EP1990199B1 - Ink cartridge with monitoring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ink cartridge having a housing and at least one ink container, the ink cartridge having attachment means for detachable attachment to ink recording devices. Ink recorders, also known as ink jet printers, are widely used in both personal and professional activities. The present invention is used in particular in the production of prints.

Along with the proliferation of personal computers, so-called PCs, compact single or multi-station printers have become established in office technology. Here one distinguishes between laser printers and inkjet printers. In addition to these printer types, there are a number of other types of printers, but these play a relatively minor role. In the ink-jet printers to which the present invention relates, ink to be applied is stored in ink tanks within the printer. Depending on the features of the printer, different numbers of ink tanks are needed. For example, while a black-and-white printer only needs a black ink tank, a color printer requires, for example, three ink tanks for different colors such as cyan, magenta and yellow. In practice, a large number of inkjet printers are used which have four ink tanks. In these ink tanks are the colors black, cyan, magenta and yellow. Still other embodiments have, for example, six tanks, wherein in addition to the colors black, cyan, magenta and yellow further intermediate colors are provided, which further improve the print quality of color representations.

Since the ink is a consumable, it is desirable for a user of an ink-jet recording apparatus to have as accurate information as possible about the condition of the individual ink cartridges with their ink tanks. Unintentional blank printing of one or more ink cartridges is disadvantageous in two respects. On the one hand, the printout during which the ink cartridge was emptied is usually useless since it is only partially completed. Here, not inconsiderable costs can arise due to the used printing medium, such as a photographic paper, and due to the already used ink.

Another disadvantage of uncontrolled blank printing of an ink cartridge is that an inkjet printhead may be damaged under certain circumstances if insufficient ink reaches the printhead.

For monitoring the states of ink cartridges, surveillance devices are therefore known in the prior art which monitor certain properties, such as the filling level of the ink cartridge. If such an ink cartridge is then emptied or positioned incorrectly, for example, this can be detected and displayed in the known devices. This can be done, for example, by the use of an LED, which transmits information to a user by emitting a light signal.

A monitoring device is for example from the EP 1 650 033 A1 which discloses an ink tank and an ink jet recording apparatus. In this case, a light signal is generated by means of a light-emitting device and forwarded via a massive light pipe section towards a display section.

A disadvantage of the ink containers according to this document is that the use of a light guide additional material and additional Manufacturing steps required and may possibly represent a source of error. In addition, due to the optical properties required for sufficient light transmission, the light guide limits the choices of material used to make the cartridge and its color.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide an ink cartridge, which is cheaper to manufacture compared to the ink cartridges known in the art, is simpler in construction and in many cases requires less space.

These objects are achieved with an ink cartridge according to the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the ink cartridge are given in the dependent formulated claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in any technologically meaningful manner and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, wherein further preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

In the present case, the object is achieved by an ink cartridge with a housing and at least one ink container according to the features of claim 1, wherein the ink cartridge fastening means for releasable attachment to ink recording devices, and having at least one functional device for generating and, wherein the functional device at least one signal in response from the state of the ink tank, and equipped with a transfer means connected thereto. The transmission means transmits the at least one signal between a first end at the functional device and a second end, which is spaced from the first end, wherein Transmission medium is air and the transmission means consists of two paths through air and at least one reflector for electromagnetic waves. The reflector is arranged to deflect the signal between the first and second ends. The use of air as a conduit medium, the previously existing from solid signal lines can be replaced and the material previously required for the signal conducting material can be saved. At the same time required for the signal conducting means space is no longer needed. As a result, the ink cartridge according to the invention can be formed with a lower weight. In addition, less space is needed, which means that can be produced at a lower cost. Even a possible source of error, for example by inaccurate positioning of a light guide or a poor signal transition can be avoided. The provided on the ink cartridge functional device generates, for example, signals which correspond to the level or positioning of the ink cartridge within the ink recording device. In particularly simple cases, these may be colored light signals, wherein, for example, a green means that the ink cartridge is sufficiently filled and in the correct location within the ink recording device. On the other hand, with an orange light signal or a red light signal, for example, it may be indicated that the ink cartridge is in a wrong place within the ink recording apparatus or is almost completely emptied. Corresponding gradations can be made, for example, by the use of orange or red light signals. It is also possible that the ink cartridge communicates with the ink recording device via pulsed light sequences.

