ES2257508T3 - ADAPTER FOR INK DELIVERY SYSTEM. - Google Patents

Abstract

An adaptive ink supply for a printing system (10) having a receptacle (88) containing a platform, including the receptacle (88) an electrical connector protruding from the platform (102) and having an end containing a plurality of elastic electrical contacts (104) protruding from the end, including the receptacle (88) a fluid inlet that includes a hollow needle (108) surrounded by a sliding seal collar (111); the fluid inlet includes an ink supply sleeve (110) surrounding the sliding collar (111) and the hollow needle; The printing system includes control electronics (32) of the printing system for controlling printing operations, the ink supply comprising: a housing (193) that is adapted to be inserted, at least partially into the receptacle (88) in a first direction, the housing (193) having a leading end; a fluid reservoir for containing ink for replacement (19); a fluid outlet (195) secured to the housing (193) in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir (187) located outside the housing (193) and connected to the fluid outlet (195) by a conduit (197), including the fluid outlet (195) a distant end member that is sized to be received by the ink supply sleeve (110); the distant member being adapted to depress the sliding collar (111) and receive the hollow needle (108) from the fluid inlet, to supply the replacement ink to the printing system; a plurality of electrical contact adapters (200) mounted in the housing (193) for application with the electrical contacts of the electrical connector; and an information storage device (202) coupled to the contact adapters for exchanging information with the control electronics (32) of the printing system.

Description

Adapter for ink delivery system.

Technical field

This invention relates generally to systems of print inkjet and, more particularly, to systems inkjet printing in which a cartridge is used ink supply that includes a memory device for exchange information with the jet printing system ink.

Background of the exhibition

A type of jet printing system ink, or printing system, of the prior art, has a printhead mounted on a car that is moved by going and coming on a print medium, such as paper. Passing the print head over the appropriate places in the middle of print, a control system activates the print head to that ejects drops of ink on the print medium and forms the images and characters that are desired. To work correctly, such printing systems must have a supply of reliable ink for the print head.

In a category of printing systems of inkjet makes use of an ink supply that is mounted on, and moves with, the car. In some types, the Ink supply is replaceable separately from the head of to print. In others, the print head and ink supply together they form an integral unit that is substituted as one unit once the ink in the ink supply runs out. One of such replaceable ink supplies separately from the head of printing has been described in European Patent Application 0 440 261 A2. In European Patent Application 0 440 261 A2, it describes an ink jet recording apparatus that has a replaceable ink cartridge. The replaceable ink cartridge It includes an ink cassette inserted into an adapter. The cartridge ink defined by the adapter and the ink cassette is insertable in a cartridge guide of the recording device. The side walls of the ink cartridge adapter include rails on which cartridge guide guides are applied for accurately position the ink cartridge inside the guide of the cartridge. The ink cartridge includes a cap member and contacts of the information medium for application with a needle hollow and with the corresponding connection plugs of the  registration, respectively.

In another category of printing systems, called "offset axis" printing systems is done use of ink supplies that are not located in the car. In one type, the printhead is intermittently filled. The printhead will move periodically to a deposit stationary to be filled. In the main application number Serial 09 / 034,874 of this application, entitled "Ink Delivery System Adapter " Ink "), another printing system is described in which the head Print is coupled for fluid communication with a replaceable ink container or supply, through a duct such as a flexible tube. This allows the head of print is filled in continuously during an operation of to print.

In a main application regarding this request describes a replaceable offset shaft supply which has a memory device mounted in the housing. When installed in the printing system, a electrical connection between the printing system and the device memory. This electrical connection allows the exchange of information between electronics and system memory to print. The memory device stores the information that is used by the printing system electronics to ensure High print quality. This information is provided. to the electronics of the printing system automatically, when the Cartridge is mounted on the printing system. The exchange of information ensures the compatibility of the cartridge with the system to print.

The stored information also prevents the use of the ink supply after the ink has run out East. If a printing system is operated when it has been Depleted ink from the tank, you can destroy the head of to print. The memory devices referred to in this request are updated with data regarding the amount of ink left in the tank while it is being used. When a new cartridge is installed, the printing system will read of the memory device volume indicator information of the deposit. During use, the printing system estimates the use of the ink and update the memory device to indicate How much ink is left in the cartridge. When it's sold out substantially ink, this type of memory device can store the indicator data of an ink depleted condition. When they are substantially depleted of ink, these cartridges are typically discarded and a new cartridge is installed, along with a New memory device.

The previously used ink containers they have fixed volumes of supply ink that have been provided for printing systems based, in general, on regime requirements for the ink usage of a particular user. Do not However, users of printing systems have great diversity of ink usage regimes, which can Change over time. For system users of print inkjet that require regimes of use of the relatively high ink, the ink containers that have those volumes require a relatively high regime of substitutions of the ink container. This can be especially disturbing. in printing tasks that are left to be performed overnight. Prolonged continuous use of printing systems make ink containers stay No ink during a print job. Yes during a condition of "ink out" the printing system has not been stopped, the printhead of the printing system itself may result permanently damaged.

For users of printing systems that require lower ink volumes, a set is raised different from problems if the ink volume is too large. Ink may exceed the life of its service life before If used. Larger ink containers are more expensive and more bulky than smaller cartridges, and can result prohibitive for its cost for users who work small scale. There is therefore a need to provide adaptive ink supplies for the ink cartridge described in the main application, so that they can be used ink containers that are for a variety of volumes of ink. Adaptive ink supplies should remain capable of providing the printing system with the advantages of device ink cartridge memory device original.

In the document US-A-5500664 describes a adaptive ink supply for a printing system that it comprises a housing, a fluid reservoir and an outlet of fluid with a distant limb adapted to depress a collar sliding of a receptacle.

Exhibition of the invention

In accordance with the present invention, it has been provided a supply of adaptive ink for a system of printing that has a receptacle that contains a platform, including the receptacle an electrical connector that protrudes from the platform and has an end that contains a plurality of elastic electrical contacts protruding from the end, the receptacle including a fluid inlet that includes a hollow needle surrounded by a sliding seal collar, the fluid inlet includes an ink supply sleeve that surrounds the sliding collar and the hollow needle, the system of print includes electronic control system printing for control printing operations, including supply from ink:

an accommodation that is adapted to be inserted, at least partially, into the receptacle in a first direction, the housing having a leading end;

a fluid reservoir to hold ink for substitution;

a fluid outlet secured to the housing in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir located outside to the housing and connected to the fluid outlet through a conduit, including the fluid outlet a distant end member that is dimensioned to be received by the supply sleeve of ink; the distant member being adapted to depress the sliding collar and receive the hollow needle from the entrance of fluid to supply the replacement ink to the system to print;

a plurality of contact adapters electrical mounted in the housing for application with the electrical contacts of the electrical connector; Y

an information storage device coupled to contact adapters to exchange information with the system control electronics to print.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a printing system that has an ink delivery system of the original equipment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view Isometric of a printing system, using the system of Print from Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view isometric at one end of an ink container of the system Print from Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side view of the container of ink of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a view from a near end, enlarged, partially, of the ink container of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a sectional side view of the ink container of Figure 3, taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view Isometric enlarged, partial, of a part of the printing system of Figure 2, showing the receptacles of the container of ink.

