CN1195630C - Ink container refurbishment system - Google Patents

Abstract

Alternative methods for refurbishing a single-use ink delivery container for a printing system are described. The refurbishing methods include electrical and mechanical reconfiguration or replacement of original elements on the ink delivery container. Each method utilises an existing ink fluid outlet, electrical connector and an information storage device on the ink delivery container.

Description

Refurbished Ink Containers and How to Refill Them

technical field

The present invention relates generally to inkjet printing systems and, more particularly, to the refurbishment of ink containers for inkjet printing systems.

Background technique

An ink jet printer in the prior art has a printing head mounted on a frame, and the printing head moves back and forth on a printing medium, such as paper. When the print head passes through a suitable part of the print medium, the control device drives the print head to spray ink droplets on the above print medium to form required images and letters. To work smoothly, such printers must have a reliable supply of ink to the printheads.

One class of inkjet printers uses an ink supply that is mounted on and moves with a frame. In some types, the ink supply is separate from the printhead and can be replaced. In other types, the printhead and ink supply together form a single assembly, and the entire assembly is replaced when the ink supply runs out of ink. European patent application 0778144 discloses an ink supply and relates to a means and method for refilling an ink supply of an inkjet printing device. The ink supply device has a base carrying an ink storage tank and a fluid outlet. The ink storage tank contains ink. The base is packaged in a hard protective case, and a cover is installed at the lower end of the case. The base has a main body and a frame, which defines and supports the above-mentioned ink storage tank. Each side of the frame is provided with a surface to which a plastic sheet is attached to enclose the sides of the storage tank. The body of the base has a fill port that allows ink to be introduced into the reservoir. Three different methods of refilling the ink supply are described in the European patent application 0778144. Another ink supply device is disclosed in European patent application 0498117, which relates to an ink cartridge and a method for its manufacture. The ink box includes an ink containing part, a plug which can be pierced by a hollow needle and means for preventing ink from flowing back into the ink containing part. The preventing mechanism includes a valve, a first liquid passage in which the valve is movable, and a second passage provided closer to the ink containing portion than the first passage. The valve can seal off the second channel.

In another class of printers known as "off-axis" printing devices, an ink supply that is not mounted on the frame is used. This is a printing device that fills the print head with ink intermittently. Its printheads periodically travel to a stationary storage tank to fill up with ink. Another printing system is described in US Patent Application Serial No. 09/034,719 in which the printhead communicates with a replaceable ink supply or reservoir through a conduit, such as a hose. This allows the above-mentioned printhead to continuously replenish ink during printing.

In a parent application of the present application, a replaceable, off-axis ink container is described which has a storage means mounted within the aforementioned housing. When installed in the printing station described above, an electrical connection is established between the printer and the storage device. This electrical connection allows information to be exchanged between the printer and the storage device. Information is stored in the storage device, and the above-mentioned printers use this information to ensure high-quality printing. When the ink cartridge is installed in the above-mentioned printer, this information is automatically provided to the printer. This exchange of information ensures the interchangeability of the ink cartridges with the printer.

The stored information also prevents further use of the ink container after the ink container has been depleted. Because continuing to run the printer when the ink in the storage tank is empty can damage the print head. The above-mentioned storage device related to the present application can timely correct the data related to the amount of ink remaining in the storage tank during use. When installing a new ink tank, the printer will read the information indicating the storage capacity from the storage device. During use, the printing system will estimate the amount of ink used and correct the memory device in time so that it indicates how much ink is still remaining in the ink tank. When the ink container is substantially depleted of ink, the storage device can be updated to indicate the depleted status of the ink. Then discard the used ink cartridge and memory.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides various methods of refurbishing single-use ink delivery containers in a printing system. The method involves reconfiguration or replacement of the original electrical and mechanical components on the ink delivery container. Each method utilizes existing ink fluid outlets, electrical connectors and information storage devices on the ink delivery container.

That is, the present invention proposes a method of refilling a printer ink container having a sealed housing, a flexible ink storage tank located within the housing, an ink outlet in fluid communication with the storage tank, and an ink outlet connected to the housing. an air inlet in fluid communication with the space between the ink storage tank, and a storage device connected to an electrical contact pad mounted on the housing for communicating information about the properties of the ink in the ink reservoir to the printing device, said The method includes: (a) connecting an ink connector in fluid communication to the above-mentioned ink outlet, the ink connector being in fluid communication with an ink supply; (b) connecting an air connector in fluid communication to the air inlet, so that the air The connector is in fluid communication with the space in the housing; (c) refilling the ink storage tank with ink from the ink source through the ink connector and the ink outlet; (d) allowing the space between the housing and the ink storage tank to and (e) refurbishing the storage device for providing job information to the printing device to enable the printing device to operate.

