APPARATUS HAVING ELECTRIC INTERCONNECTS
Background
[0001] Imaging systems, such as printers, copiers, etc., may be used to form markings on a physical medium, such as text, images, etc. In some examples, imaging systems may form markings on the physical medium by performing a print job. A print job can include forming markings such as text and/or images by transferring a print material (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) to the physical medium.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0002] Figure 1 is a view of an example of an imaging device including an apparatus having electric interconnects consistent with the disclosure [0003] Figure 2 is a section view of an example of an apparatus having electric interconnects consistent with the disclosure.
[0004] Figure 3 is a section view of an example of an apparatus having an electric interconnect consistent with the disclosure.
[0005] Figure 4 is a section view of an example of a system having fluid interconnect and a print material supply cartridge consistent with the disclosure. [0006] Figure 5 is a section view of an example of a print material supply cartridge consistent with the disclosure.
[0007] Figure 8 is a section view of an example of an apparatus having an electric interconnect consistent with the disclosure.
[0008] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example of an electric interconnect 760 consistent with the disclosure.
[0009] Figure 8 is a section view of an example of a system having a fluid interconnect and a print material supply cartridge consistent with the disclosure. [0010] Figure 9 is a section view of an example of a system having a fluid interconnect and a print material supply cartridge consistent with the disclosure. Detailed Description
[0001] Imaging devices may include a supply of a print material located In a print material supply cartridge. As used herein, the term “print material” refers to a substance which can be transported through and/or utilized by an imaging device. In some examples, print material can be, for instance, a material that when applied to a medium, can form representafion(s) (e.g., text, images models, etc.) on the medium during a print job. In some examples, print material can be, for instance, ink, three- dimensional print material, cleaning fluids, fluids for chemical analysis, fluids to be included during transportation of the imaging device (e.g., shipping to a customer), etc.
[0002] The print material can be deposited onto a physical medium. As used herein, the term “imaging device” refers to a hardware device with functionalities to physically produce representation(s) (e.g., text, images, models, etc.) on the medium. In some examples, a “medium” may include paper, photopolymers, plastics, composite, metal, wood, or the like.
[0003] The print material supply cartridge including the print material may interface with the imaging device and include a supply of the print material such that the print material may be drawn from the print material supply cartridge as the imaging device creates the images on the print medium. As used herein, the term “print material supply cartridge” refers to a container, a tank, and/or a similar vessel to store a supply of the print material for use by the imaging device, in some examples, the print material supply cartridge can provide print material directly to a print head of the imaging device. In some examples, the print material supply cartridge can supply print material to a fluid interconnect which can provide print material to a print head of the imaging device.
[0004] A print material supply cartridge may be filled, replaced, etc. in some examples, the print material supply cartridge may supply print material to an imaging device and be removed when the print material supply cartridge is empty. In some examples, the print material supply cartridge may be interfaced with the imaging device and reside in the imaging device to provide print material when appropriate. [0005] An apparatus having electric interconnects, according to the disclosure, can allow for easy control of print material transfer. Accordingly, the electric interconnect can include a first chip positioned within a fluid interconnect to transmit information pertaining to print material supply to a second chip positioned within a print materia! supply cartridge. The information can be transmitted from the second chip to a controller, which may control the transfer of print material based on the information.
[0008] Figure 1 is a view of an example of an imaging device 100 including an apparatus 102 having electric interconnects consistent with the disclosure. As described herein, an electric interconnect can be located within each of fluid interconnects 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, . , ., 104-N. Each of the fluid interconnects 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, . . ., 104-N can be coupled to a print material supply cartridge 106 having a different print material, such as a different color. For example, a first fluid interconnect can be coupled to a print material supply cartridge having cyan print material, a second fluid interconnect can be coupled to a print materia! supply cartridge having magenta print material, a third fluid interconnect can be coupled to a print materia! supply cartridge having yellow print material, and a fourth fluid interconnect can be coupled to a print materia! supply cartridge having black print material. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. As described herein, each of the fluid interconnects 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, . . ., 104-N can transfer print material from a print material supply cartridge 106 to the imaging device 100. [0007] As illustrated in Figure 1, the apparatus 102 can be located within the imaging device 100 such that the apparatus 102 is easily accessible. For example, the apparatus 102 can be accessed upon removal of an access pane! 105 disposed on a surface of the imaging device 100, However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. This can allow for the print materia! supply cartridge 106 to be attached to one of the fluid interconnects 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, . . ., 104-N so that the print material supply cartridge 106 interfaces with the imaging device 100.
[0008] While not illustrated in Figure 1 , an electric interconnect can include a first chip positioned within one of the 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, . . ., 104-N fluid interconnects to transmit information pertaining to print material supply to a second chip positioned within a print material supply cartridge 106. Additionally, the electric interconnect can include a first plunger to engage a first switch and a second plunger to engage a second switch. The information can include data relating to the dates, fill levels, amount of print material removed, product information, etc. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. In response to engagement of the first switch and the second switch, the information can be transmitted between the second chip and a controller. [0009] Figure 2 is a section view of an example of an apparatus 202 having electric interconnects consistent with the disclosure. The apparatus 202 can include fluid interconnects 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . ., 204-N, As described above, each of the fluid interconnects 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . ., 204-N can correspond to a print material supply cartridge having a different color. Additionally, each of the fluid interconnects 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . ., 204-N can include elements of the electric interconnect as illustrated in Figure 6.
[0010] As illustrated in Figure 2, fluid interconnects 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . ., 204-N can include shutter assemblies 208-1, 208-2, 208-3, . . ., 208-N. As used herein, the term “shutter assembly” refers to a physical structure that contains parts of the of fluid interconnect and absorbs and/or wipes away residual fluid material as the shutter assembly travels in a vertical direction. For example, each of the shutter assemblies 208-1, 208-2, 208-3, . . ., 208-N can include print material absorbing elements to absorb and/or wipe away residual print material during and post print material transfer. As used herein, the term “print material transfer” refers to the movement of print material between and/or within components of an imaging system. For example, print material can be transferred from a print material supply cartridge to an imaging device. In another example, print material can be circulated within a valve unit. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited [0011] As illustrated in Figure 2, each of the fluid interconnects 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . ,, 204-N can include one of the bezels 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, , . 212-N. As used herein, the term “bezel” refers to a physical structure that contains the electric interconnect. For example, each of the bezels 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, . . ., 212-N can surround elements of the electric interconnect, in other words, each of the bezels 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, . . ., 212-N can contain a first chip that upon electrical contact with a second chip positioned within the print materia! supply cartridge, transmits information pertaining to print material supply. Each of the bezels 212-1, 212-2, 212- 3, . . 212-N can also contain a first plunger to engage a first switch and a second plunger to engage a second switch. The information pertaining to print material supply can be transmitted between the second chip and a controller in response to engagement of the first switch and the second switch.
[0012] As illustrated in Figure 2, each of the fluid interconnects 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, . . ., 204-N can include a fluid interconnect needle (e.g., fluid interconnect needle 324 illustrated in Figure 3} to transfer print material from the print material supply cartridge to an imaging device (e.g., imaging device 100 illustrated in Figure 1). Upon attachment of the print material supply cartridge, the fluid interconnect needle can become inserted into the print material supply cartridge. The print material can flow (e.g., transfer) from the print material supply cartridge to the imaging device.
[0013] Figure 3 is a section view of an example of an apparatus 302 having an electric interconnect consistent with the disclosure. As described herein (e.g., in connection with Figure 6), the electric interconnect can include a first chip positioned within the fluid interconnect 304, a first plunger, and a second plunger.
[0014] As described above (e.g., in connection with Figure 2), the fluid interconnect 304 can include a bezel 312 to surround the parts of the electric interconnect. For example, the bezel 312 can contain the first chip, the first plunger, and the second plunger, a first switch, and a second switch (e.g., as illustrated in Figure 6). The first chip can make electrical contact with a second chip (e.g., second chip 528 illustrated in Figure 5) located within a print materiai supply cartridge to transmit information pertaining to print supply between the first chip and the second chip. Engagement of both the first switch and the second switch may result in the second chip transmitting the information to a controller (e.g,, controller 735 illustrated in Figure 7). This can allow for easy control of print material transfer.
[0015] The apparatus 302 can include a valve unit 318. As used herein, the term “valve unit” refers to a device that regulates the flow of a fluid by opening, dosing, or partially obstructing a passageway. While not illustrated in Figure 3, the valve unit 318 can include a recirculation path. As used herein, the term “recirculation path” refers to a passage along which something moves. For example, the recirculation path can be a passage along which print material moves into the valve unit 318.
[0016] Figure 4 is a section view of an example of a system 430 having fluid interconnect 404 and a print material supply cartridge 406 consistent with the disclosure. The fluid interconnect 404 can include a fluid interconnect needle 424 to transfer print materiai from a print material supply cartridge 406 to an imaging device (e.g., imaging device 100 illustrated in Figure 1). Upon attachment of the print materiai supply cartridge 406, the fluid interconnect needle 424 can become inserted into the print material supply cartridge 406. [0017] The fluid interconnect needle 424 can push through a septum 428 of the print material supply cartridge 408 to create a fluid connection allowing the transfer of print material. As used herein, the term “septum” refers to a dividing membrane between a first area and a second area. For example, the septum 428 can include a dividing membrane between an outer area of the print material supply cartridge 406 and an inner area of the print material supply cartridge 406, where the outer area makes contact with the fluid interconnect 404 and the inner area contains the print material to be transferred.
[0018] The fluid interconnect needle 424 can pierce the septum 428 of the print material supply cartridge 406 to enter the print material supply cartridge 406 and press a sealing member (not illustrated in Figure 4) away from the septum 426. This can allow print material to flow (e.g., transfer) from the print material supply cartridge 406 into an opening of the fluid interconnect needle 424. The fluid interconnect needle 424 can transfer the print material to the imaging device.
[0019] Figure 5 is a section view of an example of a print material supply cartridge 508 consistent with the disclosure. As described herein, the print material supply cartridge 508 can include a second chip 528, a first key post 534, a second key post 536, and a septum 526.
[0020] Upon attachment of the print material supply cartridge 506 to a fluid interconnect (e.g., fluid interconnect 604 illustrated in Figure 6), the second chip 528 can make electrical contact with a first chip (e.g., first chip 632 illustrated In Figure 6) and information pertaining to print material supply can be transmitted between the first chip and the second chip 528. information pertaining to print material supply can include data relating to the dates, fill levels, amount of print material removed, product information, etc.
[0021] As illustrated in Figure 5, the print material supply cartridge 506 can include a first key post 534 and a second key post 536. As used herein, the term “key post” refers to a physical structure of a print material supply cartridge. For example, the first key post 534 and the second key post 536 can apply pressure against a first plunger (e.g., first plunger 638 illustrated in Figure 6) and a second plunger (e.g., second plunger 642 illustrated in Figure 6) located within the fluid interconnect. The pressure applied by the first key post 534 and the second key post 536 can cause the first plunger and the second plunger to travel vertically (e.g., downward as illustrated in Figure 6). Although not illustrated in Figure 6, other print material supply and/or fluid interconnect configurations may cause the first and second plunger to travel horizontally. The first plunger can come into contact with and engage a first switch and the second plunger can come into contact with and engage a second switch. Information pertaining to the print material supply can be transmitted to a controller (e.g., controller 735 illustrated in Figure 7) in response to engagement of the first switch and the second switch.
[0022] Figure 8 is a section view of an example of an apparatus 602 having electric interconnects consistent with the disclosure. The electric interconnect can include a first chip 832, a first plunger 638, a second plunger 842, a first switch 844, a second switch 848, and a controller (e.g., controller 752 illustrated in Figure 7). [0023] As described above, the apparatus 602 can include a fluid Interconnect 804 having a fluid interconnect needle 624 to transfer print material from a print material supply cartridge to an imaging device. For example, upon attachment of the print material supply cartridge, the fluid interconnect needle 624 can become inserted into the print material supply cartridge. The print material can flow (e.g., transfer) from the print material supply cartridge to the imaging device.
[0024] As illustrated in Figure 6, the electric interconnect can include contact extensions 654 to engage with a second chip (e.g., second chip 528 as illustrated in Figure 5) to make electrical contact between the first chip 632 and the second chip, allowing for the transmitting of information between the first chip and the second chip. For example, when a print material supply cartridge having the second chip is inserted into the fluid interconnect 604, the second chip can make contact with the contact extensions 654 and the first chip 632. Thus, when a print material supply cartridge is inserted into the fluid interconnect 604, the first chip 632 and the second chip can engage transmit information to/from each other. The first chip 632 and the second chip can transmit information pertaining to the print material supply in response to making contact.
[0025] As illustrated in Figure 6, the apparatus 602 can include a first plunger 638 and a second plunger 642. Upon insertion of the print material supply cartridge, the print material supply cartridge can apply pressure against the first plunger 838 to cause the first plunger 638 to travel vertically and engage the first switch 844. The print material supply cartridge can also apply pressure against the second plunger 642 to cause the second plunger 642 to travel vertically and engage a second switch 646. The information pertaining to the print substance supply can be transmitted between the second chip and the controller in response to engagement of the first switch 844 and the second switch 648.
[0026] As illustrated in Figure 6, the first switch 644 can be positioned lower than the second switch 646. Thus, as the first plunger 638 and the second plunger 642 travel vertically (e.g., downward as illustrated in Figure 6), the second switch 646 can be engaged prior to the first switch 644. Similarly, when the print material supply cartridge is removed, the pressure is removed from the first plunger 638 and the second plunger 642, and the first plunger 638 and the second plunger 642 can travel vertically (e.g., upward as illustrated in Figure 6). Thus, the first switch 644 and the second switch 846 can become disengaged, where the first switch 644 can become disengaged prior to the second switch 646 becoming disengaged.
However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
[0027] As illustrated in Figure 6, the second plunger 642 can include a first magnet 656, Upon insertion of the print material supply cartridge, the print material supply cartridge can apply pressure against the second plunger 642 to cause the second plunger 642 to travel vertically until the first magnet 656 positioned on the second plunger 642 is aligned with a second magnet 658 positioned on a valve unit 608. Alignment of the first magnet 656 and the second magnet 658 may cause the valve unit 618 to switch to an open position (not iiiustrated in Figure 6). Upon removal of the print material supply cartridge, the pressure applied by the print material supply cartridge against the second plunger 642 can be removed allowing the second plunger 642 to travel vertically in an upward direction as illustrated in Figure 6. This may cause the first magnet 856 and the second magnet 658 to become misaligned and the valve unit 618 to switch to a closed position (iiiustrated in Figure 6).
[0028] Although not illustrated in Figure 8, print material can be circulated through a recirculation cavity via a pump when the valve unit 618 is in the normally closed position. As used herein, the term “pump” refers to a device that moves a fluid by mechanical action. For example, the pump can move print material to cause print material to be circulated when the valve unit 818 is in the dosed position. This can allow the valve unit 618 to remain wet and functional, as well as reduce the rate of print material settling. Dried print material can inhibit and/or prevent valve function, may be transported into the imaging device, etc., which may cause damage to the valve unit 818 and/or imaging device. [0029] Although not illustrated in Figure 6, a print material supply cartridge can supply print material to an imaging device via the valve unit 618 when the valve unit 618 is in the open position.
[0030] In some examples, the electric interconnect can include a controller (e.g., controller 735 illustrated in Figure 7) communicatively coupled to the second chip and/or other components of the electric interconnect. In some examples, the controller can be utilized to control particular functions of the imaging device, in some examples, the controller can be connected to the second chip through a communication path. For example, the controller can be connected to the second chip through a wired or wireless communication connection. In some examples, the communication path can be utilized by the controller to receive information from the second chip and control print material transfer based on the received information. [0031] For example, the controller can include instructions to control print material transfer between the fluid interconnect 604 and the print material supply cartridge based on the information received. For example, the controller can control print material transfer between the fluid interconnect 604 and the print material supply cartridge based on information pertaining to print material supply that is stored and transmitted by the second chip. While the print material supply cartridge is attached to the fluid interconnect, the second chip can periodically transmit information to the controller as print material is transferred.
[0032] The controller can include instructions to stop print material transfer between the print material supply cartridge and the imaging device. For example, the controller may stop print material transfer in response to the information (e.g., information received and/or sent by the first chip 632) indicating that a reservoir has reached a determined fill level, the reservoir is empty, the print material supply cartridge is empty, the print material supply cartridge is removed, and/or a leak within the imaging device is detected.
[0033] As used herein, the term “reservoir” refers to a physical structure of an imaging device. In some examples, an imaging device can utilize a reservoir to store print material. For example, the reservoir can be an enclosure that can receive and enclose ink that can be utilized by an imaging device. In this example, the reservoir can be filled to store additional print material or store a relatively large quantity of print material for the imaging device. In this example, the reservoir can be drained to reclaim unused print substance at the end of a workable life of an imaging device. Although not illustrated in Figure 8, a reservoir may be located outside of the fluid interconnect 604. For example, print material may be transferred from the print material supply cartridge to the reservoir via the pump, which is located between the fluid interconnect and the reservoir.
[0034] In one example, a user may program the imaging device to use a predetermined amount of print material and once the imaging device has used the predetermined amount, the controller may stop the transfer of print material. In another example, the controller may stop the transfer of print material when the reservoir is empty or the print material supply cartridge is empty/removed, as continuing to attempt to transfer ink may damage the imaging device. The controller may also stop the transfer of ink when a leak within the imaging device is detected to prevent ink or air from entering unwanted areas of the imaging device. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. The controller may generate a notification via a user interface in response to completion of print material transfer. The notification may provide a notification that the transfer of print material is complete and/or to remove the print material supply cartridge.
[0035] The first switch 644 may be disengaged in response to removal of the print material supply cartridge. In response to the first switch 644 being disengaged, the controller may activate the pump to remove print material from the fluid interconnect needle 624 and a path 622 between the fluid interconnect needle 624 and the valve unit 618. The pump may be activated for a predetermined amount of time, in some examples, the predetermined amount of time may correspond to the amount of time between the first switch 644 being disengaged and the second switch 646 being disengaged. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. Because the first switch 644 may be positioned lower within the fluid interconnect 804 than the second switch 646, the first switch 644 may be become disengaged prior to the second switch 646. The valve unit 618 may return to the closed position in response to the disengagement of both the first switch 644 and the second switch 646. While In the closed position, print material can be circulated through the recirculation cavity in order to keep the interior of the valve unit 618 wet.
[0036] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example of an electric interconnect 760 consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated in Figure 7, the electric interconnect 760 can include a controller 735 communicatively coupled to a second chip 728. [0037] In some examples, the controller 735 can include a processing resource 737 and/or a memory resource 739 storing instructions to perform particular functions, A processing resource 737, as used herein, can include a number of processing resources capable of executing instructions stored by a memory resource 739. The instructions (e.g., machine-readable instructions (MRI), computer-readable instructions (CRI), etc.) can include instructions stored on the memory resource 739 and executable by the processing resource 737 to perform or implement a particular function. The memory resource 739, as used herein, can include a number of memory components capable of storing non-transitory instructions that can be executed by the processing resource 737,
[0038] The memory resource 739 can be in communication with the processing resource 737 via a communication link (e.g., communication path). The communication link can be local or remote to an electronic device associated with the processing resource 737. The memory resource 739 includes instructions. In some examples, instructions (e.g., software, firmware, etc.) can be downloaded and stored in memory resource 739 (e.g., MRM) as well as a hard-wired program (e.g., logic), among other possibilities. In other examples, the controller 760 can be hardware, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that can include instructions to perform particular functions.
[0039] As described above, the controller 760 can be utilized to control particular functions of the imaging device. In some examples, the controller can be connected to the second chip 728 through a communication path. For example, the controller can be connected to the second chip 728 through a wired or wireless communication connection. In some examples, the second chip 728 can send information pertaining to print material supply to the controller 735 and the controller 735 can control the print material transfer based on the received information.
[0040] Figure 8 is a section view of an example of a system 870 having a fluid interconnect 804 and a print material supply cartridge 806 consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated in Figure 8, the fluid interconnect 804 can include a first plunger 838 and first switch 844 and the print material supply cartridge 806 can include a first key post 834.
[0041] As described above, when the print material supply cartridge 806 is attached to the fluid interconnect 804, the first key post 834 can apply pressure against the first plunger 838. The pressure applied by the key first post 834 can cause the first plunger 838 to travel vertically (e.g., downward as illustrated in Figure 8). The first plunger 838 can come engage, by coming into contact with, the first switch 844. While not illustrated in Figure 8, engagement of a second switch (e.g., second switch 646 illustrated in Figure 6) by a second plunger (e.g., second plunger 642 illustrated in Figure 6) can occur in a similar manner.
[0042] As described above, when the print material supply cartridge 806 is removed from the fluid interconnect 804, pressure applied to the first plunger 838 by the first key post 834 can also be removed. Removal of the pressure applied by the key first post 834 can cause the first plunger 838 to travel vertically (e.g., upward as illustrated in Figure 8). The first plunger 838 can disengage the first switch 844. While not illustrated in Figure 8, disengagement of a second switch (e.g., second switch 646 illustrated in Figure 6) by a second plunger (e.g., second plunger 642 illustrated in Figure 6) can occur in a similar manner.
[0043] Figure 9 is a section view of an example of a system 980 having a fluid interconnect 904 and a print material supply cartridge 906 consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated in Figure 9, the fluid interconnect 904 can include contact extensions 954 and a first chip 932, and the print material supply cartridge 906 can include a second chip 934.
[0044] As described above, the contact extensions 954 can engage with the second chip 934 to make electrical contact between the first chip 932 and the second chip 934. For example, when the print material supply cartridge 906 having the second chip 934 is inserted into the fluid interconnect 904, the second chip 934 can make contact with the contact extensions 954, which can include the first chip 932. Thus, when the print material supply cartridge is inserted into the fluid interconnect 604, the first chip 932 and the second chip 934 can engage and make electric contact. The first chip 932 and the second chip 934 can transmit information pertaining to the print material supply in response to engagement.
[0045] As described above, the information pertaining to the print material supply can be transmitted to a controller (e.g., controller 735 illustrated in Figure 7). This can allow the controller to control print material transfer, such as print material transferred between the print material supply cartridge 906 and an imaging device, as well as print material circulated through a recirculation cavity.
[0048] In the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electric, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, as used herein, “a” can refer to one such thing or more than one such thing. Additionally, the designator “N” as used herein, particularly with respect to reference numerals in the drawings, indicates that a number of the particular feature so designated can be included with a number of examples of the present disclosure. This number may be the same or different between designations.
[0047] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. For example, reference numeral 102 may refer to element 102 in Figure 1 and an analogous element may be identified by reference numeral 202 in Figure 2. Eiements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated to provide additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.
[0048] It can be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on," "connected to", “coupled to”, or "coupled with" another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an object is “directly coupled to” or “directly coupled with” another element it is understood that are no intervening elements (adhesives, screws, other elements) etc.
[0049] The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the method and applications, and use of the system and method of the disclosure. Since many examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the system and method of the disclosure, this specification merely sets forth some of the many possible example configurations and implementations.