Figure 8 is a perspective view Isometric partial, enlarged and cropped, of the printing system of Figure 2, taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view expanded isometric of an interface part of the system Print from Figure 2.

Figure 10A is a partial sectional view of the interface part of the printing system illustrated in the Figure 9, taken along line 10A-10A of Figure 9, and in which a sectional view is also shown partial ink container installed.

Figure 10B is an enlarged view of the system Figure 10A, taken along the line 10B-10B of Figure 10A.

Figure 11A is a perspective view. Isometric partially exploded view of the container Ink of Figures 10A, 10B, as it appears from the end distant.

Figure 11B is a perspective view. Isometric partially exploded view of the container ink of Figures 10A, 10B, as it appears from the end next.

Figure 12 is another perspective view Isometric exploded view of the ink container Figures 10A, 10B.

Figure 13 is an enlarged side view in the that the induction fluid level sensors have been illustrated for the ink container of Figures 10A, 10B, shown separated from the ink container.

Figure 14 is a sectional view of the container of ink of Figures 10A, 10B, with the next cover removed.

Figure 15 is a side view of a first realization of an adaptive ink delivery system Built in accordance with the invention.

Figure 16 is a side view of a first realization of an adaptive ink delivery system that does not It is constructed according to the invention.

Figure 17 is a side view of a first realization of an adaptive ink delivery system Built in accordance with the invention.

Figure 18 is a side view of a first realization of an adaptive ink delivery system that does not It is constructed according to the invention.

Figure 19 is a side view of a first realization of an adaptive ink delivery system that does not It is constructed according to the invention.

Figure 20 is a side view of a first realization of an adaptive ink delivery system that does not It is constructed according to the invention.

Figure 21 is a view from the near end, enlarged, of an ink container in which another one is illustrated realization of electrical contacts.

Figure 22 is an enlarged sectional view of the ink container of Figure 1 depicted in alignment with The electrical interconnection part.

The best way to implement the invention

Although the present invention comprises adapters and methods to alter the volume of ink and the corresponding information requirements supplied to a printing system, a clearer understanding of the invention can be reached through a In-depth study of the printing system and the ink container of the original team.

With reference to Figure 1, it has been illustrated in she a printing system 10 having an ink container 12, a printhead 14 and a source of pressurized gas, such as a compressor 16. The compressor 16 is connected to the container of ink 12 through a conduit 18. The ink container 12 provides a marking fluid 19, such as ink, at the printhead 14, through a duct 20. The ink container 20 includes a reservoir of fluid 22 to contain ink 19, an outer shell 24, and a chassis 26. In the preferred embodiment, chassis 26 includes the air inlet 28 configured for conduit connection 18 for pressurize the outer shell 24 with air. In chassis 26 a fluid outlet 30 is also included. The fluid outlet 30 is configured for connection to conduit 20 to provide a connection between the fluid reservoir 22 and the fluid conduit twenty.

In the preferred embodiment, the deposit of fluid 22 is formed of a flexible material, such that the Pressing the outer shell 24 produces a flow to ink pressure from the fluid reservoir 22 through the duct 20, at the head of print 14. The use of a source of pressurized ink in the fluid reservoir 22 allows for a relatively high fluid flow rate from the reservoir of fluid 22 at the head of print 14. The use of high regimes of flow or high ink delivery rates at the head of printing enables high print production through printing system 10.

The ink container 12 also includes a plurality of electrical contacts, as will be seen in more detail in What follows. The electrical contacts provide connection electrical between the ink container 12 and the electronics of control or controller 32 of the printing system. The electronic 32 of the printing system controls various functions of the 10 printing system, such as, but not limited to them, the activation of the printhead 14 to dispense ink and activate pump 16 to put the vessel under pressure of ink 12. The ink container 12 includes a device 34 of information storage and perception circuitry 36 of ink volume. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry 36 of the ink volume perception includes two circuits 36, as will be described in more detail with respect to Figs. 12 and 13 The information storage device 34 provides information to the control electronics 32 of the printing system, such as the volume and characteristics of the ink in the container of ink 12. The circuitry 36 of ink volume perception provides signals relative to the current ink volume in the ink container 12, to system control electronics 32 of printing.

An embodiment is shown in Figure 2 of the printing system 10, illustrated in perspective. System print 10 includes a print frame 38 built to contain several ink containers 12 simultaneously. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 has four containers of 12 similar ink. In this embodiment, each ink container it contains an ink of a different color, so that four color printing ink, including: cyan ink, ink yellow, magenta ink and black ink. System Frame 38 print has a control panel 40 to control the operation of the printing system 10 and a slot 42 for the medium, from which the paper is ejected.

With reference also Figure 1, when sold out ink 19 in each ink container 12, the container 12 for a new ink container 12 containing a New ink supply. In addition, the containers must be removed ink 12 of frame 38 of the printing system for reasons other than the existence of a depleted ink condition, such as to change inks for an application that requires different properties of the ink, or for use on different media. Is important that the replacement ink container forms reliable fluid and electronic connections with frame 38 of the printing system, so that the printing system 10 behaves in reliable operation.

In Figures 3 and 4 a ink container 12 of the original equipment that has a wrap outside 24 containing the fluid reservoir 22 (Fig. 1) for contain ink 19. The outer shell 24 has a front cover 50 fastened on a front end and a rear cover 52 fastened on a rear end, in relation to the direction of insertion of the ink container 12 in the frame 38 of the to print. The front cover 50 has an opening 44 at its end front, through which an air inlet 28 protrudes and a fluid outlet 30 from the reservoir 22 (Fig. 1). The chassis 26 of tank has one end or base that abuts the butt on the lid front 50, so that the air inlet 28 and the outlet of luido 30 protrude through opening 44. Opening 44 is surrounded by a wall 45, which places the opening 44 within a recess. Air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 are configured for connection with compressor 16 and with the head of print 14, respectively, (Fig. 1), once properly the ink container 12 is inserted in the frame 38 of the  to print. On the air inlet 28 and the fluid outlet 30 is will deal in more detail in the following.