The present invention also provides a refurbished ink container suitable for loading into an inkjet printing device, the ink container comprising: a pressure vessel surrounding an ink supply containing refill ink; and A signal source enabling a printing job to proceed when said refurbished ink container is releasably installed in a printing device.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system with an existing ink delivery system;

Figure 2 is an axonometric view of a printer used in the printing system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of an ink container of the printing system of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of the ink container in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a partially enlarged end view of the ink container in Figure 3;

Fig. 6 is a sectional side view of the ink container in Fig. 3 taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary axonometric view of a portion of the printer of Figure 2, showing the reservoir for the ink container;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial axonometric view of the printer in Fig. 2 along line 8-8 in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged axonometric view of a connection portion of the printer in Fig. 2;

Fig. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of the connecting portion of the printer shown in Fig. 9 along line 10A-10A in Fig. 9, also showing a partial cross-sectional view of the installed ink container;

Figure 10B is an enlarged view of the printer in Figure 10A along line 10B-10B in Figure 10A;

Figure 11A is a partially exploded isometric view of the ink container in Figures 10A, 10B shown from the distal end;

Figure 11B is a partially exploded isometric view of the ink container in Figures 10A, 10B shown from the proximal end;

Figure 12 is a further exploded isometric view of the ink container in Figures 10A, 10B;

Figure 13 is an enlarged side view of the inductive fluid level sensor for the ink container of Figures 10A, 10B after it has been removed from the ink container;

14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of refurbishing an ink container 12;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container in Figures 10A and 10B after the front cover is removed;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ink container of Figures 10A, 10B with the front cover removed and showing the ink container being filled with ink.

Detailed ways

Although the present invention relates to a method of refurbishing an ink container, the invention will be more clearly understood only after a complete description of the printer and the ink container originally provided.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a printing apparatus 10 having an ink container 12, a print head 14, and a source of compressed air, such as a compressor 16. The compressor 16 communicates with the ink container 2 through a pipe 18 . Ink reservoir 12 provides an ink fluid 19 , such as ink, to printhead 14 via conduit 20 . Ink container 12 includes a fluid storage tank 22 for holding ink 19 , a housing 24 , and a base 26 . In the preferred embodiment, the base 26 includes an air inlet 28 which is connected to the duct 18 for pressurizing the housing 24 with air. There is also a fluid outlet 30 on said base 26 . This fluid outlet 30 communicates with the conduit 20 to connect the fluid storage tank 22 with the fluid conduit 20 .

In the preferred embodiment, fluid storage tank 22 is made of a flexible material such that pressurization of housing 24 produces ink flow from fluid storage tank 22 through conduit 20 to printhead 14 . Utilizing a pressure source for the ink in the fluid storage tank 22 can result in a relatively high fluid flow rate from the fluid storage tank 22 to the printhead 14 . Using a high flow rate, or high delivery rate of ink to the printhead, enables the printing device 10 to increase its printing rate.

Ink container 12 also includes a number of electrical contacts, which will be described in detail below. Such electrical contacts form an electrical connection between the circuitry on the ink container 12 and the control electronics 32 of the printing device. The electronic control unit 32 of the printing device is used to control various functions of the printing device 10, such as, but not limited to, starting ink ejection of the printing head 14, and starting the pump 16 to pressurize the ink container 12, etc. The ink container 12 includes an information storage device 34 and an ink level detection circuit 36 . The above-mentioned information storage means 34 provides information to the electronic control means 32 of the printing apparatus, such as the amount of ink in the ink container 12 and the characteristics of the ink. The ink level sensing circuitry 36 described above provides a signal to the control electronics 32 of the printing apparatus regarding the current level of ink in the ink container 12 .

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the printing device 10 in a perspective view. The printing unit 10 has a printing frame 38 configured to accommodate a plurality of ink containers 12 at the same time. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 has four identical ink tanks 12. In this embodiment, a kind of ink of different colors is respectively filled in each ink tank, so four colors can be printed altogether: cyan, yellow, magenta. red and black. The frame 38 of the printing unit has a control board 40 for controlling the operation of the printing unit 10, and a media slot 42 through which the paper is fed.

Please see Fig. 1 again, when the ink 19 in each ink container was used up, just change a new ink container 12 that fills the newly loaded ink. In addition, the ink container 12 may be removed from the frame 38 of the printing apparatus for reasons other than the ink depletion situation, for example, because it is intended to be used with a different medium requiring the use of different ink properties. It is very important that the replaced ink container 12 makes a reliable electrical connection to the frame 38 of the printing unit and properly forms the required connections so that the printing unit 10 can operate reliably.

Figures 3 and 4 show a prior art ink container 12 having a housing 24 containing a fluid reservoir 22 for storing ink 19 (Figure 1). The housing 24 has a front cover 50 fixed at the front end, and a rear cover 52 fixed at the rear end. The so-called front and rear are relative to the direction when the ink container 12 is inserted into the frame 38 of the printing device. Front cover 50 has an aperture 44 at its forward end through which air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 project from reservoir 22 (FIG. 1). Reservoir base 26 has an end or floor that bears against front cover 50 so that air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 can protrude through aperture 44 . The hole 44 is surrounded by a wall 45 such that the hole 44 is placed in a recess. Once the ink container 12 is properly inserted into the frame 38 of the printing device, the air inlet 28 and fluid outlet 30 structures are connected to the compressor 16 and printhead 14, respectively (FIG. 1). The air inlet 28 and the fluid outlet 30 will be described in detail later.

