505573 Λ7 B7 五、發明說明（/ ) [發明背景] 本發明係關於用以提供油墨至噴墨印表機之油墨容器 。更明確而言，本發明係關於一種方法與裝置，用以插入 及移出於一噴墨印表機內之接收站的油墨容器。 噴墨印表機係頻繁運用安裝於托架之一噴墨列印頭， 該托架係相對於諸如紙之列印媒體所移動。隨著列印頭係 相對於列印媒體所移動，一控制系統係致動該列印頭以置 放或噴出墨滴於列印媒體上，以構成影像與文字。油墨係 提供至列印頭，藉由係與列印頭所整體構成之一油墨供應 器（如同於一種拋棄式列印匣之情形），或者藉由係可自該 列印頭所分離而更換之一油墨供應器。 一種先前使用之列印系統係運用其係載有托架之油墨 供應器。該油墨供應器係被與列印頭所整體構成，而當油 墨係用盡時，整個列印頭與油墨供應器係作更換。或者是 ，該油墨供應器係可載有托架，且係可自該列印頭所分離 ‘而更換。對於油墨供應器係可分離式更換之情形，該油墨 供應器係當油墨用盡時作更換。之後，該列印頭係於列印 頭壽命結束時作更換。不論該油墨供應器係位於列印系統 內之何處，重要的是，該油墨供應器係提供可靠之油墨供 應至噴墨列印頭。 對於噴墨列印系統之目前需求係運用其易於安裝與移 除之可更換式油墨容器。油墨容器之安裝係應產生可靠之 流體連接至印表機。油墨容器係應相當容易製造，藉以有 助於降低油墨供應成本。油墨供應成本之降低係有助於降 4 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) --------訂----------· 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 A7 B7 五、發明說明（上） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 低該列印系統之每頁列印成本。此外，此等油墨容器係應 爲小巧型(compact)且係構成爲插入至噴墨列印系統，以維 持該列印系統之相當小的整體高度而允許低輪廓(profile)之 列印系統。 [發明槪論] 本發明之一個層面係一種用以提供油墨至噴墨列印系 統之可更換式油墨容器。該噴墨列印系統係具有安裝於一 掃描托架之一接收站。該接收站具有一個流體入口與沿著 流體入口各側所延伸之一對導軌。該可更換式油墨容器包 括一個流體出口，其係構成以供連接至關連於接收站之流 體入口。該可更換式油墨容器亦包括一對朝外延伸之導軌 接合部。該對導軌接合部各者係配置並安排於可更換式油 墨容器以供與該對導軌各者接合，以水平及垂直方向而導 引可更換式油墨容器至接收站。該對朝外延伸之導軌接合 、部與該對導軌係合作以令該流體出口與流體入口爲對齊， 以建立介於該油墨容器與接收站之間的流體連通。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本發明之另一個層面係關連於接收站之導引部，其係 導引可更換式油墨容器，先以線性動作向內朝f該接收站 之一背壁且接著以向內及向下動作朝著背壁且向下至接收 站。 本發明之又一個層面係電氣連接至一電氣儲存元件之 複數個電氣接點。該油墨容器導引部係配置及安排以接合 接收站導引部，先以朝向背壁之線性方向且接著以朝向該 接收站背壁與底表面之方向而導引可更換式油墨容器。於 5 紙d尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210x 297公釐) " 505573 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（$ ) 該油墨容器上之導引部係與關連於接收站之導引部合作以 對齊該流體出口與流體入口，將於可更換式油墨容器之複 數個電氣接點對齊於接收站之複數個電氣接點，以建立介 於該油墨容器與接收站之間的電氣及流體連接。 [圖式簡單說明] 第1圖係本發明之噴墨列印系統一個示範實施例，顯 示爲一蓋係打開’以顯示本發明之複數個可更換式油墨容 器。 第2圖係一部份之掃描托架的放大立體圖，顯示本發 明之可更換式油墨容器係定位於一接收站，其提供介於可 更換式油墨容器與一或多個列印頭之間的流體連通。 第3圖係一部份之掃描托架的側視圖，顯示關連於可 更換式油墨容器各者之導引部與閂鎖部，以及供固定可更 換式油墨容器之接收站，藉以允許與列印頭之流體連通。 第4圖係以隔離方式所顯示之一接收站，用以接收本 發明之一或多個可更換式油墨容器。 第5a、5b、5c、與5d圖係以隔離方式所顯示本發明 之三色可更換式油墨容器的等同視圖。 第6圖係本發明之單色可更換式油墨容器的立體極。 第7a、7b、與7c圖係描述本發明之用以插入可更換 式油墨容器至供應站的方法。 第8a與8b圖係描述可更換式油墨容器於接收站上的 直立流體入口之通過，分別係由側視與端視所觀之。 第9a、9b、與9c圖係描述本發明之用以由接收站移 6 -------— — ^----------- --訂---------線· (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ϋ氏張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 505573 A7 B7 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印#'|农 五、發明說明（4) 出可更換式油墨容器的方法。 [元件符號說明] 10列印系統 12可更換式油墨容器 14 接收站(station) 16噴墨列印頭 18列印部 20掃描托架(carriage) 22列印媒體 24媒體盤(tray) 26滑動桿 28帶狀電纜 30 問鎖(latch) 32 鍵(key) 34油墨貯存器(reservoir) 36 流體互連件（interconnect) 38噴出部 40導引部 42接合部 44握柄 46導軌 48接合部 50閂鎖接合部 52彈簧偏動構件 本紙張皮度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 x 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ---------訂---------線· 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 Λ7 ________B7____ 五、發明說明（S ) 5 4飽部 56單色接收室(bay) 58三色接收室 60孔隙 62電氣互連件 64電氣接點 66背壁 68底表面 70直立側 72油墨容器之前表面或前導緣(端） Μ電氣介面 76底表面 78電氣接點 80電氣儲存元件 82尾隨端 84鍵 86頂表面 88孔隙(流體出口） 90施加至油墨容器之朝下力量 [較佳實施例詳細說明] 第1圖係列印系統10之一個示範實施例的立體圖，顯 示爲其蓋係打開，列印系統包括至少一個可更換式油墨 容器12,其係安裝於一接收站14。將可更換式油墨容器 12適當安裝於接收站14，油墨係由可更換式油墨容器· 12 8 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） -----—t—.—--------^--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505573 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（6) 所提供到至少一個噴墨列印頭16。噴墨列印頭16係響應 於一列印部18之致動訊號，以置放油墨於列印媒體上。隨 著油墨係由列印頭16所噴出，列印頭16係由油墨容器12 所重新補給油墨。於一個較佳實施例，可更換式油墨容器 12、接收站Η、與噴墨列印頭16係爲一掃描托架20之各 個部件，掃描托架20係相對於一列印媒體22所移動以完 成列印。列印部18包括一媒體盤24，以供接收該列印媒 體22。隨著列印媒體22係步進通過列印區域，掃描托架 20係相對於列印媒體22而移動該列印頭16。列印部18係 選擇性致動該列印頭16以置放油墨於列印媒體22，藉以 完成列印。 掃描托架20係移動通過於一掃描機構上之列印區域， 該掃描機構包括一滑動桿26，隨著掃描托架20係移動通 過一掃描軸，掃描托架20係滑動於該滑動桿26。一個定 位機構(未顯示)係使用以適當定位掃描托架20。此外’一 個進紙機構(未顯示)係使用以隨著掃描托架20沿著掃描軸 移動而將列印媒體22步進通過列印區域。電氣訊號係提供 至掃描托架20，以藉由諸如帶狀電纜28之電氣連路而供 選擇性致動列印頭16。 本發明之一個重要層面係供插入油墨容器12至接收站 14之方法與裝置，俾使油墨容器12構成與列印部18之適 當流體及電氣互連。必要的是，適當之流體及電氣連接係 建立介於油墨容器12與列印部18之間。流體互連係允許 於可更換式油墨容器12內之油墨供應可被流體耦接至列印 9 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） .—^--------^--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505573 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印制π A7 B7 五、發明說明（？） 頭16，以提供油墨來源至列印頭16。電氣互連係允許資訊 可被通過於可更換式油墨容器12與列印部18之間。舉例 而言，通過於可更換式油墨容器12與列印部18之間的資 訊係包括有關該可更換式油墨容器與列印部18之相容性的 資訊、以及諸如油墨位準資訊之操作狀態資訊。 如將係關於第2至9圖所論者，本發明之方法與裝置 係描述其允許可更換式油墨容器12被插入至接收站14之 該等特點，其插入方式使得可靠之電氣及流體連接係建立 介於可更換式油墨容器12與接收站14之間。此外，本發 明之方法與裝置係允許以可靠方式插入及移出可更換式列 印構件(油墨容器）12於列印部18，同時允許列印部18之 整體高度（由第1圖所指“h”尺寸所表示)係爲相當小之尺 寸，藉以提供相當低輪廓之列印系統10。重要的是，列印 系統10具有低輪廓以提供較爲小巧之列印系統，並且允許 列印部係可使用於種種列印應用。 第2圖係一部份之掃描托架20的立體圖，顯示出一對 可更換式油墨容器12係適當安裝於接收站14。一噴墨列 印頭16係與接收站Μ爲流體連通。於較佳實施例中，第 1圖所示之噴墨式列印系統10係包括一個三色油墨容器與 一個第二油墨容器，該三色油墨容器含有三種單獨之油墨 顏色’而第一油墨容器含有單一種油墨顏色。於此較佳實 施例中，該三色油墨容器含有青綠色（cyan)、紫紅色 (magenta)、與黃色之油墨，而該單色油墨容器含有黑色油 墨，以供達成四色之列印。可更換式油墨容器12係可作不 10 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） I.-------------------訂---------線 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 A7 _ B7 五、發明說明（片） 同分隔，以含有少於三種油墨顏色或者多於三種油墨顏色( 若需有更多種顏色時）。舉例而言，於高度傳真（high fidelity)列印之情況，經常係使用六或更多種顏色以達成列 印。 爲了簡化，第2圖所示之接收站14係顯示爲流體耦接 至單一個列印頭16。於較佳實施例中，四個噴墨式列印頭 16係流體耦接至接收站14。於此較佳實施例中，該四個列 印頭各者係流體耦接至可更換式油墨容器12所含有之四個 顏色油墨各者。因此，青綠色、紫紅色、黃色與黑色列印 頭16各者係分別耦接至其對應之青綠色、紫紅色、黃色與 黑色油墨供應器。亦可能運用少於四個之較少的列印頭之 其他結構。舉例而言，列印頭16係可構成以列印超過一種 油墨顏色，藉著適當劃分該列印頭16，以允許第一種油墨 顏色係提供至第一群組之油墨噴嘴，第二種油墨顏色係提 供至第二群組之油墨噴嘴，該第二群組之油墨噴嘴係不同 於第一群組之油墨噴嘴。以此方式，單一個列印頭16係可 使用以列印超過一種油墨顏色，允許以少於四個列印頭16 而達成四色列印。介於該等可更換式油墨容器12各者與列 印頭16之間的流體路徑係將關於第3圖而詳細討論之。 該等可更換式油墨容器12之各者包括一閂鎖30 ’以 供固定可更換式油墨容器12至接收站14。於較佳實施例 中之接收站14係包括一組鍵32，其與於可更換式油墨容 器12上之對應鍵定(keying)部（未顯示)爲互動。於可更換 式油墨容器12上之該等鍵定部係與接收站14上之鍵32 η 11 冢紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） --------I--I I I I (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 A7 B7 五、發明說明（？） 互動，以確保該可更換式油墨容器12係可相容於接收站 14 ° 第3圖係於第2圖所不之掃描托架部20的側視圖。掃 描托架部20係包括油墨容器12，該油墨容器12係顯示爲 適當安裝於接收站14，藉以建立介於可更換式油墨容器12 與列印頭16之間的流體連通。 可更換式油墨容器12包括一貯存部34，以供容納一 或多份量之油墨。於較佳實施例中，三色可更換式油墨容 器12係具有三個分離之油墨容納貯存器，各者含有一種不 同顏色之油墨。於此較佳實施例中，單色可更換式油墨容 器12係爲單一個油墨貯存器34，以供容納單一種顏色之 油墨。 於較佳實施例中，貯存器34係具有配置於其內之一個 毛細管作用（capillary)儲存構件。毛細管作用儲存構件係一 種具有充分的毛細管作用以保有油墨之多孔(porous)構件， 以防止在該油墨容器12由列印系統10之插入與移出期間 來自貯存器34之油墨洩漏。此毛細管作用力係必須足夠大 ，以於諸如溫度與壓力變化之種種環境條件下而防止由貯 存器34之油墨洩漏。此外，該毛細管作用構件之毛細管作 用係足以將油墨保持於油墨貯存器34，針對該油墨貯存器 之所有方位以及該油墨容器在正常操作期間可能遭受之合 理量的衝擊與振動。較佳之毛細管作用儲存構件係於1999 年十月29日提出申請之標題爲“用於噴墨式印表機之油墨 貯存器”的美國專利申請案序號09/430,400 (代理人案號 12 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準(CNS)A4規格⑵0 X 297公爱)~~ -- ------------费------丨丨訂·--------線, (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 A7 B7 五、發明說明（r) 1〇9914〇7)所述之一種熱接合聚合物纖維網，該件美國專 利申請案係讓渡給本發明之受讓人，且係以參考方式而併 入本文。 一旦該油墨容器12係適當安裝至接收站14，油墨容 器12係藉由流體互連件36而流體耦接至列印頭16。於列 印頭16之致動時，油墨係由噴出部38所噴出，同時產生 一負計量壓力（有時稱作爲反壓力）於列印頭36。於列印 頭36之此負計量壓力係足以克服毛細管作用力，保持於配 置在油墨貯存器34內之毛細管作用構件。油墨係藉著此反 壓力由可更換式油墨容器12所抽取至列印頭16。