The front cover 50 also has another opening 46 that is located within the recess defined by a wall 45. The base or end of the chassis 26 is also exposed to the opening 46. A plurality of flat electrical contact adapters 54 are arranged in the chassis. 26 of the reservoir and located within openings 46 to provide electrical connection between the circuitry associated with the ink container 12 and the control electronics 32 of the printing system. The contact adapters 54 are rectangular and are located in a straight row. Four of the contact adapters 54 are electrically connected to the information storage device 34, and four are electrically interconnected to the ink volume sensing circuitry 36, as seen with respect to Figure 1. In a preferred embodiment, the Information storage device 34 is a semiconductor memory device and the ink volume perception circuitry 36 comprises an inductive perception device. The wall 44 helps to protect the information storage device 34 and the contact adapters 54 against mechanical damage. In addition, the wall 45 helps to minimize the inadvertent contact of the fingers with the contact adapters 54. About the contact adapters 54 will be treated in more detail with respect to the
Figure 5

In a preferred embodiment, the container of ink 12 includes one or more key features and guided 58 and 60 arranged on opposite sides of the front cover 50 of the container 12. The characteristic keyed elements and guided 58 and 60 protrude outward from the sides of the container 12, to work together with the elements corresponding keyed and guided features in the printing system frame 38 (Figure 2) to help align and guide the ink container 12 during insertion of the ink container 12 in frame 38 of the printing system. The characteristic elements of keyed and guided 58 and 60 they also provide a keyed function to ensure that the ink containers 12 having the ink parameters appropriate, such as the appropriate color and type of ink, are inserted into a given slot of frame 38 of the system to print.

On one side of the rear cover 52 it is provided a characteristic hitch element 62. The element characteristic of hitch 62 works together with parts of corresponding hitch on the part of the printing system, to secure the ink container 12 into the frame 38 of the printing system, so that interconnections, such as those of air under pressure, those of fluid and the electric ones, are carried out in a reliable way. The characteristic hitch element 62 is a molded spike that extends downward relative to a gravitational frame of reference. The ink container 12, As illustrated in Figure 4, it is placed to be inserted  in the frame 38 of a printing system (Fig. 2) along the Z axis of the coordinate system 64. With this orientation, the gravitational forces exerted on the ink container 12 lo They are along the Y axis.

A view is shown in Figure 5 enlarged electrical contact adapters 54. A member of vertical guide 72 is mounted on chassis 26 adjacent to the contact adapters 54. The electrical contact adapters 54 include two pairs of contact adapters 78, each being pair electrically connected to one of the circuits 36 of volume perception, which were seen with respect to Figure 1. The four contact adapters 80 spaced between each pair of adapters 78 are electrically connected to device 34 of Information storage. Each pair of adapters volume perception contact 78 is located on one side outside of the row of contact adapters 54. The adapters of contact 79 are part of a flexible circuit 82 (Figure 13) that it is mounted on chassis 26 by means of fasteners 84. The four intermediate contacts 80 located between the pairs of volume perception contacts 78 are conductive layers Metals arranged on a non-conductive substrate 86, such as epoxy and fiberglass. Memory device 34 is also mounted on the substrate 86 and is connected by conductive strips (not shown) formed in the substrate 86. The device memory 34 has been represented encapsulated by a coating protective, such as epoxy. A back face of the substrate 86, opposite to contacts 80, it is glued with adhesive or attached to the chassis 86 by fasteners 84.

In Figure 6 it can be seen that the guide member 72 extends along a Z axis in the coordinate system 64. Guide member 72 has a tapered distant end, sharp. Guide member 72 provides an important function of guidance, to ensure that the proper connection is achieved electric during the insertion of the ink container 12 in the frame 38 of the printing system.

A container has been shown in Figure 7 of ink 12 shown secured inside a receptacle of ink container or receiving slot 88 of the station reception 89 inside frame 38 of the printing system. The indicator mark 90 of the ink container may be located next to each receptacle 88 of the ink container. The brand ink container indicator 90 may be a cutout of sample, or text, in color indicating the color of the ink, to help the user marry the colors to insert the ink container 12 in the appropriate slot 88 within the receiving station 89 of the ink container. As it looked previously, the characteristic elements of keyed and guided 58 and 60, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, prevent the ink containers 12 are installed in a slot 88 wrong. The installation of an ink container 12 in a wrong receptacle 88 may result in a mixture of incorrect colors, or mixing different types of inks of ink, which in each of the two cases can give result in poor print quality.

Each receiving slot 88 inside the station Reception 89 of the ink container includes slots 92 of keyed and guided and coupling parts 94. Slots 92 of keyed and guided cooperate with the characteristic element of keyed and guided 60 (Fig. 3) to guide the ink container 12 inside the receiving station 88 of the ink container. The keyed and guided slot associated with the element characteristic of keyed and guided 58 (Fig. 3) in the container of ink 12, has not been represented. Each hitch part 94 is configured for application with the corresponding element characteristic of hitch 62 in the ink container 12. The geometric configurations of the keyway slots and hitch 92 varies from one receptacle 88 to another to ensure that only ink containers containing the inks of the colors and appropriate compositions are those that are installed in the appropriate reception receptacles.

A single slot of reception 88 of ink containers inside station 89 of Reception of ink containers. Slot 88 includes parts of interconnection to interconnect with the ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment, these interconnection parts include a  fluid inlet 98, and air outlet 96 and a portion of electrical interconnection 100. Each of the interconnections 96, 98 and 100 is located on a floating platform 102, which is loaded by coil springs 101 (Fig. 10A) along the axis Z, towards the ink container 12 installed. Fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 are configured for connection to the corresponding fluid outlet 30 and air inlet 28 (Figure 3),  respectively, in the ink container 12. The interconnection Electric 100 is configured for application with contacts Electrical 54 in the ink container 12.

It is the interaction between the elements 58 and 60 keyed and guided characteristics associated with the ink container 12, and the corresponding slots of keyed and guided 92 associated with the receiving station 89 ink containers, which guides the ink container 12 during the insertion, so that the appropriate one is achieved interconnection between the ink container 12 and the frame 38 of the printing system In addition, the side walls associated with each slot 88 at the receiving station 89 of the container ink are applied to the outer surfaces of the container ink 12 to help guide and align the ink container 12 during insertion in slot 88.

Other figures are illustrated in Figures 9 and 10A details of floating platform 102. Platform 102 is spring loaded, by helical springs 101, in a opposite direction to the insertion direction of the container ink 12 in the receiving slot 88 of the ink container (Fig. 10A). Platform 102 is loaded towards mechanical fasteners (no represented) that limit the movement of platform 102 according to each of the X, Y and Z axes. Therefore, the platform 102 it has a limited degree of movement according to each of the X axes, Y and Z of the coordinate system 64.

