EP1844939B1 - Ink cartridge - Google Patents
Ink cartridge Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1844939B1 EP1844939B1 EP20070105940 EP07105940A EP1844939B1 EP 1844939 B1 EP1844939 B1 EP 1844939B1 EP 20070105940 EP20070105940 EP 20070105940 EP 07105940 A EP07105940 A EP 07105940A EP 1844939 B1 EP1844939 B1 EP 1844939B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ink cartridge
- signal transmission
- contact
- ink
- contact element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000036316 preload Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007641 inkjet printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/1752—Mounting within the printer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17526—Electrical contacts to the cartridge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17526—Electrical contacts to the cartridge
- B41J2/1753—Details of contacts on the cartridge, e.g. protection of contacts
Definitions
- the invention relates to an ink cartridge for insertion into a printer device, such as an ink jet printer or the like.
- Newer ink cartridges often include a semiconductor memory device in which information about the ink cartridge, for example, about the ink contained therein, about technical parameters or the level are stored and this information is exchanged with the printer device.
- a contact element with one or more contacts is usually provided on the ink cartridge, which are in communication with the semiconductor memory device on the ink cartridge and is to bring into contact with a corresponding contact of a mating contact device of the printer device in contact with the printer device in contact.
- a problem frequently encountered in employing such an ink cartridge in the printer apparatus is the establishment of a reliable contact between the contact member of the ink cartridge and the mating contact means of the printer apparatus.
- numerous measures have been taken on the ink cartridges in the prior art, for example by providing guide elements for guiding the entire cassette in the region of the contact elements or by multi-row offset arrangement of contacts on the contact elements.
- the insertion of the ink cartridges is done depending on the type by a more or less linear insertion movement in which an ink outlet of the ink cartridge is placed on an ink receiving mandrel of the printer device, or by a tilting movement, as later on the hand FIG. 1 is clarified.
- the problem remains that the most reliable contact between the contact element of the ink cartridge and the mating contact of the printer device is to be established and ensured, even if the ink cartridge is not exactly positioned in the corresponding receptacle.
- an ink cartridge for insertion into an ink jet printer apparatus in which an electric contact plate is movably supported in a housing of the ink cartridge and biased by a spring in a direction away from the ink cartridge.
- the guide of the contact plate is made by fitting in the four surrounding side walls of a recess.
- the EP1495871 A describes an ink container in which an electrical contact is made via a resilient contact terminal in the form of a brush or contact spring.
- the EP1413436 A describes a method of making electrical connections in ink-jet printing devices wherein an elastomeric layer is disposed between respective arrays of electrical contact pads and the elastomeric layer has numerous electrically-conductive filaments or wires incorporated therein to make the electrical connection between the electrical pads.
- the object of the invention is therefore to improve such exchangeable ink cartridges in that a contact between the printer device and the ink cartridge is reliably and independently of the direction of insertion of the ink cartridge is ensured.
- the invention brings an ink cartridge according to claim 1 in proposal.
- Preferred embodiments of the ink cartridge are indicated in the dependent claims.
- the inventive movable arrangement of the contact element on the ink cartridge relative to a side thereof a movement of the contact element during insertion of the ink cartridge is possible, so that the contact element can move within these limits in the appropriate position relative to the mating contact device.
- a biasing means is provided, which preloads the contact element in the direction of the mating contact device. In conjunction with the movable arrangement of the contact element thereby reliable contact is ensured, even if the ink cartridge is not exactly sitting in the receptacle. Furthermore, this ensures that a reliable contact is already made during the insertion process.
- the detachable arrangement of the contact element on the movable support makes it possible to swing the support for removing the contact element, thus making the contact element more easily accessible for replacement.
- FIG. 1 shows by way of example an ink cartridge 1 in a position in which it is not yet fully inserted into a corresponding receptacle 2 of a printer device.
