JP4824794B2 - Printer having replenishment control interface - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to printer systems, and in particular, to removable printer cartridges for ink jet printer systems.

[Pending application]
The applicant has already filed the following application simultaneously with the present application.
PCT / AU __ / _____ (WAL), PCT / AU __ / _____ (MPA), PCT / AU __ / _____ (SMA)

  The disclosures of these co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference. The above applications are identified by application serial numbers, which are replaced when the corresponding application numbers are assigned.

  Conventionally, most commercially available inkjet printers employ a print head that reciprocates left and right over the entire width of the print medium during printing. Such print heads are supplied with printing ink and generally have a lifetime, and it is necessary to replace a print head that has expired. The reciprocating printhead is relatively easy to remove and replace due to its size and shape configuration, and the printer device is designed to allow easy access to this element. Printer systems that employ such conventional reciprocating printheads have proven to perform printing tasks with sufficient quality, but the printheads must constantly reciprocate over stationary print media. As a result, the system is generally slow, especially when used to perform photographic quality print jobs.

  More recently, it has become possible to provide a print head that spans the entire width of the print medium such that the print head remains stationary while the print medium is being fed. Such a print head is generally referred to as a page width print head. In this print head, since the print head does not reciprocate left and right on the print medium, the printing speed is much faster than a conventional reciprocating print head. Is possible. However, because the print head spans the length of the print medium, the print head must be supported within the structure of the printer device, and multiple drive power and data must be supplied to drive the print head. Electrical contacts are required and, therefore, removal and replacement of the print head is not as easy as with conventional reciprocating print heads.

  Accordingly, there is a need to provide a printer system that can provide high quality and high speed print jobs and that allows relatively easy replacement of the print head when needed.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, the printer cartridge including a printing fluid storage means and a page width print head in communication with the printing fluid storage means. Is done.

  The page-width printhead can be adapted to produce prints that are at least 8 inches wide and can include at least 20,000 print fluid supply nozzles in fluid communication with the print fluid containing means.

  The printing fluid containing means can be contained within a body that includes means for replenishing printing fluid from an external source and can include one or more containing reservoirs that contain printing ink. The containment reservoir provides a series of color inks sufficient for color printing, an ink fixer to help fix the ink supplied by the page width printhead, and prints in the invisible band required in some applications. Infrared inks that can be performed can be individually accommodated.

  The printer cartridge is a first electrical connector provided in electrical communication with the page width print head, the first end of the page width print head being coupled to the first corresponding connector of the ink jet printer. A first electrical connector disposed adjacent to the first electrical connector. Further, a second electrical connector in electrical communication with the page width print head, adjacent to the second end of the page width print head so as to couple with a second corresponding connector of the inkjet printer A second electrical connector can be provided. In such an arrangement, when the printer cartridge is received by the ink jet printer, page width printing from the ink jet printer is caused by the coupling relationship between the first and second electrical connectors and the corresponding connector of the ink jet printer. Power and data can be transmitted to the head.

  The printer cartridge also includes an assembly adapted to direct air over the print head to prevent paper or dust from falling onto the fluid supply nozzles and degrading the print quality of the print job. be able to. The assembly can include a filter that filters air before it is directed onto the printhead, thereby removing particles that may be included in the supplied air. The assembly can also include an inlet for receiving air from an external source, such as a source located within the inkjet printer.

  Accordingly, in a further embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating maintenance of an ink jet printer of the type having a page width print head, wherein at least a first part and a second part are separable from each other. Providing an ink jet printer, wherein the first part requires replacement more frequently than the second part in use, wherein the first part includes a page width printhead. A method of including is provided.

  The first part is a printing fluid containing means for containing a printing fluid supplied by a page width print head, the printing fluid containing means in the form of a printer cartridge removably received in the second part. , May further be included.

  The second portion can be a printer cradle unit having a cavity adapted to receive a printer cartridge. This printer cradle unit is an electric control that controls the operation of the printer cartridge via the power / data connector that is coupled to the corresponding power / data connector provided on the printer cartridge after receiving the printer cartridge in the printer cradle unit. A unit. The printer cradle unit can also include a print medium transport system that supplies the print medium to the print head of the printer cartridge to facilitate printing on the surface of the print medium.

  In a second aspect, the invention is an inkjet printer cartridge comprising a body containing printing fluid containing means and at least 20,000 printing fluid supply nozzles in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means. And a print head including the ink jet printer cartridge.

  In an alternative embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the print head may include at least 30,000 printing fluid supply nozzles in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means. In yet another embodiment, the print head can comprise a page width print head.

  The printing fluid storage means of the printer cartridge can include one or more storage reservoirs that individually store one or more printing fluids for printing. Such a printing fluid can be a series of color inks sufficient for color printing, and can also include an ink fixer that promotes ink fixing after supply by a fluid supply nozzle and an infrared ink.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer which is a cradle and an ink jet printer cartridge that is detachably engaged with the cradle, and includes at least first containing means and ink containing an ink fixing agent. An ink-jet printer cartridge including a second storage means, a page width print head in fluid communication with the first storage means and the second storage means, and fixing of ink to a print medium after supply by the print head In order to promote the above, there is provided an inkjet printer including means for controlling application of ink and ink fixing agent by a print head.

  The ink jet printer cartridge can include additional storage means for individually storing a series of color inks sufficient for color printing.

  According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, an inkjet printer cartridge adapted to be removably engaged with an inkjet printer, at least a first containing means each containing ink and an ink fixing agent And an ink jet printer cartridge including a second storage means and a page width print head in fluid communication with the first storage means and the second storage means.

  According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, a method of operating an ink jet printer of the type including the above-described printer cartridge, the step of controlling a page width print head to print on a medium with ink; Controlling the page width print head to apply an ink fixer to the medium to facilitate fixing of the ink to the medium.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, comprising one or more printing inks and a print head in fluid communication with the one or more inks. A printer cartridge is provided wherein at least one of the one or more inks is infrared ink.

  The printer cartridge can further include a main body adapted to contain printing ink, and the print head can be a page width print head attached to the main body to facilitate fluid communication. it can. The one or more inks contained within the body can also include a series of color inks that enable color printing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an inkjet printer, a printing fluid containing means for containing one or more printing fluids, and a page width print head in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means. And a refill port in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means.

  The printer cartridge of the present invention may further include a main body in which the printing fluid containing means is disposed and the page width print head and the replenishment port are attached. Further, the printing fluid containing means may include a separate printing fluid containing reservoir for each of the one or more printing fluids, the one or more printing fluids including a series of color inks that allow color printing. You can be out. Further, the refill port can include one or more inlets corresponding to and in fluid communication with each of the individual printing fluid containing reservoirs.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a removable printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, comprising a printing fluid containing means, a print head in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means, and air over the print head. A removable printer cartridge is provided that includes an assembly that is adapted to guide and includes a filter.

  The assembly can further include a suction port that receives air from a source located remotely from the printer cartridge, such as a source provided in an inkjet printer. The print head of the printer cartridge can include a page width print head and the filter can be capable of collecting particulate matter present in the air received from an external source. In this regard, since the printer cartridge can be removed from the ink jet printer, the filter for filtering air is also replaced when the cartridge is replaced. The purpose of this assembly is to prevent paper or particulate matter from accumulating or colliding on the surface of the printhead (this can cause damage to the printhead and affect the quality of print jobs performed by the printhead). That is.

  According to a further embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing degradation of a print head of a removable printer cartridge, the step of generating an air flow and the purpose of generating filtered air, A method is provided that includes filtering particulate matter from an air stream by a filter attached to the cartridge and directing the filtered air over the printhead.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, comprising: a printing fluid containing means; a print head in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means; an air inlet; and an air inlet A printer cartridge is provided that includes one or more conduits adapted to direct air over the printhead.

  The print head of the printer cartridge can be a page width print head, and the cartridge can be removable from the ink jet printer to facilitate replacement of the printer cartridge.

  The air inlet can be configured to couple with a complementary feature of the ink jet printer so that air can be supplied to the printer cartridge from an air supply located remotely from the printer cartridge.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, the printing fluid containing means, the print head in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means, and the printing adapted to suck the print head A printer cartridge is provided that includes a fluid sucker.

  In a preferred embodiment, the print fluid containment means and print head of the cartridge can be secured to the main body of the printer cartridge, and the print fluid sucker can be coupled to the main body.

  The print fluid blotter may also include engagement means for engaging an assembly that selectively associates the print fluid blotter with the print head, the print fluid blotter being a print fluid fired from the print head. An absorbent material adapted to absorb when the print head is not printing on the print medium.

  The printing fluid blotter can be rotatably coupled to the main body of the printer cartridge, and can also be slidably coupled to the main body. If the print head includes a page width print head, the blotter can extend along the page width print head to perform a blot function along the entire length of the print head.

  According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, a printer cartridge for an inkjet printer, a body including at least one printing fluid reservoir, and attached to the body and at least one printing fluid reservoir A print head that is in fluid communication with the printer, a printing fluid sucker that is rotatably coupled to the body, and an engagement means disposed on the printing fluid sucker, wherein the printing fluid sucker is selected as the print head A printer cartridge is provided that includes engaging means for engaging a mechanically associated assembly.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, comprising: a print fluid containing means; a print head in fluid communication with the print fluid containing means; and an auxiliary assembly for the print head. A printer cartridge is provided that includes an assembly that is adapted to selectively perform a plurality of different functions associated with the printhead.

  In a preferred embodiment, the different functions performed by the assembly can include at least one of blotting the print head, covering the print head, and functioning as a platen for the print head.

  The auxiliary assembly for the print head may further include a rotatable member coupled to the printer cartridge adjacent to the print head. The rotatable member can include a plurality of surfaces that are each configured to perform one of the different functions listed above.

  The printer cartridge further includes engagement means fixed to the rotatable member, the engagement means engaging the mechanism of the ink jet printer so that the functional surface is selectively associated with the print head. be able to. This engagement means is controllable by the printer so that the assembly is in the desired orientation required for the particular state of the printer. In this regard, the printer cartridge includes a biasing means that is normally adapted to bias the surface of the rotatable member against the printhead so that the assembly is always in a position to perform one desired function. You can also.

  In a preferred embodiment, the printer cartridge includes a page width printhead with an assembly that spans the length of the printhead.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, which is in electrical communication with a print fluid containing means, a page width print head in fluid communication with the print fluid containing means, and the print head. A first electrical connector disposed adjacent to the first end of the page width print head so as to couple with a first corresponding connector of the inkjet printer; Including, a printer cartridge is provided.

  The printer cartridge is a second electrical connector disposed adjacent to the second end of the page width print head, the second electrical connector coupling with a second corresponding connector of the inkjet printer; Can further be included. Such electrical connectors provide a means by which the printer cartridge can be provided with data and power for controlling the print head to print on the print medium. When the printer cartridge is engaged with the ink jet printer, the coupling between the first and second electrical connectors and the corresponding connector of the ink jet printer allows power and data to be transmitted. In this regard, the printing fluid containing means, the page width print head, and the first and second electrical connectors can each be attached to the main body of the printer cartridge.