The electrical connector 100 is supported by and protrudes from the platform 102. The electrical connector 100 is in general rectangular, and has two side faces 107, faces upper and lower, and a distant end 105. A plurality of spring loaded elastic electrical contacts 104 protrude from the end 105. The electrical contacts 104 are members similar to thin wires that apply to the corresponding electrical contacts 54 (Fig. 3) associated with the container ink 12, to electrically connect an electronic part of the ink container 12 with system control electronics 32 to print (Fig. 1). The electrical connector 100 has a slot of guide 106 on its upper face. Guide slot 106 has walls  opposite converge cooperating for application with the member Guide 72 (Figs. 5 and 10B). The guide member 72 fits into the guide slot 106 to properly align contacts 104 with the contact adapters 54. Figure 10B has illustrated the contact adapters 54 properly aligned with the electrical contacts 104.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10A, the entry of fluid 98 and air outlet 96 protrude from the platform floating 102. The fluid inlet 98 includes a sleeve 110 of ink supply surrounding a hollow needle 108. Needle 108 It has a port near its distant end. A collar 111 it is applied to sliding and for sealing to the needle 108. A spring 113 pushes collar 111 towards the far end, blocking the port. The air outlet 96 includes a sleeve 114 air supply surrounding a hollow needle 112.

Continuing still with reference to Figure 10A, the fluid outlet 30 is a cylindrical member that is extends outward, which has a diaphragm 122 at its end distant. Diaphragm 122 has a slit for receiving the needle 108. In a preferred embodiment, at fluid outlet 30 there is located a check valve, comprising a ball 124 and a spring 126, to prevent ink flow out when insert needle 108. Ball 124 seats against diaphragm 122 and is pushed out of the diaphragm 122 by the needle 108. The air inlet 28 is also a cylindrical member that has a diaphragm 128 with a slit.

When the ink container 12 is inserted in the receiving slot 88 so that it can be released, the characteristic elements of keyed and guided 58 and 60 provide approximate alignment between the ink container and the receiving slot 88, such that the distant end of fluid outlet 30 can be correctly applied to the end distant from the ink supply sleeve 110, and in such a way that the distant end of the air inlet 28 can be applied correctly to the distant end of the supply sleeve 114 ink. The application forces between the far end of the fluid outlet 30 and ink supply sleeve 110, and between the far end of the air inlet 28 and the sleeve 114 ink supply, generate a force that makes the floating platform 102 moves to alignment with respect to the ink container 12, such that the needle 108 can be received by, and thereby forming a fluid connection with, the fluid outlet 30. This alignment of the floating platform 102 also allows the needle 112 to be received by, and form a air connection with, air inlet 28.

When fluid outlet 30 is applied correctly to the fluid inlet 98, the distant end of the fluid outlet 30 slides collar 111 from a position in which the same port seals the port in the hollow needle 108, to a position where the port in the needle opens hollow 108. At the same time, the distant end of the exit of fluid 30 receives the hollow needle 108, providing communication of fluid between the hollow needle 108 and the fluid outlet 30. It is important that fluid outlet 30 is correctly dimensioned, the far end having an appropriate diameter, of such that it can be received in the supply sleeve 110 of ink, and that the fluid outlet has a sufficient length, of so that it can properly depress collar 111 and receive the hollow needle port, to allow fluid flow from the fluid outlet 30 to the hollow needle 108.

The fluid and air connections described in The foregoing provide an intermediate precision of the alignment between connector 100 and plurality of contacts 54 associated with the ink container 12. This intermediate accuracy It is suitable for electrical connection along the "y" axis represented by axes 64 in Figure 9. However, this approximate alignment is not accurate enough along of the "x" axis. The electrical connector 100 is mounted on the floating platform 102 such that it has a degree of movement along the "x" direction. It is provided also a fine alignment along the "x" direction by at least one guide member associated with the container of ink 12 that is applied to connector 100. In one embodiment preferred, the at least one guide member is the vertical member 72 that is applied to the opposite convergent walls of the connector electric 100.

As illustrated in Figures 11A, 11B and 14, envelope 24 is a generally rectangular member with a cylindrical neck 130 at its front end. The chassis 26 is a disc or circular block that is inserted in neck 130 and shutter, with the front frame of the chassis 26 flush with the neck flange 130. Tank 22 is a collapsible tank, such as a bag folding, which fits inside the envelope 24. An opening in the tank 22 is attached for sealing to chassis 26. Housing 24 it is air tight, creating a pressure chamber 132 in the space surrounding the reservoir 22. The air inlet 30 leads to the pressure chamber 132.

With reference to Figure 12, the plates rigid stiffeners 134 are attached to the outer faces opposite tank 22. The two coils 36 of the volume sensor of ink are formed on the opposite branches of the circuit flexible 82. Each of the coils 36 has two terminal wires 138 (Fig. 13) connected to one of the contact pairs 78 of the sensor (Fig. 3). One of the coils 36 is located on one side of the tank 22, while the other is on the opposite side. When is connected to the printing system 10, the electronics of the printing system provides a signal that varies over time at one of the coils 36. This indicates a voltage in the other coil 36 whose magnitude varies as the separation distance varies between the coils 36. As the ink is used, the opposite side wall portions of the tank 22 are crushed getting together, changing the electromagnetic coupling or the mutual inductance of the pair of coils. This change in the coupling is perceived by controller 32, which deduces as Result an ink level. In addition, controller 32 effects also a continuity check when the ink container 12, determining if it exists electrical continuity between the two contact adapters 78 that lead to one of the coils 36.

Each ink container 12 has unique aspects in relation to the ink container, which are represented in the form of data provided by the information storage device 34. This data is provided from the ink container 12 to the printing system 10 by means of the memory device 34 automatically, without requiring the user to reconfigure the printing system 10 for the particular ink container 12 installed. Memory device 34 has a protected section, a write once section, and a multiple write / delete section. When the cartridge 12 is first installed in the printing system 10, the controller 32 reads the information from the ink container, such as the identity of the manufacturer, the identification of the part, the date code of the ink supply, the System coefficients, service mode and ink supply size. The printing system 10 excites one of the coils 36 and reads an initial receiving coil voltage of the other (receiving) coil 36. This initial receiving coil voltage of the receiving coil 36 is an indicator of the full state of the ink container 12. The printing system control electronics then records a parameter on the protected part of the memory device 34, which is indicative of the initial voltage of the receiving coil. The control electronics of the printing system then initiate a characteristic write protection action, to ensure that the information contained in the protected part of the memory remains
unalterable.