以此方 式，列印頭16係補充以可更換式油墨容器12所提供之油 墨。 流體互連件36係較佳爲一直立式油墨管，其朝上延伸 至該油墨容器12且朝下延伸至噴墨式列印頭16。流體互 連件36係大爲簡化地顯示於第3圖。於較佳實施例中，流 體互連件36係一歧管(manifold)，其允許偏移於該等列印 頭16沿著掃描軸之定位，藉以允許列印頭16係置放偏移 於對應之可更換式油墨容器12。於較佳實施例中，流體互 連件36係延伸至貯存器34以壓縮該毛細管作用構件，藉 以構成相鄰於流體互連件36之提高毛細管作用的一區域。 此提高毛細管作用的區域係有助於以抽取油墨朝向流體互 連件36，藉以允許油墨透過流體互連件36而流動至列印 頭16。如將討論者，極爲重要的是，該油墨容器12係須 適當定位於接收站14，俾使當該油墨容器12係插入至接 13 本紙張史度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公爱) -- 信 I I--I-----------t---------Aw (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) A7 Β7 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 五、發明說明（i| ) 收站時可達成毛細管作用構件之適當壓縮。該毛細管作用 構件之適當壓縮係爲必須，以建立從該油墨容器12至列印 頭16之可靠的油墨流動。 可更換式油墨容器12更包括一導引部40、一接合部 42、一握柄44、與一閂鎖部30，允許該油墨容器12可插 入至接收站14，以達成與列印頭16之可靠的流體互連， 並且構成介於可更換式油墨容器12與掃描托架20之間的 可靠電氣互連，如將關於第7a至7c圖與第8a至8b圖所 討論者。 接收站14包括一導軌46、一接合部48、與一閂鎖接 合部50。導軌46係與可更換式油墨容器12之導軌接合部 42合作，以導引該油墨容器12至接收站14。一旦可更換 式油墨容器12係完全插入至接收站14,關連於可更換式 油墨容器之接合部42係與關連於接收站14之接合部48爲 接合，將可更換式油墨容器12之一前端或前導端係固定至 接收站Η。油墨容器12係接著朝下按壓以壓縮關連於接 收站14之一彈簧偏動構件52，直到關連於接收站14之閂 鎖接合部50係與關連於閂鎖構件30之一鉤部54爲接合， 以將油墨容器12之一後端或尾隨端係固定至接收站14。 於油墨容器12之部位係與關連於接收站14之部位合作， 以允許介於可更換式油墨容器12與接收站14之間的適當 插入與功能性介面。接收站14係將關於第4圖而詳細討論 之。 第4圖係以隔離顯示之油墨接收站14的前視立體圖。 14 ------------—丨丨—訂—I—線 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 A7 _____ B7 五、發明說明（α) 第4圖所示之接收站14係包括一個單色室56與一個三色 室58，該單色室56係供接收含有單一種油墨顏色之一個 油墨容器12，該三色室56係供接收其內含有三種單獨油 墨顏色之一個油墨容器。於此較佳實施例，單色室56係接 收含有黑色油墨之一個可更換式油墨容器12，而三色室56 係接收含有青綠色、紫紅色、與黃色油墨之一個可更換式 油墨容器，各色油墨係分配於油墨容器12內之一個單獨的 貯存器。接收站14以及可更換式油墨容器π係可具有其 他配置之室56與58，以供接收其內含有不同數目之不同 油墨的一個油墨容器。此外，用於接收站14之接收室56 與58的數目係可爲少於或者多於二個。舉例而言，接收站 14可具有四個分離室以供容納四個單獨的單色油墨容器12 ，各個油墨容器係含有單獨之油墨顏色，以達成四色之列 印。 接收站14之各室56與58係包括一孔隙60，以供接 收延伸穿過於其之直立流體互連件36。流體互連件36係 一個流體入口，供油墨離開其關連於油墨容器12之一個對 應流體出口。一電氣互連件62係亦包括於各個接收室56 與58。電氣互連件62包括複數個電氣接點64。於較佳實 施例中，該等電氣接點係四個載有彈簧之電氣接點的一配 置，適當安裝可更換式油墨容器12至接收站14之對應室 。適當接合於電氣連接件62與流體互連件36之各者係必 須以可靠方式所建立。 配置於各室56與58內之流體互連件各側上的導軌46 15 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） --------------------^--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505573 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（η ) 係接合該油墨容器12各側上的對應導引部40，以導引該 油墨容器至接收站。當油墨容器12係完全插入至接收站 14，配置於接收站14之背壁66上的接合部48係接合於油 墨容器12上之對應接合部42 (顯不於第3圖）。接合部 48係配置於電氣互連件62之各側。諸如片狀(ieaQ彈簧之 一偏動機構52係配置於接收站14。片狀彈簧52係提供一 偏動力，其有助於驅使該油墨容器12由接收站14之底表 面68而朝上。片狀彈簧係有助於閂定該油墨容器12至接 收站14，並且有助於由該接收站而移出油墨容器12，如將 關於第8與9圖所討論之。 第5a、5b、5c、與5d係分別顯示本發明之可更換式 油墨容器12的前視、側視、後視、與仰視圖。如第5a圖 所示，可更換式油墨容器12包括一對朝外延伸之導軌接合 部40。於較佳實施例中，此等導軌接合部各者係以正交於 可更換式油墨容器12之直立側70的方向而朝外延伸。接 合部42係由該油墨容器之一前表面或前導端緣72所朝外 延伸。接合部42係配置於一電氣介面74之各側，且係配 置朝向可更換式油墨容器12之底表面76。電氣介面74包 括複數個電氣接點78，該等電氣接點78各者係電氣連接 至一電氣儲存元件80。 如第5c圖所示之一尾隨端82係相對於前導端72。可 更換式油墨容器12之尾隨端82係包括閂鎖部30，其具有 一接合鉤54。閂鎖部30係由彈性材料所構成，允許該問 鎖部係由尾隨端所朝外延伸，藉以將該接合部朝外延伸朝 16 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） --------^--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505573 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（w) 著關連於接收站14之對應接合部。如所將討論者，隨著閂 鎖構件30係朝內壓縮朝著尾隨端82，該閂鎖構件係朝外 施加一偏動力，確保接合部54係維持與其關連於接收站 14之對應接合部50爲接合，以將油墨容器12固定至接收 站14。 可更換式油墨容器12亦包括鍵84，其係配置於油墨 容器12之尾隨端。該等鍵係較佳配置於閂鎖30之各側， 朝向可更換式油墨容器12之底表面76。鍵84以及於接收 站14之鍵定部32係一起互動，以確保該油墨容器12係插 入至接收站14中之正確的室56與58。此外，鍵84以及 鍵定部32係確保可更換式油墨容器12含有可相容之油墨 ，其係與接收站14中之對應接收室56與58爲顏色及化學 性質或相容性爲可相容。 握柄部44係亦包括於該油墨容器12，握柄部44係配 置於可更換式油墨容器12之尾隨端82處的一頂表面86。 當油墨容器12係插入至接收站14之適當的室時，握柄部 44係允許該油墨容器12可在尾隨端82處被抓握。 最後，該油墨容器12包括孔隙88，其係配置於可更 換式油墨容器12之底表面76。孔隙88係允許流體互連件 36延伸通過貯存器34，以接合配置於貯存器34之毛細管 作用構件。於三色可更換式油墨容器12之情形，係具有三 個流體出口 88,各個流體出口係對應一個不同的油墨顏色 。於三色室之情形’三個流體互連件36各者係延伸至流體 出口 88之各者’以提供介於各個油墨室與用於該油墨顏色 17 木紙張尺度適用中國國家標準(CNS)A4規格（21〇 X 297公爱） ~~ I-----------------II 訂---------線 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 A7 B7 五、發明說明（) 的對應列印頭之間的流體連通。 第6圖係一單色油墨容器之立體圖，該單色油墨容器 係定位以供插入至第4圖所示之接收站14中的單色室56 。第6圖所示之單色油墨容器係類似於第5a至5d圖所示 之三色油墨容器，除了僅有單一個流體出口 88係設於底表 面76之外。單色可更換式油墨容器12含有單一油墨顏色 ，因而係僅接收單一個對應流體互連件36，以供自該油墨 容器12提供油墨至對應列印頭。 第7a、7b、與7c圖係連續圖式以說明本發明之技術 ，其供插入可更換式油墨容器12至接收站14，以構成與 接收站14之可靠的電氣及流體連接。 第7a圖顯示該油墨容器12係部分插入至接收站14。 於較佳實施例，藉著抓握住握柄部44並先以前導端緣或前 導面72而將該油墨容器插入至接收站，油墨容器12係至 接收站14。隨著前導端緣72進入接收站14，於油墨容器 上之朝外延伸導引構件40係接合該對導軌46之各者。該 對導軌46係以水平或線性動作而導引該油墨容器12朝向 接收站Η之背壁66。導軌46係接著以朝向背壁66之水 平方向以及朝向接收站14的底表面之垂直方向而導引該可 更換式油墨容器，俾使於油墨容器12上之接合部42係由 接收站Μ之背壁66上的對應接合部48所接納，如第7b 圖所示。油墨容器12之插入係僅需一插入力，以驅使該油 墨容器爲線性沿著導軌46。作用於油墨容器12上之重力 係有助於致使該油墨容器循著導軌46，隨著導軌以朝下之 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210x 297公餐了 --------^—I— (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505573 A7 _ B7 五、發明說明（f b) 方向而延伸，以允許接合部42與48之接合。導軌接合部 4〇係較佳爲平圓表面’以沿著導軌46而自由滑動。 第7b圖顯示該油墨容器12係插入至接收站14，俾使 接合部42係與關連於接收站η之接合部48爲接合。如箭 號90所表示之一朝下力量係施加於油墨容器12,以壓縮 片狀彈簧52並且驅使油墨容器π之尾隨端82係向下朝著 接收站Η之底表面68。鍵84係必須適當對應於接收站Η 之鍵定部32。若於油墨容器12上之鍵84係不對應於鍵定 部32，該鍵定(keying)系統係防止油墨容器12之進一部插 入至接收站14。由鍵84與鍵定部32所作成之此鍵定系統 係防止其與接收站14不相容之油墨容器12，防止其進一 部插入至接收站14。油墨容器12之進一部插入至接收站 14，將造成流體互連件36之接觸於油墨容器12之毛細管 作用構件，因而流體互連件36係由不相容油墨所污染。混 入流體互連件36之不相容油墨可能造成沉澱，其將損壞列 印頭16。除了不相容化學性質之油墨，油墨容器可能具有 不相容之顏色，其將造成顏色混雜，因而降低輸出列印品 質。 於油墨容器12上之鍵84與於接收站14上之鍵定部 32係允許適當油墨容器12之完全插入至適當接收站14。 施加至油墨容器12之尾隨端82的朝下力量係致使油墨容 器12樞轉於一樞轉軸而壓縮片狀彈簧52，因而移動油墨 容器12之尾隨端82朝向接收站I4之底表面68。隨著油 墨容器12係驅使朝下至接收站Η，彈性閂鎖30係稍微向 19 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂---------線—赢 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（no X 297公釐） 505573 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（β ) 內壓縮朝向油墨容器12之尾隨端82。一旦油墨容器12係 朝下驅使足夠遠，於閂鎖30之接合部54係與於接收站14 之一個對應接合部50爲接合，以固定該油墨容器12至接 收站14，如第7c圖所示。 如第7c圖所示，隨著油墨容器12係適當固定至接收 站14，流體互連件36係延伸至貯存器34以壓縮該毛細管 作用構件，因而形成鄰近該流體互連件36之一提高毛細管 作用的區域。此提高毛細管作用的區域係有助於吸取油墨 朝向該流體互連件36，因而允許油墨透過流體互連件36 至列印頭16。於較佳實施例中，當插入至接收站14時， 油墨容器12係以重力準據所定出方位，俾使一重力加諸於 油墨容器12內之油墨而有助於吸取油墨朝向油墨容器12 之底表面76。因此，於油墨容器12內之油墨係吸取至底 表面76,此油墨係藉由毛細管作用吸引而被抽取朝向該流 體互連件36,因而有助於降低或最小化於油墨容器12內 之油墨停頓情形(stranding)。 第8a與8b圖說明關於第7a、7b、與7c圖所述插入 過程之一位置，其中該油墨容器12之前導端緣72係定位 於流體互連件36之上。第8a圖描述一個側視圖，而第8b 圖顯示一個端視圖。由第8a與8b圖可看出的是，導引部 40係必須定位於油墨容器12達足夠低，朝向油墨容器12 之底表面76，俾使該油墨容器之前導端緣72係不會於插 入期間碰撞該流體互連件36。導引構件40之定位的另一 個限制係在於，導引構件40係必須定位爲足夠接近於油墨 20 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公爱） · I------^--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505573 A7 B7 五、發明說明（I》） 容器12之頂表面86，以確保接合部42係與於接收站14 上之對應接合部42爲適當接合。 此外，於油墨容器上之朝外延伸導引構件40係必須朝 外延伸足夠遠，以接合導軌46。然而，朝外延伸導引構件 40係不應朝外延伸太遠以使得導引構件40接合於接收站 14之直立側而產生干擾，其產生摩擦與束縛而抵抗油墨容 器12之插入至接收站14。 第9a、9b、與9c圖說明用以由接收站14移出油墨容 器12之技術。本發明之用以移出油墨容器12的技術係起 始於該接合部自接收站14上之對應接合部50的鬆脫，藉 著驅使該閂鎖30朝向尾隨端82。一旦油墨容器12之尾隨 端係鬆脫，彈簧52係驅使該油墨容器之尾隨端朝上，如第 9b圖所示。油墨容器12係可藉由握柄44所抓握，以相對 於插入方向之一方向而取回該油墨容器12。隨著油墨容器 12係由接收站Η所抽出，導引構件40係循著導軌46以 舉起該油墨容器，因而防止介於流體互連件36與油墨容器 12底表面上的流體出口之間的干擾。 本發明之油墨容器12係構成以接合並互動於接收站 14，以導引該油墨容器12至接收站，且供與接收站14之 可靠的流體及電氣連接。本發明之技術係允許此插入過程 爲相當簡單且容易，以防止油墨容器12之不當插入。顧客 係藉由握柄部44所握住油墨容器12，並且將油墨容器12 水平滑動至接收站14。導軌46與導引部40係合作以適當 導引油墨容器12至接收站14。