- an ink outlet 6 Disposed on a lower side of the ink cartridge is an ink outlet 6 which, after insertion into the receptacle 2, cooperates with an ink receiving mandrel 5 of the printer apparatus so that ink can be removed from the ink cartridge via the outlet and the mandrel.
- the printer device has an additional latch 7, which guides the insertion process of the ink cartridge and locks it in the insertion position and presses on the mandrel 5.
- a contact element 3 which contains one or more contacts which cooperate with corresponding mating contacts 8a on a mating contact device 8 of the printer device.
- the contacts in the region of the contact element 3 of the ink cartridge to bring in opposition to the mating contacts of the printer device when the ink cartridge is fully inserted into the receptacle 2.
- an electrically conductive contact in addition, a physical electrically conductive contact between the contacts of the cassette and the mating contacts of the printer device to produce.
- the contact element 3 for example, a printed circuit board with contact electrodes mounted thereon, arranged to be movable relative to the side of the ink cartridge.
- the mobility is in the in FIG. 2a shown example achieved in that the contact element is arranged on a support 9 in the form of a tab or a lever which is connected via a hinge 9a with the ink cartridge.
- the hinge 9a may be made, for example, by an elastic material portion at the material connection between the carrier and the ink cartridge. This embodiment is advantageous because the carrier can be injected together with the housing of the ink cartridge.
- the hinge can also be designed as a separate element and optionally connected by way of the composite injection with the ink cartridge.
- the carrier 9 with the contact element 3 is arranged at an angle ⁇ to the side of the ink cartridge.
- a biasing means 4 may be provided, which pre-loads the contact element in the direction of the mating contact device. Suitable for this purpose, for example, a leaf or coil spring 4a as in FIG. 2a shown or a block of material made of an elastic material such as a sponge, a rubber material or the like.
- the biasing means also serves to cushion and damp shocks on the ink cartridge in the region of the contact element and thereby protect the sensitive contacts and possibly a memory module arranged in this region.
- the carrier may also be connected to the ink cartridge only via the biasing means, for example the spiral or leaf spring or the elastic material block.
- the contact element for example in the form of the board, can be attached directly or indirectly via a carrier.
- guides may be provided on the ink cartridge to laterally guide the movement of the contact element, if required by the nature of the biasing element. Such guides can also be found in the FIG. 2a illustrated variant are provided, but are not required because of the hinge connection, because this already provides the required lateral guidance.
- the contact element can be connected directly or via a carrier via an at least partially elastic body 4c with the ink cartridge.
- This elastic body may, for example, be a spring element which has elasticity due to its configuration and may be made of the same material as the housing of the ink cartridge or as a separate component connected to the ink cartridge.
- This embodiment ensures the mobility of the contact element and provides a certain leadership and Preloading the same when inserting the ink cartridge in the printer device.
- a biasing means may be provided between the ink cartridge and the elastic body, if necessary.
- the contact element it is useful in connection with the movable arrangement of the contact element according to the invention, to arrange the contacts in a row which extends transversely to an insertion direction of the ink cartridge.
- Such a preferred arrangement of the contact elements is in FIG. 3 indicated, in which the individual contacts 3a are arranged in complementary triangular shapes next to each other, that the contacts of the series in the insertion direction B of the cassette begin substantially on a common line A.
- the changing width of the individual contacts offers the possibility of making reliable contact even when the insertion position of the ink cartridge is not perfectly guided in the direction of insertion B or in a direction transverse thereto.
- the shape of the individual contacts 3a of a contact element 3 does not have to be uniformly triangular. If adjacent contacts receive the same signal or need the same potential, they can be extended to a trapezoidal or diamond-shaped contact by the contacts are connected to the side edges.
- the contact element then has a combination of contacts (3a) of these forms.
- An essential aspect of the contact arrangement is the complementary shape of the adjacent contacts.
- the described arrangement of the contacts is not limited only to the application in connection with the movable arrangement of the contact element, but may also be used in the known fixed arrangements of the contact elements with similar advantage.