  According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, the elongate body adapted to be received within the ink jet printer and including a printing fluid containing means, A page-width printhead attached and in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means, and first and second electrical connectors in electrical communication with the printhead, attached to the elongated body; A printer including first and second electrical connectors disposed adjacent to opposite ends of the page width print head for coupling with corresponding first and second electrical connectors of the inkjet printer A cartridge is provided.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, including an ink storage reservoir, a print head communicating with the ink storage reservoir, and a replenishment port communicating with the ink storage reservoir. Storing information relating to characteristics of at least one of a replenishment port, replenishment ink, and ink contained in the ink containment reservoir, adapted to receive replenishment ink to replenish the ink containment reservoir; An integrated circuit assembly is provided.

  In a preferred embodiment, the information regarding the characteristics of the refill ink, or ink stored in the ink reservoir, includes the amount of ink remaining in the ink reservoir, the manufacturer of the refill ink, the rheological characteristics of the refill ink, Any information regarding the color of the refill ink can be included. The integrated circuit assembly preferably includes electrical contacts attached to the ink jet printer and connected to the integrated circuit of the replenishment cartridge containing replenishment ink.

  In a preferred form, the print head cartridge print head is a page width print head.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the ink supply authenticity of an inkjet printer of the type that includes a removable printer cartridge that includes ink containing means in communication with a page-width printhead ( a method of maintaining an authenticity, comprising providing an ink supply cartridge that includes an integrated circuit assembly that stores information relating to the characteristics of the supply ink, coupling the ink supply cartridge to the printer cartridge, and replenishment Performing a test comparing the characteristics of the ink with the characteristics of the ink contained in the ink containing means is provided.

  The step of comparing the characteristics of the replenished ink with the characteristics of the ink contained in the ink containing means is such that these inks share the same characteristics so that the ink containing means can be replenished by the ink supply. Preferably, the method includes a step of determining whether or not.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, each of which contains a plurality of storage reservoirs dedicated to storing a predetermined printing fluid, and printing in communication with the storage reservoir. A replenishment port adapted to couple with a head and a corresponding connector of the replenishment cartridge, the replenishment port corresponding to each of the receiving reservoirs and including an inlet in fluid communication; Including, a printer cartridge is provided.

  In a preferred embodiment, the print head of the printer cartridge can be a page width print head, and the printing fluid is any one of a series of color inks, ink fixers, and infrared inks for color printing. The above can be included.

  According to an alternative embodiment of this aspect of the invention, an ink jet printer refill system, wherein the printer cartridge has a refill port corresponding to each of a plurality of storage reservoirs and including an inlet in fluid communication. Each of the reservoirs includes a printer cartridge, one of the plurality of printing fluids, and a replenishment port, wherein each of the reservoirs is dedicated to receive a predetermined one of the plurality of printing fluids. At least one refill cartridge including a connector adapted to be coupled to the connector, wherein the connector is dedicated to receive printing fluid contained in the refill cartridge of the plurality of reservoirs. Having an outlet in communication with a particular one of the refilling injection ports, in communication with the particular one And it includes a supply cartridge, the inkjet printer supply system is provided.

  The printer cartridge of the ink jet printer replenishment system can include a print head in communication with the print fluid reservoir, and the print head can be a page width print head.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, comprising: a printing fluid containing means; a page width print head in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means; A printer cartridge is provided that includes a page width printhead that includes two print chips.

  The two print chips are preferably in contact with each other over the length of the print head.

  The printer cartridge preferably includes an elongate body adapted to be received within the printer cradle and includes an electrical connector located at both ends of the print head and in electrical communication with the two print head chips. It is preferable to have.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an inkjet printer, comprising: a printing fluid containing means; a page width print head in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means; and a shield over the length of the print head. A printer cartridge is provided that includes a shield adapted to protect the print head from contact with paper when the cartridge is inserted into an inkjet printer cradle.

  The printer cartridge preferably includes an elongate body containing printing fluid containing means and adapted to be removably received within a cradle of an ink jet printer.

  According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, an inkjet printer cartridge, an elongate body adapted to be received within a printer cradle, and at least one printing fluid containment contained within the elongate body. A reservoir, a page-width printhead attached to the elongate body and in fluid communication with at least one printing fluid containing reservoir, and a shield over the length of the printhead, wherein the cartridge is inserted into the inkjet printer cradle An ink jet printer cartridge is provided that includes a shield that is adapted to protect the print head from contact with the paper and further to seal the air duct of the ink jet printer cartridge. Is done.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, containing an elongate body containing printing fluid containing means and adapted to be received in an ink jet printer cradle; A page width printhead attached and in fluid communication with the printing fluid containing means; and an air flow assembly adapted to distribute the compressed air uniformly along the page width printhead. A printer cartridge is provided.

  The air flow assembly is an air inlet that receives compressed air from an external source, and a groove formed in the elongate body that communicates with the inlet and is disposed along the page width printhead. And a groove. The air flow assembly further includes a filter that is hermetically sealed over the length of the groove and is adapted to direct air along the length of the print head. The filter is preferably adapted to allow air to pass only when the air pressure in the groove reaches a threshold level. This can be achieved by a filter including a plurality of holes having dimensions that correspond to threshold levels.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer cartridge for an ink jet printer, the printing fluid supply member defining one or more printing fluid reservoirs, the one or more printing fluid supply grooves, A printer cartridge is provided that includes a page-width printhead in fluid communication with one or more print fluid reservoirs by one or more print fluid supply channels.

  One or more printing fluid reservoirs are preferably housed within the elongate body, and the page-width printhead is preferably attached to the elongate body.

  The print fluid supply member is preferably adapted to span the length of the print head, and the page width print head is preferably attached to the elongated body by the print fluid supply member. The printing fluid supply member preferably defines a plurality of printing fluid supply grooves for supplying the printing fluid from the storage reservoir to the print head.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer cradle having a body complementary to a removable ink jet cartridge of a type having a page width print head and an ink supply, and a data connection point fixed to the body. A data connection point for receiving a data signal defining an image to be printed from an external data source and a processing means coupled to the data connection point for operating a page width print head in response to the data signal. And an inkjet printer cradle including processing means adapted to print the image.

  The body of the inkjet printer cradle preferably defines a recess having a shape that receives the cartridge such that a removable page width inkjet cartridge is supported by the cradle body. The cradle body may further include a power connection point that receives operating power from an external power source.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, an ink jet printer cradle is a body complementary to each of a plurality of removable ink jet cartridges, each of the removable ink jet cartridges comprising a page width print head and an ink. A type that has a supply, each of which has different performance characteristics, and examines the performance characteristics of each of a plurality of cartridges when coupled to the cradle, and operates each of the cartridges in response to the performance characteristics examined. An ink jet printer cradle is provided that includes a controller adapted to cause the controller to operate.

  The controller is preferably adapted to operate each of a plurality of removable ink jet cartridges, wherein at least one of optimal printing speed and ink capacity has different performance characteristics.

  The body preferably includes a recess for receiving any one of a plurality of removable ink jet cartridges.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for facilitating an upgrade of an ink jet printer of the type including a page width printhead, the step of providing the ink jet printer as a complementary cradle and starter cartridge. The cradle is adapted to operate a plurality of cartridges having different performance characteristics, and the stepper facilitates replacing a starter cartridge with another cartridge having improved performance characteristics among the plurality of cartridges. And a step is provided.

  The different performance characteristics of the cartridge preferably include one or more of printing speed, ink capacity, number and type of ink.

  The printing speed of the various cartridges supported by the cradle can be various speeds between 15 ppm and 60 ppm.

  The ink capacity of the various cartridges supported by the cradle can vary from 150 ml ink to 300 ml ink.

  The number and type of ink carried by the various cartridges supported by the cradle can include any one or more of black, cyan, magenta, yellow, infrared, ink fixer.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inkjet printer system, a plurality of inkjet printer cradles each including a plurality of inkjet printer cartridges and a body defining a recess, A plurality of inkjet printer cradles adapted to receive and operate each of a series of supported inkjet printer cartridges of the printer cartridge, wherein the plurality of inkjet printers of the plurality of inkjet printer cartridges Inkjet cartridges that do not belong to the set of inkjet printer cartridges supported in a particular one of the printer cradle may be Be accepted in a recess of the dollar has a shape to be prevented is an ink jet printer system is provided.

  The inkjet printer cartridge preferably includes a page width print head and includes an internal ink reservoir in fluid communication with the page width print head. The internal ink reservoir may include a plurality of individual ink storage reservoirs that individually store printing inks.

  Ink jet printer cartridges that are not supported by a particular ink jet printer cradle are preferably formed with protrusions or recesses that do not couple with the recesses or protrusions of the particular ink jet printer cradle when attempting to insert the cartridge into the cradle.

  Indicia can be provided on the ink jet printer cartridge and the ink jet printer cradle to assist in visually identifying the ink jet printer cartridge supported by the particular ink jet printer cradle. Such a display can be in the form of a color marker or the like.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, an inkjet printer cradle is adapted to test a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of the type having a page width printhead and an ink supply, and an authentication device for the cartridge. An ink jet printer cradle including an integrated circuit assembly.

  The removable inkjet cartridge authentication device preferably includes a quality assurance chip that stores information regarding the operating characteristics of the cartridge.

  The printer cradle body preferably defines a recess that accepts a removable inkjet cartridge, and the integrated circuit assembly securely connects with the cartridge quality assurance chip when the removable inkjet cartridge is inserted into the recess. A connector attached to the body at a position to be included. The integrated circuit assembly may further comprise a portion of the inkjet printer cradle control circuit, which may indicate that the cartridge authentication device cannot be verified.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a body defining an ink jet printer cradle having a dimension to accommodate a removable ink jet cartridge of the type having a page width printhead, and disposed in the body Terminals that are in contact with corresponding terminals located on the removable ink jet cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the recess, thereby allowing electrical communication between the cradle and the cartridge An inkjet printer cradle including a terminal.

  The terminals of the printer cradle body are preferably located on one or more walls of the recess. The indentation may be an elongated indentation, and the terminal is preferably located on the wall of at least one end of the indentation. In another embodiment, the terminals can be located on the walls at both ends of the elongated indentation.

  Each of the printer cradle terminals may include a data and power terminal that allows transmission of data and power between the printer cradle and the ink jet cartridge.