The write once section is a part of the memory in which controller 32 can write only one time. The multiple write / delete section allows you to write and erase it repeatedly. In these two sections the information regarding the amount of current ink. How I know will explain in the following, the approximate bit information is stored in the write section once, and bit data fines are stored in the multiple section write / erase

Once the ink container 12 is inserted in the printing system 10, the controller 32 reads the information from the memory device 34 to control various functions of Print. For example, controller 32 uses the information from memory device 34 to calculate a Estimation of the remaining ink. If the remaining ink is less than a low threshold volume of ink, the user is provided with a message indicating it. In addition, when a substantial part is consumed of the ink below the threshold volume, the controller 32 can disable the printing system 10, to prevent the print head operation 14 without ink supply. If the printhead 14 is operated without ink, it may result in a decrease in the reliability of the print head, or a catastrophic failure of the head of print 14.

In operation, controller 32 reads the initial volume information of the memory device 34 associated with the ink container 12. As it is used the ink during printing, the ink level is being monitored by controller 32, and memory device 34 is updated to contain the information related to the ink remaining in the ink container 12. Controller 32 then monitors the ink level available in the ink container 12 through of memory device 34. In a preferred embodiment, the data is transferred between the printing system 10 and the memory device 34 in series form, using a single line of data in relation to land.

In a preferred embodiment, the volume information includes the following: (1) the initial supply size data in a part of the protected write memory, (2) the approximate ink level data stored in the write part instead of memory, and (3) fine ink level data stored in a write / erase part of memory. The initial supply size data are indicators of the amount of ink initially available in the ink container.
ink 12.

Approximate ink level data includes a series of bits to write only once, that each corresponds to a certain fraction of the ink available initially present in the ink container 12. In a first preferred embodiment, eight bits of approximate ink level correspond to one eighth of the ink initially available present in the ink container 12, and an ink level bit Approximate corresponds to an out of ink condition. Do not However, roughly approximate bits can be used, depending of the desired accuracy for an ink level counter approximate.

Fine ink level data are indicators of a binary number, in bits, fine, which is proportional to a fraction of an eighth of the volume of the ink available initially present in the ink container 12. By consequently, the full margin of the binary number, in bits, fine it is equivalent to one bit of approximate ink level, as will explain in more detail in the following.

The printing system 10 reads the data of the initial supply size and calculate the amount or volume of Supply ink initially present in the ink container 12. The volume of drops ejected by the printhead 14 is determined by the printing system 10 by reading of parameters and / or the execution of calculations. Using volume initial ink available in ink container 12, and the estimated drop volume of printhead 14, the system of printing 10 calculates the fraction of the ink volume Initial supply that represents each drop. This enables the printing system 10 to monitor the initial volume fraction of available ink remaining in the ink container 12.

While printing, the printing system 10 maintains a drop count equal to the number of ink drops that have been ejected by the print head 14. After the 10 printing system has printed a small amount of impression, typically a page, it converts the count of  drops in a number of increments or decrements of the number Binary, in bits, fine. For this conversion the fact is used that the full margin of the binary number, in bits, fine, corresponds to one eighth of the initial volume of ink available in the ink container 12. Each time it is decremented or completely increase the binary number, in bits, fine, the system print 10 write one of the bits of the ink level approximate so that it "hooks it down" to the bit.

The 10 printing system interrogates periodically to the approximate and fine ink level bits to determine the fraction of the initial supply ink that it remains in the ink container 12. The printing system 10 can then provide a user with an indication of " gasoline ", or other, of the printing system 10 which is an indicator of the ink level in the ink container 12. In one embodiment preferred, the printing system provides a "level warning low ink "when the sixth level bit of approximate ink Also in a preferred embodiment, the system Print sets the eighth bit of approximate ink level (the  last) when the ink container 12 has run out substantially the ink. This last bit of ink level approximate is called a bit of "spent ink". To the interrogate the approximate ink level bits, the system of print interprets a bit of spent ink "hooked set "as a condition of" ink depleted "for the ink container 12.

The volume is perceived by the coils inductive sensors 36 (Fig. 12) only during a second phase of use of ink During the first phase, both counters are used, The fine and the approximate. Ink drops are counted and recorded in the fine counter part of the memory device 34. Each time the fine counter increases or decreases by complete, another bit of the approximate counter will be set. During the second phase, only the coils 36 of the sensor of the ink level The voltage output of the coil is compared reception 36 with the voltage level indicated by the parameter registered in the memory device 34. In the memory part write / delete a parameter indicating the voltage output Each successive reading is compared with the reading above, as an error verification technique, to allow the detection of a fault in the coil.

At the beginning of the third phase, the fine counter and used in the same way as during the first phase. When the final approximate counter bit is set, it It will indicate an "ink out" warning to the printing system. The three-phase arrangement is provided because the coils  Inductive sensor 36 are accurate enough only in the second stage.

In the printing system 10, the transfer of data between the printing system 10 and the memory device 34 it is in series form by the only data line in relation to Earth. As explained above, while you are depleting the ink in the ink container 12, the device memory 34 stores the data that are indicators of its states Initial and current. The printing system 10 updates the memory device 34 to indicate the volume of ink that remains. When most, or substantially all, of the Supply ink has run out, printing system 10 alter memory device 34 to allow the container of ink 12 provide a "run out of ink" signal. He 10 printing system can respond by stopping printing with the ink container 12. At that point, the user will insert a new ink container 12.

With reference to Figure 15, it has been represented in it a first embodiment of an ink supply 141 of large volume of adaptation to replace the ink container 12. The ink supply 141 comprises a fluid conduit 143, such as a flexible tube, which connects, for communication of fluid, a fluid outlet 145 at one end of conduit 143 with an ink reservoir 146 at the other end of the conduit 143. The conduit 143 allows reservoir 146 to be located remotely of receptacle 88, while fluid outlet 145 is connected to the printing system 10. By placing the tank 146 remotely of receptacle 88, reservoir 246 is allowed to be sized larger than space limitations would allow of the receptacle 88. The fluid outlet 145 functions in shape similar to the fluid outlet 30, previously considered with  with respect to Figure 12. In a preferred embodiment, the output of fluid 145 contains a diaphragm 144, and is sized to connect fluid inlet 98 (Fig. 10B). The hollow needle 108 pierces diaphragm 144. The opposite end of conduit 143 is secured to ink tank 146. In the illustrated embodiment, no air pressure from the air outlet 96 is used to drive the ink from the reservoir 146.

The ink supply 141 also comprises a Electric circuit 147 for ink supply. Circuit 147 of Ink supply comprises a flexible electric cable 149, with an adapter connector 151 at one end. The connector of adapter 151 is intended to electrically connect a source signal 155 with the electrical connector 100 of the printing system 10. Adapter connector 151 is configured to receive with adjustment to at least two opposite sides of the interconnection electric 100 (see also Fig. 9), to retain the connector of adapter 151. The adapter connector 151 may have a guide member similar to guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 6) that fits into the guide groove 106 (Fig. 9).

