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五、發明說明（I ) [發明背景] 本發明係關於用以提供油墨至噴墨印表機之油墨容器 。更明確而言，本發明係關於一種構成供插入於一噴墨列 印系統內之接收站以建立與其之可靠電氣連接的油墨容器 〇 噴墨印表機係頻繁運用安裝於托架之一噴墨列印頭， 該托架係相對於諸如紙之列印媒體所移動。隨著列印頭係 相對於列印媒體所移動，一控制系統係致動該列印頭以置 放或噴出墨滴於列印媒體上，以構成影像與文字。油墨係 提供至列印頭，藉由係與列印頭所整體構成之一油墨供應 器(如同於一種拋棄式列印匣之情形），或者藉由係可自該 列印頭所分離而更換之一油墨供應器。 一種先前使用之列印系統係運用其係載有托架之油墨 供應器。該油墨供應器係被與列印頭所整體構成，而當油 墨係用盡時，整個列印頭與油墨供應器係作更換。或者是 ，該油墨供應器係可載有托架，且係可自該列印頭所分離 而更換。對於油墨供應器係可分離式更換之情形，該油墨 供應器係當油墨用盡時作更換。之後’該列印頭係於列印 頭壽命結束時作更換。不論該油墨供應器係位於列印系統 內之何處，重要的是’該油墨供應器係提供可靠之油墨供 應至噴墨列印頭。 對於噴墨列印系統之目前需求係運用其易於安裝與移 除之可更換式油墨容器。油墨容器之安裝係應產生可靠之 功能性連接至印表機。此等油墨容器係應相當容易製造’ 4 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) »衣 訂---------線一 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（y) 藉以有助於降低油墨供應成本。油墨供應成本之降低係有 助於降低該列印系統之每頁列印成本。 [發明槪論] 本發明之一個層面係一種用以提供油墨至噴墨列印系 統之可更換式油墨容器。該種可更換式油墨容器包括一個 接合部，其係配置於前導端緣上且係構成以供與關連於該 噴墨列印系統之對應接合部爲接合。該接合部係界定一樞 轉軸，該可更換式油墨容器在插入至噴墨列印系統時係樞 轉於該樞轉軸。該種可更換式油墨容器亦包括複數個電氣 接點，其係配置於相對於插入方向之前導端緣上。該複數 個電氣接點係配置於可更換式油墨容器在該樞轉軸下方， 俾使在插入期間樞轉可更換式油墨容器於該樞轉軸時，係 致使於油墨容器上之複數個電氣接點係移動朝向關連於列 印系統之對應電氣接點，以建立介於其間之電氣互連。 [圖式簡單說明] 第1圖係本發明之噴墨列印系統一個示範實施例，顯 示爲一蓋係打開，以顯示本發明之複數個可更換式油墨容 器。 第2圖係第1圖所示噴墨列印系統之示意圖。 第3圖係一部份之掃描托架的放大立體圖，顯示本發 明之可更換式油墨容器係定位於一接收站，其提供介於可 更換式油墨容器與一或多個列印頭之間的流體連通。 第4圖係一部份之掃描托架的側視圖，顯示關連於可 更換式油墨容器各者之導引部與閂鎖部，以及供固定可更 5 I紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐y --- 衣--------tr---------^· (請先閱讀背面之注音？事項再填寫本頁) 505574 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（h) 換式油墨容器之接收站，藉以允許與列印頭之流體連通。 第5圖係以隔離方式所顯示之一接收站，用以接收本 發明之一或多個可更換式油墨容器。 第6a、6b、6c、與6d圖係以隔離方式所顯示本發明 之三色可更換式油墨容器的等同視圖。 第7圖係本發明之單色可更換式油墨容器的立體圖。 第8圖係電氣連接至複數個電氣接點之一電氣儲存元 件的俯視圖。 第9a、9b、與9c圖係描述本發明之用以插入可更換 式油墨容器至供應站的方法。 第1〇圖係第6a圖所示可更換式油墨容器之一前導端 緣的放大圖，以虛線顯示具有一樞轉軸。 第11a與lib圖係放大示意圖，顯示在插入可更換式 油墨容器至供應站時該可更換式油墨容器於樞轉軸之樞轉 情形。 第12圖係油墨容器的俯視圖，其係安裝於供應站以建 立介於該油墨容器與供應站之間的電氣連接。 第13a與13b圖係描述可更換式油墨容器於接收站上 的直立流體入口之通過，分別係由側視與端視所觀之。 第14a、14b、與14c圖係描述本發明之用以由接收站 移出可更換式油墨容器的方法。 [元件符號說明] 10列印系統 12可更換式油墨容器 6 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） ------------------訂--------- (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505574 A7 _B7 五、發明說明（义） 14 接收站(station) (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 16噴墨列印頭 18列印部 20掃描托架(carriage) 22列印媒體 24媒體盤(tray) 26滑動桿 28帶狀電纜 29控制器 30 閂鎖(latch) 32 鍵(key) 34油墨貯存器(reservoir) 36 流體互連件(interconnect) 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 38噴出部 40導引部 42接合部 44握柄 46導軌 48接合部 50閂鎖接合部 52彈簧偏動構件 54鉤部 56單色接收室(bay) 58三色接收室 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7_ 五、發明說明（$ ) 60孔隙 62電氣互連件 64電氣接點 66背壁 68底表面 70直立側 72油墨容器之前表面或前導緣(端） 74電氣介面 76底表面 78電氣接點 80電氣儲存元件(記憶體） 82尾隨端 84鍵 85底板 86頂表面 88孔隙(流體出口） 90施加至油墨容器之朝下力量 [較佳實施例詳細說明] 第1圖係列印系統10之一個示範實施例的立體圖，顯 示爲其蓋係打開，列印系統1〇包括至少一個可更換式油墨 容器12,其係安裝於一接收站14。將可更換式油墨容器 12適當安裝於接收站14，油墨係由可更換式油墨容器12 所提供到至少一個噴墨列印頭16。噴墨列印頭16係響應 於一列印部18之致動訊號，以置放油墨於列印媒體上。隨 8 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) --------—訂---------線‘ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（b ) 著油墨係由列印頭16所噴出’列印頭16係由油墨容器12 所重新補給油墨。於一個較佳®施例’可更換式油墨容器 12、接收站14、與噴墨列印頭16係爲一掃描托架2G之各 個部件，掃描托架20係相對於一列印媒體22所移動以完 成列印。列印部18包括一媒體盤24 ’以供接收該列印媒 體22。隨著列印媒體22係步進通過列印區域’掃描托架 20係相對於列印媒體22而移動該列印頭16。列印部18係 選擇性致動該列印頭16以置放油墨於列印媒體22 ’藉以 完成列印。 掃描托架20係移動通過於一掃描機構上之列印區域’ 該掃描機構包括一滑動桿26 ’隨著掃描托架20係移動通 過一掃描軸，掃描托架20係滑動於該滑動桿26。一個定 位機構(未顯示)係使用以適當定位掃描托架20。此外，一 個進紙機構(未顯示)係使用以隨著掃描托架20沿著掃描軸 移動而將列印媒體22步進通過列印區域。電氣訊號係提供 至掃描托架20,以藉由諸如帶狀電纜28之電氣連路而供 選擇性致動列印頭16。 本發明之一個重要層面係供插入油墨容器12至接收站 14之方法與裝置，俾使油墨容器12構成與列印部18之適 當流體及電氣互連。必要的是，適當之流體及電氣連接係 建立介於油墨容器12與列印部18之間。流體互連係允許 於可更換式油墨容器12內之油墨供應可被流體耦接至列印 頭16，以提供油墨來源至列印頭16。電氣互連係允許資訊 可被通過於可更換式油墨容器12與列印部18之間。舉出 9 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) »衣 訂------------線· 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（Ί) 某些實例而言，通過於可更換式油墨容器12與列印部18 之間的資訊可包括有關該可更換式油墨容器12與列印部 18之相容性的資訊、以及諸如油墨位準資訊之操作狀態資 如將係關於第2至14圖所論者，本發明之方法與裝置 係描述其允許可更換式油墨容器12被插入至接收站14之 該等特點，其插入方式使得可靠之電氣及流體連接係建立 介於可更換式油墨容器12與接收站14之間。此外，本發 明之方法與裝置係允許以可靠方式插入及移出可更換式列 印構件(油墨容器)12於列印部18，同時允許列印部18之 整體高度(由第1圖所指“h”尺寸所表示)係爲相當小之尺 寸，藉以提供相當低輪廓之列印系統10。重要的是，列印 系統10具有低輪廓以提供較爲小巧之列印系統，並且允許 列印部係可使用於種種列印應用。 第2圖係第1圖所示本發明之噴墨列印系統1〇的簡化 示意圖。第2圖係簡化以說明單一個列印頭16，其係連接 至單一個油墨容器12。 本發明之噴墨列印系統10包括列印部18與油墨容器 12，其係構成以由列印部18所接收。列印部18包括一噴 墨列印頭16與一控制器29。將油墨容器12適當插入於列 印部18，一電氣及流體耦接係建立介於油墨容器12與列 印部18之間。該流體耦接係允許將儲存於油墨容器12之 內的油墨提供至列印頭16。該電氣耦接係允許將資訊通過 介於配置在油墨容器12的一電氣儲存元件80與列印部18 10 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐) ' "" (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ---------訂---------線一 505574 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（2 ) 之間。介於油墨容器12與列印部18之間的資訊交換係可 確保，列印部18之操作係可相容於可更換式油墨容器12 所含有之油墨，藉以達成該列印系統10之高列印品質與可 靠操作。 控制器29係尤其控制介於列印部18與可更換式油墨 容器12之間的資訊轉移。此外，控制器29係控制介於列 印頭16與控制器29之間的資訊轉移，供致動該列印頭以 選擇式置放油墨於列印媒體上。此外，控制器29係控制該 列印頭16與列印媒體之相對移動。控制器29係亦執行另 外之功能，諸如控制介於列印系統10與例如主機電腦之主 控裝置(未顯示)之間的資訊轉移。 爲了確保該列印系統10可提供高品質影像於列印媒體 ，必要的是，控制器29之操作係負責將特定的可更換式油 墨容器12安裝於列印部18之內。控制器29係運用由電氣 儲存元件80所提供的參數，以負責將特定的可更換式油墨 容器12安裝於列印部18，以確保可靠之操作及高品質之 列印影像。 舉例而言，在其可被儲存於關連於可更換式油墨容器 12之電氣儲存元件80的該等參數之中係可包括下列各者: 關連於可更換式油墨容器12的一日期碼、該油墨容器12 之初始插入的一日期碼、系統係數、油墨型式與油墨顏色 、油墨容器尺寸、印表機型號或識別號、以及卡匣使用資 訊，僅僅舉出一些爲例。 第3圖係一部份之掃描托架20的立體圖，顯示出一對 11 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（21G X 297公爱） ---------------------訂---------線 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 505574 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（1 ) 可更換式油墨容器12係適當安裝於接收站14。一噴墨列 印頭16係與接收站14爲流體連通。於較佳實施例中，第 1圖所示之噴墨式列印系統10係包括一個三色油墨容器與 一個第二油墨容器，該三色油墨容器含有三種單獨之油墨 顏色，而第二油墨容器含有單一種油墨顔色。於此較佳實 施例中，該三色油墨容器含有青綠色（cyan)、紫紅色 (magenta)、與黃色之油墨，而該單色油墨容器含有黑色油 墨，以供達成四色之列印。可更換式油墨容器12係可作不 同分隔，以含有少於三種油墨顏色或者多於三種油墨顏色( 若需有更多種顏色時）。舉例而言，於高度傳真（high fidelity)列印之情況，經常係使用六或更多種顏色以達成列 爲了簡化，第3圖所示之掃描托架部2〇係顯示爲流體 耦接至單一個列印頭16。於較佳實施例中，四個噴墨式列 印頭16係流體耦接至接收站14。於此較佳實施例中，該 四個列印頭各者係流體耦接至可更換式油墨容器12所含有 之四個顏色油墨各者。因此，青綠色、紫紅色、黃色與黑 色列印頭16各者係分別耦接至其對應之青綠色、紫紅色、 黃色與黑色油墨供應器。亦可能運用少於四個之較少的列 印頭之其他結構。舉例而言，列印頭16係可構成以列印超 過一種油墨顏色，藉著適當劃分該列印頭16，以允許第一 種油墨顏色係提供至第一群組之油墨噴嘴，第二種油墨顏 色係提供至第二群組之油墨噴嘴，該第二群組之油墨噴嘴 係不同於第一群組之油墨噴嘴。以此方式，單一個列印頭 12 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） "~^ (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂---------線· 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（π ) 16係可使用以列印超過一種油墨顏色’允許以少於四個列 印頭16而達成四色列印。介於該等可更換式油墨容器12 各者與列印頭16之間的流體路徑係將關於第4圖而詳細討 論之。 該等可更換式油墨容器12之各者包括一閂鎖30，以 供固定可更換式油墨容器12至接收站14。於較佳實施例 中之接收站14係包括一組鍵32，其與於可更換式油墨容 器12上之對應鍵定(keying)部(未顯示)爲互動。於可更換 式油墨容器12上之該等鍵定部係與接收站14上之鍵32爲 互動，以確保該可更換式油墨容器12係可相容於接收站 14 〇 第4圖係於第3圖所示之掃描托架部20的側視圖。掃 描托架部20係包括油墨容器12，該油墨容器12係顯示爲 適當安裝於接收站14，藉以建立介於可更換式油墨容器12 與列印頭16之間的流體連通。 可更換式油墨容器12包括一貯存部34，以供容納一 或多份量之油墨。於較佳實施例中，三色可更換式油墨容 器12係具有三個分離之油墨容納貯存器，各者含有一種不 同顏色之油墨。於此較佳實施例中，單色可更換式油墨容 器12係爲單一個油墨貯存器34，以供容納單一種顏色之 油墨。 於較佳實施例中，貯存器34係具有配置於其內之一個 毛細管作用（capillary)儲存構件。毛細管作用儲存構件係一 種具有充分的毛細管作用以保有油墨之多孔(porous)構件， 13 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（21〇 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂---------線< 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（ο ) 以防止在該油墨容器12由列印系統10之插入與移出期間 來自貯存器34之油墨洩漏。此毛細管作用力係必須足夠大 ，以於諸如溫度與壓力變化之種種環境條件下而防止由貯 存器34之油墨洩漏。此外，該毛細管作用構件之毛細管作 用係足以將油墨保持於油墨貯存器34，針對該油墨貯存器 之所有方位以及該油墨容器在正常操作期間可能遭受之合 理量的衝擊與振動。較佳之毛細管作用儲存構件係於1999 年十月29日提出申請之標題爲“用於噴墨式印表機之油墨 貯存器”的美國專利申請案序號09/430,400 (代理人案號 10991407)所述之一種熱接合聚合物纖維網，該件美國專 利申請案係讓渡給本發明之受讓人，且係以參考方式而倂 入本文。 一旦該油墨容器12係適當安裝至接收站14，油墨容 器12係藉由流體互連件36而流體耦接至列印頭16。於列 印頭16之致動時，油墨係由噴出部38所噴出，同時產生 一負計量壓力（有時稱作爲反壓力）於列印頭36。於列印 頭36之此負計量壓力係足以克服毛細管作用力，其係由配 置在油墨貯存器34內之毛細管作用構件所造成。油墨係藉 著此反壓力由可更換式油墨容器12所抽取至列印頭16。 以此方式，列印頭16係補充以可更換式油墨容器12所提 供之油墨。 流體互連件36係較佳爲一直立式油墨管，其朝上延伸 至該油墨容器12且朝下延伸至噴墨式列印頭16。流體互 連件36係大爲簡化地顯示於第4圖。於較佳實施例中，流 14 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ---------訂·-------- 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明 體互連件36係一歧管(manifold)，其允許偏移於該等列印 頭16沿著掃描軸之定位，藉以允許列印頭16係置放偏移 於對應之可更換式油墨容器12。於較佳實施例中，流體互 連件36係延伸至貯存器34以壓縮該毛細管作用構件，藉 以構成相鄰於流體互連件36之提高毛細管作用的一區域。 此提高毛細管作用的區域係有助於以抽取油墨朝向流體互 連件36，藉以允許油墨透過流體互連件36而流動至列印 頭16。如將討論者，極爲重要的是，該油墨容器12係須 適當定位於接收站14，俾使當該油墨容器12係插入至接 收站時可達成毛細管作用構件之適當壓縮。該毛細管作用 構件之適當壓縮係爲必須，以建立從該油墨容器12至列印 頭16之可靠的油墨流動。 可更換式油墨容器12更包括一導引部40、一接合部 42、一握柄44、與一閂鎖部30，允許該油墨容器12可插 入至接收站14，以達成與列印頭16之可靠的流體互連， 並且構成介於可更換式油墨容器12與掃描托架20之間的 可靠電氣互連，如將關於第9a至9c圖與第13a與13b圖 所討論者。 接收站14包括一導軌46、一接合部48、與一問鎖接 合部50。導軌46係與可更換式油墨容器12之導軌接合部 42合作，以導引該油墨容器12至接收站14。一旦可更換 式油墨谷器12係完全插入至接收站14，關連於可更換式 油墨容器之接合部42係與關連於接收站14之接合部48爲 接合，將可更換式油墨容器12之一前端或前導端係固定至 15 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂---------線_ 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 五、發明說明（β) 接收站14。油墨容器12係接著朝下按壓以壓縮關連於接 收站I4之一彈簧偏動構件52，直到關連於接收站14之問 鎖接合部50係與關連於閂鎖構件30之一鉤部54爲接合’ 以將油墨容器12之一後端或尾隨端係固定至接收站14 ° 於油墨容器12之部位係與關連於接收站14之部位合作’ 以允許介於可更換式油墨容器12與接收站14之間的適當 插入與功能性介面。接收站14係將關於第5圖而詳細§寸§侖 之。 第5圖係以隔離顯示之油墨接收站14的前視立體圖° 第5圖所示之接收站14係包括一個單色室56與一個三色 室58，該單色室56係供接收含有單一種油墨顔色之一個 油墨容器I2，該三色室56係供接收其內含有三種單獨油 墨顏色之一個油墨容器。於此較佳實施例，單色室56係接 收含有黑色油墨之一個可更換式油墨容器12，而三色室56 係接收含有青綠色、紫紅色、與黃色油墨之一個可更換式 油墨容器，各色油墨係分配於油墨容器12內之一個單獨的 貯存器。接收站I4以及可更換式油墨容器12係可具有其 他配置之室56與58，以供接收其內含有不同數目之不同 油墨的一個油墨容器。此外，用於接收站14之接收室56 與58的數目係可爲少於或者多於二個。舉例而言，接收站 14可具有四個分離室以供容納四個單獨的單色油墨容器12 ，各個油墨容器係含有單獨之油墨顏色，以達成四色之列 印。 接收站14之各室56與58係包括一孔隙60，以供接 16 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（21〇 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂---------線一 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（>) 收延伸穿過於其之直立流體互連件36。