiting amount of ink done. The information processing unit 47 further cooperates with a display (not shown in figures), which allows the reading of the level and in particular an ink shortage, for example, a Tintenfülland below 20% indicates. The display can consist of a series of lamps, with a luminous lamp corresponding to a certain percentage of ink. Another way to display the ink level is the arrangement of a liquid crystal display, which can specify the ink level extremely accurate or in the filling a remaining filling time.

The electronic information processing unit 47 includes a chip resetter 56 the one on the memory chip 48 the ink cartridge 13 stored data is deleted or reprogrammed. Preferably, the chip resetter 56 enables deletion or reprogramming of the memory chip 48 at a time shortly after connection of the information processing unit 47 to the ink cartridge 13 make.

Furthermore, the information processing unit 47 an ink cartridge inspection unit 57 on to characteristic data of the ink cartridge 13 How to check the type of ink cartridge and original filling date or level, or the color or type of ink taken or condition of any remaining ink in the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge check unit 57 can as well as the chip resetter 56 like this in 1 is shown within the electronic information processing unit 47 be arranged. Alternatively, however, a separate from the information processing unit attachment inside or outside of the filling 10 For example, on or in the ink cartridge 13 possible. The ink cartridge check unit 57 acts with a shut-off device 58 together, which is the refilling of the ink cartridge 13 only releases when checking by the ink cartridge check unit 57 has confirmed the fulfillment of predetermined criteria. The obturator 58 may, for example, at one of the two wick ends or at any other point of the wick 20 be arranged.

The filling after 1 includes communication ports 59 . 60 for connection to a PC and for direct connection to a telecommunication network. These communication ports transmit data from the information processing unit 47 for further processing on an external processing unit. The communication port 60 for direct connection to the telecommunications network also allows operation of the filling device from a remote workstation.

Furthermore, at the filling device 10 loose or detachable held a spare chip 61 provided, which is designed before, during or after filling the ink cartridge 13 the previously attached memory chip 48 to replace.

In addition, it should be noted that the filling device 10 comprises at least one releasable and at least partially adhesive strip, which before refilling the ink cartridge 13 must be removed and at least to cover the wick 20 is provided.

At It should be noted that all of the above Parts seen on their own and in any combination, in particular the details shown in the drawings as essential to the invention be claimed. Variations thereof are those skilled in the art common.

10

filling

11

container

13

ink cartridge

16

ink outlet

17

Ink member

18

opening

20

capillary or wick

47

Information processing unit

48

Information processing unit (Ink cartridge)

49, 49 '

electrical Contact

50, on 50 '

Light transmitter

51 51 '

Light receiving means

52 52 '

RFID receiver

53 53 '

RFID transmitter

54

memory chip (Filling)

55

Level detection device

56

Chipresetter

57

Ink cartridges checking unit

58

shutoff

59

communication port (PC connection)

60

communication port (Internet connection)

61

Replacement information unit

62

sensor

63 63 '

Light converter

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19737177 A1 [0008]
• WO 2004/091919 A1 [0008]

Claims (23)