- the arrangement of the contact element according to the invention is not limited thereto. It is also conceivable to realize a contactless exchange of signals, for example by induction or radio or light signals. In this sense, therefore, the term "contact” in this broader sense is to be understood as an "interface for signal transmission", which includes electrically conductive, inductive, capacitive, optical and radio signal transmissions.
- the contact element and the movable support this element for example, the tab, and possibly the biasing element in a recess or recess the side wall of the cassette are arranged. These components are protected and do not hinder the insertion process.
- the ink cartridge normally has a reservoir for receiving ink, which is transferred via the outlet to the printer device.
- the ink cartridge may also have a receptacle into which a separate reservoir for the ink is to be inserted. This is advantageous, for example, if the ink cartridge is adapted for different printers, but a uniform reservoir is to be used or if the ink cartridge directly contains a printhead instead of the ink outlet.
- This embodiment with integrated print head is of course also applicable to an ink cartridge with integrated reservoir.
- the contact element 3 is provided interchangeably on the ink cartridge on the movably arranged carrier 9b.
- a suitable solution for replaceable mounting is a plug-in receptacle in which the contact element is in the form of a SIM card, as known, for example, from mobile telephones, and into a similar corresponding receptacle on the movably arranged carrier, which in turn is pivotally mounted on the ink cartridge, can be used.
- This variant makes it possible to reuse the contact element and possibly the memory module provided thereon, as well as possibly the writing and / or reading of the memory module outside of a printer device.
- the carrier 9b is pivotally attached to the ink cartridge via pivot pins 10 acting as a hinge 9a.
- the pivot pins 10 are mounted in corresponding receptacles 11.
- the receptacles 11 are designed as elongated recesses, so that a defined longitudinal movement of the carrier in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the receptacles is possible.
- This longitudinal mobility of the Carrier can be used to lock the carrier in an end position on a lock 9c so that it is not pivotable (see the illustration in Fig. 4a ), while in the other end position it can be pivoted about the pivot pins 10 and moved relative to the side of the ink cartridge (see the illustration in FIGS Fig. 4b and 4c ).
- the lock can also be realized in a modification, not shown, by a locking projection, for example in the form of a latching hook, which locks the carrier in a pivot end position locking and after overcoming the holding force allows the pivoting of the carrier about the pivot pin.
- the recordings may be formed as simple round holes.
- the pivotable carrier may also be urged over a biasing means in the pivoted position, as the basis of the Fig. 1 or Fig. 2a has been described. Further, the carrier may also have a certain mobility in the pivoting direction in the locking position to the basis of the Fig. 1 and 2 To achieve contact improvement described. But this aspect can also be omitted.
- the Fig. 4c shows the carrier 9b in the pivoted position in which the contact element 3 can be removed from a corresponding receptacle 12 on the support 9b.
- the receptacle 12 can be configured as shown as a plug-in receptacle with corresponding guide grooves.
- the carrier in this case has a window 13, through which the or the contacts 3a of the contact element are accessible. Matching markings and possibly locking devices on the contact element and on the carrier ensure the correct insertion of the contact element.
- the movable support can be swung to remove the contact element, so that the contact element for exchange easier to access.
Landscapes
- Ink Jet (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Tintenkassette zum Einsetzen in eine Druckervorrichtung, beispielsweise einen Tintenstrahldrucker oder dergleichen.The invention relates to an ink cartridge for insertion into a printer device, such as an ink jet printer or the like.