The functional device may be suitable for processing electromagnetic signals. With regard to processing of electromagnetic signals, provision may also be made for the functional device to query parameters or properties which are requested by the ink recording device. These requests can also edited and done by the subsequent output of appropriate response signals. In contrast to the previously used solids for the transmission of generated signals, air has been found in the context of the present invention as a very suitable transmission medium. With the invention it is possible to reduce the mass of the ink cartridge and to simplify its structure. Transmission means are understood to mean all means which, alone or in combination with others, are suitable for transmitting a signal from one end to another end. In the present case, air serves as a transmission medium and thus as a transmission medium. In addition, however, it is also possible to use components, such as reflectors, which reflect or deflect the signal. According to the invention, air and the at least one reflector form the transmission means.

For example, while a transmitted light signal always propagates in a straight line and thus transmission to hidden points is not possible, the signal can also be diverted into distant and hidden areas to which there is no direct visual contact with the aid of the transmission means.

In particular, it is advantageous if the transmission means is designed as a reflector, for example for light waves. In this way, a light signal generated by the functional device can be deflected in a particularly simple manner to a desired range. It is quite possible to combine a plurality of transmission means or reflectors with each other, if a multiple deflection to achieve the predetermined destination for the signal is required.

In addition, in the context of the invention, transmission means can also be used which filter and / or divide the signals generated before or after the deflection.

The invention provides that at least one transmission means for deflecting the signal between the first and the second end is arranged. By way of example, this transmission means comprises a reflector which deflects a light signal propagating along one side of an ink cartridge by approximately 90 degrees and then forwards, in particular leads away therefrom, along or parallel to a second side of the ink cartridge. With appropriate alignment of the transmission means, it is also possible, for example, to redirect a signal generated at a lower edge of the ink cartridge to the upper side thereof and then in a direction away from the ink cartridge. Such a signal could be perceived there, for example, by an operator at a front of an ink-jet recording device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous according to the present invention, when the housing consists of at least two parts, wherein the functional device is arranged in a second housing portion of the housing, which is connected via connecting means releasably connected to a first housing portion of the housing. The housing of the ink cartridge is composed of at least two housing sections. If the functional device is arranged in a second, separate housing section, it is possible to exchange the empty first section comprising the ink container for a full first section with an empty ink cartridge and to obtain a ready-to-use ink cartridge again by reusing the previous second section. This is resource-saving and thus cost-effective. In addition to the functional device can of course also be provided on the second housing section, a transmission means, so that For the most accurate possible positioning of the first and second housing sections to each other, it is advantageous if the connecting means has at least one longitudinal guide. Such a longitudinal guide may for example be designed in the form of a dovetail groove or other similar tongue and groove joints. This results in a positionally accurate guidance in two dimensions, so that only a longitudinal movement in the direction of the tongue and groove profile used is still possible. The longitudinal movement can then be limited for example by a particularly simple end stop, wherein when it reaches the first and second housing portion are positioned accurately to each other.

It is particularly advantageous if the connecting means has at least one locking means. This can for example be designed so that the second housing portion is latched when reaching the intended position relative to the first housing portion and is fixed in its predetermined end position. Only when replacing the first housing section against a new and filled with ink housing portion, these locking means are then preferably releasable again to remove the second housing portion and assemble with the new first housing portion. In this case, latching means are understood to mean a device which, in the latched state, permits movement in a first direction, while preventing movement in a second direction opposite thereto as long as the latching is not released. The locking is usually achieved by an undercut arrangement in the direction of movement.

For the use of ink cartridges in ink recording devices, it is also advantageous if the second housing portion is at least partially formed as a fastening means. Known ink cartridges usually need to be within the ink recording devices in a particular location be positioned, for which fastening means are provided. According to the present invention, the second housing section is now designed such that it comprises at least a part of these fastening means. This is done in such a way that the ink cartridge according to the invention assembled from the first and second housing sections comprises in total the required fastening means for easy insertion in an ink recording device.

Again, it has proved to be particularly advantageous if the fastening means comprise at least one locking means. Such locking means may be formed, for example in the form of a long tab with a protruding latching lug which locks when inserting the ink cartridge in the ink recording device and only by deflection of the tab, the ink cartridge releases again to remove them from the ink recording device can.

Particularly effective are the ink cartridges according to the present invention, when the functional device has electronic components and electrical connection means. With the help of electronic components, such as small board mounted electronic components and integrated circuits, relatively complex monitoring of the ink cartridge can be done with high accuracy. For example, fill levels, location detections, temperatures or similar parameters can be monitored with the aid of such functional devices. In addition, encodings of ink cartridges can also be checked to prevent inadvertent use of inappropriate ink cartridges. The further provided electrical connection means serve either for supplying electrical energy or for transmitting further signals in wired form to other sections of an ink recording device.