  According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a body defining an ink jet printer cradle, elongate indentation, dimensioned to mate with a removable ink jet cartridge of the type having a page width printhead; Power and data terminals located on the walls at both ends of the indentation, which contact the corresponding terminals located on the removable ink jet cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the indentation, thereby An inkjet printer cradle is provided that includes power and data terminals that enable electrical communication with the cartridge.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, an inkjet printer cradle is configured to hold a body defining a recess having a dimension to receive a removable inkjet cartridge, and the cartridge in the recess. An ink jet printer cradle is provided that includes a retaining means and one or more resilient members adapted to securely hold the cartridge to the retaining means and the body in use.

  In a preferred embodiment, the one or more resilient members are adapted to bias the cartridge against the holding means after the cartridge is held in the printer cradle during use of the printer. In another embodiment, the one or more resilient members can cause the cartridge to be biased against the cradle during use of the printer.

  The removable ink jet cartridge preferably includes a page width printhead that is preferably in fluid communication with a print fluid containing reservoir contained within the removable ink jet cartridge.

  The retaining means can include a latch and the one or more resilient members can comprise one or more springs. The indentation in the printer cradle body preferably includes a shelf having one or more elastic members disposed thereon.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, an inkjet printer cradle is a body defining a recess having a shelf, the recess being a removable type of page having a page width printhead. A body having dimensions to accommodate the ink jet cartridge, a latch adapted to hold the cartridge in the recess, and disposed on the shelf so as to bias the cartridge into the latch in use. And an ink jet printer cradle including one or more springs.

  In yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a method of stabilizing an ink jet printer cartridge in an ink jet printer cradle, the step of housing the cartridge in a recess defined by the body of the cradle; A method is provided comprising: holding the cartridge in a recess by a latch; and holding the cartridge firmly to the latch and the body by one or more resilient members.

  In one form, holding the cartridge firmly may include biasing the inkjet printer cartridge into the latch. Alternatively, the step of securely holding the cartridge can further include biasing the ink jet printer cartridge against the body.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink jet printer cradle complementary to an ink jet printer cartridge of the type including a page width print head, comprising a plurality of auxiliary mechanisms for the cartridge, a motor, An inkjet printer cradle is provided that includes a transmission assembly that couples a motor to each of the plurality of mechanisms.

  The mechanisms preferably include an air compressor that supplies compressed air to the printer cartridge and a print media transport assembly that transports the print media to the print head for printing.

  The transmission assembly preferably includes a direct drive coupling between the compressor and the shaft of the motor. The direct drive coupling may include a worm gear that extends from the shaft of the motor and engages the teeth of the print media transport assembly to drive the print media transport assembly.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, an inkjet printer cradle that is complementary to an inkjet printer cartridge of the type that includes a page-width printhead, which produces air directed over the page-width printhead. An air compressor, a print media transport assembly adapted to transport print media across the print head, a motor, and a motor coupled to the air compressor and the print media transport assembly. An inkjet printer, wherein the transmission assembly includes a direct drive coupling from one motor shaft to an air compressor and a geared coupling from the shaft to the print media transport assembly. A cradle is provided.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, an ink jet printer of the type including a page width print head and a print head auxiliary member adapted to selectively perform a plurality of different functions associated with the print head. A printer cradle comprising a cartridge, a printer cradle complementary to the cartridge, the transmission cradle including a transmission assembly that is selectively engaged with and drives the print head auxiliary member. The

  The transmission assembly includes a drive shaft that engages the print head auxiliary member and engages with the print head auxiliary member when the drive shaft rotates in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. It is preferable that the combination is removed. In addition, the transmission assembly preferably includes a flipper gear assembly that selectively engages the drive shaft of the printhead auxiliary member, the flipper gear assembly including a first gear fixed to the drive shaft, It is preferable to include a second gear disposed radially away from the first gear, and a housing member that holds the second gear and the first gear in mesh.

  According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, an ink jet printer cradle, which is complementary to a removable ink jet cartridge of the type having a page width print head and an air suction port, and the ink jet printer cradle and cartridge are combined. An ink jet printer cradle is provided that includes an air compressor having an air outlet pipe that is arranged to couple with an air intake port.

  The printer cradle body defines a recess having dimensions to receive and accommodate a removable ink jet cartridge, and preferably the end of the air outlet pipe is in the recess. The air outlet pipe is configured to support the penetration of the seal above the air intake port in the removable inkjet cartridge across the portion of the body defining the interior shelf of the indentation. It is preferable to have.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, an ink jet printer cradle is defined that defines a recess having dimensions to accommodate a removable ink jet cartridge of the type having a page width print head and an air suction port. An air compressor having a body and an air outlet pipe adapted to traverse a portion of the body defining an interior shelf of the recess, the pipe having an inkjet printer cradle inserted into the recess An ink jet printer cradle, including an air compressor, sometimes arranged to couple with an air intake port and configured to assist penetration of a seal over the air intake port Provided.

  According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing fluid injector, an ink reservoir having an ink outlet, means for applying pressure to the ink reservoir for the purpose of pushing the ink out of the outlet, and the ink pushed out of the outlet. And a means for limiting the pressure to a predetermined level.

  The ink reservoir preferably includes a deformable membrane, and the means for limiting the pressure of the ink pushed out from the outlet preferably includes means for limiting the pressure applied directly to the ink reservoir.

  The means for applying pressure to the ink reservoir can comprise a handle, and the means for limiting the pressure applied to the ink reservoir has a deformation characteristic selected such that the pressure is limited to a predetermined level. The elastic member which has can be included. The elastic member is preferably located between the ink reservoir and the means for applying pressure to the ink reservoir, and preferably includes a spring. Both the reservoir and the spring can be placed in the handle portion.

  In use, the injector is preferably coupled to an external reservoir, and the ink is preferably pushed out of the injector outlet and supplied to the external reservoir. The external reservoir is preferably provided in a removable ink jet cartridge, and the predetermined pressure level is preferably related to the pressure required for the external reservoir to rupture.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a printing fluid injector having a discharge fluid deformable container and a pressure applied to the container for the purpose of pushing ink out of the discharge outlet. And a resilient member adapted to limit the pressure applied by the handle to the deformable container for the purpose of preventing rupture of an external reservoir coupled to the injector during use. A printing fluid injector is provided.

  The deformable container preferably includes a membrane that contains the printing fluid, and the elastic member preferably includes a spring that includes a base adapted to abut the membrane.

  According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing fluid injector system comprising a plurality of printing fluid injectors, each of the plurality of printing fluid injectors being replenished with one of the plurality of printing fluids. A shape portion configured to position the injector at a predetermined position on the inkjet printer component to be selected, and one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the shape portion, depending on the type of printing fluid in the injector A printing fluid injector system including an outlet located at one position.

  The inkjet printer component is preferably a removable inkjet printer cartridge, and the removable inkjet printer cartridge preferably includes a page width printhead.

  Preferably, the shaped portion configured to position the injector in place comprises a connector adapted to couple with a refill port of the inkjet printer component, wherein the plurality of predetermined positions of the outlet are , Preferably present in the region defined by the connector.

  In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of printing fluids includes a series of color inks that enable color printing.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a printing fluid injector system comprising a plurality of printing fluid injectors, each of the plurality of printing fluid injectors being replenished with color ink and ink jet. A connector adapted to couple with a refill port of a printer cartridge, wherein the refill port includes a plurality of individually disposed inlets and a separately disposed inlet port A printing fluid injector system is provided that includes an outlet arranged to couple with the one depending on the color of the color ink.

  According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, a printing fluid injector, a housing comprising a first part and a second part movable relative to each other, and a first part and a second part A reservoir of printing fluid responsive to the relative movement of the reservoir, the reservoir having an outlet adapted to carry the printing fluid to a point outside the housing, and in use, the first part And by moving the second part towards each other, a printing fluid injector is provided in which the printing fluid exits the outlet.

  Preferably, the reservoir comprises a deformable container disposed within the housing, and the deformable container is compressed by movement of the first and second portions toward each other.

  The first part and the second part of the housing are preferably adapted to slide relative to each other, the deformable container and either or both of the first part and the second part of the housing. It is preferable that an elastic member is disposed between them. The elastic member preferably has a property selected such that the pressure in the deformable container is limited to a predetermined level during use.

  The resilient member can comprise a spring and the first and second portions of the housing can comprise a base and a plunger, wherein the spring comprises a deformable container and a plunger. Located between.

  The deformable container preferably comprises a deformable membrane.

  According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a printing fluid injector, a housing comprising a base and a plunger, a deformable container disposed within the housing and containing a printing fluid, A spring coupled to the deformable container and adapted to carry the printing fluid to a point outside the housing, and a spring disposed between the deformable container and the plunger, the deformable A spring having characteristics selected such that the pressure in the container is limited to a predetermined level during use, and in use, the spring and base due to moving the plunger toward the base A printing fluid injector is provided in which the deformable container is compressed and the printing fluid exits from the outlet.

  According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, a printing fluid injector, a housing comprising a first part and a second part movable relative to each other, and a first part and a second part A reservoir of printing fluid responsive to the relative movement of the reservoir, the reservoir having an outlet adapted to carry the printing fluid to a point outside the housing, the first and second portions The first portion and the second portion include mating shape portions adapted to prevent movement of the first and second portions relative to each other until a predetermined level of operating force is applied to the first portion and the second portion. A printing fluid injector is provided.

  In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir of printing fluid comprises a deformable container disposed within the housing, resulting from moving the first and second portions of the fluid infuser toward each other. The container is then compressed, thereby carrying the printing fluid from the injector.

  The first part and the second part preferably comprise a base and a plunger, and the shape part to be joined comprises one or more complementary protrusions formed on opposing walls of the base and the plunger. Can be.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, a printing fluid injector, wherein the plunger is slidably engaged with a deformable container containing a full complement of printing fluid. And a housing containing a deformable container and an outlet coupled to the deformable container and adapted to carry printing fluid to a point outside the housing. A joining shaped portion adapted to prevent movement of the first and second portions relative to each other until a predetermined level of operating force is applied to the first and second portions; A printing fluid injector is provided that includes the portion and the second portion.

  According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, a printing fluid injector, a housing comprising a first part and a second part movable relative to each other, and a first part and a second part A reservoir containing a printing fluid responsive to movement relative to each other, the reservoir having an outlet adapted to carry the printing fluid to a point outside the housing; A printing fluid injector is provided, wherein the portion and the second portion include a lock-shaped portion adapted to prevent the first and second portions from being separated from each other after operation of the injector. .

  The reservoir containing the printing fluid is a deformable container disposed within the housing, the container being compressed due to moving the first and second parts toward each other Are preferably provided.

  The first and second portions preferably include a base and a plunger, and the lock-shaped portion includes one or more complementary protrusions and recesses formed on opposing walls of the base and plunger. It is preferable to provide.

  According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, a printing fluid infuser is a deformable container between a deformable container of printing fluid and a base slidably engaging a plunger. And a outlet coupled to the deformable container and adapted to carry the printing fluid to a point outside the housing, wherein the base and the plunger are connected to the base and the plunger. One or more complementary protrusions and recesses formed in the opposing walls, the protrusions and recesses being arranged to prevent the plunger from being removed from the base after operation of the injector. An engaging printing fluid injector is provided.