The adapter connector 151 has a plurality of flat contact adapters 153 arranged in a row to be applied to the electrical contacts 104 of the connector 100. In a preferred embodiment, the number and spacing of the contact adapters 153 are substantially the same as those described with respect to Figure 5. Even though it is not employ inductive volume perception, preferably at least a pair of contacts would be located in a similar way to what contacts 78 are in Figure 5 and electrically connected each other to make it possible for controller 32 (Fig. 1) to perform A continuity check.

The ink supply circuit 147 is connected to the source of electrical signals 155 to supply training information to the printing system 10. A cable 149 enables source 155 of electrical signals so that it can be remote from receptacle 88 while the adapter connector 151 is in application with contacts 104 of the printing system  10. Alternatively, signal source 155 may be connected to cable 149 by a plug-in connector (no represented).

The source 155 of electrical signals may be a memory circuit substantially equal to memory circuit 34 (Figure 3) of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the source of signals 155 may be an emulation device, which is a electronic circuit that works similarly to how it does the memory device 34 but which may have a structure substantially different. As an emulation device, the source of signals 155 can exchange substantially the same type of information with the printing system 10 (Fig. 1) that the memory device 34. For example, as a device for emulation, signal source 155 can provide information to controller 32 (Fig. 1) relative to the volume of ink, the type of ink, and color, when connector 151 is connected to the 100 electrical connector. These signals can be interpreted by controller 32 to be indicative of the size of the initial ink supply, approximate ink level and fine ink level Each time the signal indicating the level of fine ink reaches one end, it can be increased in response the approximate ink level signal at signal source 155. By consequently, an emulation device as the signal source 155 can function as a duplicate, or almost a duplicate, of the memory device 34. Alternatively, the signal source 155 can be a circuit that provides a signal that simply enable the printing system 10 to work whenever it is provide a new supply of ink, but do not provide information concerning the volume of ink in the tank 146 during the use.

In operation, ink supply 141 delivers ink in a similar way to the container ink 12. The high volume ink tank 146 is connected to fluid inlet 98 through conduit 143 and the outlet of fluid 145. The seal of the fluid outlet 145 is perforated by the needle 108 of the fluid inlet 98. The source of signals 155 is connected to system connector 100 through of connector 151 of the ink supply and cable 149. The ink is supplied from the ink tank while communicate the remaining volume, or other ink parameters, to printing system 10 through circuit 147 supplying ink. Conduit 143 and cable 149 allow reservoir 146 and the signal source 155, respectively, be located at printing system distance 10.

With reference to Figure 16, it has been represented in it a second embodiment, which is not covered in the scope of claim 1, of an ink supply 161 of adaptation to replace the ink container 12, which is not within the scope of the protection of Claim 1.  The ink supply 161 comprises a housing 163 with a front end and one rear end in relation to the direction for installing ink supply 161 inside the receptacle 88 (Fig. 8). In this figure, only the characteristic elements of the invention. The accommodation 163 It is sized to be inserted, at least partially, in the receptacle 88 (Fig. 7). Housing 163 includes an opening 165 at the front end, to allow the establishment of fluid and air connections between ink supply 161 and the printing system 10. In a preferred embodiment, the accommodation 163 includes characteristic keyed elements and alignment 184 that work similarly to how the characteristic elements of keyed and alignment 58 and 60 that were treated in relation to the ink container 12.

A flexible ink tank 167 located inside of a rigid shell 169 is located inside housing 163. A fluid outlet 171 extending from reservoir 167 is applies to fluid inlet 98 and receives hollow needle 108 in the same, similar to the fluid outlet 30 which was considered with respect to the ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, a check valve 172 is located between reservoir 167 and fluid outlet 171 and that is open by the needle 108 when the needle pierces a seal or diaphragm 172 at fluid outlet 171. Housing 169 has an inlet of air 173 with a diaphragm 174 that connects to the air outlet 96 and is pierced by the hollow needle 112 therein, to deliver pressurized air from the air outlet 96 to the pressure chamber in the envelope 169, to put the tank 167 under pressure. The outlet of fluid 171 and air inlet 173 protrude through the opening 165 in the housing 163. Preferably, it is also used a volume perception circuit comprising coils inductive, similar to that illustrated in Figure 13.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink supply 161 includes a characteristic hitch element 182 that allows the ink supply 161 to be secured in the receptacle 88 to ensure reliable fluid, air, and electrical connections between the ink supply 161 and the printing system 10. In a preferred embodiment, the characteristic hitch element is a characteristic hitch element 182 of the ink container that is attached close to the rear end of the envelope 169 (as illustrated with respect to Fig. 16) or housing 163. The characteristic hitching element 182 is located on a lower side of the ink supply 161 relative to a gravitational reference frame. The characteristic coupling element 182 is positioned to be applied to the coupling part 94 (which was seen with respect to Figs. 7 and 8) associated with the receptacle 88. The characteristic coupling element 182 forms an opening to receive the part of
hitch 94.

Ink supply 161 also comprises a 175 electric circuit for ink supply. In one embodiment For example, the ink supply circuit 175 it comprises a flexible electric cable 177 that extends from the end-mounted 179 electrical contact adapters front of housing 163. Although not illustrated, a alignment device similar to guide member 72 (Figs. 5 and 6) can protrude from the front end of the housing 163, for ensure correct alignment between contact adapters 179 and the contacts 104 protruding from the connector 100. The alignment device generates 100 connector movement in an address perpendicular to the insertion direction of the 161 ink supply in the printing system 10, in form similar to as in the characteristic alignment element 72 that it was seen with respect to the ink container 12. The rear end of housing 163 is open to allow housing 169 slide in and out of housing 163. The circuit 175 ink supply has been planned to couple electrically a signal source 181 with the connector Electric 100 of the printing system 10.

Circuit 175 of the ink supply has also the signal source 181, which can be a device of electrical memory or an emulator to provide information on printing system training 10. In an embodiment that serves as an example, signal source 181 is mounted on one side of housing 163. Housing 163 preferably has characteristic keyed and guided elements 184 for function in a similar way to elements 58 and 60 (Fig. 3).

An alternative embodiment of the described system with respect to Figure 16 would include a memory device 34 mounted on housing 163 in a manner similar to how it looked with respect to Fig. 5.

In operation, ink supply 161 It works similarly to the way the ink container 12 does. Ink tank 167 is connected to fluid inlet 98 a through fluid outlet 171. Pressure vessel 169 is connected to the air outlet 96 through the air inlet 173. The signal source 181 is coupled to the connector 100 of the system through contacts 179 of the supply connector of ink and cable 177. Once housing 169 is installed, the controller 32 will perform a continuity check. Preferably, this is done through a pair of contacts of volume perception similar to contacts 78 (Fig. 5) and at minus an inductive coil similar to coil 36 illustrated in the Fig. 13. Ink is supplied to the printing system 10 at flow of pressurized air to shell 169 to apply pressure to the tank 167. The operating parameters of the supply of Ink 161 can be communicated to the printing system 10 as described above for ink supply 141.