油墨容器12係朝下按壓以 21 H張尺度適用t關家標準（CNS)A4規格⑵G X 297公楚） -- — — — — — — — 111 1· I--I 111 ^ « — — — — — 111 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505573 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 __B7___ 五、發明說明（) 將油墨容器12閂鎖，並達成介於油墨容器12與接收站14 之間的電氣及流體操作互連。 22 --------------------訂---------線 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐）505573 Λ7 B7 V. Description of the invention (/) [Background of the invention] The present invention relates to an ink container for supplying ink to an inkjet printer. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for inserting and removing ink containers from a receiving station in an inkjet printer. Inkjet printers frequently use an inkjet print head mounted on a carriage that is moved relative to a print medium such as paper. As the print head moves relative to the print medium, a control system activates the print head to place or eject ink drops on the print medium to form images and text. The ink is supplied to the print head, either by an ink supply integrated with the print head (as in the case of a disposable print cartridge), or by being separable from the print head and replaced. One ink supply. One previously used printing system uses an ink supply that carries a carriage. This ink supplier is integrally formed with the print head, and when the ink system is used up, the entire print head and ink supply are replaced. Alternatively, the ink supplier may be provided with a carriage, and may be separated from the print head and replaced. In the case where the ink supply is detachably replaced, the ink supply is replaced when the ink is used up. Thereafter, the print head is replaced at the end of its life. Regardless of where the ink supply is located within the printing system, it is important that the ink supply provides a reliable ink supply to the inkjet print head. The current demand for inkjet printing systems is the use of replaceable ink containers that are easy to install and remove. The ink container should be installed to produce a reliable fluid connection to the printer. The ink container should be relatively easy to manufacture, thereby helping to reduce the cost of ink supply. The reduction of the ink supply cost helps to reduce the size of this paper. 4 This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm). -Order ---------- · Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505573 A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (I) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Low print System cost per page. In addition, these ink containers should be compact and configured to be inserted into an inkjet printing system to maintain a relatively small overall height of the printing system while allowing a low-profile printing system. [Inventive Discussion] One aspect of the present invention is a replaceable ink container for supplying ink to an inkjet printing system. The inkjet printing system has a receiving station mounted on a scanning carriage. The receiving station has a fluid inlet and a pair of guide rails extending along each side of the fluid inlet. The replaceable ink container includes a fluid outlet configured for connection to a fluid inlet associated with a receiving station. The replaceable ink container also includes a pair of rail joints extending outward. Each of the pair of guide rail joints is arranged and arranged in a replaceable ink container to be engaged with each of the pair of guide rails, and guides the replaceable ink container to the receiving station horizontally and vertically. The pair of outwardly extending guide rail joints cooperate with the pair of guide rails to align the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet to establish fluid communication between the ink container and the receiving station. Another aspect of the present invention printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economics is related to the guide of the receiving station. The wall then moves inward and downward towards the back wall and down to the receiving station. Yet another aspect of the invention is a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to an electrical storage element. The ink container guide is arranged and arranged to engage the receiving station guide, firstly guiding the replaceable ink container in a linear direction toward the back wall and then in a direction toward the back wall and the bottom surface of the receiving station. Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210x 297 mm) on 5 paper d scale " 505573 Printed by A7 B7, Consumer Cooperatives, Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs 5. Description of Invention ($) Guide on the ink container Cooperate with the guide connected to the receiving station to align the fluid outlet and the fluid inlet, and align the electrical contacts of the replaceable ink container with the electrical contacts of the receiving station to establish the ink Electrical and fluid connections between the container and the receiving station. [Brief Description of the Drawings] Fig. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the inkjet printing system of the present invention, shown as a cover open 'to show a plurality of replaceable ink containers of the present invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the scanning carriage, showing that the replaceable ink container of the present invention is positioned at a receiving station, which is provided between the replaceable ink container and one or more print heads Fluid communication. Fig. 3 is a side view of a part of the scanning bracket, showing a guide portion and a latch portion associated with each of the replaceable ink containers, and a receiving station for fixing the replaceable ink container, thereby allowing the The print head is in fluid communication. Figure 4 is a receiving station shown in isolation for receiving one or more replaceable ink containers of the present invention. Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are equivalent views of the three-color replaceable ink container of the present invention shown in isolation. Fig. 6 is a three-dimensional pole of the monochrome replaceable ink container of the present invention. Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c describe the method of the present invention for inserting a replaceable ink container into a supply station. Figures 8a and 8b depict the passage of the replaceable ink container through the upright fluid inlet on the receiving station, viewed from the side and the end respectively. Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c describe the present invention for moving 6 by the receiving station ----------^ ------------subscription ------ --- Line · (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) 张 's scale is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) 505573 A7 B7 Printed by the Employees' Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs # '| 农 五. Description of the invention (4) Method for producing replaceable ink container. [Description of component symbols] 10 printing system 12 replaceable ink container 14 receiving station 16 inkjet print head 18 printing section 20 scanning carriage 22 printing media 24 media tray 26 sliding Lever 28 ribbon cable 30 latch 32 key 34 ink reservoir 36 fluid interconnect 38 ejection portion 40 guide portion 42 joint portion 44 grip 46 guide rail 48 joint portion 50 Latch joint 52 Spring biasing member This paper is suitable for Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 x 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) -------- -Order --------- Line · Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505573 Λ7 ________B7____ V. Description of the invention (S) 5 4 Full-size 56 Monochrome receiving room (Bay) 58 Tri-color receiving room 60 Aperture 62 Electrical Interconnect 64 Electrical Contact 66 Back Wall 68 Bottom Surface 70 Upright Side 72 Ink Container Front Surface or Leading Edge (End) M Electrical Interface 76 Bottom Surface 78 Electrical Contact 80 Electrical Storage Element 82 Trailing End 84 Key 86 top surface 88 pores (fluid outlet) 90 downward force applied to ink container [preferred embodiment Detailed description] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the series printing system 10, shown with its cover open. The printing system includes at least one replaceable ink container 12 installed at a receiving station 14. The replaceable ink container 12 is properly installed at the receiving station 14. The ink is replaced by the replaceable ink container. 12 8 The paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) ------ t—. —-------- ^ --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 505573 Printed by A7 B7, Consumer Cooperatives, Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs 6) Provided to at least one inkjet print head 16. The inkjet print head 16 is responsive to an actuation signal of a print section 18 to place ink on a print medium. As the ink is ejected from the print head 16, the print head 16 is replenished with ink from the ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, the replaceable ink container 12, the receiving station Η, and the inkjet print head 16 are components of a scanning carriage 20, and the scanning carriage 20 is moved relative to a printing medium 22. Finish printing. The printing section 18 includes a media tray 24 for receiving the printing medium 22. As the print medium 22 moves through the print area, the scan carriage 20 moves the print head 16 relative to the print medium 22. The printing section 18 selectively activates the printing head 16 to place ink on the printing medium 22 to complete printing. The scanning carriage 20 is moved through a printing area on a scanning mechanism. The scanning mechanism includes a slide bar 26. As the scanning carriage 20 is moved through a scanning shaft, the scanning carriage 20 is slid on the sliding bar 26. . A positioning mechanism (not shown) is used to properly position the scanning carriage 20. In addition, a paper feed mechanism (not shown) is used to step the print medium 22 through the print area as the scan carriage 20 moves along the scan axis. Electrical signals are provided to the scanning carriage 20 for selective actuation of the print head 16 through an electrical connection such as a ribbon cable 28. An important aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for inserting the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 so that the ink container 12 constitutes a proper fluidic and electrical interconnection with the printing section 18. It is necessary that an appropriate fluid and electrical connection is established between the ink container 12 and the printing portion 18. The fluid interconnection system allows the ink supply in the replaceable ink container 12 to be fluidly coupled to the printing 9 This paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm). — ^ -------- ^ --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 505573 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Invention Explanation (?) Head 16 to provide ink source to print head 16. The electrical interconnection system allows information to be passed between the replaceable ink container 12 and the printing portion 18. For example, the information passed between the replaceable ink container 12 and the printing section 18 includes information about the compatibility of the replaceable ink container and the printing section 18, and operations such as ink level information Status information. As will be discussed with reference to Figs. 2 to 9, the method and apparatus of the present invention describe its features that allow the replaceable ink container 12 to be inserted into the receiving station 14 in a manner that allows a reliable electrical and fluid connection system Established between the replaceable ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. In addition, the method and device of the present invention allow the replaceable printing member (ink container) 12 to be inserted into and removed from the printing section 18 in a reliable manner, while allowing the overall height of the printing section 18 (referred to as "Fig. 1" The "h" size) is a relatively small size, thereby providing a printing system 10 with a relatively low profile. Importantly, the printing system 10 has a low profile to provide a more compact printing system, and allows the printing department to be used in a variety of printing applications. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the scanning carriage 20, showing that a pair of replaceable ink containers 12 are properly installed at the receiving station 14. As shown in FIG. An inkjet print head 16 is in fluid communication with the receiving station M. In a preferred embodiment, the inkjet printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a three-color ink container and a second ink container. The three-color ink container contains three separate ink colors. The container contains a single ink color. In this preferred embodiment, the three-color ink container contains cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, and the single-color ink container contains black ink for four-color printing. Replaceable ink container 12 series can be used as 10 paper sizes. Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) I. ------------------- Order --------- line (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Staff Consumption of Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the cooperative 505573 A7 _ B7 V. Description of the invention (sheets) are separated from each other to contain less than three ink colors or more than three ink colors (if more colors are required). For example, in the case of high fidelity printing, six or more colors are often used to achieve printing. For simplicity, the receiving station 14 shown in FIG. 2 is shown as fluidly coupled to a single print head 16. In the preferred embodiment, four inkjet print heads 16 are fluidly coupled to the receiving station 14. In this preferred embodiment, each of the four print heads is fluidly coupled to each of the four color inks contained in the replaceable ink container 12. Therefore, each of the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black print heads 16 is coupled to its corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink supply, respectively. Other structures with fewer than four print heads are also possible. For example, the print head 16 can be configured to print more than one ink color. By appropriately dividing the print head 16 to allow the first ink color to be provided to the ink nozzles of the first group, the second The ink color is provided to the ink nozzles of the second group, and the ink nozzles of the second group are different from the ink nozzles of the first group. In this way, a single print head 16 can be used to print more than one ink color, allowing four-color printing with less than four print heads 16. The fluid path between each of the replaceable ink containers 12 and the print head 16 will be discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Each of the replaceable ink containers 12 includes a latch 30 'for securing the replaceable ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. The receiving station 14 in the preferred embodiment includes a set of keys 32 which interact with corresponding keying sections (not shown) on the replaceable ink container 12. The keying parts on the replaceable ink container 12 are the keys 32 η 11 on the receiving station 14 and the paper size of the mound is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) ------ --I--IIII (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (?) Interaction to ensure the replaceable ink container 12 It is compatible with the receiving station 14 °. Fig. 3 is a side view of the scanning carriage portion 20 shown in Fig. 2. The scanning carriage portion 20 includes an ink container 12 which is shown as being suitably installed at the receiving station 14 to establish fluid communication between the replaceable ink container 12 and the print head 16. The replaceable ink container 12 includes a storage portion 34 for containing one or more portions of ink. In the preferred embodiment, the three-color replaceable ink container 12 has three separate ink holding containers, each containing a different color ink. In this preferred embodiment, the monochrome replaceable ink container 12 is a single ink reservoir 34 for holding a single color of ink. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir 34 has a capillary storage member disposed therein. The capillary action storage member is a porous member having sufficient capillary action to hold ink to prevent ink leakage from the reservoir 34 during the insertion and removal of the ink container 12 from the printing system 10. This capillary force must be large enough to prevent ink leakage from the reservoir 34 under various environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure changes. In addition, the capillary action of the capillary action member is sufficient to hold the ink in the ink reservoir 34 for all orientations of the ink reservoir and a reasonable amount of shock and vibration that the ink container may be subjected to during normal operation. A preferred capillary action storage member is U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 430,400 (Attorney Docket No. 12) filed on October 29, 1999 and entitled "Ink Reservoir for Inkjet Printers" Standards are applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (0 X 297 public love) ~~--------------- Fees ------ 丨 丨 Order ------- -Line, (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Printed by the Consumers' Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505573 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (r) 109914〇7) Fiber webs, the US patent application assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference. Once the ink container 12 is properly mounted to the receiving station 14, the ink container 12 is fluidly coupled to the print head 16 via a fluid interconnect 36. When the print head 16 is actuated, the ink is ejected from the ejection portion 38, and a negative metering pressure (sometimes referred to as a back pressure) is generated on the print head 36 at the same time. This negative metering pressure on the print head 36 is sufficient to overcome the capillary force and is held by the capillary action member disposed in the ink reservoir 34. The ink is drawn from the replaceable ink container 12 to the print head 16 by this back pressure. In this manner, the print head 16 is supplemented with the ink provided by the replaceable ink container 12. The fluid interconnecting member 36 is preferably a vertical ink tube, which extends upward to the ink container 12 and downwards to the inkjet print head 16. The fluid interconnecting member 36 is shown in Fig. 3 in a simplified manner. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnect 36 is a manifold that allows offsetting the positioning of the print heads 16 along the scan axis, thereby allowing the print head 16 to be placed offset from Corresponding replaceable ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnecting member 36 extends to the reservoir 34 to compress the capillary action member, thereby forming an area adjacent to the fluid interconnecting member 36 to enhance capillary action. This area of increased capillary action helps to draw the ink toward the fluid interconnect 36, thereby allowing the ink to flow through the fluid interconnect 36 to the print head 16. As will be discussed, it is extremely important that the ink container 12 is properly positioned at the receiving station 14 so that when the ink container 12 is inserted into the 13th paper, the history of the paper applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 Public Love)-Letter I I--I ----------- t --------- Aw (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) A7 Β7 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. 