  According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of replenishing a removable ink jet cartridge, the step of coupling the removable ink jet cartridge to a complementary ink jet cradle, and the coupling of the refill cartridge to the removable ink jet cartridge. And a step of confirming authenticity of the removable ink jet cartridge, confirming authenticity of the replenishment cartridge, and then operating the cradle based on the confirmation step. Provided.

  The step of coupling the removable ink jet cartridge to the complementary ink jet cradle preferably includes enabling electrical communication between the ink jet cartridge authentication device and the cradle controller.

  The step of coupling the refill cartridge to the removable ink jet cartridge preferably includes enabling electrical communication between the refill cartridge authentication device and the cradle controller.

  The step of subsequently operating the cradle based on the confirmation step preferably includes notifying the user that authentication of either the refill cartridge or the removable ink jet cartridge has failed.

  In another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, a printer removable ink jet printer cartridge authentication device and a replenishment cartridge authentication device coupled to the removable ink jet printer cartridge are identified. An ink jet printer is provided.

  The controller is preferably located in the cradle of the printer, and the controller is coupled to electrical contacts that are attached to the cradle body at a location where electrical communication with the authentication device is established. It is preferable. Each of the authentication devices preferably comprises an integrated circuit.

  It is understood that the present invention provides a printer system that employs a print head and associated print fluid containment means in cartridge form that can be easily removed and replaced from the cradle unit of the printer system. Will. A removable and replaceable cartridge includes a print head that can provide a print job that is superior in quality and speed to existing printer systems, in which the print fluid is applied to the cartridge when the print fluid is reduced. Can be replenished. Furthermore, the present invention replenishes and supplies a print fluid to the cartridge for the purpose of providing a printer system that can provide high quality and high speed printing jobs and that allows easy removal and replacement of the print head when needed. Systems and methods for infusion are provided.

  FIG. 1 shows an ink jet printer 2 including a cradle 4 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which accepts a replaceable print cartridge 6 in a recess formed in its body. ing. The cartridge 6 is secured to the cradle recess by a retainer in the form of a latch 7 which is connected to the cradle 4 by a hinge. On the upper surface of the print cartridge 6, an ink supply port 8 for receiving the ink supply cartridge when used is visible.

[Print cartridge]
Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which shows a block diagram of a removable inkjet printer cartridge 6. The cartridge 6 includes an ink supply port 8 and an ink supply assembly 10 that contains ink and supplies ink to a page-width printhead chip 52 that is a MEMS. The page width print head chip 52 receives power and data signals from the cradle 4 via the power / data interface 58. The rotor element 60 mechanically driven by the cradle 4 has three sides, each of which sucks the page width print head chip 52 after firing the ink, sealing the print head when not in use. Functions as a platen during printing. Thus, the rotor element 60 functions as a printhead auxiliary assembly in helping to maintain the proper functioning of the printhead. The cartridge 6 also includes an authentication device in the form of a quality assurance chip 57, which includes various manufacturer codes that are read by the electronic circuitry of the controller board 82 of the cradle 4 when in use. The manufacturer code is read for the purpose of confirming the authenticity of the cartridge 6.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 9, and initially referring to FIG. 6, the structural cartridge 6 has a body including a base molding 20 containing a polyethylene membrane 26, and the polyethylene membrane 26 has four types. Ink reservoirs 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 in the form of pockets for each of the printing fluids are included. The printing fluid is typically cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and black ink. Additional storage reservoirs may be provided within the base molding 20 for the purpose of receiving and storing ink fixer and / or infrared ink that may be required in various applications. In this regard, the base molding 20 can be provided with a maximum of six receiving reservoirs. The membrane 26 expands when filled with printing fluid, and conversely breaks down as ink is consumed during printing.

Cover molding 36 includes a recess 38 that receives ink inlet molding 24 having a plurality of passages. A plurality of openings 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> E are formed in the recess 38, and these openings communicate with the corresponding passages of the ink injection port molding 24. The passage of the ink inlet member conveys ink from the ink supply cartridge attached from the outside to each of the ink storage reservoirs through a series of ink supply paths formed in the ink membrane 26. In the ink supply path, the openings 42A to 42E of the ink inlet member 24 are coupled to the dedicated ink reservoirs 28 to 34, respectively. Ink is generally supplied under pressure, thereby flowing into the reservoir of the membrane 26 and expanding the reservoir. The ink inlet seal 40 is disposed outside the recess 38 for the purpose of sealing the openings 42A to 42E before use.

The page width print head chip 52 is disposed along the outside of the base molding 20 of the cartridge in a region below the ink storage reservoir. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of conduits 43 </ b> A to 43 </ b> E are formed below the base molding of the cartridge, and these are in direct communication with each of the ink reservoirs 28, 30, 32, and 34. . These conduits provide an ink supply path from the underside of the cartridge base molding 20 to the inlet port provided in the ink supply molding 48 to which the page width printhead chip 52 is attached.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the ink supply molding 48 is preferably made from a plastic such as LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) by an injection molding process, and print fluid from the reservoir in the membrane 26 is transferred to the page-width printhead chip 52 . A plurality of elongate conduits adapted to dispense are disposed along the length of the ink supply molding 48. Each of the elongate conduits can carry a specific fluid (such as a specific color ink or fixer) dedicated and distribute that fluid along the length of the printhead. An ink seal strip 45 is disposed between the base molding 20 of the cartridge and the ink supply molding 48 to assist in supplying the printing fluid under control. The ink seal piece has a hole through which fluid can move between these two elements, but this seal piece has a groove formed in the base molding of the cartridge to prevent fluid leakage. Serves to seal.

An air flow groove 50 is formed in the cartridge base molding 20 next to the elongated ink distribution conduit, which allows the pressurized air from the suction port 76 to flow over the nozzles of the page width printhead chip 52. To flow into. The air circulation groove exists along the longitudinal direction of the page width print head chip 52 and communicates with the air suction port 76. The porous air filter 51 extends along the longitudinal direction of the air flow groove 50 and removes dust and particulate matter that are present in the air and may contaminate the page width print head chip 52 if not removed. Play a role. The porous air filter 51 is porous so that only air at the desired threshold pressure can pass through it so that the air is evenly distributed at a constant pressure along the length of the print head. Supplied. In use, the groove 50 is initially filled with compressed air until the threshold pressure in the groove is reached. When the threshold pressure is reached, air can pass through the porous air filter 51 uniformly along the length of the filter. The filtered air is then directed onto the print head.

The purpose of the pressurized air is to prevent the print head from deteriorating by maintaining the nozzle in the absence of dust and debris. Pressurized air is supplied by an air compressor (element 122 in FIG. 14) incorporated in the cradle 4. The compressor air nozzle (element 124 in FIG. 15) passes through the air seal 44 when the cartridge 6 is inserted into the cradle 4 and is coupled to the suction port 76. The air cover plate 54 is fixed to the base molding of the cartridge, and distributes air uniformly throughout the page width print head chip 52 as described above.

The page width printhead chip 52 is supplied with power and data signals by a bus bar 56 coupled to data and power connectors 58A and 58B. An authentication device in the form of a quality assurance (QA) chip 57 is attached to the data / power connector 58A. When the printer cartridge 6 is inserted into the cradle 4, the data / power connectors 58A, 58B and the QA chip 57 are coupled to the corresponding connectors in the cradle 4 ( cradle connectors 84A, 84B in FIG. 9). Power and data can be transmitted between the two. The QA chip 57 is tested in use by a portion of the controller board 82 that is configured to function as a suitable verification circuit.

The rotor element 60 is rotatably mounted parallel to and adjacent to the page width print head chip 52 . The rotor element has three sides as briefly described above, i.e., serves as a support for the print media during printing and assists in transporting the print media close to the page-width printhead chip 52. A platen surface, a capping surface that covers the print head when not in use for the purpose of reducing evaporation of the printing fluid from the nozzles, and a blotter surface that sucks the print head after printing. The three faces of the rotor element are each separated by 120 degrees.

  Extending from both ends of the rotor element 60 are axial pins 64A and 64B to which teeth 62A and 62B are fixed, respectively. Free ends of the axial pins 64A and 64B are received in the sliding blocks 66A and 66B. Sliding blocks 66A and 66B include flanges 68A and 68B disposed in slots 70A and 70B of end plates 22A and 22B. The end plate is fixed to both ends of the base molding 20 of the cartridge.

The sliding blocks 66A and 66B are biased toward the print head side ends of the slots 70A and 70B by springs 72A and 72B held at both ends, which are slid to the sliding blocks 66A and 66B. By inserting springs into the blind holes and seating these springs in the slots 70A and 70B over the protrusions (most obvious in FIG. 8). Thus, normally, the rotor element 60 is energized and is adjacent to the page width printhead chip 52 .

The rotor element 60 has a capping surface with a page width print head chip 52 for the purpose of preventing the print head nozzles from being dried by ambient air during transportation and while the printer cartridge 6 is inserted into the cradle 4. It is made to cover.

[Print head]
Next, a preferred design of the page width print head chip 52 will be described. The following types of printheads can be made with widths greater than 8 inches if required, and generally include at least 20,000 nozzles, and in variations, more than 30,000 nozzles. Yes. Hereinafter, a preferred arrangement structure of the print head nozzles provided with the nozzles and the corresponding actuators will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 shows a series of nozzle structures 801 formed on a silicon substrate 8015. Although these nozzle structures are the same, in a preferred embodiment, different color inks and fixers are sent to different nozzle structures. Note that the rows of the nozzle structure portions 801 are staggered, whereby the interval between the ink dots during printing can be made narrower than possible when the nozzles are arranged in a row. Multiple rows can also provide redundancy (if necessary), which allows a predetermined failure rate per nozzle.

  Each nozzle structure 801 is manufactured by an integrated circuit manufacturing technique. Specifically, the nozzle structure 801 is a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system).

  Hereinafter, the structure and operation of one nozzle structure portion 801 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The inkjet printer chip 12 includes a silicon wafer substrate 801. A 0.35 micron, 1 P4M, 12 volt CMOS microprocessor circuit is disposed on a silicon wafer substrate 8015.

  A silicon dioxide (or glass) layer 8017 is disposed on the wafer substrate 8015. This silicon dioxide layer 8017 defines a CMOS dielectric layer. The top metal of the CMOS defines a pair of aligned aluminum electrode contact layers 8030 disposed on the silicon dioxide layer 8017. Both the silicon wafer substrate 8015 and the silicon dioxide layer 8017 are etched to define an ink suction path 8014 having a substantially circular cross section (in plan view). In the silicon dioxide layer 8017, CMOS metal 1, CMOS metals 2 and 3, and an aluminum diffusion barrier 8028 of the CMOS topmost metal are disposed around the ink suction path 8014. The diffusion barrier 8028 serves to prevent hydroxyl ions from diffusing through the CMOS oxide film of the driving circuit layer 8017.