Austauschbare Tintenkassetten dieser Art sind weit verbreitet und werden in unterschiedlichen Bauformen eingesetzt. Neuere Tintenkassetten enthalten häufig eine Halbleiterspeichervorrichtung, in der Information über die Tintenkassette, beispielsweise über die darin enthaltene Tinte, über technische Parameter oder über den Füllstand gespeichert werden und diese Information mit der Druckervorrichtung ausgetauscht wird. Hierzu ist an der Tintenkassette üblicherweise ein Kontaktelement mit einem oder mehreren Kontakten vorgesehen, die mit der Halbleiterspeichervorrichtung an der Tintenkassette in Verbindung stehen und beim Einsetzen in die Druckervorrichtung mit einem entsprechenden Kontakt einer Gegenkontakteinrichtung der Druckervorrichtung in Berührungskontakt zu bringen ist beziehungsweise sind.Replaceable ink cartridges of this type are widely used and are used in different designs. Newer ink cartridges often include a semiconductor memory device in which information about the ink cartridge, for example, about the ink contained therein, about technical parameters or the level are stored and this information is exchanged with the printer device. For this purpose, a contact element with one or more contacts is usually provided on the ink cartridge, which are in communication with the semiconductor memory device on the ink cartridge and is to bring into contact with a corresponding contact of a mating contact device of the printer device in contact with the printer device in contact.
Ein beim Einsetzen einer solchen Tintenkassette in die Druckervorrichtung häufig auftretendes Problem ist die Herstellung eines zuverlässigen Kontakts zwischen dem Kontaktelement der Tintenkassette und der Gegenkontakteinrichtung der Druckervorrichtung. Hierzu wurden im Stand der Technik zahlreiche Maßnahmen an den Tintenkassetten unternommen, beispielsweise durch Vorsehen von Führungselementen zur Führung der ganzen Kassette im Bereich der Kontaktelemente oder durch mehrreihiges versetzte Anordnen von Kontakten auf den Kontaktelementen.A problem frequently encountered in employing such an ink cartridge in the printer apparatus is the establishment of a reliable contact between the contact member of the ink cartridge and the mating contact means of the printer apparatus. For this purpose, numerous measures have been taken on the ink cartridges in the prior art, for example by providing guide elements for guiding the entire cassette in the region of the contact elements or by multi-row offset arrangement of contacts on the contact elements.
Das Einsetzen der Tintenkassetten erfolgt je nach Bauart durch eine mehr oder weniger lineare Einsetzbewegung, bei der ein Tintenauslaß der Tintenkassette auf einen Tintenaufnahmedorn der Druckervorrichtung aufgesetzt wird, oder aber durch eine Kippbewegung, wie sie später an Hand der
Aus der
Aus der
Die
Die
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, derartige austauschbare Tintenkassetten dahingehend zu verbessern, dass ein Kontakt zwischen der Druckervorrichtung und der Tintenkassette zuverlässig und unabhängig von der Einsetzrichtung der Tintenkassette gewährleistet ist.The object of the invention is therefore to improve such exchangeable ink cartridges in that a contact between the printer device and the ink cartridge is reliably and independently of the direction of insertion of the ink cartridge is ensured.
Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe bringt die Erfindung eine Tintenkassette gemäß Patentanspruch 1 in Vorschlag. Bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen der Tintenkassette sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.To solve this problem, the invention brings an ink cartridge according to
Durch die erfindungsgemäße bewegliche Anordnung des Kontaktelements an der Tintenkassette relativ zu einer Seite derselben ist eine Bewegung des Kontaktelements beim Einsetzen der Tintenkassette möglich, sodass das Kontaktelement innerhalb dieser Grenzen sich in die geeignete Position relativ zu der Gegenkontakteinrichtung bewegen kann. Ferner ist gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ein Vorbelastungsmittel vorgesehen, welches das Kontaktelements in Richtung der Gegenkontakteinrichtung vorbelastet. In Verbindung mit der beweglichen Anordnung des Kontaktelements wird dadurch ein zuverlässiger Kontakt gewährleistet, selbst wenn die Tintenkassette nicht exakt in der Aufnahme sitzt. Ferner wird hierbei gewährleistet, dass bereits während des Einsetzvorganges ein zuverlässiger Kontakt hergestellt ist.The inventive movable arrangement of the contact element on the ink cartridge relative to a side thereof, a movement of the contact element during insertion of the ink cartridge is possible, so that the contact element can move within these limits in the appropriate position relative to the mating contact device. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, a biasing means is provided, which preloads the contact element in the direction of the mating contact device. In conjunction with the movable arrangement of the contact element thereby reliable contact is ensured, even if the ink cartridge is not exactly sitting in the receptacle. Furthermore, this ensures that a reliable contact is already made during the insertion process.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform ermöglicht die abnehmbare Anordnung des Kontaktelements auf dem beweglichen Träger, den Träger zum Entfernen des Kontaktelements abzuschwenken und so das Kontaktelement für den Austausch einfacher zugänglich zu machen.According to a further embodiment, the detachable arrangement of the contact element on the movable support makes it possible to swing the support for removing the contact element, thus making the contact element more easily accessible for replacement.
Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand bevorzugter Ausführungsformen beschrieben. Es zeigen in der beigefügten Zeichnung:
-
eine beispielhafte Tintenkassette, die mittels einer Kippbewegung in eine entsprechende Aufnahme eine Druckervorrichtung einzusetzen ist,Figur 1 -
Figur 2a eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Details "A" von gemäß einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktelementanordnung an der Tintenkassette,Figur 1 -
Figur 2b eine nicht erfindungsgemäße abgewandelte Kontaktelementanordnung, und -
Figur 2c eine weitere nicht erfindungsgemäße abgewandelte Kontaktelementanordnung, -
Fig. 3 eine Anordnung von mehreren Kontakten auf einem Kontaktelement, -
Fig. 4a eine alternative Ausführungsform, bei der das Kontaktelement entfernbar an einem schwenkbaren Träger angebracht ist, -
Fig. 4b die Ausführungsform derFig. 4a , wobei der Träger in einer entriegelten Stellung gezeigt ist, -
Fig. 4c die Ausführungsform derFig. 4a , wobei der Träger in einer abgeschwenkten Stellung gezeigt ist, in der das Kontaktelement entnommen werden kann.
-
FIG. 1 an exemplary ink cartridge to be inserted by means of a tilting movement into a corresponding receptacle a printer device, -
FIG. 2a an enlarged view of the detail "A" ofFIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the contact element arrangement according to the invention on the ink cartridge, -
FIG. 2b a non-inventive modified contact element arrangement, and -
Figure 2c a further non-inventive modified contact element arrangement, -
Fig. 3 an arrangement of several contacts on a contact element, -
Fig. 4a an alternative embodiment in which the contact element is removably attached to a pivotable carrier, -
Fig. 4b the embodiment of theFig. 4a wherein the carrier is shown in an unlocked position, -
Fig. 4c the embodiment of theFig. 4a wherein the carrier is shown in a pivoted position, in which the contact element can be removed.
Die
An einer Unterseite der Tintenkassette ist ein Tintenauslass 6 angeordnet, der nach dem Einsetzen in die Aufnahme 2 mit einem Tintenaufnahmedorn 5 der Druckervorrichtung zusammenwirkt, sodass Tinte aus der Tintenkassette über den Auslass und den Dorn abgeführt werden kann. Im gezeigten Beispiel besitzt die Druckervorrichtung eine zusätzliche Verriegelung 7, die den Einsatzvorgang der Tintenkassette führt und diese in der Einsetzstellung verriegelt und auf den Dorn 5 drückt.Disposed on a lower side of the ink cartridge is an
Im Bereich einer stirnseitigen Wandfläche der Tintenkassette ist ein Kontaktelement 3 angeordnet, das einen oder mehrere Kontakte enthält, die mit entsprechende Gegenkontakten 8a an einer Gegenkontakteinrichtung 8 der Druckervorrichtung zusammenwirken. Hierzu sind die Kontakte im Bereich des Kontaktelements 3 der Tintenkassette in Gegenüberstellung zu den Gegenkontakten der Druckervorrichtung zu bringen, wenn die Tintenkassette vollständig in die Aufnahme 2 eingesetzt ist. Bei einer elektrisch leitenden Kontaktierung ist zusätzlich ein physischer elektrisch leitender Kontakt zwischen den Kontakten der Kassette und den Gegenkontakten der Druckervorrichtung herzustellen.In the region of an end wall surface of the ink cartridge, a
Wie in der vergrößerten Darstellung des Bereichs "A" von