流體互連件36係 一個流體入口，供油墨離開其關連於油墨容器12之一個對 應流體出口。一電氣互連件62係亦包括於各個接收室56 與58。電氣互連件62包括複數個電氣接點64。於較佳實 施例中，該等電氣接點64係四個載有彈簧之電氣接點的一 配置，適當安裝可更換式油墨容器12至接收站14之對應 室。適當接合於電氣連接件62與流體互連件36之各者係 必須以可靠方式所建立。 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 配置於各室56與58內之流體互連件各側上的導軌46 係接合該油墨容器12各側上的對應導引部40，以導引該 油墨容器至接收站。當油墨容器12係完全插入至接收站 14，配置於接收站14之背壁66上的接合部48係接合於油 墨容器12上之對應接合部42 (顯示於第4圖）。接合部 48係配置於電氣互連件62之各側。諸如片狀(leaf)彈簧之 一偏動機構52係配置於接收站14。片狀彈簧52係提供一 偏動力，其有助於驅使該油墨容器12由接收站14之底表 面68而朝上。片狀彈簧係有助於閂定該油墨容器12至接 收站14，並且有助於由該接收站而移出油墨容器12，如將 關於第10與11圖所討論之。 第6a、6b、6c、與6d係分別顯示本發明之可更換式 油墨容器12的前視、側視、後視、與仰視圖。如第6a圖 所示，可更換式油墨容器12包括一對朝外延伸之導軌接合 部40。於較佳實施例中，此等導軌接合部40之各者係以 正交於可更換式油墨容器12之直立側70的方向而朝外延 17 冢紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（〆） 伸。接合部42係由該油墨容器之一前表面或前導端緣72 所朝外延伸。接合部42係配置於一電氣介面74之各側， 且係配置朝向可更換式油墨容器12之底表面76。電氣介 面74包括複數個電氣接點78，該等電氣接點78各者係電 氣連接至一電氣儲存元件80。 如第6c圖所示之一尾隨端82係相對於前導端72。可 更換式油墨容器12之尾隨端82係包括閂鎖部30，其具有 一接合鉤54。閂鎖部30係由彈性材料所構成，允許該閂 鎖部係由尾隨端所朝外延伸，藉以將該接合部朝外延伸朝 著關連於接收站14之對應接合部。隨著閂鎖構件30係朝 內壓縮朝著尾隨端82，該閂鎖構件係朝外施加一偏動力， 確保接合部54係維持與其關連於接收站14之對應接合部 5〇爲接合，以將油墨容器12固定至接收站14。 可更換式油墨容器12亦包括鍵84，其係配置於油墨 容器12之尾隨端。該等鍵係較佳配置於閂鎖30之各側， 朝向可更換式油墨容器12之底表面76。鍵84以及於接收 站14之鍵定部32係一起互動，以確保該油墨容器12係插 入至接收站14中之正確的室56與58。此外，鍵84以及 鍵定部32係確保可更換式油墨容器12含有可相容之油墨 ，其係與接收站14中之對應接收室56與58爲顏色及化學 性質或相容性爲可相容。 握柄部44係配置於可更換式油墨容器12之尾隨端82 處的一頂表面86。當油墨容器12係插入至接收站14之適 當的室時，握柄部44係允許該油墨容器12可被抓握在尾 18 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) 訂---------線* 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 五、發明說明（) 隨端82處。將該握柄部定位在孔隙88之上方，有助於降 低當顧客插入油墨容器12至接收站14時而將油墨沾到手 的機會。此外，握柄部44係配置於貯存器34而相對於電 氣接點78，以減少或免除於插入油墨容器12至接收站14 時而抓握到該等電氣接點78。由人手之此抓握情形係將污 染該等電氣接點。電氣接點由經常於人們皮膚上可見到的 鹽分與油脂所污染，將造成介於油墨容器12與列印部18 之間的不可靠或高電阻之電氣連接。 油墨容器12包括孔隙88，其係配置於可更換式油墨 容器12之底表面76。孔隙88係允許流體互連件36延伸 通過貯存器34，以接合配置於貯存器34之毛細管作用構 件。於三色可更換式油墨容器12之情形，係具有三個流體 出口 88,各個流體出口係對應一個不同的油墨顏色。於三 色室之情形，三個流體互連件36各者係延伸至流體出口 88之各者，以提供介於各個油墨室與用於該油墨顏色的對 應列印頭之間的流體連通。 第7圖係一單色油墨容器之立體圖，該單色油墨容器 係定位以供插入至第5圖所示之接收站14中的單色室56 。第7圖所示之單色油墨容器係類似於第6a至6d圖所示 之三色油墨容器，除了僅有單一個流體出口 88係設於底表 面76之外。單色可更換式油墨容器12含有單一油墨顏色 ，因而係僅接收單一個對應流體互連件36，以供自該油墨 容器12提供油墨至對應列印頭。 第8圖係電氣儲存元件80與電氣接點78之放大圖。 19 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) — — — — — — — 11111111 ▲ 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 505574 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（、Ί) 於一個較佳實施例，電氣儲存元件80與該等電氣接點係裝 設於一底板85之上。電氣接點78之各者係均電氣連接至 電氣儲存元件80。電氣接點78之各者係均由底板85所彼 此電氣隔離。於一個較佳實施例，電氣儲存元件80係裝設 至底板85之半導體記憶體。於該較佳實施例中，底板85 係黏著接合至油墨容器12。 於一個較佳實施例，係有四個電氣接點78，其代表對 於電源與接地連接以及時脈與資料連接之接點。插入可更 換式油墨容器12至列印部18，係建立介於接收站14的電 氣接點64與可更換式油墨容器12的電氣接點78之間的電 氣連接。將電源與接地係加諸於電氣儲存元件80，資料係 以由時脈訊號所建立的速率而轉移介於列印部18與可更換 式油墨容器12之間。極重要的是，分別由電氣接點64與 78所構成介於列印部18與可更換式油墨容器12之間的電 氣連接係低電阻連接，以確保可靠之資料轉移。若電氣接 點64與78係無法提供低電阻連接，則資料係可能並非適 當轉移，或者資料係可能錯誤或不準確。因此，極重要的 是，可靠之低電阻連接係達成介於油墨容器12與列印部 18之間，以確保列印系統1〇之適當操作。本發明之一個 層面係建立介於油墨容器12與列印部18之間的可靠電氣 連接，此係關於第10、11a、與lib圖所詳細討論之。 第9a、9b、與9c圖係連續圖式以說明本發明之技術 ’其供插入可更換式油墨容器12至接收站14，以構成與 接收站I4之可靠的電氣及流體連接。 20 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（21〇 X 297公羞） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ---------訂·-------- 505574 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（ 第9a圖顯示該油墨容器12係部分插入至接收站14。 於較佳實施例，藉著抓握住握柄部44並先以前導端緣或前 導面72而將該油墨容器插入至接收站，油墨容器12係至 接收站14。隨著前導端緣72進入接收站14，於油墨容器 上之朝外延伸導引構件40係接合該對導軌46之各者。該 對導軌46係以水平或線性動作而導引該油墨容器12朝向 接收站14之背壁66。導軌46係接著以朝向背壁66之水 平方向以及朝向接收站14的底表面之垂直方向而導引該可 更換式油墨容器，俾使於油墨容器12上之接合部42係由 接收站I4之背壁66上的對應接合部48所接納，如第9b 圖所示。油墨容器12之插入係僅需一插入力，以驅使該油 墨容器爲線性沿著導軌46。作用於油墨容器12上之重力 係有助於致使該油墨容器循著導軌46，隨著導軌以朝下之 方向而延伸，以允許接合部42與48之接合。導軌接合部 40係較佳爲平圓表面，以沿著導軌46而自由滑動。 第9b圖顯示該油墨容器12係插入至接收站14，俾使 接合部42係與關連於接收站14之接合部48爲接合。如箭 號90所表示之一朝下力量係施加於油墨容器12，以壓縮 片狀彈簧52並且驅使油墨容器12之尾隨端82係向下朝著 接收站14之底表面68。鍵84係必須適當對應於接收站14 之鍵定部32。若於油墨容器12上之鍵84係不對應於鍵定 部32，該鍵定(keying)系統係防止油墨容器12之進一部插 入至接收站14。由鍵84與鍵定部32所作成之此鍵定系統 係防止其與接收站14不相容之油墨容器12，防止其進一 21 本紙張尺錢中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格⑵〇 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注咅？事項再填寫本頁)V. Description of the Invention (I) [Background of the Invention] The present invention relates to an ink container for supplying ink to an inkjet printer. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ink container constituting a receiving station inserted into an inkjet printing system to establish a reliable electrical connection therewith. Inkjet printers frequently use one of the inkjet printers mounted on a carriage. Ink print head, the carriage is moved relative to print media such as paper. As the print head moves relative to the print medium, a control system activates the print head to place or eject ink drops on the print medium to form images and text. The ink is supplied to the print head by an ink supply integrated with the print head (as in the case of a disposable print cartridge), or by being separable from the print head and replaced. One ink supply. One previously used printing system uses an ink supply that carries a carriage. This ink supplier is integrally formed with the print head, and when the ink system is used up, the entire print head and ink supply are replaced. Alternatively, the ink supply may be provided with a carriage, and may be separated from the print head and replaced. In the case where the ink supply is detachably replaced, the ink supply is replaced when the ink is used up. After that, the print head is replaced at the end of the life of the print head. Regardless of where the ink supply is located within the printing system, it is important that the ink supply provides a reliable ink supply to the inkjet print head. The current demand for inkjet printing systems is the use of replaceable ink containers that are easy to install and remove. The installation of the ink container should produce a reliable functional connection to the printer. These ink containers should be fairly easy to manufacture. 4 (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) »Clothes Binding --------- Line No. 1 Ministry of Economic Affairs Intellectual Property Bureau Staff Consumption Cooperative printed this paper Standards are applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (y) This helps reduce the cost of ink supply. The reduction in ink supply cost helps to reduce the printing cost per page of the printing system. [Inventive Discussion] One aspect of the present invention is a replaceable ink container for supplying ink to an inkjet printing system. The replaceable ink container includes a joint portion disposed on a leading end edge and configured to be engaged with a corresponding joint portion associated with the inkjet printing system. The joint defines a pivot axis, and the replaceable ink container is pivoted when inserted into the inkjet printing system. The replaceable ink container also includes a plurality of electrical contacts, which are arranged on the leading edge with respect to the insertion direction. The plurality of electrical contacts are arranged under the pivot shaft of the replaceable ink container, so that when the replaceable ink container is pivoted on the pivot shaft during the insertion, the plurality of electrical contacts are caused on the ink container It moves towards the corresponding electrical contact associated with the printing system to establish an electrical interconnection therebetween. [Brief Description of the Drawings] Fig. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the inkjet printing system of the present invention, which is shown with a cover opened to show a plurality of replaceable ink containers of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the inkjet printing system shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the scanning carriage, showing that the replaceable ink container of the present invention is positioned at a receiving station, which is provided between the replaceable ink container and one or more print heads Fluid communication. Figure 4 is a side view of a part of the scanning bracket, showing the guide and latch parts associated with each of the replaceable ink containers, and the 5 I paper size for fixing can be adapted to Chinese National Standards (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm y --- clothing -------- tr --------- ^ · (Please read the phonetic on the back? Matters before filling out this page) 505574 Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by A7 B7, Consumer Cooperative of Intellectual Property Bureau. 