  A passivation layer in the form of a silicon nitride layer 8031 is disposed on the aluminum contact layer 8030 and the silicon dioxide layer 8017. Each portion of the passive layer 8031 located above the contact layer 8030 has an opening 8032 that provides access to the contact 8030.

  The nozzle structure 801 includes a nozzle chamber 8029 defined by an annular nozzle wall 8033, the upper end of which is located on the nozzle roof 8034, and the radially inner nozzle edge 804 ( Is circular in the plan view). The ink suction path 8014 is in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber 8029. A moving edge 8010 including a moving seal lip 8040 is disposed at the lower end of the nozzle wall. The surrounding wall 8038 surrounds the movable nozzle and includes a stationary seal lip 8039. The stationary seal lip 8039 is adjacent to the moving edge 8010 when the nozzle is stationary as shown in FIG. Due to the surface tension of the ink trapped between the stationary seal lip 8039 and the moving seal lip 8040, a fluid seal 8011 is formed. This provides a low resistance coupling between the surrounding wall 8038 and the nozzle wall 8033, but prevents ink leakage from the nozzle chamber.

  As best seen in FIG. 17, the roof 8034 defines a plurality of indentations 8035 extending radially about the nozzle edge 804. The recess 8035 serves to accommodate the radial ink flow as the ink flows over the nozzle edge 804.

  The nozzle wall 8033 forms part of the lever structure attached to the carrier 8036, the carrier 8036 has a substantially U-shaped profile, and its bottom 8037 is attached to the silicon nitride layer 8031.

  The lever structure also includes a lever arm 8018 that extends from the nozzle wall and incorporates a lateral reinforcement beam 8022. The lever arm 8018 is made of titanium nitride (TiN) and is attached to a pair of passive beams 806 located on one side of the nozzle structure (most apparent in FIGS. 13 and 18). The other end of the passive beam 806 is attached to the carrier 8036.

  The lever arm 8018 is also attached to an actuator beam 807 made of TiN. Note that this attachment to the actuator beam is performed at a position slightly higher than the position attached to the passive beam 806 by a significant distance.

  As best seen in FIGS. 13 and 16, the actuator beam 807 is substantially U-shaped in plan view and defines a current path between the electrode 809 and the opposite electrode 8041. Each of the electrodes 809 and 8041 is electrically connected to a respective point in the contact layer 8030. The actuator beam is mechanically fixed to the anchor 808 in addition to being electrically coupled via the contact 809. Anchor 808 is configured to constrain actuator beam 807 from moving to the left in FIGS. 10-12 as the nozzle structure operates.

  The TiN of the actuator beam 807 is conductive, but has sufficient electrical resistance to generate heat when a current flows between the electrode 809 and the electrode 8041. No current flows through the passive beam 806, so the passive beam 806 does not expand.

  In use, a stationary device is filled with ink 8013, which defines a meniscus 803 under the influence of surface tension. The ink is held in chamber 8029 by the meniscus and generally does not leak out unless some other physical effect is present.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in order to eject ink from the nozzle, a current flows between the contact 809 and the contact 8041, and at this time, it flows through the actuator beam 807. The beam 807 generates heat due to its resistance and thereby expands. The dimensions and design of the actuator beam 807 mean the majority of the horizontal expansion in FIGS. Expansion is constrained on the left by anchors 808, thus the end of actuator beam 807 adjacent to lever arm 8018 advances to the right.

  Since the passive beam 806 has a relatively small horizontal flexibility, the passive arm 806 prevents the lever arm 8018 from moving largely horizontally. However, the position where each of the passive beam and the actuator beam is attached to the lever arm is deviated, so that a torsional motion occurs, and the lever arm 8018 moves substantially downward due to this. This movement is substantially a pivoting movement or a hinge movement. However, since there is no true turning center, the center of rotation is the turning area defined by the bending of the passive beam 806.

  The downward movement (and slight rotation) of the lever arm 8018 is amplified by the distance from the passive beam 806 to the nozzle wall 8033. As the nozzle wall and the roof move downward, the pressure in the chamber 29 increases, which causes the meniscus to swell as shown in FIG. The fluid seal 11 is extended by this movement without leakage of ink due to the surface tension of the ink.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the drive current stops at an appropriate timing, and the actuator beam 807 cools rapidly and contracts. By contraction, the lever arm begins to return to its rest position, thereby reducing the pressure in chamber 8029. Due to the interaction between the momentum of the expanding ink and the surface tension as the liquid, and the negative pressure due to the upward movement of the nozzle chamber 8029, the expanding meniscus becomes thinner and eventually cut off. 802 is defined and this drop of ink continues to rise until it touches the adjacent print media.

  Immediately after the drop 802 is cut off, the meniscus 803 forms the concave shape shown in FIG. Due to the surface tension, the pressure in the chamber 8029 remains relatively low until the ink is sucked upward through the suction port 8014, and when sucked, the nozzle structure and the ink return to the stationary state shown in FIG.

  As is most apparent in FIG. 13, the nozzle structure also incorporates a test mechanism that can be used periodically after manufacture and after installation of the printhead. The test mechanism includes a pair of contacts 8020 connected to a test circuit (not shown). A finger 8043 extending from the lever arm 8018 is provided with a bridging contact 8019. Since the bridging contact 8019 is opposite the passive beam 806, when the nozzle is activated, the bridging contact moves upward and contacts the contact 8020. The test circuit can be used to confirm that the circuit formed by the contacts 8019 and 8020 closes upon actuation. If the circuit closes properly, it can generally be assumed that the nozzle is operating.

[Cradle]
FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram of the printer cradle 4. The printer cradle is built around a controller board 82 that includes one or more custom small office home office printer engine chips (SoPEC), and details about the architecture of this chip Will be briefly described later. The controller board 10 is coupled to a USB port 130 for connection to an external computing device such as a personal computer or digital camera that contains the digital file to be printed. Furthermore, the controller board 10 monitors the following.
A paper sensor 192 that detects the presence of a print medium
A printer cartridge chip interface 84 that is coupled to the QA chip 57 of the printer cartridge when in use
Ink supply cartridge QA tip contact 132 coupled to the QA tip of the ink supply cartridge (shown as element 176 in FIG. 37) in use.
A rotor element angle sensor 156 that detects the orientation of the rotor element 60

In use, the controller board processes data received from the USB port 130 and the various sensors described above, and in response drives the motor 110 and the tricolor indicator LED 135 via interface 84. Then, the page width print head chip 52 is driven. As will be described in more detail later, a motor 110 is mechanically coupled to drive a plurality of mechanisms that provide ancillary services for the print cartridge 6. Examples of the mechanism to be driven include the following.
A rotor element drive assembly 145 for operating the rotor element 60
A print media transport assembly 93 that feeds the print media across the page width print head chip 52 during printing.
An air compressor 122 that supplies compressed air to maintain the page width print head chip 52 free of debris.

  As briefly described in detail later, the motor 110 is coupled to each of the above mechanisms by a transmission assembly that includes a direct drive coupling from the motor shaft to the impeller of the air compressor; Worm gear and toothed transmission to the rotor element and print media transport assembly.

  Next, the structure of the cradle 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. As is most apparent in the exploded view of FIG. 26, the cradle 4 has a body shaped complementary to the cartridge 6 such that when coupled to the cartridge 6 forms an ink jet printer. The cradle body is formed of a base molding 90 and a cradle molding 80. The base molding functions as a support for the cradle and houses the drive motor 110, the rotor element roller 94, and the drive roller 96. The base molding is coupled and fixed to the cradle molding 80 by a plurality of corresponding flanges 120 and slots 123. The cradle molding 80 defines an elongated indentation 89 having a size for accommodating the print cartridge 6. The inner wall of the cradle is formed with a plurality of recesses in the form of slots 86 that receive complementary projections in the form of ribs 78 (FIG. 4) of the cartridge 6. As a result, in order to fully accommodate the cartridge 6 in the cradle molding 80, the cartridge 6 must be oriented correctly. In addition, this slot allows the only slot that can be inserted into the cradle to be supported by the cradle's electronics, so that the cartridge does not collide with the ribs, so that the cradle's drive electronics have unsupported performance characteristics. The problem of trying to drive the cartridge is overcome. The controller 82 examines the performance characteristics of the cartridges inserted into the cradle 4 and operates each cartridge in response to the examined performance characteristics. As a result, it is possible to upgrade by providing a starter cartridge with relatively basic performance characteristics in the inkjet cradle and then replacing the starter cartridge with a higher performance upgrade cartridge when needed. is there. For example, the upgrade cartridge can print faster than the starter cartridge or can support more ink.

  Referring to FIG. 25, a worm gear 129 that meshes with the teeth 125 </ b> B is attached to the end of the drive shaft 127 of the motor 110, and the teeth are fixed to the drive roller 96. Referring to FIG. 26 again, the drive roller is supported by bearing mount assemblies 100A and 100B at both ends, and the assemblies 100A and 100B are fixed to the slots 101A and 101B of the cradle molding 80. Similarly, the rotor element conversion roller 94 and the pinch roller 98 are also supported by the bearing mount assemblies 100A and 100B.

  Referring now to FIG. 30, a flipper gear assembly 140 is disposed on the opposite side of the motor end of the drive roller 96. The flipper gear assembly comprises a housing 144 that holds an inner gear 142 and an outer gear 143 that mesh with each other. The inner gear 142 is fixed coaxially with the drive roller 96, whereas the housing 144 rotates freely around the drive roller 96. In use, the housing rotates with the drive roller 96 and the outer gear 143 until the outer gear 143 hits a stopper located on the base molding 90 of the cradle or the outer gear 143 meshes with the rotor element drive teeth 146. Rotate with The rotation direction of the drive roller 96 depends on the direction of the drive current that is passed to the motor 110 by the control board 82. When the outer gear 143 and the rotor element drive teeth 146 mesh, a rotor element drive assembly 145 comprising a drive roller 96, an inner gear 142, an outer gear 143, and a rotor element drive tooth 146 is formed. As a result, in this configuration, power can be transmitted from the drive roller 96 to the rotor element drive roller 94.

  Referring to FIG. 31, cams 148 </ b> A and 148 </ b> B disposed on corresponding cam followers 150 </ b> A and 150 </ b> B are attached to both ends of rotor element driving roller 94. Cam followers 150A and 150B are ring-shaped, and are pivotally fixed by pivot pins 152A and 152B on one side, respectively. The hinged jaws 154A and 154B are provided to grip the rotor element sliding blocks (elements 66A and 66B in FIG. 6) of the printer cartridge. The jaws are pivotally coupled to cam followers 150A and 150B, respectively, on opposite sides of pins 152A and 152B. As the rotor element drive roller 94 rotates, the cams 148A and 148B abut against the inner walls of the cam followers 150A and 150B, thereby lifting the cam followers with the jaws 154A and 154B, respectively.