Zwischen dem Träger und der Tintenkassette kann ein Vorbelastungsmittel 4 vorgesehen sein, welches das Kontaktelement in Richtung der Gegenkontakteinrichtung vorbelastet. Geeignet hierfür ist beispielsweise eine Blattoder Spiralfeder 4a wie in
In einer nicht erfindungsgemäßen Abwandlung der vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsform können gemäß
In einer weiteren nicht erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform, die beispielsweise in
Sofern mehrere Kontakte auf dem Kontaktelement erforderlich sind, bietet es sich in Verbindung mit der erfindungsgemäßen beweglichen Anordnung des Kontaktelements an, die Kontakte in einer Reihe anzuordnen, die quer zu einer Einsetzrichtung der Tintenkassette verläuft. Eine solche bevorzugte Anordnung der Kontaktelemente ist in
Die Form der einzelnen Kontakte 3a eines Kontaktelements 3 muss nicht einheitlich dreieckig sein. Sofern nebeneinanderliegende Kontakte dasselbe Signal empfangen oder das gleiche Potential benötigen, können diese zu einem trapezförmigen oder rautenförmigen Kontakt erweitert werden, indem die Kontakte an den Seitenrändern verbunden werden. Das Kontaktelement besitzt dann eine Kombination von Kontakten (3a) dieser Formen. Ein wesentlicher Gesichtspunkt der Kontaktanordnung ist die komplementäre Form der nebeneinanderliegenden Kontakte.The shape of the
Die beschriebene Anordnung der Kontakte ist allerdings nicht nur auf die Anwendung in Verbindung mit der beweglichen Anordnung des Kontaktelements beschränkt, sondern kann auch bei den bekannten festen Anordnungen der Kontaktelemente mit ähnlichem Vorteil eingesetzt werden.However, the described arrangement of the contacts is not limited only to the application in connection with the movable arrangement of the contact element, but may also be used in the known fixed arrangements of the contact elements with similar advantage.
Obwohl in der vorstehenden Beschreibung von einem elektrisch leitenden Berührungskontakt zwischen den Kontakten der Tintenkassette und den Gegenkontakten der Druckervorrichtung ausgegangen wurde, um Signale und Daten zwischen der Druckervorrichtung und der Tintenkassette auszutauschen, ist die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung des Kontaktelements nicht hierauf beschränkt. Denkbar ist es ebenfalls, einen berührungslosen Austausch von Signalen, beispielsweise durch Induktion oder Funk oder über Lichtsignale zu verwirklichen. In diesem Sinne ist deshalb der Begriff "Kontakt" in diesem erweiterten Sinne als "Schnittstelle für Signalübertragung" zu verstehen, die elektrisch leitende, induktive, kapazitive, optische und Funk-Signalübertragungen umfasst.Although in the above description, an electrically conductive contact between the contacts of the ink cartridge and the mating contacts of the printer device has been assumed to exchange signals and data between the printer device and the ink cartridge, the arrangement of the contact element according to the invention is not limited thereto. It is also conceivable to realize a contactless exchange of signals, for example by induction or radio or light signals. In this sense, therefore, the term "contact" in this broader sense is to be understood as an "interface for signal transmission", which includes electrically conductive, inductive, capacitive, optical and radio signal transmissions.