5. Description of the invention (h) Receiving station of the exchangeable ink container, allowing fluid communication with the print head. Figure 5 shows a receiving station shown in isolation. In order to receive one or more replaceable ink containers of the present invention, Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are equivalent views of the three-color replaceable ink container of the present invention, shown in isolation. Figure 7 is the original A perspective view of the invented monochromatic replaceable ink container. Fig. 8 is a top view of an electrical storage element electrically connected to one of a plurality of electrical contacts. Figs. 9a, 9b, and 9c describe the invention for inserting and replacing Method of the ink container to the supply station. Figure 10 shows the replaceable oil shown in Figure 6a. An enlarged view of the leading edge of one of the ink containers, with a pivot axis shown in dotted lines. Figures 11a and lib are enlarged schematic diagrams showing the replaceable ink container on the pivot axis when the replaceable ink container is inserted into the supply station. Pivot situation. Figure 12 is a top view of the ink container, which is installed at the supply station to establish an electrical connection between the ink container and the supply station. Figures 13a and 13b describe the replaceable ink container at the receiving station. The passage of the upright fluid inlet on the side is viewed from the side and the end respectively. Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c describe the method of the present invention for removing the replaceable ink container from the receiving station. [Element symbol Explanation] 10 printing system 12 replaceable ink container 6 This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) ------------------ Order --------- (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) 505574 A7 _B7 V. Description of the invention (meaning) 14 Receiving station (station) (Please read the notes on the back before filling in this Page) 16 Inkjet print head 18 Print section 20 Scan carriage 22 Print media 24 media tray 26 slide bar 28 ribbon cable 29 controller 30 latch 32 key 34 ink reservoir 36 fluid interconnect employee of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Consumer cooperative printing 38 ejection section 40 guide section 42 joint section 44 handle 46 guide rail 48 joint section 50 latch joint section 52 spring biasing member 54 hook section 56 monochrome receiving room (bay) 58 three-color receiving room paper Standards apply to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505574 A7 B7_ V. Description of the invention ($) 60 pores 62 electrical interconnects 64 electrical contacts 66 back Wall 68 bottom surface 70 upright side 72 front or leading edge (end) of ink container 74 electrical interface 76 bottom surface 78 electrical contact 80 electrical storage element (memory) 82 trailing end 84 key 85 bottom plate 86 top surface 88 aperture (fluid Exit) 90 downward force applied to the ink container [detailed description of the preferred embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the series printing system 10 shown with its cover open, and the printing system 10 includes at least one replace Ink container 12, which line 14 is attached to a receiving station. The replaceable ink container 12 is appropriately installed at the receiving station 14, and the ink is provided by the replaceable ink container 12 to at least one inkjet print head 16. The inkjet print head 16 is responsive to an actuation signal of a print section 18 to place ink on a print medium. With 8 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this page) ---------- Order --------- Line 'This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (b) The ink is ejected from the print head 16 'The print head 16 is replenished with ink from the ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, the replaceable ink container 12, the receiving station 14, and the inkjet print head 16 are components of a scanning carriage 2G, and the scanning carriage 20 is moved relative to a printing medium 22. To complete printing. The printing section 18 includes a media tray 24 'for receiving the printing medium 22. As the print medium 22 moves through the print area ', the scanning carriage 20 moves the print head 16 relative to the print medium 22. The printing section 18 selectively activates the printing head 16 to place ink on the printing medium 22 'to complete printing. The scanning carriage 20 is moved through a printing area on a scanning mechanism. The scanning mechanism includes a slide bar 26. As the scanning carriage 20 is moved through a scanning shaft, the scanning carriage 20 is slid on the sliding bar 26. . A positioning mechanism (not shown) is used to properly position the scanning carriage 20. In addition, a paper feed mechanism (not shown) is used to step the print medium 22 through the print area as the scan carriage 20 moves along the scan axis. Electrical signals are provided to the scanning carriage 20 for selective actuation of the print head 16 through an electrical link such as a ribbon cable 28. An important aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for inserting the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 so that the ink container 12 constitutes a proper fluidic and electrical interconnection with the printing section 18. It is necessary that an appropriate fluid and electrical connection is established between the ink container 12 and the printing portion 18. The fluid interconnection system allows an ink supply in the replaceable ink container 12 to be fluidly coupled to the print head 16 to provide an ink source to the print head 16. The electrical interconnection system allows information to be passed between the replaceable ink container 12 and the printing portion 18. Name 9 paper sizes applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) »Clothes Binding ------------ Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Consumer Cooperatives 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (Ί) For some examples, the information between the replaceable ink container 12 and the printing department 18 may include information about the Information on the compatibility of the replaceable ink container 12 and the printing unit 18, and operation status such as ink level information will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 14, and the method and apparatus of the present invention will be described in terms of permission. The characteristics of the replaceable ink container 12 being inserted into the receiving station 14 are such that a reliable electrical and fluid connection is established between the replaceable ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. In addition, the method and device of the present invention allow the replaceable printing member (ink container) 12 to be inserted into and removed from the printing section 18 in a reliable manner, while allowing the overall height of the printing section 18 (referred to as "Fig. 1" The "h" size) is a relatively small size, thereby providing a printing system 10 with a relatively low profile. Importantly, the printing system 10 has a low profile to provide a more compact printing system, and allows the printing department to be used in a variety of printing applications. Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the inkjet printing system 10 of the present invention shown in Fig. 1. FIG. 2 is simplified to illustrate a single print head 16 connected to a single ink container 12. The inkjet printing system 10 of the present invention includes a printing section 18 and an ink container 12 which are configured to be received by the printing section 18. The printing section 18 includes an inkjet print head 16 and a controller 29. The ink container 12 is appropriately inserted into the printing portion 18, and an electrical and fluid coupling is established between the ink container 12 and the printing portion 18. This fluid coupling allows the ink stored in the ink container 12 to be supplied to the print head 16. The electrical coupling allows information to pass between an electrical storage element 80 and a printing section 18 10 disposed in the ink container 12. This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) '" " (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) --------- Order --------- Line 1 505574 Printed by A7 B7, Consumer Cooperatives, Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs And invention description (2). The information exchange system between the ink container 12 and the printing section 18 can ensure that the operation of the printing section 18 is compatible with the ink contained in the replaceable ink container 12 so as to achieve the high level of the printing system 10 Print quality and reliable operation. The controller 29 controls, in particular, the transfer of information between the printing section 18 and the replaceable ink container 12. In addition, the controller 29 controls the transfer of information between the print head 16 and the controller 29 for actuating the print head to selectively place ink on the print medium. In addition, the controller 29 controls the relative movement of the print head 16 and the print medium. The controller 29 also performs other functions, such as controlling the transfer of information between the printing system 10 and a master control device (not shown) such as a host computer. In order to ensure that the printing system 10 can provide high-quality images to the printing medium, it is necessary that the operation of the controller 29 is responsible for installing a specific replaceable ink container 12 in the printing section 18. The controller 29 uses parameters provided by the electrical storage element 80 to install a specific replaceable ink container 12 on the printing section 18 to ensure reliable operation and high-quality printed images. For example, among the parameters that can be stored in the electrical storage element 80 associated with the replaceable ink container 12, the following may be included: a date code associated with the replaceable ink container 12, the A date code, a system factor, an ink type and an ink color, an ink container size, a printer model or identification number, and a cartridge use information are initially inserted in the ink container 12, and only a few are given as examples. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a part of the scanning bracket 20, showing a pair of 11 paper sizes that are applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (21G X 297 public love) ----------- ---------- Order --------- line (Please read the notes on the back before filling out this page) 505574 Printed by the Consumers ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Invention Explanation (1) The replaceable ink container 12 is appropriately installed at the receiving station 14. An inkjet print head 16 is in fluid communication with the receiving station 14. In a preferred embodiment, the inkjet printing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a three-color ink container and a second ink container. The three-color ink container contains three separate ink colors, and the second ink The container contains a single ink color. In this preferred embodiment, the three-color ink container contains cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, and the single-color ink container contains black ink for four-color printing. The replaceable ink container 12 can be divided differently to contain less than three ink colors or more than three ink colors (if more colors are required). For example, in the case of high fidelity printing, six or more colors are often used to achieve the column. For simplicity, the scanning bracket 20 shown in Figure 3 is shown as fluidly coupled to Single print head 16. In the preferred embodiment, four inkjet print heads 16 are fluidly coupled to the receiving station 14. In this preferred embodiment, each of the four print heads is fluidly coupled to each of the four color inks contained in the replaceable ink container 12. Therefore, each of the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black print heads 16 is coupled to its corresponding cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink supply. Other structures with fewer than four print heads are also possible. For example, the print head 16 can be configured to print more than one ink color. By appropriately dividing the print head 16 to allow the first ink color to be provided to the ink nozzles of the first group, the second The ink color is provided to the ink nozzles of the second group, and the ink nozzles of the second group are different from the ink nozzles of the first group. In this way, a single print head of 12 paper sizes is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) " ~ ^ (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Order --- ------ Line · Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of Invention (π) 16 series can be used to print more than one ink color 'Allows less than four print heads 16 And achieve four-color printing. The fluid path between each of the replaceable ink containers 12 and the print head 16 will be discussed in detail with reference to FIG. 4. Each of the replaceable ink containers 12 includes a latch 30 for securing the replaceable ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. The receiving station 14 in the preferred embodiment includes a set of keys 32 which interact with corresponding keying sections (not shown) on the replaceable ink container 12. The keying units on the replaceable ink container 12 interact with the keys 32 on the receiving station 14 to ensure that the replaceable ink container 12 is compatible with the receiving station 14. Figure 4 A side view of the scanning carriage portion 20 shown in FIG. 3. The scanning carriage portion 20 includes an ink container 12 which is shown as being suitably installed at the receiving station 14 to establish fluid communication between the replaceable ink container 12 and the print head 16. The replaceable ink container 12 includes a storage portion 34 for containing one or more portions of ink. In the preferred embodiment, the three-color replaceable ink container 12 has three separate ink holding containers, each containing a different color ink. In this preferred embodiment, the monochrome replaceable ink container 12 is a single ink reservoir 34 for holding a single color of ink. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir 34 has a capillary storage member disposed therein. Capillary action storage member is a porous member with sufficient capillary action to retain the ink. 13 This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (21 × X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back first) (Fill in this page again) Order --------- line < 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (ο) to prevent the ink container 12 from coming from the reservoir 34 during the insertion and removal of the ink container 12 from the printing system 10 Ink is leaking. This capillary force must be large enough to prevent ink leakage from the reservoir 34 under various environmental conditions such as temperature and pressure changes. In addition, the capillary action of the capillary action member is sufficient to hold the ink in the ink reservoir 34 for all orientations of the ink reservoir and a reasonable amount of shock and vibration that the ink container may be subjected to during normal operation. A preferred capillary-acting storage member is U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09 / 430,400 (Attorney Docket No. 10991407) filed on October 29, 1999 and entitled "Ink Reservoir for Inkjet Printers" A U.S. patent application for a heat-bonded polymer web is assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is incorporated herein by reference. Once the ink container 12 is properly mounted to the receiving station 14, the ink container 12 is fluidly coupled to the print head 16 via a fluid interconnect 36. When the print head 16 is actuated, the ink is ejected from the ejection portion 38, and a negative metering pressure (sometimes referred to as a back pressure) is generated on the print head 36 at the same time. This negative metering pressure on the print head 36 is sufficient to overcome the capillary force, which is caused by a capillary action member disposed in the ink reservoir 34. The ink is drawn from the replaceable ink container 12 to the print head 16 by this counter pressure. In this manner, the print head 16 is supplemented with the ink provided by the replaceable ink container 12. The fluid interconnecting member 36 is preferably a vertical ink tube, which extends upward to the ink container 12 and downwards to the inkjet print head 16. The fluid interconnecting member 36 is shown in Fig. 4 in a simplified manner. In the preferred embodiment, the current 14 paper sizes are applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) --------- Order · -------- Printed by the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs's Consumer Cooperatives 505574 A7 B7 5. The description of the invention Interconnect 36 is a manifold, which allows offset to these print heads The positioning of 16 along the scanning axis allows the print head 16 to be placed offset from the corresponding replaceable ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid interconnecting member 36 extends to the reservoir 34 to compress the capillary action member, thereby forming an area adjacent to the fluid interconnecting member 36 to enhance capillary action. This area of increased capillary action helps to draw the ink toward the fluid interconnect 36, thereby allowing the ink to flow through the fluid interconnect 36 to the print head 16. As will be discussed, it is extremely important that the ink container 12 is properly positioned at the receiving station 14 so that proper compression of the capillary action member can be achieved when the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving station. Proper compression of the capillary action member is necessary to establish a reliable ink flow from the ink container 12 to the print head 16. The replaceable ink container 12 further includes a guide portion 40, a joint portion 42, a handle 44, and a latch portion 30, allowing the ink container 12 to be inserted into the receiving station 14 to reach the printing head 16. It is a reliable fluid interconnection and constitutes a reliable electrical interconnection between the replaceable ink container 12 and the scanning carriage 20, as will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 9a to 9c and FIGS. 13a and 13b. The receiving station 14 includes a guide rail 46, an engaging portion 48, and an interlocking engaging portion 50. The guide rail 46 cooperates with the guide rail joint portion 42 of the replaceable ink container 12 to guide the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. Once the replaceable ink trough 12 is fully inserted into the receiving station 14, the joint portion 42 associated with the replaceable ink container is engaged with the joint portion 48 associated with the receiving station 14, and one of the replaceable ink containers 12 is engaged. The front end or the leading end is fixed to 15 This paper size is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) Order --------- Line _ Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505574 A7 V. Description of Invention (β) Receiving Station 14. The ink container 12 is then pressed downward to compress a spring biasing member 52 associated with the receiving station I4 until the interlocking joint portion 50 associated with the receiving station 14 is engaged with a hook portion 54 associated with the latch member 30. 