In order to rotate the rotor element 60 by the correct angle, the cradle 4 includes a rotor element sensor unit 156 (FIG. 20) that detects the actual orientation of the rotor element. The sensor unit 156 includes a light source and a detector unit that detects the presence of reflected light. The rotor element 60 has a reflective surface adapted to reflect light from the light source so that the orientation of the rotor element can be detected by the sensor 156. Specifically, by monitoring the sensor unit 156, the controller board 82 can determine which face of the rotor element 60 is adjacent to the page width printhead chip 52 .

  In addition to the drive roller 96, the motor 110 also drives an air compressor 122 that includes a fan housing 112, an air filter 116, and an impeller 114. The fan housing 112 includes an air outlet 124 that is adapted to couple with an air intake port 76 (FIG. 6) of the cartridge 6.

As is clear from the side view of FIG. 25 and the cross section of FIG. 27, a metal backplane 92 is fixed to the rear surface of the cradle molding 80. A control board 82 on which various electronic circuits are mounted is attached to the backplane 92. The control board is covered by a metal radio frequency interference (RFI) shield 102. The control board 82 is electrically coupled to the cradle connectors 84A and 84B via the flexible PCB connector 106, and is also coupled to an external data and power connection point in the form of the USB port connector 130. The USB connector 130 allows connection to an external personal computer or other computing device. The cradle connectors 84A and 84B are supported in slots formed at both ends of the cradle molding 80 so that when the printer cartridge 6 is fully inserted into the cradle molding recess 89, the cartridge data / power connector 58A and 58B is in electrical contact.

  Controller board 82 is connected to QA chip contacts 132 by various cable rooms and flexible PCB 106. The QA chip contact is disposed in a recess 134 formed in the cradle molding 80 so as to come into contact with the QA chip 176 disposed in the ink supply cartridge 162 when ink is replenished, as will be briefly described later. Is arranged.

  The controller board 82 also drives a tricolor indicator LED (element 135 in FIG. 20) that is optically coupled to the light pipe 136. The end of the light pipe is attached to an indicator port 138 formed in the cradle molding 80 so that the light from the tricolor indicator LED can be seen from the outside of the casing.

[Controller board]
A printer apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes, as basic structural parts, a cradle assembly (including all necessary electronic circuits), a part necessary for handling power and paper, and a cartridge unit. Of these, the cartridge unit includes a highly specialized print head and a portion necessary for handling ink. Therefore, one cradle unit can support cartridge units having different performance and functions without the need to purchase a new cradle unit.

In this regard, a series of cartridge units each having a plurality of different functions and performances can be provided. For example, in a simple form, it will be possible to provide the following three types of cartridge units.
・ Starter unit: 15ppm cartridge with 150ml ink capacity ・ Standard unit: 30ppm cartridge with 300ml ink capacity ・ Professional unit: 60ppm cartridge with 300ml additional ink capacity

  Such a system can be supported in one cradle unit, and the user can purchase various cartridge units depending on his requirements and cost.

  In the case of a professional unit, it may be necessary to provide a dedicated cradle unit that supports the advanced and advanced functions of such a cartridge unit. The cartridge unit having various functions can be provided with a mark such as a color code marking so that the compatibility with the cradle unit can be easily recognized.

  In this regard, FIG. 32 shows a main PCB unit for a cradle unit operating at 15-30 ppm, and FIG. 33 shows a main PCB unit driving a cartridge unit operating at 60 ppm. As is apparent from the figure, these PCBs are nearly identical, the main difference being that there are two SoPEC chips in the 60 ppm PCB. Therefore, even if a user purchases a cradle unit that does not initially support a stronger cartridge unit, the system structure of the present invention allows the cradle unit to be easily upgraded to support such a system. .

  The printer is application specific print engine pipeline control logic configured to perform one or more SoC (system on chip) components and some or all of the functions described above associated with the print pipeline. It is preferable that these are further included.

  Referring now to FIG. 34, the SoPEC device is broadly divided into three different subsystems: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) subsystem 301, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) subsystem 302, and a print engine pipeline. (PEP) subsystem 303.

  The CPU subsystem 301 includes a CPU 30 that controls and sets all aspects of other subsystems. This subsystem provides general support for interface processing between an external printer and an internal print engine and for synchronization processing between them. This subsystem also controls low speed communication with the QA chip (described in another paragraph of this specification). The CPU subsystem 301 also includes various peripheral devices that support the CPU, such as general-purpose I / O (GPIO: including motor control), interrupt controller unit (ICU), LSS master timer, and general-purpose timer. A serial communication block (SCB) on the CPU subsystem provides a full speed USB 1.1 interface with the host and an inter-SoPEC interface (ISI) with other SoPEC devices (not shown).

  The DRAM subsystem 302 receives requests from the CPU, serial communication block (SCB), and blocks in the PEP subsystem. The DRAM subsystem 302, specifically the DRAM interface unit (DIU), arbitrates various requests and determines which request should be assigned access to the DRAM. Based on the set parameters, the DIU arbitrates so that all requesters are allowed sufficient access to the DRAM. In addition, the DIU hides the specifications for mounting the DRAM such as the page size, the number of banks, and the refresh rate.

  A print engine pipeline (PEP) subsystem 303 receives compressed pages from DRAM and sends them to a printhead interface that communicates directly with up to two segments of the bilithic printhead. Convert to gradation dots. The first stage of the page expansion pipeline consists of a continuous tone decoder unit (CDU), a lossless two-tone decoder (LBD), and a tag encoder (TE). It is. Among them, CDU develops a continuous tone (generally CMYK) layer that is JPEG compressed, LBD develops a compressed two tone layer (generally K), and TE renders later ( In general, a netpage tag is encoded for infrared ink or K ink. The output from the first stage is a series of buffers: a continuous tone FIFO unit (CFU), a spot FIFO unit (SFU), and a tag FIFO unit (TFU). The CFU buffer and the SFU buffer are mounted on the DRAM.

  The second stage is a halftone synthesizer unit (HCU), which dithers the continuous tone layer and places the position tag and dither on the resulting dithered two tone layer. A two-tone spot layer is synthesized.

  Depending on the print head used with the SoPEC device, multiple synthesis options can be implemented. From this stage, 2 gradation data of a maximum of 6 channels are generated. However, not all channels need to exist in the print head. For example, the print head can be CMY only, K can be pushed into the CMY channel, and IR can be ignored. Alternatively, if IR ink is not available (or for testing purposes), the encoded tag can be printed in K.

  In the third stage, a defective nozzle corrector (DNC: Dead Nozzle Compensator) corrects defective nozzles in the print head by color redundancy and error diffusion of defective nozzle data to surrounding dots.

  The resulting two-gradation, six-channel dot data (generally CMYK, infrared, fixing agent) is stored in a buffer, and a series of data stored in DRAM by a dot line writer unit (DWU). Written to the line buffer.

  Finally, dot data is loaded from the DRAM and passed to the printhead interface via the dot FIFO. The dot FIFO receives data from the line loader unit (LLU) at the system clock rate (pclk), while the print head interface (PHI) deletes the data from the FIFO and the system clock rate. It is sent to the printhead at a rate 2/3 times that of the printhead.

  In a preferred form, the DRAM is 2.5 Mbytes in size, about 2 Mbytes of which can be used for compressed page store data. The compressed page is received in two or more bands, and a plurality of bands are stored in the memory. Once the page bandwidth is consumed by the PEP subsystem 303 for printing, a new bandwidth can be downloaded. This new band is the band of the current page or the next page.

  By using the bandwidth method, it is possible to start printing the page before the entire compressed page is downloaded, but care must be taken that the data to be printed is always available. Otherwise, a buffer underrun may occur.

  The embedded USB 1.1 device receives the compressed page data and control commands from the host PC and transmits the data to the DRAM (to another SoPEC device in a multi-SoPEC system as described below). Enable.

  In alternative embodiments, multiple SoPEC devices can be used, and multiple SoPEC devices can perform various functions depending on the particular embodiment. For example, in some cases, one SoPEC device can simply be used for on-board DRAM, while another SoPEC device is used for the various decompression and data formatting functions described above. To do. This can reduce the possibility of a buffer underrun, where the printer starts printing the page before all the data on the page has been received and the remaining data is not received in time. Can happen. Adding additional SoPEC devices for memory buffering capabilities doubles the amount of data that can be stored in the buffer, even if the additional capabilities of the added chip are not utilized.

  Each of the SoPEC systems guarantees the quality of the printer structure, the quality of the ink supply (so as not to damage the printhead nozzles during printing), and the quality of the software (so as not to damage the printhead and structure). Multiple quality assurance (QA) devices that are designed to cooperate with each other.

  Normally, each print SoPEC is associated with a printer QA that stores printer attribute information such as the maximum print speed. The ink cartridge used in this system also includes an ink QA chip, and this chip stores cartridge information such as the remaining amount of ink. In addition, the print head has a QA chip that is configured to function as a ROM (actually as an EEPROM), which provides information specific to the print head, such as mapping of defective nozzles and print head characteristics. Storing. As an option, the CPU in the SoPEC device can actually load and execute program code from a QA chip that functions as a serial EEPROM. The CPU in the SoPEC device executes a logical QA chip (ie, a software QA chip).

  Normally, all QA chips in the system are physically the same, and only the contents of the flash memory are different from each other.

  Each SoPEC device has two LSS system buses that can communicate with the QA device for system authentication and ink usage calculations. Multiple QA devices can be used per bus, and the location of QA devices in the system is not limited, with the exception that printer QA devices and ink QA devices should be on separate LSS buses. .

  In use, the logic QA communicates with the ink QA and examines the remaining ink. The response from the ink QA is authenticated with reference to the printer QA. The confirmation from the printer QA is itself authenticated by the logical QA, which indirectly adds an additional authentication level to the response from the ink QA.

  Data passed between QA chips other than the print head QA is authenticated by a digital signature. In the preferred embodiment, HMAC-SHA1 authentication is used for the data and RSA is used for the program code, but other schemes could be used instead.

One SoPEC device can control two bilithic print heads and up to six color channels. The six channels of color ink are the maximum numbers expected in a personal office (SOHO) or office bilithic printing environment and include:
-CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow): for normal color printing-K (black): for black text, line graphics, and grayscale printing-IR (infrared): for Netpage compatible applications-F (fixing agent): Enables high-speed printing by preventing bleeding of printed matter

  Because bilithic printers can print at very high speeds, a fixer may be required to dry the ink before another page touches the already printed page. If the fixing agent is not used, ink may bleed between pages. In relatively slow printing environments, a fixer may not be necessary.