5. Description of the Invention (i |) The proper compression of the capillary action components can be achieved when the station is closed. Proper compression of the capillary action member is necessary to establish a reliable ink flow from the ink container 12 to the print head 16. The replaceable ink container 12 further includes a guide portion 40, a joint portion 42, a handle 44, and a latch portion 30, allowing the ink container 12 to be inserted into the receiving station 14 to reach the printing head 16. It is a reliable fluid interconnection and constitutes a reliable electrical interconnection between the replaceable ink container 12 and the scanning carriage 20, as will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 7a to 7c and FIGS. 8a to 8b. The receiving station 14 includes a guide rail 46, an engaging portion 48, and a latching engaging portion 50. The guide rail 46 cooperates with the guide rail joint portion 42 of the replaceable ink container 12 to guide the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. Once the replaceable ink container 12 is fully inserted into the receiving station 14, the joint portion 42 associated with the replaceable ink container is engaged with the joint portion 48 associated with the receiving station 14, and one of the front ends of the replaceable ink container 12 is engaged. Or the leading end is fixed to the receiving station Η. The ink container 12 is then pressed downward to compress a spring biasing member 52 associated with the receiving station 14 until the latch engaging portion 50 associated with the receiving station 14 is engaged with a hook portion 54 associated with the latch member 30. To fix one rear end or trailing end of the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. The portion of the ink container 12 cooperates with the portion connected to the receiving station 14 to allow a proper insertion and functional interface between the replaceable ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. The receiving station 14 will be discussed in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the ink receiving station 14 shown in isolation. 14 ------------— 丨 丨 —Order—I—line (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505573 A7 _____ B7 V. Description of the Invention (α) The receiving station 14 shown in Figure 4 includes a single color room 56 and a three color room 58. The color chamber 56 is for receiving an ink container 12 containing a single ink color, and the three-color chamber 56 is for receiving an ink container containing three individual ink colors therein. In this preferred embodiment, the single-color chamber 56 receives a replaceable ink container 12 containing black ink, and the three-color chamber 56 receives a replaceable ink container containing cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. The inks of the respective colors are distributed in a separate reservoir in the ink container 12. The receiving station 14 and the replaceable ink container π may have other configurations of chambers 56 and 58 for receiving an ink container containing a different number of different inks therein. In addition, the number of receiving rooms 56 and 58 for the receiving station 14 may be less than or more than two. For example, the receiving station 14 may have four separate chambers for receiving four separate monochrome ink containers 12, each ink container containing a separate ink color to achieve four-color printing. Each of the chambers 56 and 58 of the receiving station 14 includes an aperture 60 for receiving an upstanding fluid interconnect 36 extending therethrough. The fluid interconnect 36 is a fluid inlet for ink to leave a corresponding fluid outlet associated with the ink container 12. An electrical interconnect 62 is also included in each of the receiving rooms 56 and 58. The electrical interconnect 62 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 64. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts are a configuration of four spring-loaded electrical contacts, and the replaceable ink container 12 to the corresponding room of the receiving station 14 are appropriately installed. Each of the appropriate joints to the electrical connection 62 and the fluid interconnect 36 must be established in a reliable manner. Guide rails 46 on each side of the fluid interconnects in each of the chambers 56 and 58. This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) ----------- --------- ^ --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 505573 Printed by A7 B7, Consumer Cooperatives, Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs η) are engaged with corresponding guides 40 on each side of the ink container 12 to guide the ink container to the receiving station. When the ink container 12 is completely inserted into the receiving station 14, the joint portion 48 disposed on the back wall 66 of the receiving station 14 is joined to the corresponding joint portion 42 on the ink container 12 (not shown in Fig. 3). The joints 48 are disposed on each side of the electrical interconnection 62. A biasing mechanism 52 such as a leaf spring (ieaQ spring) is disposed at the receiving station 14. The leaf spring 52 provides a biasing force that helps drive the ink container 12 upward from the bottom surface 68 of the receiving station 14. The leaf spring system helps to latch the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 and facilitates the removal of the ink container 12 from the receiving station, as will be discussed with respect to Figures 8 and 9. Sections 5a, 5b, 5c 5 and 5d respectively show the front, side, rear, and bottom views of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5a, the replaceable ink container 12 includes a pair of outwardly extending guide rails Joint portion 40. In the preferred embodiment, each of these rail joint portions extends outward in a direction orthogonal to the upright side 70 of the replaceable ink container 12. The joint portion 42 is formed by one of the ink containers. The front surface or leading end edge 72 extends outward. The joints 42 are disposed on each side of an electrical interface 74 and are disposed toward the bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The electrical interface 74 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78, each of