The front cover 50 also has an aperture 46 positioned in the recess defined by the wall 45 . The floor or end of the base 26 is also exposed in the aperture 46 . A plurality of planar electrical contact pads 54 are provided on reservoir base 26 and are positioned within apertures 46 to provide electrical connections between circuitry cooperating with ink container 12 and printing apparatus control electronics 32. The contact pads 54 are rectangular and lined up in a row. Four of the contact pads 54 are electrically connected to the information storage device 34, and four are connected to the ink level sensing circuitry 36 described in FIG. In a preferred embodiment, the information storage device 34 is a semiconductor storage device, and the ink level detection circuitry 36 is an inductive detection device. Wall 45 helps to protect information storage device 34 and contact pad 54 from mechanical damage. In addition, wall 45 also helps to minimize accidental finger contact with contact pad 54 . The contact pad 54 will be described in detail when referring to FIG. 5 .

In a preferred embodiment, ink container 12 is provided with one or more locking and guiding members 58 and 60 on either side of front cover 50 thereof. Locking and guide members 58 and 60 project outwardly from the sides of container 12 and work in conjunction with corresponding locking and guide members or slots ( FIG. 2 ) on printer frame 38 to assist container 12 when inserted into the printer. Alignment and guidance are performed during the frame 38. The lock and guide members 58 and 60 also have the function of confirming that the ink container inserted into the slot of the printing device frame at the prescribed position has proper ink parameters, such as proper color and ink type.

A latch shoulder 62 is provided on one side of the back cover 52 . This latch shoulder 62 cooperates with a corresponding latch portion on the printer section to secure the ink container 12 in the printer frame 38 so that compressed air, fluid and electrical connections can be made in a reliable manner. Latch shoulder 62 is a molded tang that extends downward relative to the gravitational coordinate system. The position of the ink container 12 shown in FIG. 4 is inserted into the printer frame 38 ( FIG. 2 ) along the Z-axis of the coordinate system 64 . In this orientation, the gravitational force acting on the ink container 12 is along the Y-axis.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the electrical contact pad 54 . An upstanding guide member 72 is mounted on the base 26 adjacent the contact pad 54 . The electrical contact pads 54 include two pairs of contact pads 78, each pair of pads being connected to the ink level sensing circuit 36 shown in FIG. Four contact pads 80 spaced between each pair of contact pads 78 and 80 are electrically connected to information storage device 34 . The positions of each pair of ink quantity detection contact pads 78 are outside the above-mentioned row of contact pads 54 . Contact pad 78 is a flexible circuit 82 mounted to base plate 26 with fasteners 84 (see FIG. 13). The four intermediate contact pads 80 located between the two pairs of ink level detection contact pads 78 are arranged on a non-conductive substrate 86, such as a metal conductive layer on a substrate made of epoxy resin and glass fiber. Memory device 34 is also mounted on substrate 86 and is connected by conductive traces (not shown) formed on substrate 86 . The storage device 34 is shown encapsulated with a protective layer, such as epoxy resin. The backside of substrate 86 opposite contact pad 80 is adhesively bonded or otherwise attached to base 26 with fasteners 84 .

It can be seen from FIG. 6 that the guide member 72 extends along the Z-axis in the coordinate system 64 . The guide member 72 has a tapered, pointed distal end. The guide member 72 provides important guidance to ensure good electrical connection when the ink container 12 is inserted into the frame 38 of the printing apparatus. Figure 7 shows the ink container 12 secured in the ink container receptacle or receiving slot 88 of the receiving station 89 which is located in the frame 38 of the printing apparatus. An ink container label 90 may be placed adjacent to each ink container receptacle 88 . Ink container markings 90 may be color samples or booklets representing ink colors to assist the user in inserting ink containers 12 of the same color into appropriate slots 88 in ink container receiving stations 89 . As described above, the lock and guide members 58 and 60 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 prevent the ink container 12 from being installed in the wrong elongated hole 88 . Installing the ink container 12 in the wrong receptacle 88 can result in color mixing, or mixing different types of ink together, whichever will result in poor print quality.

Each receiving slot 88 in the ink container receiving station 89 has a locking and guiding slot 92 and a locking portion 94 . The locking and guiding slot 92 cooperates with the aforementioned locking and guiding feature 60 (see FIG. 3 ) to guide the ink container 12 into the ink container receiving station 89 . The above-mentioned locking and guiding slot 92 cooperates with the locking and guiding part 58 (FIG. 3) on the ink container 12, which is not shown in the figure. The locking portion 94 is designed to engage with a corresponding latch member 62 on the ink container 12 . The geometry of the locking and guiding slots 92 in each receptacle 88 varies to ensure compatibility between the ink container and the receiving receptacle.

Figure 8 shows a single ink container receiving slot 88 in an ink container receiving station 89. In the preferred embodiment, the connections include a fluid inlet 98, an air outlet 96, and an electrical connection 100. These connections 96, 98, and 100 are located on a floating platform 102 that is supported by coil springs 101. (see FIG. 10A) presses against the installed ink container 12 along the Z axis. The fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 are used to connect with the corresponding fluid outlet 30 and air inlet 28 (FIG. 3) respectively provided on the ink container 12. . The above-mentioned electrical connection portion 100 is used to connect with the electrical contact pad 54 on the ink container 12 .

By means of the locking and guiding members 58 and 60 on the ink container 12 interacting with the corresponding locking and guiding slots 92 on the ink container receiving station 89 for correct insertion of the ink container, the ink can be completed. Connection of container 12 to printer frame 38 . In addition, the side walls of each elongated slot 88 in ink container receiving station 89 engage corresponding side walls of ink container 12 to assist in guiding and aligning ink container 12 during insertion of ink container 12 into elongated slot 88 .