A particularly simple type of power supply can be achieved if the functional device has means for inductive energy supply. In this case, it is possible to supply electrical energy to the functional device in contactless, ie non-contact, way, in order to operate it. This can be done for example by the generation of electrical induction fields on the one hand and the arrangement of a coil within the induction field. A particularly favorable property of the inductive energy transmission is that there is virtually no wear here. It can thus be created a particularly durable device.

As a particularly user-friendly, it has been found that the second end of the transmission means is designed as a display device or is connected directly or indirectly to a display device. Such a display device may be, for example, a scattering optics, which scatters a guided to the second end of the transmission means light signal, so that it is particularly easy to perceive by an operator. Other embodiments may provide that the light signal is transmitted directly or via further transmission means to display devices in order to provide it there to the operators in a suitable form.

The ink cartridge may in principle be made of any suitable materials, suitable materials are known from the prior art. Another particular advantage of the ink cartridges according to the invention consists, for example, in that the cartridge can consist wholly or partly of opaque or colored material, without having to take into account the light-conducting properties of the cartridge or a part of the cartridge. It is particularly advantageous, for example, if that part of the cartridge that carries the functional device can be colored or colored. Often, a functional device may be associated with a particular color of ink, so that it brings with it particular advantages when the Part of the cartridge carrying functional device has a corresponding coloring, for example cyan, magenta, yellow, blue or black. This is also advantageous if the part of the ink cartridge carrying the functional device is designed in such a way that it is removable and suitable for re-attachment. In this way, it can be ensured, in particular, that an ink cartridge designed with a correspondingly removable functional device can be easily assigned to the corresponding ink color when the detachable functional device is reused together with the part of the ink cartridge carrying the functional device, so that malfunctions do not occur.

Fig. 1:

eine erfindungsgemäße Tintenpatrone in einer Schrägansicht;

Fig. 2:

eine erfindungsgemäße Tintenpatrone in einer Explosionsdarstellung in Schrägansicht; und

Fig. 3:

eine weitere erfindungsgemäße Tintenpatrone in einer schematischen Seitenansicht.

The invention and the technical environment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the figures show, but are not limited to, particularly preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1:

an ink cartridge according to the invention in an oblique view;

Fig. 2:

an ink cartridge according to the invention in an exploded view in an oblique view; and

3:

a further ink cartridge according to the invention in a schematic side view.

In Fig. 1 an ink cartridge 1 according to the invention is shown in an oblique view. The ink cartridge 1 has a housing 2, which is formed from a first section 3, a second section 4 and a third section 5. The first section 3 forms an ink container 6 and the third section 5 a lid 7, which closes the ink container 6 arranged in the first section 3. At the bottom of the Ink tank 6 is a recess 8. The recess 8 forms together with a nozzle 9 and a detent 10 formed as a latching means the fastening means 11 for fixing the ink cartridge 1 in an ink recording device, not shown. Such an ink jet recording apparatus may be, for example, an ink jet printer. The second section 4 is connected to the ink tank 6 by a connecting means 12, which is formed as a groove-shaped longitudinal guide. When inserted, in the ink container 6 held and not shown ink is passed through the nozzle 9 to a print head of the ink recording device, also not shown. The second section 4 can be embodied, for example, in a color which corresponds to the coding of a functional device 13.

On the underside of the second section 4 is also still the functional device 13, which can produce at least one signal 21 depending on the state of the ink container 1 and radiates to a cover 7 arranged on the reflector 22, which is part of a transmission means 14. The signal 21 is presently a light signal in the visible spectrum. The transmission means 14 therefore consists of two paths through the ambient air and a reflector 22. The reflector 22 is adapted to reflect the signal 21 on its surface and thereby redirect.

In Fig. 2 is the ink cartridge 1 after Fig. 1 shown again in an exploded view. The lid 7 is lifted from the housing 2. Particularly well recognizable in this view, between the second portion 4 and the housing 2 arranged connecting means 12, which is formed by complementarily shaped elongated profile pieces at the respective first and second sections 3, 4. The connecting means 12 forms a longitudinal guide, which leads the sections 3 and 4 almost free of play to each other. Only the movement in the longitudinal direction of the connecting means 12 is thus still possible. In addition, a stop surface 15 is provided on the housing 2 at the bottom of the longitudinal guide 12, to which the second portion 4 comes into contact with the longitudinal guide of the connecting means 12 when inserted. In this way, a very exact positioning of the second section 4 relative to the housing 2 of the first section in the longitudinal direction is additionally possible. If necessary, locking means 10 can also be provided between the first section 3 and the second section 4, which fix the second section 4 in the position thus achieved, and prevent accidental slipping out of the longitudinal guide 12, as long as the locking means 10 are not released.