these electrical contacts 78 is electrically connected to an electrical storage Element 80. As shown in Figure 5c, one trailing end 82 is opposite to the leading end 72. The trailing end 82 of the replaceable ink container 12 includes a latch portion 30 having an engaging hook 54. The latch portion 30 series Consisting of elastic material, the interlocking portion is allowed to extend outward from the trailing end, so that the joint portion extends outward toward 16 paper sizes. Applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm)- ------- ^ --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 505573 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (w) Corresponding joints associated with the receiving station 14. As will be discussed, as the latch member 30 is compressed inwardly toward the trailing end 82, the latch member is biased outward to ensure that the joint 54 is in series The corresponding joint 50 associated with the receiving station 14 is maintained in engagement to fix the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. The replaceable ink container 12 also includes a key 84, which is disposed at the trailing end of the ink container 12. These The key system is preferably arranged on each side of the latch 30 and faces the replaceable ink container 12 Bottom surface 76. The key 84 and the keying portion 32 of the receiving station 14 interact together to ensure that the ink container 12 is inserted into the correct chambers 56 and 58 in the receiving station 14. In addition, the key 84 and the keying portion 32 It is ensured that the replaceable ink container 12 contains compatible ink, which is compatible with the color and chemical properties or compatibility with the corresponding receiving chambers 56 and 58 in the receiving station 14. The grip portion 44 also includes In the ink container 12, the handle portion 44 is disposed on a top surface 86 at the trailing end 82 of the replaceable ink container 12. When the ink container 12 is inserted into an appropriate chamber of the receiving station 14, the handle portion 44 is This allows the ink container 12 to be grasped at the trailing end 82. Finally, the ink container 12 includes an aperture 88 disposed on a bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The aperture 88 allows the fluid interconnect 36 to extend through the reservoir 34 to engage a capillary action member disposed in the reservoir 34. In the case of the three-color replaceable ink container 12, there are three fluid outlets 88, and each fluid outlet corresponds to a different ink color. In the case of the three-color chamber, 'each of the three fluid interconnects 36 extends to each of the fluid outlet 88' to provide a space between each ink chamber and the color of the ink 17 wood paper size applicable Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (21〇X 297 public love) ~~ I ----------------- II Order --------- line (Please read the precautions on the back first (Fill in this page again) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505573 A7 B7 V. Fluid communication between the corresponding print heads of the invention description (). Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a monochrome ink container which is positioned for insertion into a monochrome chamber 56 in the receiving station 14 shown in Fig. 4. The single-color ink container shown in Fig. 6 is similar to the three-color ink container shown in Figs. 5a to 5d, except that only a single fluid outlet 88 is provided on the bottom surface 76. The single-color replaceable ink container 12 contains a single ink color, and therefore only receives a single corresponding fluid interconnect 36 for supplying ink from the ink container 12 to the corresponding print head. Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c are continuous drawings to illustrate the technology of the present invention, which is used to insert the replaceable ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 to form a reliable electrical and fluid connection with the receiving station 14. FIG. 7 a shows that the ink container 12 is partially inserted into the receiving station 14. In the preferred embodiment, the ink container is inserted into the receiving station by grasping the handle portion 44 and leading the leading edge or leading surface 72 first, and the ink container 12 is tied to the receiving station 14. As the leading end edge 72 enters the receiving station 14, the outwardly extending guide member 40 on the ink container engages each of the pair of guide rails 46. The pair of guide rails 46 guide the ink container 12 toward the back wall 66 of the receiving station in a horizontal or linear motion. The guide rail 46 then guides the replaceable ink container in a horizontal direction toward the back wall 66 and a vertical direction toward the bottom surface of the receiving station 14, so that the joint portion 42 on the ink container 12 is provided by the receiving station M. The corresponding joints 48 on the back wall 66 are received, as shown in Figure 7b. The ink container 12 needs only an inserting force to drive the ink container linearly along the guide rail 46. The gravitational force acting on the ink container 12 helps to cause the ink container to follow the guide rail 46. With the guide rail facing down to the paper size, the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210x 297 meals is served ---- ---- ^ — I— (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) 505573 A7 _ B7 V. Description of the invention (fb) Extends to allow the joints 42 and 48 to join. Guide rail joint 4 〇 is preferably a flat circular surface to slide freely along the guide rail 46. Fig. 7b shows that the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving station 14 so that the joint portion 42 and the joint portion 48 connected to the receiving station η are A downward force is applied to the ink container 12 as indicated by arrow 90 to compress the leaf spring 52 and drive the trailing end 82 of the ink container π toward the bottom surface 68 of the receiving station 键. Key 84 The keying portion 32 must correspond to the receiving station 适当 properly. If the key 84 on the ink container 12 does not correspond to the keying portion 32, the keying system prevents the ink container 12 from being inserted into the receiving portion Station 14. The keying system made by the key 84 and the keying part 32 prevents it from interacting with The incompatible ink container 12 of the receiving station 14 prevents its further insertion into the receiving station 14. The further insertion of