9 and 10A further illustrate details of the floating platform 102 described above. The stage 102 is pressed by the coil spring 101 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the ink container 12 is inserted into the ink container receiving elongated groove 88 (FIG. 10A). The platform 102 is then pressed against a mechanical limiter (not shown), which limits the movement of the platform 102 in the X, Y and Z axes. Therefore, the platform can only move to a limited extent in the X, Y and Z axes of the coordinate system 64 .

Electrical connector 100 is supported by bosses projecting from platform 102 . The electrical connector 100 is generally rectangular and has two sides 107, one above and one below, and a distal end 105. Protruding from the distal end 105 are a number of resilient, spring-loaded electrical contacts 104. The electrical contacts Heads 104 are filamentary assemblies that contact corresponding electrical contacts 54 (FIG. 3) mounted on ink container 12 to connect the electrical portion of ink container 12 to electronic control device 32 (FIG. 1) of the printing apparatus. Make an electrical connection. The electrical connector 100 has a guide groove 106 on its upper surface. Guide slot 106 has opposing converging walls that cooperate with guide member 72 (see FIGS. 5 and 10B ). The guide members 72 engage the guide slots 106 to properly align the contacts 104 with the contact pads 54 . FIG. 10B shows a situation where the contact pads 54 are properly aligned with the electrical contacts 104 .

Please refer to FIGS. 9 and 10A , where fluid inlet 98 and air outlet 96 protrude from platform 102 . Fluid inlet 98 includes an ink supply sleeve 110 surrounding a hollow needle 108 . Needle 108 has a hole at its distal end. A collar 111 fits over the needle 108 in a sealing and slidable manner. A spring 113 forces the collar 111 towards the distal end, sealing the hole. The air outlet 96 has an air supply sleeve 114 surrounding a hollow needle 112 .

Referring to FIG. 10A, the ink outlet 30 is a cylindrical member extending outwards, with a partition 122 at its distal end. Spacer 122 has a narrow slot for receiving needle 108 . In a preferred embodiment, a one-way valve with a ball 124 and a spring 126 is provided on the ink outlet 30 to prevent ink from leaking out before the needle 108 is inserted. The ball 124 is positioned directly against the spacer 122 and pushed away from the spacer 122 by the needle 108 . The air inlet 28 is also a cylindrical member having a partition 128 with a narrow slit.

As shown in Figures 11A, 11B and 14, the housing 24 is a generally rectangular member having a cylindrical neck 130 at its forward end. The base 26 is a disc inserted and sealed in the neck 130 with the front of the base 26 flush with the border of the neck 130 . The storage tank 22 is a collapsible storage tank, such as a collapsible bag housed inside the housing 24 . An opening on the storage tank 22 is in sealing connection with the base 26 . Base 26 together with housing 24 and covers 50 , 52 define a chamber for storage tank 22 . The casing 24 is airtight and forms a pressurized chamber 132 in the space surrounding the storage tank 22 . The air inlet 30 communicates with the pressurized chamber 132 . Referring to FIG. 12, rigid reinforcing plates 134 are fixed on two opposite outer surfaces of the storage tank 22, and the outer shell 24 of the ink container 12 is sealed to the opposite outer sides of the flexible storage tank 22, thus acting as a pressure vessel. During use, the pressure of the housing 24 pressurizes the collapsible storage tank 22 .

Two ink level sensing sense coils 36 are formed on opposite pins of the flexible circuit 82 . Each coil 36 has two lead wires 138 (FIG. 13) connected to a pair of the aforementioned plurality of sensor contacts 78 (see FIG. 3). The two coils 36 are respectively located on opposite sides of the storage tank 22 . When they are connected to the printing device 10, the controller 32 provides a time-varying current signal to one of the coils 36. The time-varying current induces a voltage in the other coil 36 whose magnitude varies with the distance between the two coils 36 . When ink is used, the opposing side wall portions of the reservoir 22 are pressed together, changing the electromagnetic coupling or mutual inductance of the pair of coils. Changes in this coupling are detected by the controller 32, from which ink levels can be deduced. In addition, the controller 32 can also perform continuous testing by determining whether an electrical connection exists between the two contact pads 54 leading to one of the coils 36 when the ink container 12 is installed.

Each ink container 12 has a unique ink container-related condition represented by data provided by information storage device 34 . This data is provided automatically by the ink container 12 to the printing device 10 via the storage device 34 without requiring the user to reconfigure the printing device 10 for the particular ink container 12 installed. The memory device 34 has a protected portion, a write once portion, and a write/erase many portion. When the ink container 12 is first loaded into the printing apparatus 10, the controller 32 reads information about the ink container, such as the manufacturer's identity, part identification, device constants, service mode and ink supply. The printing device 10 supplies power to one coil 36 and reads the voltage of the original receiving coil from the other (receiving) coil 36 . This raw receive coil voltage sent from receive coil 36 is characteristic of the full state of ink container 12 . The electronic control unit of the printing device then records the parameters characteristic of the original receiving coil on the protected part of the memory device 34 . The control electronics of the printing device then initiates a write-protect feature to ensure that the information in the protected portion of the storage device remains unchanged.