In Fig. 3 Now, an ink cartridge 1 according to the invention is shown schematically in a side view. The ink cartridge 1 shown here is a similarly constructed ink cartridge 1, as previously in connection with the FIGS. 1 and 2 has been described. Particularly well recognizable here is the mode of operation of the signal transmission. The signal 21 is first generated by a light-emitting component 16 of the functional device 13 and radiated in the direction of the reflector 22 of the transmission means 14. There, the signal 21 is reflected and directed away from the ink cartridge 1 in the horizontal direction. The direction in which the signal 21 is led away from the ink cartridge 1 corresponds to the laws of optical reflections, according to which the angle of incidence of the signal 21 on the reflector of the transmission means 14 is equal to the angle of reflection. This set in relation to the reflection surface of the reflector means that a vertical radiation of the reflection surface of the transmission means 14, which is aligned at 45 degrees to the vertical, a horizontal radiation is achieved to the left. The total deflection by the transmission means 14 is thus 90 °. The signal 21 puts in the transmission indicated by the dashed lines distances back to it reaches the lying on the arrowhead 19 second end 20.

Furthermore, the functional device 13 comprises a plurality of components, such as electronic semiconductor components, capacitors, resistors or similar elements. In addition, the functional device 13 has a light-emitting component 16 which, in the presence of a defined state of the ink cartridge 1, generates a signal 21 corresponding to the state in the form of a light signal. Furthermore, the functional device 13 has a plurality of electrical contacts 17, for example two, three or in particular four. In the embodiment shown here, the electrical contacts 17 serve to provide energy in electrical form for the operation of the electrical functional device 13. In addition, however, signals can also be transmitted via such contacts 17 in each direction.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention shown above all have the advantage that air is used as the transmission medium for signals 21 to be transmitted from a first end 18 located at the light-emitting component 16 to a second end 20 lying at the arrow end 19. As a result, it is possible to dispense with the use of solids as signal lines, which makes the illustrated illustrated ink cartridge 1 less expensive, simpler and lighter.

Incidentally, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Rather, numerous modifications of the invention within the scope of the claims are possible. Thus, instead of the described geometric arrangements numerous other arrangements can be used, which are suitable for transmitting the signal 21 from one end 18 to another end 20.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

ink cartridge

2

casing

3

first section

4

second part

5

Third section

6

ink tank

7

cover

8th

recess

9

Support

10

locking lug

11

fastener

12

connecting means

13

functional device

14

transmission means

15

stop surface

16

Light-emitting component

17

Contact

18

First end

19

arrow

20

Second end

21

signal

22

reflector

Claims (10)

1. Ink cartridge (1) having a housing (2) and at least one ink container (6), wherein the ink cartridge (1) has fixing means (11) for detachable fixing to ink recording devices, and having at least one functional device (13) for generating electromagnetic signals (21), wherein the functional device is able to generate at least one signal (21) as a function of the condition of the ink container (6), wherein the functional device (13) has electronic components and electric connecting means (17), and having a transmission means (14) connected thereto, which transmits the at least one signal (21) between a first end (18) on the functional device (13) and a second end (20), which is spaced apart from the first end, wherein the transmission medium used is air and the transmission means (14) is composed of two paths through air and at least one reflector (22) for electromagnetic waves, in particular for light waves, wherein the reflector (22) is arranged to deflect the signal (21) between the first and the second end (18, 20).
2. Ink cartridge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the functional device (13) is suitable for processing electromagnetic signals (21).
3. Ink cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) comprises at least two parts, wherein the functional device (13) is arranged in a second housing section (4) of the housing (2), which is detachably connected by connecting means (12) to a first housing section (3) of the housing (2).
4. Ink cartridge (1) according to Claim 3, wherein the connecting means (12) has at least one longitudinal guide.
5. Ink cartridge (1) according to one of the two preceding Claims 3 or 4, wherein the connecting means (12) has at least one latching means.
6. Ink cartridge (1) according to one of the three preceding Claims 3-5, wherein the second housing section (4) is at least partly formed as a fixing means (11).
7. Ink cartridge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fixing means (11) comprises at least one latching means (10).
8. Ink cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional device (13) has at least one light-emitting component (16) for generating a signal (21).
9. Ink cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional device (13) has means for the inductive supply of energy.
10. Ink cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end (20) of the transmission means (14) is formed as a display device or is connected directly or indirectly to a display device.

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