  In the preferred embodiment, the SoPEC device is independent of color space. Continuous tone data as CMYX or RGBX (X is an optional fourth channel) can be accepted, but continuous tone data in any print color space can also be accepted. In addition, SoPEC provides a mechanism for arbitrarily mapping input channels to output channels, such as combining dots to optimize ink, or creating channels based on any number of other channels. However, in general, the input is CMYK for continuous tone input and K for two tone input, and optional Netpage tag dots are typically rendered in the infrared layer. Fixer channels are typically generated for high speed printing applications.

  In the preferred form, the SoPEC device is also independent of resolution. In SoPEC devices, the mapping between input resolution and output resolution is simply provided by the scale factor. The predicted output resolution for the preferred embodiment is 1600 dpi, but SoPEC does not actually have information on the physical resolution of the bilithic printhead.

In the preferred form, the SoPEC device is independent of page length. Successive pages are generally divided into multiple bands and downloaded to the page store as each band of information is consumed.

[Ink supply cartridge]
As described above, the print head cartridge 6 includes the ink containing membrane 26 including the ink reservoirs 28 to 34, and the ink reservoirs 28 to 34 are formed on the upper surface of the cover molding 36. It is connected to the. For the purpose of refilling the ink reservoirs 28-34, an ink injector in the form of an ink refill cartridge as shown in FIGS. 35-42 is provided. Hereinafter, the structure of the replenishment cartridge 160 will be described with reference mainly to FIG. 37 which is an exploded view of the cartridge.

  The ink cartridge 160 has an outer molding 162 that functions as an operating handle or “plunger” and includes an inner spring assembly 164. The spring assembly 164 includes a base 178, and a spring member 180 extends from the base and contacts the inside of the cover molding 162. The spring member urges the base 178 against the deformable ink membrane 166, and the ink membrane 166 is generally made of polyethylene and contains a printing fluid such as color ink or fixing agent. The ink membrane 166 is housed in a polyethylene base molding 170 that slides within the outer molding 162, as best seen in FIGS. The ink outlet pipe 182 extends from the membrane 166 and fits in an elastomeric collar 172 formed at the bottom of the base molding 170. A seal 174 covers the collar 172 before using the ink supply cartridge.

Extending from the bottom of the base molding 170 is a protrusion 190 that functions as a positioning feature and has a shape that mates with a refill port of an inkjet printer component (such as the ink refill port 8 of the printer cartridge 6). The position of the outlet pipe 182 and the collar 172 relative to the protrusion 190 will vary depending on the type of printing fluid included in the ink supply cartridge. Accordingly, a printing fluid system is provided that includes a plurality of printing fluid injectors each having an outlet disposed with respect to the protrusion 190 depending on the type of printing fluid to be received. As a result, when a refill cartridge is coupled to port 8, outlet 182 couples to the corresponding inlet 42A-42E, and thus a specific ink reservoir 28, 30 that is dedicated to contain the same type of printing fluid. , 32, 34 are replenished.

  A flange 184 extends from one side of the bottom of the base molding 170, and an authentication means in the form of a quality assurance (QA) chip 176 is attached to the flange 184. When the ink cartridge 160 is inserted into the ink supply port 8, the QA chip 176 comes into contact with the QA chip contact 132 disposed on the cradle 4.

  Extending from the outer wall of the base molding 170 is a retaining projection 168 that is received in a recess that is either a pre-push indent 165 or a post-push indent 169. As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, these recesses are formed on the inner periphery of the wall of the upper cover molding 162. The indentation recess 165 is disposed near the opening of the upper cover molding, while the indentation recess 169 is disposed above the inner wall. When the ink cartridge 160 is completely filled, the holding protrusion 168 engages with the depression 165 before pushing. As will be explained more concisely later, in order to overcome this engagement, a pushing force greater than a predetermined threshold must be carefully applied to the upper cover molding. The ink is pumped out of the outlet 172 by the push, and the base molding 170 enters the upper cover molding 162 by overcoming the bias of the spring assembly 164 until the retaining protrusion 168 is received in the recess 169 after the push.

[Example of use]
In use, the printer cartridge 6 is properly aligned on the cradle 4 as shown in FIG. 3 and then inserted into the recess 89 of the upper cradle molding 80. When the cartridge unit is inserted into the cradle 4, the cradle connectors 84 A and 84 B are electrically connected to the data / power connectors 58 A and 58 B of the cartridge 6. At the same time, the air nozzle 124 of the air compressor assembly 122 passes through the air seal 44 and enters the air intake port 76 of the cartridge 6.

  As is apparent in FIG. 27, a pedestal or shelf on which the cartridge is placed after insertion is formed on the inner wall of the recess 89. A plurality of elastic members in the form of springs 190 are provided which act on the cartridge when the cartridge is in place and when the retention latch is secured over the cartridge. It also acts on the holding latch. As a result, these springs function to hold the cartridge firmly in the cradle 4 and latch 7 by absorbing the shock upon insertion and then urging the cartridge in place into the latch. . In the alternative, a spring can be placed in the latch 7, in which case the cartridge 6 is biased against the cradle 4.

  An attempt to insert the cartridge in the wrong direction is not possible due to the presence of a specific orientation slot 86 in the cradle 4 and a specific orientation rib 78 in the cartridge 6. Similarly, cartridges that are not intended for use with the present cradle are not acceptable in any orientation because they do not have ribs that correspond to slots 86 in a particular orientation. In particular, cartridges that need to be driven by a cradle with a dual SoPEC chip controller board do not have the correct rib shape to be received by a cradle with a single SoPEC chip controller board.

When the cartridge unit is first inserted into the cradle unit 4 and during transport, the rotor element 60 is such that its capping surface engages the page width print head chip 52 such that the nozzle opening of the print head is sealed. In the direction. Similarly, when the printer device is not used, the capping surface is in contact with the bottom for the purpose of sealing the bottom of the page width print head chip 52 . Sealing the print head reduces the evaporation of the ink solvent, usually water, and therefore reduces the drying of the ink at the print nozzles while the printer is not in use.

Remote computing devices such as digital cameras and personal computers are connected to the USB port 130 for the purpose of supplying power and print data signals to the cradle 4. The processing circuit of the controller board 82 executes various initialization routines in response to the supply of power, for example, confirms the manufacturer code stored in the QA chip 57, and sets the status of the ink reservoirs 28 to 34 to the ink reservoir. Check unit status by tricolor indicator LED 135, check by sensor 35, check status of rotor element 60 by sensor 156, check by paper sensor 192 whether paper or other print media is inserted in cradle It is shown to the outside through the pipe 136.

  Before performing the printing operation, paper or other print media must be fed into the cradle 4. When the controller board 82 receives a signal for starting printing from an external computing device, the controller board 82 checks the presence of the sheet by the sheet sensor 192. If no paper is present, the tricolor LED 135 is set to call attention and the controller does not start printing. However, if the paper sensor 192 indicates that print media is present, the controller board 82 responds by rotating the rotor element 60 to a predetermined print position.

In this regard, when a printing mode of operation is detected at startup or during a maintenance routine, the rotor element 60 rotates so that its blotting surface is located in the ink firing path of the page width printhead chip 52 . The blotting surface functions as a kind of spitton and can receive ink from the printing nozzles, and the received ink is contained in the body of the rotor element 60 due to the absorption characteristics of the material provided on the blotting surface. Be drawn. Since the rotor element 60 is a part of the printer cartridge 6, the rotor element 60 is replaced when the cartridge is replaced. As a result, ink does not accumulate on the suction surface and become dirty.

When a print command is detected at the USB port 130 and the presence of the print medium is confirmed, the controller board 82 drives the motor 110, whereby the drive roller 96 starts rotating and cooperates with the pinch roller 98 to print medium. Is fed into the page width print head chip 52 . At the same time, the controller board 82 processes print data from an external computing device for the purpose of generating control signals for the page width print head chip 52 . Control signals are passed to the printhead via cradle connectors 84A, 84B, cartridge data and power connectors 58A, 58B, and flexible PCB contacts at both ends of the page width printhead chip 52 . The page width printhead chip 52 is bilithic, i.e. comprises two elongate chips that span the length of the printhead, and data is fed to both ends of the printhead along the longitudinal direction of each chip. It is transmitted to each individual nozzle. Power is supplied to individual nozzles of the printhead chip via bus bars extending along the length of the chip. The individual nozzles of the print head are responsive to the received data and power to selectively fire ink onto the print media as it is drawn over the platen surface of the rotor element 60, thereby providing a USB port. The image encoded in the data signal transmitted to 130 is printed.

The operation of motor 110 causes air compressor 122 to direct air to the base molding of the cartridge. The air is guided to the space behind the air filter 51 through the fluid supply path in the base molding 20 of the cartridge. When the air pressure increases to a level that sufficiently overcomes the resistance of the air filter 51, the air is directed out through the holes in the air filter 51 along the length of the bottom of the cartridge base molding. The guided air is received between the page-width printhead chip 52 and the air cover plate 54 and passes over the surface of the printhead chip while the printer is operating, thereby preventing dust and debris from flowing. By maintaining the print head in a non-existing state, it serves to prevent the print head from deteriorating.

Referring now to FIG. 40, the first step of the ink replenishment procedure begins with the replenishment sensor 35 telling the controller board 82 that there is a shortage of printing fluid in the ink reservoirs 28, 30, 32, 34. Is done. Controller board 82 activates indicator LED 135 in response to a signal from replenishment sensor 35. Alternatively, detection of the lack of printing ink can be calculated by the controller board electronics. The volume of ink per nozzle firing is known and constant throughout the printhead operation (approximately 1 picoliter), so the amount of ink supplied by the printhead and the consumption of each color or type of ink The quantity can be calculated. In this regard, the controller board 82 can monitor the consumption of each printing fluid, and when that level reaches a predetermined level, the tricolor indicator LED must be activated to replenish that printing fluid. Can be notified to the user.

  Light from the indicator LED is conveyed by a light pipe 136 for the purpose of displaying information at the indicator port 138 of the cradle 4 to the printer operator. This information can tell the user the color or type of ink that needs to be replenished. The controller board can also send a signal to the remote computing device via the USB port 130 to indicate to the user through the computing device the type of ink that needs to be refilled.

In order for the replenishment procedure to proceed, the printer cartridge 6 must be in a predetermined position on the printer cradle 4. Next, the ink supply cartridge 160 of the necessary ink type is moved over the ink supply port 8 disposed on the upper surface of the printer cartridge 6. As described above, the ink supply port 8 includes a series of injection ports 42 </ b> A to 42 </ b> E protected by the sealing film 40. Located below the sealing film 40 are a plurality of printing fluid conduits 43A-43E that are in direct communication with the ink reservoirs 28, 30, 32, 34. An ink inlet is provided for each of the printing fluids, ie, C, M, Y, K, infrared ink, and fixing agent (if necessary). The position of the inlet of each of the different fluids is such that the ink outlet pin 182 of the replenishment cartridge 160 automatically matches the inlet corresponding to the particular printing fluid to be refilled included in the cartridge 160 among the inlets 42A-42E. Are arranged in a specific arrangement order along the injection port 8 so as to communicate with each other.