The above-mentioned write-once portion is a memory portion that can only be written by the controller 32 once. The above multiple writing/erasing part can be repeatedly written and erased. Both parts store data related to the current ink level. Writing too much data in this part can be used to erase previously stored data.

When the ink container 12 is inserted into the printing device 10, the controller 32 reads parameter information from the storage device 34 for various control printing functions. For example, the controller 32 can use the parameter information of the storage device 34 to calculate the approximate remaining ink. If the amount of ink remaining is less than the minimum ink threshold, it provides information indicating this to the user. In addition, when the amount of ink in the ink container 12 is lower than the threshold value, the controller 32 can stop the printing device 10 to prevent the printing head 14 from working without ink supply. Operating the printhead 14 without ink can reduce the reliability of the printhead, or cause the printhead 14 to fail catastrophically.

In operation, the controller 32 reads raw ink level information from the storage device 34 mounted on the ink container 12 . As the ink is used during printing, the ink level is monitored by the controller 32 and the storage device 34 updates the stored information regarding the amount remaining in the ink container 12 . Thereafter, the controller 32 monitors the amount of ink that can be delivered in the ink container 12 through the storage device 34 . In a preferred embodiment, a single grounded data line is used to transfer data between printing device 10 and storage device 34 in a serial fashion.

In a preferred embodiment, the ink level information includes the following: (1) raw supply size data in the write-protected portion of the memory, (2) rough ink level data stored in the write-once portion of the memory, and ( 3) Precise ink level data stored in the write/erase portion of the memory. The original supply size data can indicate the deliverable ink originally present in the ink container 12 .

Coarse ink level data comprises a number of write-once bits, each such bit corresponding to some portion of the deliverable ink originally present in ink container 12. In the first preferred embodiment, each of the eight coarse ink level bits corresponds to one-eighth of the deliverable ink originally present in the ink container 12 . In a second preferred embodiment to be described later, seven coarse ink level bits each correspond to one-eighth of the deliverable ink originally present in the ink container 12, and one coarse ink level bit Corresponds to the ink end condition. However, more or fewer coarse bits may be used depending on the accuracy requirements of the coarse ink level calculator.

The exact ink level data is represented by an exact bit binary number that is proportional to one-eighth of the deliverable ink volume originally present in the ink container 12. Thus, all fine bit binary numbers are equal to one coarse ink level bit, as will be explained in more detail below.

The printing device 10 reads the raw supply size data and calculates the deliverable amount of ink originally present in the ink container 12 . The size of ink droplets ejected by the printing head 14 is determined by the printing device 10 according to parameters. Using the deliverable volume of ink in ink reservoir 12 and the estimated ink drop size of printhead 14, printing device 10 can calculate the contribution of each ink droplet to the original deliverable ink volume. In this way, the printing device 10 is able to monitor the fraction of the deliverable original ink volume remaining in the ink container 12 .

During printing, the printing device 10 maintains a number of ink drops equal to the number of ink drops ejected by the printhead 14 . After the printing device 10 has printed a small portion, typically a page, it converts the drop count to a precise bit binary number. This conversion takes advantage of the fact that the full precision bit binary number corresponds to one-eighth of the original deliverable ink volume in the ink container 12 . Because each coarse ink level bit is in a write-once portion of storage device 34, these bits and the corresponding ink level value cannot be changed, so the fine bit binary value is incremented or decremented completely at a time, printing device 10 Writes and sets one of the coarse ink level bits.

The printing device 10 periodically polls the coarse and fine ink level bits to determine the fraction of the initial deliverable ink remaining in the ink container 12 . The printing device 10 can then provide a "gas gauge" or other indication to the user of the printing device 10 to indicate the level of ink in the ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, said printing device issues a "low ink warning signal" when the sixth coarse ink level bit is set. Also, in a preferred embodiment, when the ink container 12 is substantially depleted, the printing device sets the eighth (last) coarse ink level bit. This last coarse ink level bit is called the "ink out" bit. When querying the coarse ink level bit, the above-described printing device interprets the “set” ink out bit as an “ink out” status in the ink container 12 .

It is only during the second phase of ink use that the ink level is sensed by the inductive sense coil 36 (FIG. 12). In the first stage, both precise and coarse counters are used. Ink drops are counted and recorded in a precision counter portion of memory device 34 . Each time the fine counter reaches a full increment or decrement, another coarse counter bit is set. In the second stage, only the ink level sensing coil 36 is used. The voltage is output from the receiving coil 36 and compared with the voltage value indicated by the parameter recorded in the memory device 34 . Record the voltage output value of the indicated parameter in the write/erase section of the memory. Each subsequent reading is compared to the previous reading as an error checking technique so that coil failure can be detected.

In the printing device 10, the data transmission between the printing device 10 and the storage device 34 is performed on the grounded signal data line in a serial manner. As described above, when the ink in the ink container 1 is exhausted, the storage device 34 stores data indicative of its original and current status. The printing device 10 modifies the memory device 34 so that it indicates the amount of ink remaining. The printing device 10 modifies the memory device 34 to enable the ink container 12 to provide an "ink empty" signal when most or substantially all of the deliverable ink is depleted. The printing device 10 can also react by stopping printing from the ink container 12 . At this point, the user can insert a new ink container 12 or a refurbished ink container according to the invention.