When ink supply 161 is installed so that it can be released in receptacle 88, such that fluid, air, and electrical connections are established between the 161 ink supply and 10 printing system, springs 101 are compressed. The springs 101 exert a force on the ink supply 161 which is directed in the opposite direction to that of the installation. If necessary, ink supply 161 includes the less a characteristic hitch element 184 that exerts a opposite force that is directed along the direction of installation.

When the ink in the tank 167 runs out, there are several options. Deposit 167 and shell 169 can be removed from housing 163, and replaced with another tank and another shell. Alternatively, the reservoir 167 can be filled. In both cases, if the signal source 181 provides volume information, it will be necessary to update it in some way, so that wrong information is not provided to the controller 32 of the printing system.
(Fig. 1).

A third embodiment of an adaptive ink supply according to the invention is shown in Figure 17. The ink supply 191 comprises a housing 193 having front and rear ends in relation to the installation direction of the housing 193 in the receptacle 88. The housing 193 includes a fluid outlet 195 secured to and protruding from the front end. The housing 193 contains a conduit 197 for the ink extending from the outlet 195 to an ink tank (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the reservoir (not shown) is remote from the housing 193, in a manner similar to that of the reservoir 146 in Fig. 15. This remote configuration allows the use of ink supplies that are not would fit in the receptacle 88. The fluid outlet 195 extends laterally from the housing 193 and fits into the fluid inlet 98 in a manner similar to how the fluid outlet 30 considered with respect to the ink container 12. The ink supply 191 has an electrical ink supply circuit 199 that may be similar to circuit 175 considered with respect to Figure 16, which has a plurality of contacts such as flat contact adapters 200 at a front end of housing 193 and connected to a signal source 202 by a plurality of cables
drivers.

In a preferred embodiment, the supply of ink 191 includes a characteristic hitch element 196 that allows to ensure the supply of ink 191 in the receptacle 88 to ensure reliable fluid and electrical connections between the ink supply 191 and the printing system 10. The characteristic coupling element 196 is located to apply the  coupling part 94 associated with receptacle 88. The element characteristic hitch extends down from one end rear of housing 193 relative to a gravitational frame reference. Other means of providing a possible characteristic hitch element, including surfaces in housing 193 that provide friction between the housing 193 and the sides of the receptacle 88.

In a preferred embodiment, housing 193 also includes characteristic key elements and alignment 198 which, preferably, are similar to the elements key features and alignment 58 and 60 considered with respect to Fig. 3. When housing 193 is inserted so that the elements 88 can be released in the receptacle Key features and alignment 198 provide approximate alignment between housing 193 and receptacle 88. This allows fluid outlet 195 to be applied correctly. in sleeve 110 associated with fluid inlet 98, for allow needle 108 to align correctly with, and be received by, fluid outlet 195. The fluid connection between needle 108 and fluid outlet 195 provides a level intermediate precision alignment between connector 100 and adapters 200. An alignment member is then used, such as a vertical member 72, to provide fine alignment between adapters 200 and contacts 104. This scheme of approximate, intermediate, and fine alignment, is similar to considered for the ink container 12 with respect to Figs. 10A and 10B.

In operation, when housing 193 is inserted in a receptacle 88 (Fig. 7), fluid outlet 195 connects to fluid inlet 98. The signal source 202 in the ink supply connector 199 is coupled to the connector 100 of the system through contact adapters 200. In one preferred embodiment, a continuity check is performed electrical as described with respect to Fig. 15. The ink is delivered to the printing system 10 through the output of fluid 195. The signal source 202 exchanges information with the controller 32 (Fig. 1), as described in what precedes.

When ink supply 191 is installed releasably in receptacle 88 such that they are established fluid and electrical connections between the 191 ink supply and 10 printing system, springs 101 are compressed. The springs 101 exert a force on the ink supply 191 that is directed in the opposite direction to that of  installation. If necessary, ink supply 191 includes the less a characteristic hitch 198 element to beat that strength, as seen in the foregoing.

In Figure 18 a fourth is represented realization of an ink supply 201 having a reservoir of ink 203 with a fluid outlet 205 protruding from one end. It can also be used in the tank 203 circuitry of volume perception, such as that of coils 36 (Fig. 13). Be employs an electrical circuit 207 of ink supply which can be similar to the supply ink supply circuit 147 of ink 141, as described with respect to Figure 15. The 207 ink supply circuit has an electrical connector 204, which connects to a signal source 211. In operation, the ink is dosed from the tank 203 to the electronically exchange information the signal source 211 with the controller 32 of the printing system 10 (Fig. 1). The Electrical continuity can be checked as described in relationship with Figure 15. The source 211 of electrical signals it may be similar to memory device 34, or it may be a emulator that is functionally equivalent to the device memory 34.

A fifth is shown in Figure 19 realization of an adaptive ink delivery system that does not is covered within the scope of claim 1. The supply ink 211 has an external housing 213 containing a ink tank 215 having a fluid outlet 216. The housing 213 has an open rear end to receive sliding to the tank 215. In the housing 213 a electrical circuit 217 ink supply, and that may be the same as the ink supply circuit 199 described in what above in relation to Figure 17. Circuit 217 of Ink supply has 218 contact adapters mounted on a front end of the housing 213 and a signal source 219 mounted on the side of the housing 213. The ink supply 211 works similarly to how the ink supply does 201, as described with respect to Fig. 18.

An alternative embodiment of the described system with respect to Fig. 19 would include a memory device 34 mounted in housing 213 in a manner similar to what was seen with respect to Fig. 5.

When ink supply 211 is installed releasably in receptacle 88, such that they are established fluid and electrical connections between the ink supply 211 and printing system 10, springs 101 are compressed. The springs 101 exert a force on the ink supply 191 going in the opposite direction to that of installation. If necessary, ink supply 211 includes the less a characteristic hitch element 220 to beat that strength, such as a characteristic hitch element located in the rear end of the housing 213. In one embodiment preferred, ink supply 211 includes elements key features and alignment that work so similar to how the characteristic elements of keyed and alignment 58 and 60 that were considered with respect to the ink container 12.