Auch bei berührungsloser Signalübertragungen ist es auf Grund der geringen Toleranzen gegebenenfalls erforderlich, dass die Kontakte genau in Gegenüberstellung liegen, wenn die Tintenkassette in die Druckervorrichtung eingesetzt ist. Die Beweglichkeit der Anordnung des Kontaktelements an der Tintenkassette in Verbindung mit einer mechanischen Führung bietet hierfür eine entsprechende Lösung und erlaubt das Einsetzen der Tintenkassette in einer Richtung, die nicht notwendig exakt parallel zu einer Ebene der Kontakte in der eingesetzten Stellung ist.Even with non-contact signal transmissions, it may be necessary due to the small tolerances that the contacts are exactly in opposition, when the ink cartridge is inserted into the printer device. The mobility of the arrangement of the contact element on the ink cartridge in conjunction with a mechanical guide provides a corresponding solution for this and allows the insertion of the ink cartridge in a direction which is not necessarily exactly parallel to a plane of the contacts in the inserted position.
Obwohl die Erfindung in Verbindung mit einer Ausführungsform einer Tintenkassette beschrieben und dargestellt wurde, bei der das Kontaktelement in Bereich einer Stirnwand und im Bereich eines Tintenauslasses angeordnet ist, ist die erfindungsgemäße Lösung hierauf beschränkt sondern ist grundsätzlich auf alle Anordnungen eines Kontaktelements an einer Tintenkassette anwendbar.Although the invention has been described and illustrated in connection with an embodiment of an ink cartridge in which the contact element is disposed in the region of an end wall and in the region of an ink outlet, the solution according to the invention is limited thereto but is basically applicable to all arrangements of a contact element on an ink cartridge.
Nicht dargestellt aber ebenfalls bevorzugt ist eine Variante, bei der das Kontaktelement und das dieses beweglich halternde Element, beispielsweise die Lasche, und ggf. das Vorbelastungselement in einer Vertiefung oder Ausnehmung an der Seitenwand der Kassette angeordnet sind. Hierbei sind diese Bauteile geschützt und behindern den Einsetzvorgang nicht.Not shown, but also preferred is a variant in which the contact element and the movable support this element, for example, the tab, and possibly the biasing element in a recess or recess the side wall of the cassette are arranged. These components are protected and do not hinder the insertion process.
Die Tintenkassette besitzt normalerweise ein Reservoir zur Aufnahme von Tinte, die über den Auslass an die Druckervorrichtung übergeben wird. Alternativ kann die Tintenkassette aber auch eine Aufnahme besitzen, in die ein separates Reservoir für die Tinte einzusetzen ist. Dies ist beispielsweise dann von Vorteil, wenn die Tintenkassette für unterschiedliche Drucker angepasst ist, aber ein einheitliches Reservoir zu verwenden ist oder aber dann, wenn die Tintenkassette statt des Tintenauslasses unmittelbar einen Druckkopf enthält. Diese Ausgestaltung mit integriertem Druckkopf ist selbstverständlich auch bei einer Tintenkassette mit integrierten Reservoir anwendbar.The ink cartridge normally has a reservoir for receiving ink, which is transferred via the outlet to the printer device. Alternatively, however, the ink cartridge may also have a receptacle into which a separate reservoir for the ink is to be inserted. This is advantageous, for example, if the ink cartridge is adapted for different printers, but a uniform reservoir is to be used or if the ink cartridge directly contains a printhead instead of the ink outlet. This embodiment with integrated print head is of course also applicable to an ink cartridge with integrated reservoir.
In einer weiteren, in den
In der in
Die Verriegelung kann aber auch in einer nicht dargestellten Abwandlung durch einen Rastvorsprung, beispielsweise in Form eines Rasthakens verwirklicht werden, der den Träger in der einen Schwenk-Endstellung verriegelnd festhält und nach Überwinden der Haltekraft die Verschwenkung des Trägers um die Schwenkzapfen ermöglicht. In diesem Fall können die Aufnahmen als einfache Rundlöcher ausgebildet sein. Der schwenkbare Träger kann ferner über ein Vorbelastungsmittel in die verschwenkte Stellung gedrängt werden, wie das anhand der
Die
Gemäß dieser Ausführungsform kann der bewegliche Träger zum Entfernen des Kontaktelements abgeschwenkt werden, so dass das Kontaktelement für den Austausch einfacher zugänglich ist.According to this embodiment, the movable support can be swung to remove the contact element, so that the contact element for exchange easier to access.