When the ink is used up, the container 12 is potentially available for further use if it is refilled. However, these ink containers 12 are intended for single use only, since the information stored in the memory device only represents the amount of ink originally in the storage tank before being refilled. If the container is refilled and reinstalled on a printer, the data in storage device 34 will still indicate the ink level before the container was refilled. The low ink level warning issued by the storage device 34 is meaningless to the user by becoming inaccurate. Users will be deprived of the benefits and security of using the storage. The result is that the storage tank is unsuitable for refilling. The present invention will be described with reference to Figures 14-16 to a method and apparatus for reusing these ink containers 12.

Referring to Figure 14, the method for refurbishing an ink container 12 of the present invention is shown. The method begins at step 170 as shown by providing an ink container 12 which is at least partially emptied of existing ink. The ink reservoir 12 is depleted by supplying ink to one or more inkjet printheads 14 . During the time ink is supplied to the printhead 14, the memory device 34 associated with the ink container 12 is updated with information to determine the amount of ink remaining in the ink container 12.

As shown in step 172 , a new supply of ink different from the original ink is supplied to fluid outlet 30 to refill fluid storage tank 22 . When filled with ink, the fluid reservoir 22 expands and will expel the force chamber 132 . To relieve the pressure in the pressure chamber 132 , air is vented through the air inlet 28 as shown in step 174 . In step 176, the memory device 34 is shut down so that the memory device 34 does not provide a signal to the printing device 10 indicative of the emptying status. In step 178, a new signal source indicating an increased ink level in the fluid storage tank 22 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, after the refill step 172, the new signal source indicates an increased amount of ink available for printing. Finally in step 180 the ink container 12 is reinstalled and the fluid, air and electrical connections between the ink container 12 and the printing device 10 are established. The fresh ink in the refilled storage tank 22 is then supplied to the printhead 14 through the conduit 20 . In addition, this new signal source is also used by the electronic control device 32 of the printing device and can provide the electronic control device 32 of the printing device with information that can be printed with the new ink provided in step 172 .

Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, there is shown a method and apparatus for filling the ink container 12 (steps 172 and 174 of Figure 14). To refurbish the ink container 12, the collapsed reservoir 22 is filled with new ink. When filled with new ink, the storage tank 22 expands, displacing the air between the pressure vessel 24 and the storage tank. To avoid pressurizing the pressure chamber 132 and to maximize ink flow, an air flow path is established from the chamber 132 to the outside of the pressure vessel 24 through the air inlet 28 .

When ink is introduced into the ink container 12, the seal 124 moves from its sealed position in contact with the spacer 122 to an unsealed position. The seal is linearly displaced in the direction away from the distal end of the liquid outlet 30 into the hollow boss 123 . At the same time, an opening or channel is created in the spacer 122 by radially displacing it. One method of creating an opening or channel is to insert a hollow tube, such as a hollow needle, through the septum 122 such that the hollow tube linearly displaces the seal and radially displaces the septum 122 . Ink flow is then established between the ink source and the storage tank. The ink then flows from the channel of the ink supply spacer 122 , through the seal 124 , through the boss 123 and to the reservoir 22 . To enhance ink flow, the ink supply can be pressurized.

In order to quickly remove air from the pressure chamber 132 during filling, an opening or channel is created in the partition 128 by means of radial displacement of the partition. One method of creating an opening or channel is to insert a hollow tube, such as a hollow needle, through the spacer 128 . Next is to establish air flow so that air flow from the pressure chamber 132 passes through the boss 129, through the opening in the partition 128, to the air collection area. In various options, the air collection area can be the outside atmosphere or a vacuum source. A source of vacuum applied to the pressure chamber will further enhance ink flow when refilling the reservoir tank 22 .

Referring now to Figure 16, an exemplary embodiment of an ink container 12 refill arrangement is shown. The refill adapter 140 used preferably has an ink inlet sleeve 142 and an exhaust sleeve 144 . The ink inlet sleeve 142 and the exhaust sleeve 144 are tubular members with an open lower end, and are used to be slidably inserted into the ink outlet 30 and the air inlet 28 . Ink feed sleeve 142 has a hollow needle 146 therein, with an opening 147 at its distal end. A sealing collar 148 sealingly engages needle 146 and slides between a closed position, blocking opening 147 and an open position shown in FIG. 16 . A coil spring 150 biases sealing collar 148 toward the closed position. A tubing 152 connects the needle 146 to a storage tank or reservoir 156 . A pump 154 is preferably connected to conduit 152 to pump ink from reservoir 156 under pressure.

For refilling, adapter 140 is placed over ink outlet 30 and air inlet 28 . Needle 147 pierces a slit in spacer 122 and pushes ball 124 down to open the one-way valve. Needle 158 pierces a slit in septum 128, venting the gas in pressure chamber 132 to atmosphere. The pump 154 is actuated to pump the ink in the reservoir 156 into the storage tank 22 as indicated by the arrow. The air in the pressure chamber 132 displaced by the volumetric expansion of the reservoir is vented through the needle 158 to atmosphere. Once the storage tank 22 is filled, the adapter 140 is removed.