'To fix one rear end or trailing end of the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 ° to cooperate with the part connected to the receiving station 14 at the ink container 12' to allow the ink container 12 to be exchanged with the receiving station 14 with proper insertion and functional interface. Receiving station 14 will be detailed in relation to Figure 5. FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the ink receiving station 14 shown in isolation. ° The receiving station 14 shown in FIG. 5 includes a single-color chamber 56 and a three-color chamber 58. An ink container I2 of one ink color, and the three-color chamber 56 is for receiving an ink container containing three individual ink colors therein. In this preferred embodiment, the single-color chamber 56 receives a replaceable ink container 12 containing black ink, and the three-color chamber 56 receives a replaceable ink container containing cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. The inks of the respective colors are distributed in a separate reservoir in the ink container 12. The receiving station I4 and the replaceable ink container 12 may be provided with other chambers 56 and 58 for receiving an ink container containing a different number of different inks therein. In addition, the number of receiving rooms 56 and 58 for the receiving station 14 may be less than or more than two. For example, the receiving station 14 may have four separate chambers for receiving four separate monochrome ink containers 12, each ink container containing a separate ink color to achieve four-color printing. Each of the 56 and 58 rooms of the receiving station 14 includes an aperture 60 for receiving 16 papers. The size of the paper is applicable to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (21 × 297 mm). (Please read the precautions on the back before filling in this. Page) Order --------- Line No. 1 Intellectual Property Bureau, Intellectual Property Bureau Employee Consumption Cooperative Printed 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (>) The vertical fluid interconnect 36 extending through it is retracted. The fluid interconnect 36 is a fluid inlet for ink to leave a corresponding fluid outlet associated with the ink container 12. An electrical interconnect 62 is also included in each of the receiving rooms 56 and 58. The electrical interconnect 62 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 64. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts 64 are a configuration of four spring-loaded electrical contacts, and the replaceable ink container 12 to the corresponding room of the receiving station 14 are appropriately installed. Each properly joined to the electrical connection 62 and the fluid interconnect 36 must be established in a reliable manner. Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economy The corresponding guide portion 40 is on the top to guide the ink container to the receiving station. When the ink container 12 is completely inserted into the receiving station 14, the joint portion 48 disposed on the back wall 66 of the receiving station 14 is joined to the corresponding joint portion 42 on the ink container 12 (shown in FIG. 4). The joints 48 are disposed on each side of the electrical interconnection 62. A biasing mechanism 52 such as a leaf spring is disposed at the receiving station 14. The leaf spring 52 provides a biasing force that helps to drive the ink container 12 upward from the bottom surface 68 of the receiving station 14. The leaf spring system helps to latch the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 and helps to remove the ink container 12 from the receiving station, as will be discussed with reference to Figs. Numbers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d show front, side, rear, and bottom views of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present invention, respectively. As shown in Fig. 6a, the replaceable ink container 12 includes a pair of rail engaging portions 40 extending outward. In a preferred embodiment, each of these guide rail joints 40 extends in a direction orthogonal to the upright side 70 of the replaceable ink container 12 toward the outer side. The paper size is in accordance with Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 ( 210 X 297 mm) 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (〆) Extension. The engaging portion 42 extends outwardly from a front surface or a leading end edge 72 of the ink container. The joint portions 42 are disposed on each side of an electrical interface 74 and are disposed toward the bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The electrical interface 74 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78, each of which is electrically connected to an electrical storage element 80. One of the trailing ends 82 is opposite to the leading end 72 as shown in FIG. 6c. The trailing end 82 of the replaceable ink container 12 includes a latch portion 30 having an engaging hook 54. The latch portion 30 is made of an elastic material, allowing the latch portion to extend outward from the trailing end, thereby extending the joint outward toward the corresponding joint connected to the receiving station 14. As the latch member 30 is compressed inwardly toward the trailing end 82, the latch member is biased outward to ensure that the joint 54 maintains its corresponding joint 50 associated with the receiving station 14 as the joint, and The ink container 12 is fixed to the receiving station 14. The replaceable ink container 12 also includes a key 84 which is disposed at the trailing end of the ink container 12. The keys are preferably arranged on each side of the latch 30 and face the bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The key 84 interacts with the keying section 32 at the receiving station 14 to ensure that the ink container 12 is inserted into the correct chambers 56 and 58 in the receiving station 14. In addition, the key 84 and the keying portion 32 ensure that the replaceable ink container 12 contains compatible ink, which is compatible with the corresponding receiving chambers 56 and 58 in the receiving station 14 in color and chemical properties or compatibility. Content. The grip portion 44 is a top surface 86 disposed at the trailing end 82 of the replaceable ink container 12. When the ink container 12 is inserted into the appropriate chamber of the receiving station 14, the grip portion 44 allows the ink container 12 to be gripped at the rear 18. This paper size is applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) () (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) Order --------- line * Printed by the Employees 'Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the Employees' Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by 505574 A7 5 , Description of the invention () at the end 82. Positioning the grip above the aperture 88 helps reduce the chance of the customer getting ink on the hand when the customer inserts the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. In addition, the grip portion 44 is disposed in the reservoir 34 with respect to the electrical contacts 78 to reduce or eliminate the electrical contacts 78 from being grasped when the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving station 14. This grasping condition by human hands will contaminate these electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are contaminated by salt and grease that are often visible on people's skin, which will cause unreliable or high-resistance electrical connections between the ink container 12 and the printing portion 18. The ink container 12 includes an aperture 88 which is disposed on a bottom surface 76 of the replaceable ink container 12. The aperture 88 allows the fluid interconnect 36 to extend through the reservoir 34 to engage a capillary action member disposed in the reservoir 34. In the case of the three-color replaceable ink container 12, there are three fluid outlets 88, and each fluid outlet corresponds to a different ink color. In the case of the three-color chamber, each of the three fluid interconnects 36 extends to each of the fluid outlets 88 to provide fluid communication between each ink chamber and a corresponding printhead for that ink color. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a monochrome ink container which is positioned for insertion into a monochrome chamber 56 in the receiving station 14 shown in FIG. The single-color ink container shown in Fig. 7 is similar to the three-color ink container shown in Figs. 6a to 6d, except that only a single fluid outlet 88 is provided on the bottom surface 76. The single-color replaceable ink container 12 contains a single ink color, and therefore only receives a single corresponding fluid interconnect 36 for supplying ink from the ink container 12 to the corresponding print head. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the electric storage element 80 and the electric contact 78. 19 (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) — — — — — — — 11111111 ▲ This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) Cooperative printed A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (, Ί) In a preferred embodiment, the electrical storage element 80 and the electrical contacts are mounted on a base plate 85. Each of the electrical contacts 78 is electrically connected to the electrical storage element 80. Each of the electrical contacts 78 is electrically isolated from each other by a base plate 85. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical storage element 80 is a semiconductor memory mounted on the base plate 85. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom plate 85 is adhesively bonded to the ink container 12. In a preferred embodiment, there are four electrical contacts 78, which represent contacts for power and ground connections and clock and data connections. Inserting the replaceable ink container 12 into the printing section 18 establishes an electrical connection between the electrical contact 64 of the receiving station 14 and the electrical contact 78 of the replaceable ink container 12. Power and ground are added to the electrical storage element 80, and data is transferred between the printing section 18 and the replaceable ink container 12 at a rate established by the clock signal. It is extremely important that the electrical connection between the printing section 18 and the replaceable ink container 12 constituted by electrical contacts 64 and 78, respectively, to ensure a low-resistance connection to ensure reliable data transfer. If the electrical contacts 64 and 78 are unable to provide a low resistance connection, the data may not be properly transferred, or the data may be incorrect or inaccurate. Therefore, it is extremely important that a reliable low-resistance connection is achieved between the ink container 12 and the printing section 18 to ensure proper operation of the printing system 10. One aspect of the present invention is to establish a reliable electrical connection between the ink container 12 and the printing portion 18, which is discussed in detail with respect to the 10th, 11a, and lib drawings. Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c are continuous diagrams to illustrate the technology of the present invention. It is used to insert the replaceable ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 to form a reliable electrical and fluid connection with the receiving station I4. 20 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (21〇X 297). (Please read the notes on the back before filling this page) --------- Order · ----- --- 505574 Printed by the Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (Figure 9a shows that the ink container 12 is partially inserted into the receiving station 14. In a preferred embodiment, the handle is held by grasping The portion 44 first inserts the ink container into the receiving station with the leading edge or leading surface 72, and the ink container 12 is connected to the receiving station 14. As the leading edge 72 enters the receiving station 14, it extends outward on the ink container The guide member 40 engages each of the pair of guide rails 46. The pair of guide rails 46 guide the ink container 12 toward the back wall 66 of the receiving station 14 in a horizontal or linear motion. The guide rails 46 then follow the back wall 66 The replaceable ink container is guided horizontally and vertically toward the bottom surface of the receiving station 14 so that the joint portion 42 on the ink container 12 is formed by the corresponding joint portion 48 on the back wall 66 of the receiving station I4. Accept, as shown in Figure 9b. The ink container 12 requires only one insertion force The ink container is driven linearly along the guide rail 46. The gravity system acting on the ink container 12 helps to cause the ink container to follow the guide rail 46 and extend along with the guide rail in a downward direction to allow the joint portion 42 and The joint of 48. The guide rail joint portion 40 is preferably a flat round surface to slide freely along the guide rail 46. Fig. 9b shows that the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving station 14 so that the joint portion 42 is associated with the receiving portion. The joint 48 of the station 14 is a joint. A downward force is applied to the ink container 12 as indicated by arrow 90 to compress the leaf spring 52 and drive the trailing end 82 of the ink container 12 downward toward the receiving station 14 Bottom surface 68. The key 84 must appropriately correspond to the keying portion 32 of the receiving station 14. If the key 84 on the ink container 12 does not correspond to the keying portion 32, the keying system prevents the ink container The first part of 12 is inserted into the receiving station 14. The keying system made by the key 84 and the keying part 32 prevents the ink container 12 which is incompatible with the receiving station 14 and prevents it from entering a 21 paper rule. China Standard (CNS) A4 size (× 297 mm) ( Read the back of the note Pou? Matters then fill out this page)
505574 ---— _ B7 ___ 五、發明說明（Λ ) 部插入至接收站14。油墨容器12之進一部插入至接收站 14，將造成流體互連件36之接觸於油墨容器12之毛細管 作用構件，因而流體互連件36係由不相容油墨所污染。混 入流體互連件36之不相容油墨可能造成沉澱，其將損壞列 印頭16。除了不相容化學性質之油墨，油墨容器可能具有 不相容之顏色，其將造成顏色混雜，因而降低輸出列印品 質。 於油墨容器12上之鍵84與於接收站14上之鍵定部 32係允許適當油墨容器12之完全插入至適當接收站14。 施加至油墨容器12之尾隨端82的朝下力量係致使油墨容 器12樞轉於一樞轉軸而壓縮片狀彈簧52，因而移動油墨 容器12之尾隨端82朝向接收站14之底表面68。隨著油 墨容器12係驅使朝下至接收站14，彈性閂鎖30係稍微向 內壓縮朝向油墨容器12之尾隨端82。一旦油墨容器12係 朝下驅使足夠遠，於閂鎖30之接合部54係與於接收站14 之一個對應接合部50爲接合，以固定該油墨容器12至接 收站14，如第9c圖所示。 如第9c圖所示，隨著油墨容器12係適當固定至接收 站14，流體互連件36係延伸至貯存器34以壓縮該毛細管 作用構件，因而形成鄰近該流體互連件36之一提高毛細管 作用的區域。此提高毛細管作用的區域係有助於吸取油墨 朝向該流體互連件36，因而允許油墨透過流體互連件36 至列印頭16。於較佳實施例中，當插入至接收站14時， 油墨容器12係以重力準據所定出方位，俾使一重力加諸於 22 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) --------訂---------線一 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（/) 油墨容器12內之油墨而有助於吸取油墨朝向油墨容器12 之底表面76。因此，於油墨容器12內之油墨係吸取至底 表面76’此油墨係藉由毛細管作用吸引而被抽取朝向該流 體互連件36，因而有助於降低或最小化於油墨容器12內 之油墨停頓情形(stranding)。 第10圖顯示本發明之可更換式油墨容器12的前視圖 。油墨容器12之前視圖或前導端緣72係包括接合部42， 其係配置朝向油墨容器12之前導端緣72的底表面76。於 較佳實施例中，接合部42係配置於油墨容器12之前導端 緣72的相對側邊上之一對接合部。如關於第9a、9b與9c 圖所示供油墨容器12至接收站14的插入順序之先前所討 論，一旦部分插入時，油墨容器12係樞轉於一樞轉軸92 ，以完全插入該油墨容器12至接收站14。 樞轉軸92係顯示於第1〇圖，且係配置鄰近該接合部 42。該樞轉軸係由油墨容器π之接合部42所界定，接合 部42係與配置於供應站14之背壁66上的對應接合部48 爲互動。一旦該油墨容器12係如第9b圖所示而部分插入 至接收站14時，由箭頭90所表示之朝下的力量將完全插 入該油墨容器12至接收站14，造成油墨容器12之樞轉於 該樞轉軸92。接合部42係接合於該接收站上的對應接合 部48，以捕捉該油墨容器12之前導端緣72。前導端緣72 之此捕捉情形(trapping)係防止隨著朝下的力量90施加至 油墨容器12之尾隨端緣82時之前導端緣72的朝上動作， 其產生樞轉動作於樞轉軸92。 23 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) --------訂---------*^一 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 _ B7 五、發明說明（v\ ) 舉例而言，若於油墨容器12之接合部42並未適當接 合於接收站14之接合部48，則隨著朝下的力量90係施加 在油墨容器12之尾隨端緣82時，油墨容器12之前導端緣 72將歸因於流體互連件36之接合而升高朝上，流體互連 件36係延伸於孔隙88並接合於貯存器34內的毛細管作用 構件且隨著尾隨端緣82被朝下力量90所驅使朝下時而驅 使前導端緣72朝上。因此，必要的是，接合部42係適當 接合於接收站14的對應接合部48，以在油墨容器12至接 收站14之插入時係適當樞轉該油墨容器12於該樞轉軸92 。樞轉軸92係由接合部42以及其與於接收站14的對應接 合部之接合所界定。 如第10圖所示之油墨容器12亦包括複數個電氣接點 78，其各者係電氣儲存元件80，電氣接點78與電氣儲存 元件80係均安裝於底板85。底板85係接著配置於油墨容 器12之前導端緣72。重要的是，該等電氣接點78係配置 爲至少部分介於樞轉軸92與油墨容器12之底表面76之間 。如將關於第11a與lib圖所討論者，將該等電氣接點78 定位於樞轉軸92之下方，允許該等電氣接點78於油墨容 器12之樞轉時係移動朝前，提供介於油墨容器12與接收 站14之間的適當電氣接合。 第11a與lib圖係如於第9b與9c圖所先前顯示之油 墨容器12至接收站14的樞轉之簡化示意圖。第lla與 lib圖係大爲簡化以較佳說明該等電氣接點78於油墨容器 12之定位，並說明此定位係如何在油墨容器12於樞轉軸 24 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) --------訂·--------線一 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（/) 92之樞轉時可確保於油墨容器12之電氣接點78與於接收 站14之電氣接點64的適當接合。 第11a與lib圖係油墨容器12·與接收站14之側視圖 ，其係放大且部分剖除所顯示。樞轉軸92係由圓形所表示 ，其具有中心位於其之十字。