Filling device ( 10 ) for refilling an ink cartridge ( 13 ) for an ink jet printer, with a nozzle comprising printhead or with an ink outlet opening ( 16 ), wherein either the nozzles of the print head can be used directly or in the case of an ink outlet opening () which can be coupled to the ink feed of an inkjet head (US Pat. 16 ) these over a wick ( 20 ) with one within the ink cartridge ( 13 ) and, for example, absorbent material or a negative pressure generating mechanism comprising ink storage element ( 17 ) is in fluid communication comprising an ink filled container ( 11 ) with an opening ( 18 ), in which one in the ink ( 19 ) immersed, and with the ink storage element ( 17 ) of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) contactable capillary element (wick 20 ), characterized in that the device for refilling an ink cartridge comprises an information processing unit ( 47 ), which is adapted to be connected to one of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) provided information processing unit ( 48 ) or in contact with the filter cartridge ( 13 ) read and / or modify the information provided. Filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the information processing unit ( 47 ) is formed on the device for refilling an ink cartridge as an electrical, electronic or optical information processing unit. Filling device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ink cartridge side information processing unit ( 48 ) is designed as an electrical, electronic or optical information processing unit. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the on the filter cartridge ( 13 ) provided information as a barcode, or RFID tag identifier or resistance value of a resistance bridge. Filling device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filling device comprises electrical contact elements ( 49 ) for contacting corresponding contact elements ( 49 ' ) of the ink cartridge ( 13 ). Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the electrical contact elements ( 49 ) a unidirectional or bidirectional data exchange between the information processing unit ( 47 ) of the filling device ( 10 ) and the information processing unit ( 48 ) of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) enable. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the filling device ( 10 ) Light receiving and / or light emitting devices ( 50 . 51 ) comprises for signal exchange with a light emitting and / or light receiving device of the ink cartridge ( 13 ). Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filling device ( 10 ) at least one light conversion device ( 63 ), which with the light receiving and / or light emitting devices ( 50 . 51 ) of the filling device ( 10 ) is in operative connection and makes the conversion of the optical signals into electrical signals and / or the electrical signals into optical signals. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the light receiving and / or light emitting devices ( 50 . 51 ) of the filling device ( 10 ) a unidirectional or bidirectional data exchange between the information processing unit ( 47 ) of the filling device ( 10 ) and the information processing unit ( 48 ) of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) enable. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the filling device ( 10 ) RFID receiving and / or RFID transmitting devices ( 52 . 53 ) for signal exchange with an RFID unit of an ink cartridge ( 13 ). Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the RFID receiving and / or RFID transmitting devices ( 52 . 53 ) of the filling device ( 10 ) a unidirectional or bidirectional data exchange between the information processing unit ( 47 ) of the filling device ( 10 ) and the information processing unit ( 48 ) of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) enable. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the filling device is a memory device, in particular a memory chip ( 54 ), in which for the in the container ( 11 ) and / or for the filling device ( 10 ) in general and / or for the associated ink cartridges ( 13 ) characteristic data can be stored. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the filling device ( 10 ) at least one sensor ( 62 ) associated with the information processing unit ( 48 ), in particular with the memory chip ( 54 ), too interacts and allows, for the filling device ( 10 ) to record characteristic data, in particular humidity, temperature and level. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the characteristic data which the at least one sensor ( 62 ) of the filling device ( 10 ) in the information processing unit ( 48 ), in particular in the memory chip ( 54 ), at least temporarily stored. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the information processing unit ( 48 ), in particular the memory chip ( 54 ), detachable or insoluble component of the filling device ( 10 ). Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the information processing unit ( 47 ) with one on or in the container ( 11 ) provided level detection device ( 55 ) cooperates to determine the level of the ink in the container ( 11 ) capture. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the information processing unit ( 47 ) a chip resetter ( 56 ) on the information processing unit ( 48 ) of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) to delete or reprogram stored data. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the chip resetter ( 56 ) is designed for unprogramming and / or deleting former filling data and / or former fill level data. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the information processing unit ( 47 ) an ink cartridge inspection unit ( 57 ) in order to obtain characteristic data of the ink cartridge ( 13 ), such as type of ink cartridge and / or original filling date and / or level and / or color of the ink received and / or condition of residual ink present in the ink cartridge. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the ink cartridge inspection unit ( 57 ) with a shut-off device ( 58 ), the refilling of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) only when the check by the ink cartridge check unit ( 57 ) has confirmed the fulfillment of predetermined criteria. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the filling device ( 10 ) with further communication ports ( 59 . 60 ) is provided for connection to a PC and / or for direct connection to the Internet or a telecommunications network. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the filling device ( 10 ) further loosely or detachably held a replacement information processing unit ( 61 ), which is adapted before, during or after filling the ink cartridge ( 13 ) the information processing unit ( 48 ) to replace. Filling device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the filling device ( 10 ) comprises at least one releasable and at least partially adhesive strip, which prior to the refilling of the ink cartridge ( 13 ) and at least to cover the wick ( 20 ) is provided.