In addition to refilling of the ink, the storage device 34 (FIG. 5) must also be refurbished (steps 176 and 178 of FIG. 14) so that the benefits originally provided by the storage device 34 remain. Memory refurbishment is described in more detail in US Patent Application No. 09/034,875, which is incorporated herein by reference. Primary storage device 34 located on base 26 provides a first source of data signals indicative of the status of the ink container 12 at least partially depleted. As described in detail above, the storage device 34 includes rough ink level data stored in a write-once portion that has been altered by the printing device to reflect a reduced ink level or an out-of-ink condition. As a result, refilling of the ink container 12 results in a change in the remaining ink level without changing the indicated rough ink level. The memory device 34 thus does not provide accurate information on the amount of ink remaining due to an inappropriate low ink condition signal. In addition, since the refill ink does not necessarily have the same parameters (such as compositional factors, like density, colorants, solvents, and additives, etc.) indicated by the storage device 34, the printing device 10 may not be able to properly compensate for the refill ink. , so high-quality printing cannot be guaranteed.

To refurbish the memory device 34, the pre-existing data in the memory device is cut off from further communication with the printing device 10 when the ink container 12 is reloaded (step 176 of FIG. 14). One of the methods is to erase all data in the storage device 34 . This can be achieved by exposing the storage device 34 to an energy source such as X-rays or an electric field. The energy source can erase the data in the storage device 34 if it is strong enough. The reservoir of ink container 12 is then filled. The memory device 34 can then be reprogrammed to reflect the refilled ink container 12 parameters. When installed in the printing unit 10, the printing unit 10 operates with the ink container 12 in a similar manner to the original ink container.

In another method of refurbishment, the storage device 34 is scrapped and replaced with a substantially identical device or with a simulator. The new storage device 34 may be an emulator or substantially a replica of the original storage device 34 . The emulator is an electronic circuit functionally equivalent to the storage device 34 for communicating information with the printing device 10 . Although the simulator is functionally equivalent, it is very different in structure. A portion of the simulator may function as a memory and also provide information indicating the volume of the storage tank 22, ink type, color, etc. Unlike the original memory device 34, the emulator is reset in a different manner, such as when new ink is supplied. Furthermore, the simulator can be configured to provide operational information to the printing device 10 regardless of the actual condition of the ink in the storage tank 22.

A new signal source like an emulator or a new storage device should be provided with data for proper operation of the printing device. This new signal source should be able to communicate with the printing device 10 in a serial fashion on a separate input/output line. The data provided by the new signal source will be used by printing device 10 to provide an indication of the amount of ink available.

In a method of refurbishing ink container 12, first storage device 34 is removed from base 26 (Fig. tear down. A new substrate 86 with new memory device 34 or emulator and contact pad 80 can be affixed to hold the same location as the original substrate 86 , memory device 34 and contact pad 80 . The new base plate 86 can be secured by fasteners or glue. It is not necessary to remove the coil located on the flex circuit 82 and connected to the inductor 36 .

Alternatively, a substrate 86 containing only a new set of contact pads 80 is mounted to the chassis 26 . The new memory device 34 or emulator may be located elsewhere in the ink container 12 or connected remotely by wires to the new set of contact pads 80 .

Another method of refurbishment is to leave the original substrate 86, memory device 34 and contact pad 80 in place. A new substrate 86 is bonded on top of the original memory device 34 and contact pad 80 along with the new memory device 34 and contact pad 80 . The material of the substrate 86 is electrically insulating. As a result, it electrically isolates the new contact pads 80 from the original contact pads 80 and the connections in the original substrate 86 from the original contact pads 80 and the original memory device 34 electrical traces. The original contact pads 80 are unable to make electrical contact with the contacts 104 ( FIG. 9 ) of the printing device because they are covered and insulated by the new substrate 86 .

In an alternative refurbishment method, the useful portion of the original contact pad 80 is left intact and electrically separated from the original memory device 34 . In this method, preferably with a sharp object such as a knife, a cut is made in a direction transversely across the contact pad 80 and through the substrate 86 . The cutouts divide the substrate 86 into a reserved and a discardable portion, the reserved portion containing a substantial portion of the contact pad 80 . The disposable portion of the substrate 86 contains the memory device 34 and a smaller portion of the adjacent contact pad 80 . The cutouts are used to allow electrical continuity between the four terminals of the memory device 34 and the portion of the contact pad 80 on the remainder of the substrate 86 . Although the contact pads 80 on the remainder of the substrate 86 are smaller than the original contact pads 80, they are sized to mate with the contacts 104 (FIG. 9) of the printing device.

Generally, the disposable portion of the substrate 86 is removed from the base 26 and removed along with the portion of the first storage device 34 and the contact pad 80 contained therein. The new memory device 34 is then mounted adjacent to or on the original contact pad 80 on the remaining substrate portion, with its terminals connected to the latter. The new memory device 34 could also be mounted elsewhere in the housing 72 than in the cavity 80 ( FIG. 7 ), or even remote from the printing device 10 , and wired to the original contact pad 80 . Alternatively, the contact pads 80 on the remaining portion of the substrate 80 are connected to wires attached to a remotely located emulator or memory 34 .

The invention has several advantages. These various methods of refurbishing single-use ink containers allow them to be refilled and thus used several times before being discarded. By electrically refurbishing the ink container 12, a refilled amount of ink in the storage tank 22 is provided to the printing device 10 so that the printing device 10 can monitor usage of the refilled ink. In some cases, the replacement ink used for refilling is likely to be different from the original ink (such as pigments, solvents, additives, etc., or different component concentrations), and this change can be reflected by the new signal source 34 . When an ink container with a new signal source 34 is loaded into the printing device 10, the printing device 10 can also alert the user about the ink change. It may be in the form of a message displayed by the printing device, or by a reminder on the computer screen about the type of ink or the original ink. Such information may also indicate whether the ink in storage tank 22 is known or combined.

Claims (17)

1. method that refills a printer ink water receptacle, described container has a can, one is arranged in the flexible storage ink tank of this shell, the one ink outlet that is communicated with this holding vessel fluid, one with described shell and storage ink tank between the air intlet that is communicated with of space fluid, and one be connected to the storage device that is contained in the electric contact backing plate on the shell, is used for the information of the ink characteristics of relevant ink tank is passed to printing equipment, and described method comprises:

(a) an ink joint fluid is engaged to communicatively above-mentioned ink outlet, this ink joint is communicated with a black source fluid;

(b) a pneumatic fitting fluid is engaged to described air intlet communicatively, is communicated with thereby this pneumatic fitting carries out fluid with the space in this shell;

(c), refill this storage ink tank with the ink in black source by the outlet of above-mentioned ink joint and ink;

(d) air in the space between described shell and the storage ink tank is discharged by described air intlet and pneumatic fitting; And

(e) renovate this storage device, be used for the information of work is offered printing equipment, printing equipment can be operated.

2. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (c) comprises that the black source with a pressurization refills this storage ink tank, and step (d) comprises when refilling storage ink tank with ink and releasing air in the atmosphere.

3. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein step (d) comprises and applies a vacuum so that ink from black source and course to storage ink tank.

4. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet of this ink has the overhanging columnar member with a separator, and described step (a) comprises a hollow tubing conductor received black source and promote this hollow tubing conductor passes this separator.

5. method as claimed in claim 4, wherein said overhanging columnar member contains a seal that is pressed towards described separator, and step (a) also comprises when hollow tubing conductor is urged and passes separator and makes the sealing part with this hollow tubing conductor displacement.

6. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air intlet comprise the overhanging columnar member with a separator, and step (b) also comprises passes this separator with a hollow object.

7. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet of this ink contains one with a check valve that is subjected to the ball of spring bias voltage, and step (a) comprises a pin spare to described ink joint is provided, and with the pin spare of this ink joint with this one-way valve opens.

8. method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each ink outlet and air intlet have the overhanging columnar member of a band separator, and the ink outlet also has a check valve, wherein step (a) comprises and is connected to an ink conduit on the one black source and pushes the separator of this ink conduit by the outlet of above-mentioned ink, thereby open this check valve and this ink conduit is communicated with black source fluid, and step (c) comprises by ink conduit and outlet, uses the ink from this China ink source that above-mentioned storage ink tank is refilled.

9. the method for claim 1, wherein step (e) comprising:

Above-mentioned storage device was lost efficacy, make it no longer provide information to printing equipment; And

One electric device and above-mentioned ink tank are electrically connected, are used for providing job information to printer.

10. the method for claim 1, wherein step (e) comprising:

Above-mentioned storage device is levered up and this storage device is removed from ink tank from ink tank, and

One second storage device is secured on this ink tank, so that workable information to be provided to printing equipment.

11. the method for claim 1, wherein step (e) comprises cut-out this storage device and the above-mentioned communication that contacts backing plate, and an electric device is joined with the backing plate that contacts of this storage device, thereby provides workable information to printing equipment.

12. the method for claim 1, wherein step (e) comprises to an insulated substrate and loads onto one second storage device and the second set of contact backing plate, and described substrate is secured to storage device of mentioning and the top that contacts backing plate for the first time.

13. the method for claim 1, wherein step (e) comprises that wiping information all in this storage device also gives this storage device programming again.

14. the method for claim 1, wherein the data of this storage device and printing equipment exchange be with respect to datum line with the serial connection mode on an independent data wire, carry out, wherein said step (e) comprising:

This storage device was lost efficacy, thereby make this storage device no longer exchange data with printing equipment; And

One electric device and this ink tank are electrically connected, when ink tank joins with printing equipment, can on the single bus of described printer, provide data in the mode that is connected in series with respect to datum line.

15. the ink tank of the renovation in the inkjet-printing device that is suitable for packing into, this ink tank comprises:

One surrounds the pressure vessel of an ink feeder, comprises in the described ink feeder to refill ink; And

The signal source that a ink tank when described renovation can make print job carry out when releasably packing printing equipment into.

16. the ink tank of renovation as claimed in claim 15, wherein ink feeder comprises that contains a holding vessel that shrivels that refills ink, described pressure vessel limits one and surrounds the pressure chamber of this holding vessel at least a portion that can shrivel, when this holding vessel that can shrivel being refilled operation, described pressure chamber can allow air to discharge.

17. the ink tank of renovation as claimed in claim 16, also comprise fluid outlet, this outlet has an inner surface and a seal that is pressed towards this inner surface, mode when will refilling this fluid issuing of Mo Yuanyu and connecting wherein by described seal is removed from this inner surface, make to refill the ink that black source and course goes out from this and can flow into above-mentioned holding vessel, this holding vessel is refilled thereby finish by the sealing part.

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