樞轉軸92係於油墨容器上的 一點，在油墨容器12至接收站14之插入時，油墨容器12 係樞轉於該樞轉軸92。應係注意的是，關連於油墨容器12 之接合部42以及關連於接收站14之接合部48係均未顯示 ，以較佳說明介於油墨容器12與接收站14之間的電氣接 合。第11a圖表示該油墨容器12係部分插入至接收站14 ，如於第9b圖所先前顯示。一朝下的力量係施加於油墨容 器12之尾隨端，以樞轉該油墨容器12於樞轉軸92。隨著 油墨容器12係樞轉於該樞轉軸92，在樞轉軸上方之前導 端緣72的部位係移動離開接收站14之背壁66。反之，在 樞轉軸92下方之前導端緣72或者介於樞轉軸92與油墨容 器12底表面76之間的部位係移動朝向接收站14之背壁 66。將電氣接點78定位在樞轉軸92之下方，允許該等電 氣接點係以弧形移動朝向於電氣連接器62上之電氣接點 64，以達成介於油墨容器12與接收站14之間的電氣接觸 〇 第lib圖顯示該油墨容器12係完全插入至接收站14 。可看出的是，隨著油墨容器12係樞轉於該樞轉軸92， 電氣接點78係以弧形移動朝向關連於接收站14之電氣接 點64。隨著電氣接點78係接合對應之電氣接點64，操作 25 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) --------訂---------線‘ 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（β) 性或電氣連接係建立介於油墨容器12與接收站14之間。 於較佳實施例中，關連於接收站14之電氣接點64係彈簧 偏動式，且因此係隨著電氣接點78係接合電氣接點64而 稍微壓縮或縮回。運用彈簧偏動式電氣接點64於接收站 14，係有助於達成更爲可靠之電氣接觸，並允許較大的容 許度變化於油墨容器12與接收站14二者。 第12圖係簡化俯視圖，該油墨容器12係安裝於接收 站14。第12圖係欲說明如何達成介於油墨容器12與接收 站14之間的電氣互連，且係未按比例而繪製。於較佳實施 例中，接收站14包括電氣互連件62，其具有複數個載有 彈簧之電氣接點64。 油墨容器12包括配置於其上之複數個電氣接點78。 油墨容器12係構成使得當插入至接收站14時，複數個電 氣接點78之各者係接合於接收站14之複數個載有彈簧的 電氣接點64各者。該等電氣接點64係稍微壓縮使得各個 電氣接點係偏動抵於關連於油墨容器之各個電氣接點78, 俾使可靠之電氣互連係建立介於油墨容器12與接收站14 之間。此介於油墨容器12與接收站14之間的電氣互連係 允許資訊轉移介於配置於油墨容器12的電氣儲存元件80 與配置於列印部18的控制器29之間，如第2圖所示。 第13a與13b圖說明關於第9a、9b、與9c圖所述插 入過程之一位置，其中該油墨容器12之前導端緣72係定 位於流體互連件36之上。第13a圖描述一個側視圖，而第 13b圖顯示一個端視圖。由第13a與13b圖可看出的是， 26 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ---------訂-------- *5^ - 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） 505574 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 A7 B7 五、發明說明（4) 導引部40係必須定位於油墨容器12達足夠低，朝向油墨 容器12之底表面76，俾使該油墨容器之前導端緣72係不 會於插入期間碰撞該流體互連件36。導引構件40之定位 的另一個限制係在於，導引構件40係必須定位爲足夠接近 於油墨容器12之頂表面86，以確保接合部42係與於接收 站14上之對應接合部42爲適當接合。 此外，於油墨容器上之朝外延伸導引構件40係必須朝 外延伸足夠遠，以接合導軌46。然而，朝外延伸導引構件 40係不應朝外延伸太遠以使得導引構件40接合於接收站 14之直立側而產生干擾，其產生摩擦與束縛而抵抗油墨容 器12之插入至接收站14。 第14a、14b、與14c圖說明用以由接收站14移出油 墨容器12之技術。本發明之用以移出油墨容器12的技術 係起始於該接合部自接收站14上之對應接合部50的鬆脫 ，藉著驅使該閂鎖30朝向尾隨端82。一旦油墨容器12之 尾隨端係鬆脫，彈簧52係驅使該油墨容器之尾隨端朝上， 如第14b圖所示。油墨容器12係可藉由握柄44所抓握， 以相對於插入方向之一方向而取回該油墨容器12。隨著油 墨容器12係由接收站14所抽出，導引構件4〇係循著導軌 46以舉起該油墨容器，因而防止介於流體互連件36與油 墨容器12底表面上的流體出口之間的干擾。 本發明之油墨容器12係構成以接合並互動於接收站 14，以導引該油墨容器12至接收站，且供與接收站14之 可靠的流體及電氣連接。本發明之技術係允許此插入過程 27 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐） (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁)505574 ----- _ B7 ___ 5. The description of the invention (Λ) is inserted into the receiving station 14. Insertion of the ink container 12 into the receiving station 14 will cause the fluid interconnecting member 36 to contact the capillary action member of the ink container 12, and thus the fluid interconnecting member 36 will be contaminated with incompatible ink. Incompatible ink mixed into the fluid interconnect 36 may cause precipitation, which will damage the print head 16. In addition to incompatible chemical inks, ink containers may have incompatible colors, which will cause color mixing and reduce output print quality. The key 84 on the ink container 12 and the keying portion 32 on the receiving station 14 allow the proper insertion of the appropriate ink container 12 into the appropriate receiving station 14. The downward force applied to the trailing end 82 of the ink container 12 causes the ink container 12 to pivot on a pivot axis to compress the leaf spring 52, thereby moving the trailing end 82 of the ink container 12 toward the bottom surface 68 of the receiving station 14. As the ink container 12 is driven down to the receiving station 14, the elastic latch 30 is compressed inward slightly toward the trailing end 82 of the ink container 12. Once the ink container 12 is driven far enough downward, the joint 54 on the latch 30 is engaged with a corresponding joint 50 on the receiving station 14 to fix the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14, as shown in FIG. 9c. Show. As shown in Figure 9c, as the ink container 12 is properly secured to the receiving station 14, the fluid interconnect 36 extends to the reservoir 34 to compress the capillary action member, thereby forming one of the adjacent fluid interconnects 36 to improve Capillary area. This area of increased capillary action helps to draw ink toward the fluid interconnect 36, thereby allowing ink to pass through the fluid interconnect 36 to the print head 16. In the preferred embodiment, when inserted into the receiving station 14, the ink container 12 is positioned by the gravity criterion, so that a gravity is added to 22. This paper size applies the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) -------- Order --------- Printed by the Consumers Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the Invention (/) The ink in the ink container 12 helps to absorb the ink toward the bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12. Therefore, the ink in the ink container 12 is drawn to the bottom surface 76 ′. This ink is drawn toward the fluid interconnecting member 36 by suction by capillary action, thereby helping to reduce or minimize the ink in the ink container 12. Stalling. FIG. 10 shows a front view of the replaceable ink container 12 of the present invention. The front view or leading end edge 72 of the ink container 12 includes a joint portion 42 that is disposed toward the bottom surface 76 of the leading end edge 72 of the ink container 12. In the preferred embodiment, the engaging portion 42 is a pair of engaging portions disposed on opposite sides of the leading edge 72 of the front end of the ink container 12. As previously discussed with regard to the insertion sequence of the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 shown in Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c, once partially inserted, the ink container 12 is pivoted on a pivot shaft 92 to fully insert the ink container. 12 to receiving station 14. The pivot shaft 92 is shown in FIG. 10 and is disposed adjacent to the joint portion 42. The pivot axis is defined by the joint portion 42 of the ink container π, and the joint portion 42 interacts with the corresponding joint portion 48 disposed on the back wall 66 of the supply station 14. Once the ink container 12 is partially inserted into the receiving station 14 as shown in FIG. 9b, the downward force indicated by the arrow 90 will be completely inserted into the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14, causing the ink container 12 to pivot.于此 pivot axis 92. The engaging portion 42 is engaged with the corresponding engaging portion 48 on the receiving station to capture the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. This trapping of the leading edge 72 prevents the upward movement of the leading edge 72 when the downward force 90 is applied to the trailing edge 82 of the ink container 12, which generates a pivoting action on the pivot axis 92 . 23 This paper size applies to China National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) -------- Order -------- -* ^ Printed by the Consumer Cooperatives of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs 505574 A7 _ B7 V. Description of the Invention (v \) For example, if the joint 42 of the ink container 12 is not properly joined to the joint of the receiving station 14 48, when the downward force 90 is applied to the trailing end edge 82 of the ink container 12, the leading end edge 72 of the ink container 12 will rise upward due to the engagement of the fluid interconnect 36, and the fluid interaction The connector 36 is a capillary action member extending from the aperture 88 and engaging in the reservoir 34 and drives the leading end edge 72 upward as the trailing end edge 82 is driven downward by the downward force 90. Therefore, it is necessary that the engaging portion 42 is appropriately engaged with the corresponding engaging portion 48 of the receiving station 14 to properly pivot the ink container 12 on the pivot shaft 92 when the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving station 14. The pivot axis 92 is defined by the joint portion 42 and its engagement with the corresponding joint portion at the receiving station 14. The ink container 12 shown in FIG. 10 also includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78, each of which is an electrical storage element 80, and the electrical contact 78 and the electrical storage element 80 are both mounted on a base plate 85. The bottom plate 85 is disposed next to the leading edge 72 of the ink container 12. Importantly, the electrical contacts 78 are configured to be at least partially interposed between the pivot shaft 92 and the bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12. As will be discussed with respect to Figures 11a and lib, the electrical contacts 78 are positioned below the pivot shaft 92, allowing the electrical contacts 78 to move forward when the ink container 12 is pivoted, providing Appropriate electrical bonding between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. Figures 11a and lib are simplified schematic diagrams of the pivoting of the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14 as previously shown in Figures 9b and 9c. Figures lla and lib are greatly