Claims (10)
- Ink cartridge for insertion into a printer device, comprising a signal transmission member (3) having at least one signal transmission interface (3a) which, upon insertion into the printer device, is to be brought into a position opposite a corresponding signal transmission interface (8a) of a counter signal transmission means (8) of the printer device, wherein the signal transmission member (3) is arranged movably relative to a side of the ink cartridge (1) and wherein the signal transmission member (3) is arranged on a support (9; 9b) which is connected to the ink cartridge by a hinge (9a).
- Ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the support is formed by a lug (9) which is connected to part of the ink cartridge in a materially integral manner and the hinge (9a) is formed by a resilient portion of the lug (9).
- Ink cartridge according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a biasing means (4; 4a) is provided and biases the signal transmission member (3) in the direction of the counter signal transmission means (8).
- Ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the signal transmission member (3) is arranged at an angle (α) to the side of the ink cartridge in the initial position.
- Ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the signal transmission interface(s) (3a) of the signal transmission member (3) are connected to a semiconductor memory device for the ink cartridge.
- Ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the signal transmission interface(s) (3a) of the signal transmission member (3) are constructed for electrically conductive, inductive, capacitive or optical signal transmission with the corresponding counter signal transmission interface(s) of the printer device.
- Ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ink cartridge has a storage container for accommodating ink or a recess for the insertion of a storage container for ink.
- Ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the signal transmission member (3) is arranged on the support (9b) so as to be removable.
- Ink cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the signal transmission member (3) can be inserted into a recess (12) formed in the support (9b).
- Ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the signal transmission member (3) and the support (9; 9b) are arranged in a recess in a side wall of the ink cartridge.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE200610017045 DE102006017045A1 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2006-04-11 | Ink cartridge for printer, has contact element such that at least one contact of printer device is brought opposite to counter contact device whereby contact element is movably arranged relative to side of ink cartridge |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1844939A1 EP1844939A1 (en) | 2007-10-17 |
EP1844939B1 true EP1844939B1 (en) | 2010-07-14 |
Family
ID=37896567
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20070105940 Expired - Fee Related EP1844939B1 (en) | 2006-04-11 | 2007-04-11 | Ink cartridge |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP1844939B1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE102006017045A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2010012608A (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2010-01-21 | Brother Ind Ltd | Adaptor for ink cartridge |
DE102008034810A1 (en) * | 2008-07-24 | 2010-01-28 | Pelikan Hardcopy Production Ag | Ink cartridge, in particular for an inkjet printer |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5245361A (en) * | 1988-12-29 | 1993-09-14 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Mountain arrangement for positioning an ink jet recording head with integral ink tank when the head is mounted to a carriage |
PT1547786E (en) * | 1998-05-18 | 2008-02-19 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink cartridge |
US7213897B2 (en) * | 2000-07-03 | 2007-05-08 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Ink-jet printer |
JP3649123B2 (en) * | 2000-12-26 | 2005-05-18 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Circuit board terminals |
US6431684B1 (en) * | 2001-08-01 | 2002-08-13 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Spring pad for electrical interconnection of inkjet printing system |
US6776475B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2004-08-17 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Interconnect system and method for inkjet devices using conductive elastomer |
JP2005028779A (en) * | 2003-07-07 | 2005-02-03 | Canon Inc | Ink tank and ink tank holder |
JP2005319817A (en) * | 2005-08-04 | 2005-11-17 | Brother Ind Ltd | Recording device |
-
2006
- 2006-04-11 DE DE200610017045 patent/DE102006017045A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2007
- 2007-04-11 EP EP20070105940 patent/EP1844939B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-04-11 DE DE200750004367 patent/DE502007004367D1/en active Active
Also Published As
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DE102006017045A1 (en) | 2007-04-19 |
DE502007004367D1 (en) | 2010-08-26 |
EP1844939A1 (en) | 2007-10-17 |
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