A supply is shown in Figure 20 of ink 224 using a rigid ink tank 226. The tank 226 has a fluid outlet 228 that is configured similar to the fluid outlets described above for connection of fluid with fluid inlet 98 (Fig. 19). A conduit 230 for the ink spreads inside the tank 226 and ends at the bottom with a filter 232. Filter 232 is preferably of a type which allows the passage of the ink to the tube 230 for the ink, but that blocks the flow of air into the tube 230. Next to the fluid outlet 228 an air inlet 234 is located to be received inside the air outlet 96 (Fig. 19). The entrance of air 234 is connected to an air tube 238 that extends inside  from a top side of the tank 226. A memory unit or 242 electric contact emulator and adapters are located in a leading edge of the tank 226. The contact adapters 242 are located to apply to electrical connections 10C of the printer (Fig. 19). A guide member will be employed (no represented), such as guide member 72 (Fig. 5).

In a preferred embodiment, the supply of ink 224 includes the characteristic hitch element 244 for application with the coupling part 94 associated with the system print 10. This characteristic hitch element would be similar al, and would work similarly to the way the element does hitch characteristic 62 described with respect to Figs. 3-10.

In a preferred embodiment, the supply of ink 224 includes characteristic keyed elements and alignment 246, which would be similar to, and would work so similar to how the characteristic elements of keyed and alignment 58 and 60, those considered with respect to Figs. 3-10.

In use, the tank 226 is inserted in the slot Reception 88 (Fig. 8), with fluid outlet 228 in application with fluid inlet 98, air inlet 234 in application with the air outlet 96, and the contact adapters 242 in application with electrical connector 100. Supply pressure is supplied  air from the compressor 16 of the printer (Fig. 1). The air pressure inside the tank 226 above the ink 240. With this the tape 240 is pressed, which then flows to through filter 232 and conduit 230, to the printhead 14 (Fig. 1).

Each of the previous electrical circuits 147, 161, 199, 207 and 217, is preferably provided with a alignment or vertical guide member similar to the guide member 72 (Figures 5 and 6). The guide member 72 is located adjacent to the contact adapters of the respective connectors electrical for application to one side of the support member 100 to align the contact adapters with those of the system print 10.

In Figures 21 and 22 a alternative embodiment of the guide member 72 of the connectors ink supply 147, 161, 199, 207, and 217. A connector 221 which has a row of contact adapters 223 for application with the contacts 104 of the connector 100 it is provided with a pair of 225 alignment members spaced apart. A member of alignment 225 is located adjacent to each of the adapters of contact 223 more exterior. The alignment members 225 have inclined surfaces 227 for application to faces opposite sides 107 of support member 100, to facilitate the union of connectors 100 and 221, and the correct alignment of contacts 223 and 104.

The invention has several advantages. Some ink delivery systems described, such as those described in relationship with Figs. 15 and 17, allow large deposits to be used of ink that cannot be accommodated in the receiving slot 88. This allows users who require intensive use Replace ink containers less frequently. By On the other hand, systems such as those described with respect to Figs. 15, 16, 18, and 19, which are not covered by the scope of the claim 1, allow the ink deposit portion of the ink supply be replaced separately from the part electronics. If desired for lower usage rates, they can be use a plurality of deposit parts relatively Small for each electronic part.

Although the invention has been illustrated or described only in some of its forms, should it be evident to who are experts in the technique that is not limited, but is susceptible to various changes without exceeding the scope of the invention

Claims (7)

1. An adaptive ink supply for a printing system (10) that has a receptacle (88) containing a platform, including the receptacle (88) a connector electric protruding from the platform (102) and has one end containing a plurality of elastic electrical contacts (104) protruding from the end, including the receptacle (88) a fluid inlet that includes a hollow needle (108) surrounded by a sliding seal collar (111); fluid inlet includes an ink supply sleeve (110) surrounding the collar slider (111) and the hollow needle; The printing system includes control electronics (32) of the printing system to control print operations, including the provision of ink: an accommodation (193) that is adapted to be inserted, at least partially into the receptacle (88) in a first direction, the housing (193) having one end Forward; a fluid reservoir to hold ink for substitution (19); a fluid outlet (195) secured to the housing (193) in fluid communication with the fuel tank fluid (187) located outside the housing (193) and connected to the fluid outlet (195) through a duct (197), including the outlet of fluid (195) a distant end member that is sized to be received by the ink supply sleeve (110); the distant member being adapted to depress the collar slide (111) and receive the hollow needle (108) from the inlet of fluid, to supply the replacement ink to the system to print; a plurality of contact adapters electric (200) mounted in the housing (193) for application with the electrical contacts of the electrical connector; Y an information storage device (202) coupled to contact adapters to exchange information with the control electronics (32) of the system to print. 2. The ink supply according to claim 1, in which the printing system includes an air outlet, the Air outlet includes a hollow needle (112) protruding from the platform (102) and in communication with a pressure source; the Air outlet includes an air supply sleeve (96) that protrudes from the platform (102) and surrounds the hollow needle (112), in which the ink supply further comprises: a shell (169) surrounding at least one part of the fluid reservoir (167), defining a pressure chamber of air between the shell (169) and the reservoir (167); an air inlet (173) in communication with the pressure chamber, including the air inlet an end member distant that is sized to be received by the sleeve of air supply (96), adapted the distant end member for receive the hollow needle (112) to connect the pressure source with the pressure chamber; and in what: the envelope (169), the deposit, the exit of fluid (171) and the air inlet (173) are adapted to be insertable, so that they can be removed, in the housing (193) to provide a fluid connection between the outlet of fluid and fluid inlet and to provide a connection between the air inlet and the air outlet. 3. The ink supply according to claim 1, in which the platform (102) is spring loaded, in the that the receptacle (88) includes a hitch part (94), and in the that the housing (193) includes a characteristic element of hitch (196) adapted to be applied to the hitch part (94), adapted the characteristic hitch element (196) to receive to the hitch part (94) in the first direction. 4. The ink supply according to claim 3, in which the housing (193) is adapted to depress the spring loaded platform (102), such that the platform spring loaded exert a force on the housing (193) opposite to the first direction and in which the element characteristic hitch (196) provides a force in the first direction to balance the strength of the platform spring loaded (102). 5. The ink supply according to claim 4, in which the housing (193) has a rear end in relation to an insertion address of the housing in the receptacle (88), the characteristic hitch element (196) is located next to the rear end of the housing (193), and the characteristic hitch element (196) extends downward in relation to a gravitational frame of reference. 6. The ink supply according to claim 1, in which the housing (193) includes alignment surfaces adapted to be applied to the receptacle (88) to provide the alignment of the housing relative to the receptacle (88), and in which the plurality of contacts (200) mounted in the housing (193) are arranged along a line that defines a x-axis, being the x-axis substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the sufficient alignment surfaces to provide alignment between the plurality of electrical contacts mounted on the housing and electrical contacts associated with the system to print. 7. The ink supply according to claim 6, in which the housing (193) includes characteristic elements of keyed and guided (198) first and second located nearby to the front end; the keyed and guided form the alignment surfaces that provide alignment of the housing (193) relative to the receptacle (88).