simplified to better illustrate the positioning of the electrical contacts 78 on the ink container 12, and explain how this positioning is performed on the ink container 12 on the pivot axis 24. The Chinese paper standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) -------- Order · -------- Employee Cooperatives, Intellectual Property Bureau, Ministry of Economic Affairs Printing 505574 A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (/) 92 The proper connection of the electrical contact 78 at the ink container 12 and the electrical contact 64 at the receiving station 14 can be ensured when the 92 is pivoted. Figures 11a and 11b are side views of the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14, which are shown enlarged and partially cut away. The pivot axis 92 is represented by a circle having a cross centered on it. The pivot shaft 92 is attached to a point on the ink container. When the ink container 12 is inserted into the receiving station 14, the ink container 12 is pivoted on the pivot shaft 92. It should be noted that neither the joint portion 42 associated with the ink container 12 nor the joint portion 48 associated with the receiving station 14 is shown, to better illustrate the electrical connection between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. Figure 11a shows that the ink container 12 is partially inserted into the receiving station 14, as previously shown in Figure 9b. A downward force is applied to the trailing end of the ink container 12 to pivot the ink container 12 on the pivot shaft 92. As the ink container 12 is pivoted on the pivot shaft 92, the portion of the leading edge 72 before the pivot shaft is moved away from the back wall 66 of the receiving station 14. Conversely, the leading edge 72 below the pivot shaft 92 or the portion between the pivot shaft 92 and the bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12 moves toward the back wall 66 of the receiving station 14. Positioning the electrical contacts 78 below the pivot shaft 92 allows the electrical contacts to move in an arc toward the electrical contacts 64 on the electrical connector 62 to achieve a position between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14 The electrical contact (Figure 1b) shows that the ink container 12 is fully inserted into the receiving station 14. It can be seen that, as the ink container 12 is pivoted on the pivot shaft 92, the electrical contact 78 moves in an arc shape toward the electrical contact 64 connected to the receiving station 14. As the electrical contact 78 is connected to the corresponding electrical contact 64, the operation is 25. The paper size applies to the Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)- ------- Order --------- line 'Printed by the Consumers' Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by the Employees' Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Printed by 505574 A7 B7 Or an electrical connection is established between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. In the preferred embodiment, the electrical contacts 64 associated with the receiving station 14 are spring biased, and therefore are slightly compressed or retracted as the electrical contacts 78 engage the electrical contacts 64. The use of spring-biased electrical contacts 64 at the receiving station 14 helps to achieve more reliable electrical contact, and allows a larger tolerance to be changed between both the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. FIG. 12 is a simplified plan view, and the ink container 12 is installed at a receiving station 14. As shown in FIG. Figure 12 illustrates how the electrical interconnection between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14 is achieved, and is not drawn to scale. In the preferred embodiment, the receiving station 14 includes an electrical interconnect 62 having a plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts 64. The ink container 12 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 78 disposed thereon. The ink container 12 is configured such that when inserted into the receiving station 14, each of the plurality of electrical contacts 78 is coupled to each of the plurality of spring-loaded electrical contacts 64 of the receiving station 14. The electrical contacts 64 are slightly compressed so that each electrical contact is biased against each electrical contact 78 connected to the ink container, so that a reliable electrical interconnection system is established between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. This electrical interconnection between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14 allows information to be transferred between the electrical storage element 80 disposed in the ink container 12 and the controller 29 disposed in the printing section 18, as shown in FIG. 2 Show. Figures 13a and 13b illustrate one of the positions of the insertion process described in Figures 9a, 9b, and 9c, in which the leading end 72 of the ink container 12 is positioned above the fluid interconnect 36. Figure 13a depicts a side view, while Figure 13b shows an end view. As can be seen from Figures 13a and 13b, 26 (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page) --------- Order -------- * 5 ^-This paper Standards are applicable to China National Standard (CNS) A4 specifications (210 X 297 mm) 505574 Printed by the Consumers ’Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs A7 B7 V. Description of the invention (4) The guide 40 must be positioned on the ink container 12 as long It is low and faces the bottom surface 76 of the ink container 12 so that the leading edge 72 of the ink container does not hit the fluid interconnecting member 36 during insertion. Another limitation of the positioning of the guide member 40 is that the guide member 40 must be positioned close enough to the top surface 86 of the ink container 12 to ensure that the joint 42 is corresponding to the corresponding joint 42 on the receiving station 14 as Properly joined. In addition, the outwardly extending guide member 40 on the ink container must extend far enough outward to engage the guide rail 46. However, the outwardly extending guide member 40 should not extend too far outward so that the guide member 40 engages with the upright side of the receiving station 14 to cause interference, which generates friction and restraint against the insertion of the ink container 12 to the receiving station. 14. Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c illustrate techniques for removing the ink container 12 from the receiving station 14. The technique for removing the ink container 12 of the present invention starts when the joint is released from the corresponding joint 50 on the receiving station 14 by driving the latch 30 toward the trailing end 82. Once the trailing end of the ink container 12 is released, the spring 52 drives the trailing end of the ink container upward, as shown in Fig. 14b. The ink container 12 can be grasped by the handle 44 to retrieve the ink container 12 in a direction relative to the insertion direction. As the ink container 12 is withdrawn by the receiving station 14, the guide member 40 follows the guide rail 46 to lift the ink container, thereby preventing the fluid outlet between the fluid interconnecting member 36 and the bottom surface of the ink container 12 Interference. The ink container 12 of the present invention is configured to engage and interact with the receiving station 14 to guide the ink container 12 to the receiving station and to provide a reliable fluid and electrical connection with the receiving station 14. The technology of the present invention allows this insertion process. 27 The paper size is applicable to Chinese National Standard (CNS) A4 (210 X 297 mm) (Please read the precautions on the back before filling this page)
505574 A7 B7 五、發明說明（〆） 爲相當簡單且容易，以防止油墨容器12之不當插入。顧客 係藉由握柄部44所握住油墨容器12，並且將油墨容器12 水平滑動至接收站14。導軌46與導引部40係合作以適當 導引油墨容器12至接收站14。油墨容器12係朝下按壓以 將油墨容器12閂鎖，並達成介於油墨容器12與接收站14 之間的電氣及流體操作互連。 (請先閱讀背面之注意事項再填寫本頁) ---------訂·--------一 經濟部智慧財產局員工消費合作社印製 28 本紙張尺度適用中國國家標準（CNS)A4規格（210 X 297公釐）505574 A7 B7 5. Description of the invention (i) It is quite simple and easy to prevent improper insertion of the ink container 12. The customer holds the ink container 12 by the grip portion 44 and slides the ink container 12 horizontally to the receiving station 14. The guide rail 46 cooperates with the guide portion 40 to appropriately guide the ink container 12 to the receiving station 14. The ink container 12 is pressed downward to latch the ink container 12 and achieve electrical and fluid-operated interconnection between the ink container 12 and the receiving station 14. (Please read the precautions on the back before filling out this page) --------- Order · -------- Printed by a Consumer Cooperative of the Intellectual Property Bureau of the Ministry of Economy 28 This paper is applicable to China Standard (CNS) A4 specification (210 X 297 mm)