the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14 will cause the fluid interconnecting member 36 to contact the capillary action member of the ink container 12 Therefore, the fluid interconnect 36 is contaminated by incompatible inks. Incompatible inks mixed into the fluid interconnects 36 may cause precipitation, which will damage the print head 16. In addition to inks of incompatible chemical nature, ink containers May have incompatible colors, which will cause color mixing and reduce output print quality. The key 84 on the ink container 12 and the keying portion 32 on the receiving station 14 allow the proper insertion of the appropriate ink container 12 to Appropriate receiving station 14. The downward force applied to the trailing end 82 of the ink container 12 causes the ink container 12 to pivot on a pivot axis to compress the leaf spring 52, thus moving the trailing end 82 of the ink container 12 toward the receiving station I4. Bottom surface 68. As the ink container 12 is driven down to the receiving station Η, the elastic latch 30 is slightly toward 19 (please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Order --------- line — Winning Ministry of Economy Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau employee consumer cooperatives. This paper is printed in accordance with the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (no X 297 mm) 505573. Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau Employee Consumer Cooperatives of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7. V. Direction of Inner Compression (β) The trailing end 82 of the ink container 12. Once the ink container 12 is driven far enough downward, the joint 54 on the latch 30 is engaged with a corresponding joint 50 on the receiving station 14 to secure the ink container 12 to the receiving Station 14 as shown in Figure 7c. As shown in Figure 7c, as the ink container 12 is properly secured to the receiving station 14, the fluid interconnect 36 extends to the reservoir 34 to compress the capillary action member, thereby forming An area adjacent to one of the fluid interconnects 36 enhances capillary action. This area of increased capillary action helps to draw ink toward the fluid interconnect 36, thereby allowing ink to pass through the fluid interconnect 36 to the print head 16. In the preferred embodiment, when inserted into the receiving station 14, the ink container 12 is positioned by the gravity criterion, and a gravity is added to the ink in the ink container 12 to help suck the ink toward the ink container 12. The bottom surface 76. Therefore, the ink in the ink container 12 is sucked to the bottom surface 76, and the ink is drawn toward the fluid interconnection member 36 by suction by capillary action, thereby helping to reduce or minimize the ink in the ink container 12 Stalling. Figures 8a and 8b illustrate one of the positions of the insertion process described in Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c, where the leading end 72 of the ink container 12 is positioned on the fluid interconnect 36. Figure 8a depicts a side view, while Figure 8b shows an end view. As can be seen from Figures 8a and 8b, the guide portion 40 must be positioned at the ink container 12 low enough to face the bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12, so that the leading edge 72 of the ink container will not The fluid interconnect 36 is bumped during insertion. Another limitation of the positioning of the guide member 40 is that the guide member 40 must be positioned close to the ink 20. The paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 public love). I --- --- ^ --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505573 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (I) Container 12 of The top surface 86 ensures that the joints 42 are properly engaged with the corresponding joints 42 on the receiving station 14. In addition, the outwardly extending guide member 40 on the ink container must extend far enough outward to engage the guide rail 46. However, the outwardly extending guide member 40 should not extend too far outward so that the guide member 40 engages with the upright side of the receiving station 14 to cause interference, which generates friction and restraint against the insertion of the ink container 12 to the receiving station. 14. Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c illustrate techniques for removing the ink container 12 from the receiving station 14. The technique for removing the ink container 12 of the present invention begins with the engagement of the engagement portion from the corresponding engagement portion 50 on the receiving station 14 by driving the latch 30 toward the trailing end 82. Once the trailing end of the ink container 12 is loosened, the spring 52 drives the trailing end of the ink container upward, as shown in Fig. 9b. The ink container 12 can be grasped by the handle 44 to retrieve the ink container 12 in one direction with respect to the insertion direction. As the ink container 12 is withdrawn by the receiving station Η, the guide member 40 follows the guide rail 46 to lift the ink container, thereby preventing the intervening between the fluid interconnection member 36 and the fluid outlet on the bottom surface of the ink container 12 Interference. The ink container 12 of the present invention is configured to engage and interact with the receiving station 14 to guide the ink container 12 to the receiving station and to provide a reliable fluid and electrical connection with the receiving station 14. The technique of the present invention allows this insertion process to be relatively simple and easy to prevent improper insertion of the ink container 12. The customer holds the ink container 12 by the grip portion 44 and slides the ink container 12 horizontally to the receiving station 14. The guide rail 46 cooperates with the guide portion 40 to appropriately guide the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. Ink container 12 is pressed downward with 21 H sheets and applicable to the Family Standard (CNS) A4 specification (G X 297).-— — — — — — — 111 1 · I--I 111 ^ «— — — — — 111 (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 505573 Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 __B7___ V. Description of the invention () The ink container 12 is latched, and the ink container 12 is locked between the ink container 12 and Electrical and fluid-operated interconnections between the receiving stations 14. 22 -------------------- Order --------- Line (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm)