EP2628598A1 - Fluid cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluid cartridge (3), including interfaces, arranged to be guided along a straight line for connecting the interfaces.

Description

Background of the invention
• Fluid cartridges are subassemblies to be exchanged with a corresponding fluid ejection assembly. A common fluid cartridge is an ink cartridge. A common fluid ejection assembly is a printer. In general, two types of ink cartridges can be distinguished. A first type consists of an integrated print head cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a print head. A second type consists of an individual ink container. An ink cartridge is connected to a receiving structure of a printer. The receiving structure and the ink cartridges are provided with the proper interfaces for guiding ink from the cartridge to the print head for printing. In addition to the ink interface, an air interface, a keying interface, an electrical interface and an alignment interface can be provided in the ink cartridge and its receiving structure. The air interface transports air to and from the cartridge, mostly for pressure control inside the cartridge. The keying interface ensures that the respective cartridge is seated in the proper ink cartridge receiving structure. The alignment interface ensures that the interfaces are well aligned for connection. The electrical interface sends electrical signals between a printer control circuit and the ink cartridge. The signals may relate to ink cartridge characteristics.
• An extra lock is usually provided to maintain substantially air and liquid tight connections between the cartridge and the receiving structure. The extra lock should also maintain the electrical connection. A known locking technique involves the use of a bail to keep the cartridge sealed to the receiving bay. Another known locking technique uses a deforming snap finger that engages a notch to keep the cartridge sealed.
• The known lock mechanisms tend to consume a relatively large amount of space within the printer. In addition, significant force may be needed to establish the lock. In some cases, the cartridge is inserted in an inclined orientation, after which it is rotated back to normal position to make the interfaces engage. This usually involves deflection of engaging elements so that improper interface connections, leakage, and material wear or damage are likely to occur. European Patent Application Publication No.1348562 A2 discloses an integrated printhead cartridge and a corresponding receiving structure. The receiving structure includes a hinging latch arm and a clamp structure to latch the cartridge. United States Patent Application Publication No.2008/0168481 A1 describes a cartridge having a tray that is slidably mounted onto a base. European Patent Application Publication No.EP1122078 A2 discloses a replaceable ink container including a fluid interconnect, keying features, and a latch for securing the ink container to a receiving station. United States Patent Application Publication No.2007/0013753 A1 discloses an ink container having an alignment pocket, a keying pocket, an air interface and an ink interface in a lid. A container bay for receiving the container includes a pivoting latching member that encloses the container for latching the container in the bay. UK Patent Application Publication No.GB 2316657 A discloses an ink cartridge having guide ribs disposed on opposite sides, for guiding the ink outlet to the printer's ink inlet.
Brief description of the drawings
• For the purpose of illustration, certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:
• Fig. 1 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of a fluid ejection system, in front view;
• Fig. 2 illustrates a diagram of the embodiment of the fluid ejection system ofFig. 1, in side view;
• Fig. 3 illustrates a cross sectional side view of a part of an embodiment of a fluid ejection system with a fluid cartridge in a non-connected state;
• Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a detail of a receiving structure for a fluid cartridge, in front view;
• Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fluid cartridge;
• Fig. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the embodiment of the fluid cartridge ofFig. 5, clearly showing a guide track and a latch track;
• Fig. 7 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the embodiment of the part of the fluid ejection system ofFig. 3 wherein the fluid cartridge is connected to the cartridge receiving structure;
• Fig. 8 illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of connecting a fluid cartridge to a receiving structure;
• Fig. 9 illustrates a flow chart a further embodiment of a method of connecting and disconnecting a fluid cartridge with respect to a receiving structure;
• Fig. 10 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of an embodiment of a fluid cartridge and a cartridge receiving structure, in a first stage of connecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent for reasons of illustration;
• Fig. 11 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure ofFig. 10, in a second stage of connecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent for reasons of illustration;
• Fig. 12 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure ofFig. 10 and 11, in a third stage of connecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent for reasons of illustration;
• Fig. 13 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure ofFig. 10 - 12, in a final stage of connecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent for reasons of illustration;
• Fig. 14 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure ofFig. 10 - 13, in a first stage of disconnecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent for reasons of illustration;
• Fig. 15 illustrates a diagrammatic cross sectional bottom view of the embodiment of the fluid cartridge and the cartridge receiving structure ofFig. 10 - 14, in a second stage of disconnecting the fluid cartridge, wherein the latch arrangement is made semi-transparent for reasons of illustration.
Detailed Description
• In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments in the description and drawings should be considered illustrative and are not to be considered as limiting to the specific embodiment or element described. Multiple embodiments may be derived from the following description and/or drawings through modification, combination or variation of certain elements. Furthermore, it may be understood that other embodiments or elements that are not literally disclosed may be derived from the description and drawings by a person skilled in the art.
• In this description, reference may be made to a three dimensional space comprising an X, Y and Z-axis. The one dimensional insertion and ejection direction of thecartridge 3 is parallel to the Y-axis. The Y-axis is also referred to as a straight line Y.
• Fig. 1 and 2 show afluid ejection system 1. Thefluid ejection system 1 comprises afluid ejection device 2 andfluid cartridges 3. Thefluid ejection device 2 may comprise a printer. The printer may be an inkjet printer, for example a thermal inkjet, a piezo inkjet, or a continuous inkjet printer. Thefluid ejection device 2 comprises one or morereceiving structures 4 for receiving and exchanging one or morecorresponding fluid cartridges 3. Eachcartridge 3 of the samefluid ejection device 2 may comprise a different fluid. If thefluid ejection device 2 is a printer, the fluid in eachcartridge 3 may comprise ink of a specific color, for example a cyan, magenta, yellow, black and/or grey. Thecartridges 3 are arranged to be exchanged with respect to therespective receiving structure 4.
• The receivingstructures 4 are arranged to connect thecartridge 3 to theprint head 5. Afluid supply 6 is provided to receive fluid from therespective cartridges 3, and deliver the fluid to theprint head 5. In the shown embodiment, the receivingstructures 4 and thecartridges 3, when installed, are arranged off axis. Theprint head 5 may comprise a page wide array print head (PWA) or a scanning print head. The receivingstructure 4 is arranged to establish a fluidic interface between thecartridge 3 and theprint head 5, through thefluid supply 6. During printing aprint medium 7 extends under theprint head 5. In other embodiments (not shown), the receivingstructures 4 and thecartridges 3, when installed, are arranged on a scanning axis. In further embodiments, thecartridge 3 comprises an integrated print head, wherein the fluid volume and the print head are integrated into one cartridge supply to be connected to the receivingstructure 4.
• Thefluid ejection device 2 is provided with acontrol circuit 8 and a memory 9. Thefluid cartridge 3 is provided with a cartridgeelectrical circuit 10, for example including acartridge memory 11. Thecontrol circuit 8 is arranged to retrieve data from the cartridgeelectrical circuit 10. The data comprises certain cartridge characteristics, for example product characteristics, fluid type characteristics and/or fluid quantity characteristics.
• Fig. 3 shows a receivingstructure 4 and afluid cartridge 3 in a position right before or after installation. At installation (Fig. 7), all interfaces of the receivingstructure 4 and thefluid cartridge 3 are interconnected. The receivingstructure 4 may comprise a slot shaped opening into which thecartridge 3 is inserted. A part of the receivingstructure 4 may be arranged to guide thecartridge 3 into connection with theguide 17 for movement along straight line Y. The arrow A indicates an insertion movement of thecartridge 3, along the straight, one dimensional, line Y, represented by the Y-axis. Once thefluid cartridge 3 engages theguide 17, it's insertion movement is substantially confined to movement along the straight line Y. In principle, there is substantially no movement along a Z and X-axis and there is substantially no rotational movement of thecartridge 3, during insertion and ejection along theguide 17. However, the skilled person will understand that a certain amount of play, margin or tolerance in the interfacing materials of thecartridge 3 and receivingstructure 4, such as theguide 17, may be allowed. In one embodiment, the margin of deviation is approximately 3 millimeters or less, in a direction perpendicular to the straight line Y, and approximately 3° or less around the straight line Y, or the Z-axis or X-axis. These margins may still allow proper connection of thecartridge 3 to the receivingstructure 4.
• The receivingstructure 4 comprises two fluidic interfaces. The fluidic interfaces include onefirst fluid pen 12 and onesecond fluid pen 13. The first fluid may be a print fluid such as ink. The second fluid may be a gas such as air. Thepens 12, 13 are arranged to establish a fluidic connection with corresponding first and second cartridge fluidic interfaces. The first and second cartridge fluidic interface may comprise a first andsecond socket 14, 15, respectively. Thepens 12, 13 have central axes C1, C2, respectively, that are parallel to the Y-axis. In one embodiment (not shown), the receivingstructure 4 has only one fluidic interface, for example a pen. In another embodiment (not shown), the receivingstructure 4 has more than two such fluidic interfaces.
• In an embodiment, the firstfluid pen 12 comprises an ink pen. The firstfluid pen 12 has a relatively small diameter at itsmouth 16. The firstfluid pen 12 has a longitudinal shape. The firstfluid pen 12 has a truncated, conical shape. The firstfluid pen 12 may be made of molded plastics. The receivingstructure 4 comprises aguide 17 for guiding thecartridge 3 along the one dimensional direction Y at insertion and ejection. Theguide 17 may be longer than the firstfluid pen 12, or at least of approximately the same length, for proper insertion of thepen 12 in the correspondingsocket 14, and to prevent breaking or bending thepen 12 at insertion or ejection. This allows thepen 12 to be made of relatively cheap molded plastics.
• In an embodiment, thesecond fluid pen 13 comprises a gas interface for controlling a pressure in the inner volume of thefluid cartridge 3. The gas may comprise ambient air. In a further embodiment, thesecond fluid pen 13 is arranged to connect to the second socket shapedfluidic interface 15, which in turn may connect to a pressure bag in the inner volume of thecartridge 3. Thesecond fluid pen 13 has a longitudinal shape. Thesecond fluid pen 13 has a truncated, conical shape. Thesecond fluid pen 13 may be made of molded plastics. Theguide 17 may be longer than thesecond fluid pen 13, or at least of approximately the same length, for proper insertion of thesecond fluid pen 13 in the corresponding secondfluidic interface 15, and to prevent breaking or bending thesecond fluid pen 13 at insertion or ejection. This allows thepen 13 to be made of relatively cheap molded plastics.
• Theguide 17 and/or the corresponding guide interface that confine the insertion and ejection movement of thecartridge 3 to one dimension. This allows relatively long and deep of theinterfaces 12, 13 and 14, 15, respectively. Therespective pen 12, 13 may have a length of at least 5 millimeter, or at least 10 millimeters. The correspondingsocket 14, 15 may have a depth of at least approximately 3 millimeters, or at least approximately 5 millimeters, or approximately 10 millimeters.
• In an embodiment, the receivingstructure 4 comprises aconnector circuit 18 for interconnecting thecontrol circuit 8 of thefluid ejection device 2 with the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19. InFig. 3, the backside of theconnector circuit 18 is shown. InFig. 4, an embodiment of aconnector circuit 18 is shown in a plane formed by the X- and Z-axis. Theconnector circuit 18 comprisesconnector electrodes 20. Theelectrodes 20 may extend along a line P approximately parallel to the Z-axis, perpendicular to the straight line Y. When thecartridge 3 is inserted or ejected along the straight line Y, the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 moves along theelectrodes 20 until they are connected. Theconnector circuit 18 is arranged to connect sideways to the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19, in a direction B transverse with respect to the straight line Y. In the drawings, the transverse direction B is parallel to the X-axis. In an installed condition of thecartridge 3, theconnector circuit 18 and the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 extend next to each other as seen from the direction of movement along the straight line Y. In the shown embodiment, theelectrodes 20 comprise pins. Theconnector electrodes 20 are arranged to be moved in the transverse direction B. Theelectrodes 20 may comprise resilient members that are biased towards the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19, for electrical connection. Theelectrodes 20 are pushed backwards by the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 during insertion of thecartridge 3. During insertion, theconnector electrodes 20 may slide on the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 until thecartridge 3 is locked in the receivingstructure 4 and theelectrodes 20 establish proper contact with the corresponding cartridgeelectrical circuit 19. At the same time, the resilient members push theelectrodes 20 against theelectrical circuit 19 for better electrical connection. When thecartridge 3 is again ejected out, theelectrodes 20 again move outwards due to the resilient force.
• Thefluid ejection device 2 may comprise at least two different receiving keying interfaces 22. In an embodiment, each receivingstructure 4 is provided with one specificreceiving keying interface 22 that is different from the otherreceiving keying interfaces 22 of the other receivingstructures 4. Thereceiving keying interface 22 corresponds to a particular ink color, for example cyan, magenta, yellow or black. In an embodiment, thefluid ejection device 2 comprises a specificreceiving keying interface 22 for each particularfluid cartridge 3. In an embodiment, thefluid ejection device 2 comprises four receivingstructure 2 with four respectivereceiving keying interfaces 22, each corresponding to afluid cartridge 3 of a specific color having a correspondingcartridge keying interface 24.
• Thefluid ejection device 2 comprises receivingstructures 4 havingreceiving keying interfaces 22 arranged to allow connection to acartridge 3 withmatching keying interfaces 24, and preventing connection withfluid cartridges 3 that are arranged with non-matching cartridge keying interfaces 24. For example, a firstreceiving keying interface 22 comprises afirst notch 23 or cut out. A matching firstcartridge keying interface 24 of acorresponding cartridge 3 comprises a corresponding inverse notch or cut out 25 that during insertion is not blocked by the firstreceiving keying interface 22, but is blocked when inserted in other receiving structures with other receiving keying interfaces 22. Likewise, theother cartridges 3 have a second, third, fourth, and/or furthercartridge keying interface 24 that does not match the firstreceiving keying interface 22. The other second, third, fourth and/or further receiving keying interfaces do not match the firstcartridge keying interface 24. The keying interfaces 22, 24 prevent that ink colors of therespective cartridge 3 and receivingstructures 4 do not match.
• The keyinginterface 22 of the receivingstructure 4 may be arranged next to theconnector circuit 18. The corresponding keyinginterface 24 of thecartridge 3 may be arranged next to the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19. If keying interfaces 22, 24 match, they may engage sideways so that thecircuits 18, 19 may be pressed into contact. If the keying interfaces 22, 24 do not match, no electrical contact can be established. On the one hand, no electrical contact is made between theconnector circuit 18 and the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 if the keying interfaces do not match. On the other hand, a proper contact between the interconnectingcircuits 18, 19 is aided by the respective keying interfaces 22, 24 of the receivingstructure 4 and thecartridge 3, respectively.
• Theguide 17 is arranged to guide the correspondingfluid cartridge 3 along the straight line Y. Theguide 17 is arranged to engage a corresponding guide interface of thecartridge 3, for example aguide track 21. Theguide 17 comprises a rail that extends parallel to the Y-axis. Theguide 17 is longer than each of thepens 13, to ensure proper alignment of thepens 12, 13 with therespective sockets 14, 15. This may provide for a good interconnection without leakage and may prevent deformation of thepens 12, 13. Theguide 17 may comprise a T-rail for engaging thecorresponding guide track 21 of thecartridge 3. A T-rail prevents rotation of thecartridge 3 around the straight line of movement Y, as well as around the other axes X, Z.
• The receivingstructure 4 comprises alatch arrangement 26 for locking thecartridge 3. In the shown embodiment, thelatch arrangement 26 comprises alatch 27, arranged to be guided by acorresponding latch track 28 of thecartridge 3, between a locked and an unlocked position. Thelatch 27 may be arranged in the bottom of the receivingstructure 4 for engaging the bottom 35 of thecartridge 3. Thelatch arrangement 26 may comprise alatch pivot 29 and apivot arm 29B, to allow moving of thelatch 27 between a locked and unlocked position, by pivoting around a pivot axis L. In the drawing, the pivot axis L is perpendicular to the straight line Y, parallel to the Z-axis. In an embodiment, thelatch 27 is biased around the pivot axis L, so as to return to a starting position after ejection of thecartridge 3, and so as to engage respective latch track walls.
• In an embodiment, thelatch 27 comprises a pin. In a locked position, thelatch 27 engages a corresponding latch stop 30 of thecartridge 3. In an unlocked position, thelatch 27 is disengaged from thelatch stop 30, so that thecartridge 3 can be released from the receivingstructure 4. Thelatch 27 may extend on top of thepivot arm 29B. In an installed condition of thecartridge 3, thelatch 27 extends in thelatch track 28 while thepivot 29 andpivot arm 29B extend below the bottom 34 of thecartridge 3. In the shown embodiment, thelatch arrangement 26 compriseslatch boundaries 29C for limiting the movement of thelatch 27. In an embodiment, thelatch boundaries 29C are arranged to engage and limit the movement of thelatch pivot arm 29B. In an inserted condition of thecartridge 3 thelatch boundaries 29C extend under thecartridge 3.
• Thecartridge receiving structure 4 comprises anejector 31.Fig. 3 shows theejector 31 in a decompressed state, after ejection or before insertion of thecartridge 3. Each receivingstructure 4 comprises anejector 31. Theejector 31 is biased in a direction parallel to the straight line Y. Theejector 31 may comprise a spring, or another resilient element, for example an elastomeric element. The spring may comprise a helical spring. When thefluid cartridge 3 is inserted and latched, the leadingend 44 of theejector 31 engages thefront face 33 of thecartridge 3. In the shown embodiment, the central axis C2 of the spring is equal to the central axis C2 of thesecond fluid pen 13. Thesecond fluid pen 13 extends within the spring. The helical spring is attached to abase 32 of thesecond fluid pen 13. The size of the ejector spring is such that in a decompressed condition of the helical spring (Fig. 3), thecartridge 3 can be taken out by hand.
• Theejector 31 is arranged to push thecartridge 3 out of the receivingstructure 4. In an installed and locked condition, thecartridge 3 is retained in the receivingstructure 4 by thelatch 27, while compressing theejector 31. Thelatch 27 may be directed from a locked to an unlocked position by further pushing thecartridge 3 against the force of thecompressed ejector 31 along the straight line Y, as will be explained further below. In an unlocked position, thelatch 27 releases thecartridge 3, and theejector 31 decompresses so as to eject thecartridge 3 in a direction out of the receivingstructure 4 along the straight line Y.
• Fig. 5 and6 illustrate an embodiment of afluid cartridge 3 in perspective view.Fig. 5 clearly depicts thefront face 33, whileFig. 6 more clearly depicts thebottom face 35. In the shown embodiments, the fluidic, electric and keying interfaces are arranged on thefront face 33. The guide interface,latch track 28 and latch stop 30 are arranged on thebottom face 35.
• The fluidic interfaces of thecartridge 3 comprise a first cartridge fluidic interface for a first fluid and a second cartridge fluidic interface for a second fluid. In an embodiment, the first fluid comprises a print fluid or liquid such as ink, and the second fluid comprises a gas such as air. In the shown embodiment, the first and second cartridge fluidic interfaces comprise a first and asecond socket 14, 15, respectively, arranged to receive and transport fluid from and/or torespective pens 12, 13, respectively. Thefirst socket 14 may be connected to an inner volume of thecartridge 3. Thesecond socket 15 may be connected to a pressure bag in the inner volume of thecartridge 3.
• The depth of therespective socket 14, 15 is approximately the same as or shorter than a length of theguide 17 orguide track 21, to receive therespective pen 12, 13 after engagement of thecartridge 3 with theguide 17, to ensure proper alignment with therespective pen 12, 13. The central axes C1, C2 of thesockets 14, 15 are parallel to the straight line Y. In an installed condition of thecartridge 3, the central axes C1, C2 of thesockets 14, 15 are approximately the same as the central axes C1, C2 of the respective receivingfluidic interfaces 12, 13.
• Thecartridge 3 may comprise anejector alignment interface 36 on thefront face 33. In an embodiment, theejector alignment interface 36 is arranged near and/or around one of the cartridge fluidic interfaces, which in the shown embodiment are arranged assockets 14, 15. In the shown embodiment, theejector alignment interface 36 is arranged around thesecond socket 15, having the same central axis C2 with thesecond socket 15, and in an inserted condition of thecartridge 3, the same central axis C2 as thesecond pen 13. In the shown example, theejector alignment interface 36 comprises a ring, for example in the shape of a ridge or flange around thesecond socket 15, for engaging the inner circumference of theleading end 44 of the spring shapedejector 31, for aligning and maintaining theejector 31 in position when engaging thecartridge 3.
• Thefirst socket 14 comprisesseal ring 37 for receiving thefirst pen 12. Theseal ring 37 comprises resilient material, for example elastomeric material, to at least substantially fluid tightly enclose thefirst fluidic pen 12, in a connected condition of thefirst pen 12. As will be explained further below, at an insertion and ejection stage, thepen 12 is inserted further inwards into thefirst socket 14, as compared to a position wherein thepen 12 is connected for printing. Therefore theseal ring 37 is arranged to allow further deformation, to allow such further insertion of thefirst pen 12. The inner diameter of theseal ring 37 is such that it fluid tightly encloses thefirst pen 12 from a narrow portion of the conical shape of thepen 12 up to a wider portion. For example, thepen 12 may have a smallest diameter of approximately 2,0 and a largest diameter of approximately 2,3 millimeter along the coned shape. In other embodiments thepen 12 may have a smallest diameter of at least approximately 1,5 and/or a largest diameter of approximately 3,5 millimeter or less along the coned shape of thepen 12. Again further embodiments may have smaller and/or larger diameters, respectively.
• Theseal ring 37 is arranged to fluid tightly enclose thefirst pen 12 along a substantial part of the length of thefirst pen 12. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of theseal ring 37 is approximately 1,2 millimeters. Depending on the diameter of thepen 12, in other embodiments the inner diameter of theseal ring 37 may be between approximately 0,6 and approximately 3,0 millimeters. The inner diameter of theseal ring 37 may stretch while maintaining its fluid tight pen enclosing characteristics when thepen 12 slides through theseal ring 37, for example at least approximately 0,3 millimeters, or in another embodiment at least approximately 0,6 millimeters, or in another embodiment at least approximately 1,6 millimeters. In the shown embodiment, theseal ring 37 comprises atapering receiving mouth 37B for aligning thefirst pen 12 at insertion. In the shown embodiment, theseal ring 37 comprisesbumps 37C, arranged to prevent that theseal ring 37 sticks against an opposite engaging surface, for example at insertion in the receiving structure and/or at manufacture.
• Thecartridge 3 comprises an electrical circuit 19 (Fig. 3). In the shown embodiment, theelectrical circuit 19 is sunken with respect to thefront face 33, so that electrical contact with theconnector circuit 18 is made only after the other interfaces are connected. In an embodiment, this may prevent that a printer receives electrical signals before thefluidic interfaces 12, 14, 13, 15 are connected. Such electrical signals sometimes trigger a printer to actuate aprinthead 5 and/orcartridge 3, which may be prevented by certain embodiments of this disclosure.
• The cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 is arranged to connect sideways, when inserted in the receivingstructure 4. In connected condition, theconnector circuit 18 extends at least partly within thecartridge 3. For example, the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 compriseselectrodes 38 extending in one plane, approximately perpendicular to thefront face 33 of thecartridge 3, and parallel to the insertion direction, and/or a plane formed by the Z-axis and Y-axis. In an embodiment, theelectrodes 38 of the cartridgeelectrical circuit 18 extend along a line PP that is approximately parallel to the Z-axis and/or thefront face 33, in an installation position of thecartridge 3. The line PP extends behind thefront face 33. Theelectrodes 38 of the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 are arranged to connect to the correspondingelectrodes 20 of theconnector circuit 18. The line PP that extends through theelectrodes 38 of thecartridge 3 is parallel to the line P (Fig 4) that extends through theelectrodes 20 of theconnector circuit 18, in an installed condition of thecartridge 3. In an installed condition, theconnector circuit 38 extends at least partly through or behind thefront face 33 of thecartridge 3, for connection with the cartridgeelectrical circuit 18.
• In an embodiment, thecartridge 3 comprises acartridge keying interface 24 for preventing connection to a receivingstructure 4 that is arranged with anon-matching keying interface 22. In the shown embodiment, thecartridge keying interface 24 comprises a cut out 25. In other embodiments, thecartridge keying interface 24 may comprise a protrusion, and in again other embodiments it may comprise both. Thecartridge keying interface 24 is arranged to block further insertion of thecartridge 3 if thereceiving keying interface 22 does not match. Thecartridge keying interface 24 is arranged to block insertion of theconnector circuit 18 into thecartridge 3 if thereceiving keying interface 22 does not match, so that electrical connection with the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 will fail.
• The keying interfaces 22, 24 may be arranged to provide additional alignment of thecartridge 3 with respect to the receivingstructure 4, in addition to theguide 17, for example preventing rotation around the straight line of movement Y. Furthermore, if the keying interfaces 22, 24 of the receivingstructure 4 and thecartridge 3 match, the keying interfaces 22, 23 may engage due to their corresponding shape, so that thecircuits 18, 19 are interconnected properly.
• In some embodiments, thecartridges 3 are not provided with a keyinginterface 24 so that thecartridges 3 may match any of the receivingstructures 4 of thefluid injection device 1, and thecircuits 18, 19 interconnect, regardless of thereceiving keying interface 24.
• Thecartridge 3 comprises a guide interface for cooperation with theguide 17 of the receivingstructure 4. In the shown embodiment, the guide interface comprises aguide track 21. The guide interface is arranged for guiding thecartridge 3 along a straight line Y for connecting the interfaces. The guide interface may have a guide engaging surface that extends parallel to said straight line Y.
• Theguide track 21 is arranged for engaging theguide 17. Theguide track 21 may be arranged to guide a corresponding T-rail guide 17. In the shown embodiment, theguide track 21 comprises a T-shaped cut out. Theguide track 21 comprisesflanges 39 for engaging under thewings 17B (Fig. 3) of the T-rail guide 17. Theguide track 21 may comprise a taperedopening 40 for facilitating easy reception of the T-rail guide 17. Theflanges 39 may be tapered near theopening 40. Theguide track 21 may further comprise aguide stop 45.
• The bottom 35 of thecartridge 3 further comprises alatch track 28. Theguide track 21 and thelatch track 28 may comprise one integral cut out in the bottom 35 of thecartridge 3. The bottom 35 may comprise an integrally molded plastic shape.
• Thecartridge 3 comprises alatch track 28 and alatch stop 30. Thelatch track 28 is arranged to move thelatch 27 with respect to thelatch stop 30. Once thelatch 27 engages thelatch stop 30, thecartridge 3 is retained. The position of thelatch stop 30 may determine the location of the cartridge interfaces with respect to the receiving structure interfaces, along the straight line Y.
• Thelatch track 21 comprises alocking track 28A and an unlockingtrack 28B. The lockingtrack 28A may be fully or partially different from the unlockingtrack 28B. Thelatch stop 30 is arranged between the lockingtrack 28A and the unlockingtrack 28B, so that thelatch 27 is guided on oneside 28A of thelatch stop 30 during insertion, and on anopposite side 28B at ejection. At insertion, thelatch 27 is guided by the lockingtrack 28A. The lockingtrack 28A may comprise alatch guiding surface 46 of thelatch stop 30, for guiding thelatch 27 on the correct side of thelatch stop 30. The lockingtrack 28A may further comprise alatch guide wall 47, at the end of the lockingtrack 28A. Thelatch guide wall 47 is arranged to receive thelatch 27 at the end of the lockingtrack 28A, and direct thelatch 27 to thelatch stop 30. Thelatch stop 30 comprises alatch stop wall 49 and alatch abutment 50. Thelatch guide wall 47 is arranged to guide thelatch 27 into an engaging locked position with the latch stop wall 49 (Fig. 13). Theabutment 50 comprises a protrusion in thestop wall 49 for keeping thelatch 27 from sliding off thelatch stop wall 49. In the locked position, thelatch 27 engages theabutment 50. In the locked position, theejector 31 is compressed and pushes thecartridge 3 so that thelatch stop 30 is pushed against thelatch 27.
• Furthermore, the unlockingtrack 28B comprises alatch re-direct wall 48. The latch re-directwall 48 is arranged to receive thelatch 27 when thelatch stop 30 andlatch track 28A are pushed inwards, and to guide thelatch 27 into the unlockingtrack 28B for ejection, out of the latch stop engagement position. At ejection, thelatch 27 passes the opposite side of thelatch stop 30, with respect to insertion. The latch re-directwall 48 may be arranged at the end of thelatch track 28. Once thelatch 27 is in an unlocked position, theejector 31 ejects thecartridge 3 so that it can be taken out manually.
• In an embodiment, thelatch track 28 comprises audible and/or tactile feedback members. Thelatch 27 may be biased around it pivot axis L. Thelatch 27 may slide against latch track walls while thelatch 27 travels through thelatch track 28. For example, one or more latch track walls may comprise one or more feedback members such as ledges to provide for audible and/or tactile feedback while thelatch 27 travels in thelatch track 28. The feedback members may be provided near thelatch guide wall 47, from wherelatch 27 will move into a locked position if thecartridge 3 is released. When receiving audible and/or tactile feedback, a user may know that thecartridge 3 may be released and that it is locked to the receivingstructure 4. Another feedback member may be provided near the latch re-directwall 48 for indicating an unlocking of thecartridge 3.
• Fig. 7 shows a cross section of a part of thefluid ejection system 1, wherein thefluid cartridge 3 and the receivingstructure 4 are connected. Theejector 31 is compressed and pushes the cartridge latch stop 30 against thelatch 27. Thecartridge 3 is further held in place by theguide 17. Thepens 12, 13 extend largely within therespective sockets 14, 15 for transporting the respective fluids between thecartridge 3 and thefluid ejection device 2.
• Theelectrodes 20, 38 of theconnector circuit 18 and the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19, respectively, interconnect sideways. For example, theelectrodes 20, 38 interconnect along a line P or PP that is parallel to the Z-axis, and/or in a plane that is parallel to the plane formed by the Y-axis and the Z-axis. Since the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 is sunken with respect to thefront face 33 of thecartridge 3, theconnector circuit 18 and the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 interconnect within the outer circumference of thecartridge 3, behind thefront face 33. In an installed condition, theconnector circuit 18 extends at least partly within thecartridge 3. In an embodiment, the connection between theconnector circuit 18 and the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 is established behind and/or next to acartridge keying interface 24, within thecartridge 3.
• In an embodiment, thecartridge 3 comprises at least onefinger engagement surface 51 to facilitate and indicate manual handling of thecartridge 3, for example when inserting or taking out thecartridge 3. Thefinger engagement surface 51 may comprise one or a combination of an inwards curve, one or more ribs, a cut out, etc. Thefinger engagement surface 51 may be arranged on thetop face 53 of thecartridge 3, and close to theback face 34. As illustrated in the shown embodiment, in an installed condition of thecartridge 3, the receivingstructure 4 largely covers thefinger engagement surface 51. After ejection, thefinger engagement surface 51 is visible and free to be engaged for taking out thecartridge 3.
• In an embodiment, thecartridge 3 comprises afinger push surface 52 to indicate that thecartridge 3 needs to be pushed into the receivingstructure 4, for both locking and unlocking of thecartridge 3. Thefinger push surface 52 may comprise one or a combination of an inwards curve, one or more ribs, a cut out, etc. Thefinger push surface 52 is arranged in theback face 34. In an installed condition of thecartridge 3, theback face 34 and thefinger push surface 52 are visible outside of the receivingstructure 4. Although thefinger push surface 52 may have a predetermined location on theback face 34, an aspect of certain embodiments of this disclosure is that thecartridge 3 may be pushed on any location of theback face 33 for proper connection of the interfaces, becauseguide 17 may guide thecartridge 3 along the straight line Y, irrespective of a specific pushing location or inclination.
• Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a method of connecting afluid cartridge 3 to a receivingstructure 4 in a flow chart. In afirst stage 800 of such method, afluid cartridge 3 is inserted in a receivingstructure 4. The movement is confined to one dimension, that is, thecartridge 3 is moved along the straight line Y, as indicated bystage 810. At the end of the one dimensional movement, a fluidic connection is established between thecartridge 3 and thefluid ejection device 2. In astage 820, thelatch 27 is guided into the locked position by the movement along the straight line Y. Thelatch 27 maintains the fluidic connection.Stage 810 and 820 may occur simultaneously. In astage 830, fluid may flow through the connected fluidic interfaces, for example for fluid ejection.
• Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of a method of connecting afluid cartridge 3 to a receivingstructure 4 in a flow chart.Fig. 10 - 15 illustrate sequential positions of thecartridge 3 with respect to thelatch arrangement 26, corresponding to some of the stages 900 - 914 ofFig. 9.
• In astage 900, thecartridge 3 is manually inserted into the receivingstructure 4.Fig. 10 corresponds to stage 900, wherein the position of thecartridge 3 with respect to the receivingstructure 4 and thelatch arrangement 26 are illustrated. In anext stage 901, theguide track 21 engages theguide 17. By further pushing thecartridge 3 into the receivingstructure 4, theguide 17 guides thecartridge 3 along the straight line Y, in the direction of theejector 31. In afurther stage 902, thelatch 27 engages thelatch track 28. Thelatch 27 is guided along the lockingtrack 28A, as illustrated byFig. 11. Thepivot arm 29B pivots around pivot axis L (Fig. 3), to allow thelatch 27 to be guided by the walls of the lockingtrack 28A. Instage 903, theejector 31 engages thefront face 33 of the cartridge and is compressed. Theejector 31 may engage thering 36 that is provided around a secondpen receiving socket 15. Said stages 901 - 903 may take place simultaneously.
• In the embodiment shown inFigs. 9 - 15, thecartridge 3 and the receivingstructure 4 havematching keying interfaces 22, 24. In astage 904, thefluidic interfaces 12, 13, 14, 15 are interconnected and the keying interfaces 22, 24 of the receivingstructure 4 and thecartridge 3 match. Thematching keying interfaces 22, 24 allow the cartridgeelectrical circuit 19 and theconnector circuit 18 to interconnect. After the key match, instage 905, the electrical connection between thecircuits 18, 19 is established. Thecontrol circuit 8 receives a corresponding signal that the electrical connection is established. The established electrical connection implies that the fluidic connections are also established.
• In astage 906, the user pushes thecartridge 3 in until receiving a tactical and/or audible feedback. For example, thelatch 27 engages theend 47 of thelatch track 28 and/or the guide stops 45 engage an end of theguide 17 and/or theejector 33 cannot be compressed further. In the correspondingFig. 12 it is shown that thelatch 27 engages the end of thelatch track 28, in this embodiment thelatch 27 engages thelatch guide wall 47 for directing thelatch 27 in a locked position when released. In astage 907, the user will manually release thecartridge 3. In astage 908, theejector 31 decompresses, pushing thecartridge 33 backwards until thelatch 27 engages thelatch stop 30. As can be seen from correspondingFig. 13, thelatch 27 retains thecartridge 3 by engaging thelatch stop wall 49. Thelatch 27 is held in position by theabutment 50. Thestages 904 and 905 of the key match and electrical connection, and the stages 906 - 908 of the latch lock may take place approximately simultaneously.
• If thecartridge 3 is not pushed in correctly, the fluidic and/or other interfaces may not have been properly connected. In such case, thelatch 27 may not reach thelatch guide wall 47 and does not reach the locked position. Then, thecartridge 3 will automatically be pushed out by theejector 31, before any electrical and/or fluidic connection is made.
• In astage 909, thefluid ejection system 1 prints by retrieving the first fluid from thecartridge 3, through the firstfluidic interfaces 12, 14. After printing, for example when thecartridge 3 is substantially empty, thecartridge 3 may be ejected for replacement. In astage 910, a user pushes thecartridges 3 in the direction of theejector 31. By pushing thecartridge 3, thelatch 27 may engage the latch re-directwall 48. In anext stage 911, thelatch 27 is guided into an unlocked position, for example by the latch re-direct wall 48 (Fig. 14). In the unlocked position, thecartridge 3 is no longer retained by thelatch 27. In astage 912, a user may manually release thecartridge 3. In astage 913, theejector 31 decompresses, ejecting the cartridge 3 (Fig. 15). Ejection is made possible since thecartridge 3 is no longer retained (Fig. 15). Instage 914, the user takes thecartridge 3 out of the receivingstructure 4.
• As described, thecartridge 3 may comprise a firstfluidic interface 12, a secondfluidic interface 13, anelectrical interface 19, anejector alignment interface 36, and/or a keyinginterface 24, which are arranged in thefront face 33. The guide interface is arranged in thebottom face 35, having a receivingopening 40 near thefront face 33. Hence, the interfaces are arranged to engage near thefront surface 33 of thecartridge 3. In the shown embodiment, the keyinginterface 24 and theelectrical interface 19 are arranged near thetop surface 53, the secondfluidic interface 15 and theejector alignment interface 36 are arranged near the middle of thefront surface 33, and the firstfluidic interface 14 and theguide receiving opening 40 are arranged near thebottom face 35. The interfaces are relatively evenly distributed over thefront face 33, providing for a relatively even distribution of the connecting forces of the respective interfaces, and relatively low total connection force, for example around 14 Newton or less. In the latch and guide mechanisms of thefluid ejection system 1, no deformation of latch or guide parts is necessary. A relatively light and simple push is sufficient for establishing a secure lock. Furthermore, theguide 17 allows for a user to push on any location of theback face 34 of thecartridge 3 for establishing all connections in one direction Y.
• Thecartridge 3 and receivingstructure 4 may be relatively thin, consuming just a small volume of the printer. The cartridge motion track also consumes relatively little space because it comprises a straight line Y. Moreover, thecartridge 3 may be released using the same push motion in the same direction Y. If thecartridge 3 is not properly connected, for example fluidically and/or electrically, thecartridge 3 is automatically pushed out by theejector 31.
• The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the embodiments disclosed. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In some embodiments, mechanical inversions may be applied with respect to the shown embodiments. For example, thelatch track 28 may be provided on the receivingstructure 4, while thelatch arrangement 26 may be provided in thecartridge 3. The first and second fluidic interfaces of thecartridge 3 may comprise pens, while the corresponding first and second fluidic interfaces of the receivingstructure 4 may comprise sockets.
• The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, while a reference to a certain number of elements does not exclude the possibility of having more elements. A single unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the disclosure, and vice versa several items may fulfil the function of one unit.
• In the following claims, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Multiple alternatives, equivalents, variations and combinations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (17)

1. Ink cartridge (3) for an inkjet printer (2), comprising
   a bottom face (35) and a front face (33);
   interfaces on the front face (33) for connection to a cartridge receiving structure (4), the interfaces including
   an ink interface (14); and
   a guide interface in the bottom face (35) for guiding the cartridge (3) along a straight line (Y) for connecting the interfaces,characterized in that
   the guide interface comprises a guide track (21) for guiding a T-rail guide (17) extending parallel to said straight line (Y);
   in the bottom face (35), a latch stop (30) and a latch track (28) are arranged to guide and retain a latch (27) of the cartridge receiving structure (4); and
   the guide track (21) and the latch track (28) are formed by one integral cut out in the bottom (35) of the cartridge (3).
2. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the guide track (21) comprises a T-shaped cut out.
3. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the guide track (21) comprises a tapered receiving opening (40) near the front face (33).
4. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 2 and 3, wherein the guide track (21) comprises flanges (39) being tapered near the opening (40).
5. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the guide track (21) comprises a guide stop (45) for engaging an end of a T-rail guide (17).
6. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the ink interface (14) comprises a socket for receiving a pen (12) having a length that is approximately the same as or shorter than the guide track (21), wherein the central axis (C1) of the socket is parallel to said straight line (Y).
7. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the ink interface (14) comprises a socket for receiving a conically shaped pen (12) of the receiving structure (4), the ink interface (14) comprising a seal ring (37) of resilient material, arranged to stretch an inner diameter at least approximately 0,3 millimeters for enclosing the pen (12) along its conical shape at insertion.
8. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 7, wherein the seal ring (37) comprises a tapering receiving mouth (37B).
9. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the interfaces comprise an electrical circuit (19) for electrical contact between the ink cartridge (3) and the cartridge receiving structure (4).
10. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 9, wherein the electrical circuit (19) is sunken in the cartridge front face (33), so that electrical contact is made after the other interfaces are connected.
11. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 10, wherein the electrical circuit (19) comprises electrodes (38) that extend in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the front face (33) of the cartridge (3), and approximately parallel to the straight line (Y), for establishing a sideways connection with a corresponding connector circuit (18).
12. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 9, wherein the electrical circuit (19) is arranged near a top surface (53) and the ink interface (14) is arranged near the bottom face (33).
13. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the latch track (28) comprises a locking track (28A) and an at least partially different unlocking track (28B), and is arranged to move the latch (27) with respect to the latch stop (30)
    along a locking track (28A) into a locked engagement position at insertion, and
    along an unlocking track (28B), different from the locking track (28A), into an unlocked position at ejection.
14. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 13, wherein the latch stop (30) is arranged between the locking track (28A) and the unlocking track (28).
15. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 13, comprising a latch guide wall (47) at the end of the locking track (28A) to direct a latch (27) to the latch stop (30).
16. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the latch stop (30) comprises a latch stop wall (49) and a latch abutment (50), the abutment (50) comprising a protrusion in the stop wall (49) for keeping the latch (27) from sliding off the latch stop wall (49).
17. Ink cartridge (3) according to claim 1, wherein the interfaces on the front face comprise an ejector alignment interface (36), the ejector alignment interface (36) comprising a ring-shaped ridge.

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