The second stage of the ink supply stage is shown in FIG. In this figure, a supply cartridge 160 is inserted into the supply port 8 of the cartridge unit. When the supply cartridge 160 is inserted into the supply port 8, the positions of the ink supply QA chip 176 and the QA contact 132 of the cradle unit automatically match. The controller board 82 examines various codes stored in the QA chip 176 for the purpose of verifying the integrity and authenticity of the ink supply cartridge 160. When controller board 82 determines that the presence of genuine ink, i.e., the ink of the required color or type from the correct manufacturer, is confirmed by QA chip 176, indicator LED 135 shines yellow. , Thereby indicating that the refill cartridge 160 has been received. However, if controller board 82 determines that an error condition exists, controller board 82 sets LED 135 to red for the purpose of notifying that there is a problem with the refill cartridge. For example, when the QA chip 176 does not pass the confirmation step, it can be determined that an error condition exists. Moreover, often only one of the ink reservoirs 28, 30, 32, 34 needs to be refilled. For example, a reservoir assigned to contain cyan ink may require replenishment. In that case, if the QA chip 176 indicates that the ink supply cartridge 160 does not contain cyan ink, the controller board 82 sets the indicator LED 135 to red for the purpose of notifying an error condition.

  It will be appreciated that communication between all parts of the printer device is required to provide replenishment that ensures quality assurance. That is, the printer cartridge 6 must be disposed in the printer cradle 4 and the ink supply cartridge 160 must be inserted into the cartridge 6 such that the ink supply QA chip 176 contacts the QA chip contact 132. . This controls each of the refill operations and reduces the possibility of false refills that can damage the printer mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 41, when the ink supply cartridge 160 is inserted into the supply port 8 of the cartridge unit 6, the ink outlet pipe 182 penetrates the sealing film 40, and one of the supply port openings 42 to A42E is injected with ink. It communicates with a corresponding one of the inlets 24. The ink inlet 24 is formed as an elastomer molding so that the penetration of the ink seal 32 (located ahead of the ink outlet pipe 182 of the ink supply cartridge) occurs automatically. As a result, fluid communication (self-sealing fluid communication) in a sealed state is ensured between the ink stored in the replenishment cartridge 160, the ink supply conduits 43A to 43E, and the ink reservoirs 28 to 34. . As a result of the fluid communication in the sealed state, when the outer molding 162 is pushed, pressure causes ink to flow into one of the ink reservoirs 28, 30, 32, 34.

As shown in FIG. 42, when the upper cover molding 162 is pushed, the third stage of the ink supply procedure occurs, and the ink present in the ink supply cartridge 160 is out of the ink reservoirs 28 to 34 of the printer cartridge. Extruded into one of the After the outer molding 162 is pushed, it is clear to the operator that the ink supply cartridge 160 has been emptied, and this supply phase is now complete and the cartridge 160 can be removed from the printer cartridge 6. When this replenishment phase is complete, the replenishment sensor 35 generates a signal indicating that the level of printing fluid in each of the ink reservoirs 28-34 exceeds a predetermined level. In response to the signal from the replenishment sensor, the controller board 82 sets the indicator LED 135 to glow green, thereby notifying the operator that the replenishment process has been completed successfully.

  The force with which ink is pushed out from the ink supply cartridge 160 is determined by the degree of pushing force applied to the upper cover molding 162 by the operator. Accordingly, the upper cover molding 162 functions as an operation handle or a plunger of the ink supply cartridge. As a result, if the replenishment step is not performed carefully or is performed quickly, ink may be supplied to the printer cartridge 6 at an excessively high pressure. Due to such pressure, the ink containing membrane 26 may be ruptured by the ink contained in the printer cartridge 6, and thus the ink may leak inside the cartridge unit and damage the printer cartridge to such an extent that it cannot be repaired. . The internal spring molding 164 prevents inadvertent rupture of the membrane by providing a safety mechanism against excessive pressure of ink pushed out of the refill unit. In this regard, the spring molding 164 is designed to limit the maximum force transmitted to the deformable ink membrane 26 by pushing the upper cover molding 14. As a force applied to the upper cover molding 14, a force that causes ink to be pushed out at a pressure exceeding the maximum allowable level is absorbed by the spring molding 164 and accumulated in the spring member 180. The spring molding 164 is suitably designed to prevent an excessive force from being momentarily applied to the replenishment ink membrane 166. That is, the deformation and / or elastic properties of the spring molding 164 are selected such that the pressure in the membrane is limited to a predetermined level.

  As shown most clearly in FIGS. 38 and 39, a holding projection 168 is disposed on the side surface of the base molding 170. While the ink cartridge 160 is in the state before being pushed in, the holding projection 168 is coupled to the depression 165 before being pushed in. Engagement of the protrusion 168 with the pre-push indentation provides an additional safety measure during the refill process. This engagement prevents an unintended force from being applied to the inner ink membrane 166 from the upper cover molding, and thus prevents the upper cover from being inadvertently pushed during transportation or delivery. After the ink supply cartridge 160 is inserted into the supply port 8, the upper cover 162 is pushed in with a force sufficient to overcome the engagement between the depression 165 before pushing and the holding protrusion 168. As the upper cover molding 162 is pushed, the base 178 of the spring assembly 164 strikes the ink membrane 166, thereby pushing ink through the outlet pipe 182 into the ink reservoir membrane 166 of the printer cartridge. In order to overcome the initial engagement of the retaining protrusion 168, a large force must first be applied. The spring member 164 functions instantaneously so as to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the ink membrane 166 in this case. Following the application of this initial force, it proceeds to normal pushing. As shown in FIG. 38, when the replenishment step is complete, the retaining projection 168 engages the locking shape in the form of a post-indent recess 169, which is the upper side of the inner wall of the outer molding 162 of the ink cartridge. Is arranged. The holding protrusion 168 is coupled to the upper recess 169 so that the ink is pushed out, and then the outer molding 162 of the ink cartridge is fixed to the base molding 170. It will be appreciated that this arrangement overcomes the possibility of a user attempting to refill the ink supply cartridge 162 with low quality ink that could damage the nozzles and ink supply cartridges of the printer cartridge. In this state after pushing, the used ink supply cartridge can be returned to the supplier. The supplier is provided with a tool to open the refill cartridge and return the top cover to the upper position, so that the refill unit is refilled with authentic ink so that it can be reused and the authenticity of the ink is confirmed. The QA chip 176 can be reprogrammed.

  Of course, the foregoing description has been given by way of example only to illustrate the invention, and all modifications and variations that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that it is considered to fall within the broad scope of the invention.

  Although the invention has been illustrated and described in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, various modifications will be apparent to and readily altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Would be able to. Accordingly, the scope of the claims appended hereto should not be limited to the description set forth herein, but the claims shall be construed broadly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a front side, an upper side, and a right side when a printer cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is combined with a printer cradle. 2 is a block diagram of a printer cartridge. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a front side, an upper side, and a right side of a printer cartridge before being inserted into a printer cradle. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a rear surface, a lower side, and a left side of the printer cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a front side, a lower side, and a right side of the printer cartridge in a partially disassembled state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a front side, a lower side, and a right side of the printer cartridge in an exploded state. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the underside of the cartridge base molding showing a plurality of printing fluid conduits. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the right side of the printer cartridge. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a printer cartridge. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the print head chip nozzle in the 1st operation state. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the print head chip nozzle in the 2nd operation state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the print head chip nozzle after ink droplets are ejected. FIG. 5 is a perspective view (partially sectional view) of a print head chip nozzle after ejection of ink droplets. It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a print head chip nozzle. It is sectional drawing of a print head chip nozzle. It is a perspective view (partial sectional view) of a print head chip nozzle. It is a top view of a print head chip nozzle. It is a top view (partial sectional view) of a print head chip nozzle. It is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the print head chip. It is a block diagram of a printer cradle. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a front side, a left side, and an upper side of the printer cradle. It is a top view of the front side of a printer cradle. It is a top view of the upper side of a printer cradle. It is a top view of the lower side of a printer cradle. It is a top view of the right side of a printer cradle. It is a perspective view of the left side, the front side, and the upper side of the printer cradle in an exploded state. It is a top view (partial sectional view) of the right side of the printer cradle. FIG. 3 is a left rear and upper perspective view of the printer cradle with a print cartridge inserted. FIG. 6 is a left rear and upper perspective view of the printer cradle with the RFI shield removed. FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the left side of the printer cradle. FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the right side of the printer cradle. It is a perspective view of a single SoPEC chip controller board. It is a perspective view of a dual SoPEC chip controller board. It is a block diagram of a SoPEC chip. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ink supply cartridge in an empty state. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ink supply cartridge in a fully filled state. It is a perspective view of the ink supply cartridge in a disassembled state. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ink supply cartridge in an empty state. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ink supply cartridge in a fully filled state. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an ink supply cartridge that is aligned for insertion into a printer cartridge. It is a figure which shows the ink replenishment cartridge inserted in the printer cartridge and before inject | pouring ink. It is a figure which shows the ink replenishment cartridge inserted in the printer cartridge and injecting ink.

Claims (8)

A printer,
A plurality of reservoirs for containing the printing fluid, wherein the plurality of reservoir communicating with the print head, a plurality of inlets through corresponding one fluid communication among the plurality of reservoirs A print cartridge comprising including supply port, said inlet Is located in the replenishment port, and each inlet receives a connector located in each of the corresponding print fluid replenishment cartridges of the plurality of print fluid replenishment cartridges ;
A cradle that receives the print cartridge in a removable state and includes a body , the body received by a controller that controls the printer, a cradle connector that connects the received print cartridge to the controller, and a replenishment port. A cradle including a QA chip contact connecting the controller to a quality assurance (QA) chip of the printed fluid supply cartridge
With
The controller controls replenishment of the reservoir with print fluid from the received print fluid supply cartridge when the QA chip contact is connected to the QA chip of the received print fluid supply cartridge. further, when the cradle connector on the print cartridge received is connected, configured to control the printing by the print head of the print cartridge received, said printer.   The printer of claim 1, wherein the print head is a page width print head. The cradle connector, the print cartridge is placed into one or more walls of the recess of the body of the cradle to be received, the printer according to claim 1. The cradle connector is placed on the walls of at least one end of said recess, a printer according to claim 3. The cradle connector is placed on the walls at both ends of the depression, the printer according to claim 3. The printer of claim 1 , wherein the cradle connector comprises both a data connector and a power connector.   The printer of claim 1, wherein the printing fluid is ink. The printer according to claim 7 , wherein each of the plurality of reservoirs contains a predetermined color ink.

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