Patent Application
20100026768
This disclosure relates generally to phase change inkjet printers that use phase change ink sticks, and, in particular, to the insertion openings for inserting the ink sticks into the printers.
Solid ink or phase change ink printers conventionally receive ink in a solid form, either as pellets or as ink sticks. The solid ink pellets or ink sticks are typically inserted through an insertion opening of an ink loader for the printer, and the ink sticks are pushed or slid along the feed channel by a feed mechanism and/or gravity toward a heater plate in the heater assembly. The heater plate melts the solid ink impinging on the plate into a liquid that is delivered to a print head for jetting onto a recording medium.
One difficulty faced in solid ink technology is identification and authentication of ink sticks to ensure the correct loading and compatibility of an ink stick with the imaging device in which it is used. For example, unlike powdered or liquid marking materials, the solid form of ink sticks allows the ink sticks to be handled and loaded into a phase change ink printer without the need for a container or cartridge, as is typically required for liquid ink or powdered toner. In addition, the entire ink stick may be melted and consumed, with no need to dispose of, or recycle, any container. Eliminating the need for a container provides many advantages to the use of ink sticks. Containers or cartridges, however, may be provided with electronic tags, barcodes, etc. that may be used to identify and/or authenticate the ink contained therein. Without the use of a container, the mechanisms for authenticating or otherwise identifying the ink stick may be limited.
Provisions have been made to ensure that an ink stick is correctly loaded into the intended feed channel and to ensure that the ink stick is compatible with that printer. One provision is generally directed toward excluding wrong colored or incompatible ink sticks from being inserted into the feed channels of the printer. For example, the correct loading of ink sticks has been accomplished by incorporating keying features into the exterior surface of an ink stick. These features are protuberances or indentations that are located in different positions on an ink stick. An ink stick that does not have the appropriate key elements in the correct position for the particular insertion opening is excluded from insertion.
Ink sticks may be differentiated by keying features according to color as well as intended printing platform or series of printer. World markets, however, have created a situation where ink sticks may have to be differentiated, for example, by pricing, color table preferences, marketing programs, and geographic distribution in addition to color and/or intended printer model. Numerous different keying feature configurations must be incorporated into ink sticks in order to differentiate ink sticks based on color, printer model, marketing program, price point, geographic area, etc. A separate key plate or insertion opening configuration has been typically required for each different keying feature configuration incorporated into ink sticks.
As an alternative to providing a separate key plate or insertion opening configuration for each different ink stick key configuration, an adjustable insertion opening system has been developed that enables shape keyed insertion openings to be adjusted to accept at least two different ink stick configurations. In particular, a system for use with a solid ink delivery system of a phase change ink imaging device comprises an insertion opening configured to enable insertion of ink sticks therethrough and into the ink delivery system. An insertion key is movably supported adjacent the insertion opening such that a portion of the insertion key protrudes into the insertion opening. The portion of the insertion key has a shape that is complementary to a key contour on a first ink stick and a second ink stick. A key positioner is operably coupled to the insertion key to move the insertion key between at least two different predetermined positions on the perimeter of the insertion opening. The predetermined positions include a first position that is complementary to a position and shape of the key contour of the first ink stick and a second position that is complementary to a position and shape of the key contour of the second ink stick.
In another embodiment, a system for use with a phase change ink imaging device comprises an ink delivery system for a phase change ink imaging device; and a plurality of adjustable insertion openings configured to enable insertion of ink sticks therethrough and into the ink delivery system. Each opening in the plurality of insertion openings is configured to receive a different color of ink stick, each of the adjustable insertion openings in the plurality include an insertion key movably supported adjacent the respective insertion opening such that a portion of the insertion key protrudes into the insertion opening. The portion of the insertion key has a shape that is complementary to a ink stick key contour that is incorporated into a first and a second set of multi-color ink sticks. A key positioner is operably coupled to each of the insertion keys in the plurality that is configured to move the insertion keys such that the portion of the insertion key that protrudes into the respective insertion openings is moved between at least two different predetermined positions on the perimeter of the insertion opening. The at least two predetermined positions include a first position that is complementary to a position and shape of the key contour on the first set of ink sticks and a second position that is complementary to a position and shape of the key contour on the second set of ink sticks.
In yet another embodiment, a phase change ink imaging device is provided. The phase change ink imaging device comprises a phase change ink printhead configured to eject melted phase change ink onto an ink receiver. An ink delivery system configured to receive solid ink sticks and to transport the solid ink sticks to an ink melter for melting and delivery to the phase change ink printhead. A plurality of adjustable insertion openings is configured to enable insertion of ink sticks therethrough and into the ink delivery system. Each opening in the plurality of insertion openings is configured to receive a different color of ink stick and includes an insertion key movably supported adjacent the respective insertion opening such that a portion of the insertion key protrudes into the insertion opening. The portion of the insertion key has a shape that is complementary to a ink stick key contour that is incorporated into a first and a second set of multi-color ink sticks. A key positioner is operably coupled to each of the insertion keys in the plurality that is configured to move the insertion keys such that the portion of the insertion key that protrudes into the respective insertion openings is moved between at least two different predetermined positions on the perimeter of the insertion opening. The at least two predetermined positions include a first position that is complementary to a position and shape of the key contour on the first set of ink sticks and a second position that is complementary to a position and shape of the key contour on the second set of ink sticks.
The foregoing aspects and other features of this disclosure are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
For a general understanding of the present embodiments, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate like elements.
As used herein, the term “imaging device” generally refers to a device for applying an image to print media. “Print media” or “recording media” can be a physical sheet of paper, plastic, or other suitable physical print media substrate for images, whether precut or web fed. The imaging device may include a variety of other components, such as finishers, paper feeders, and the like, and may have various embodiments, such as a copier, printer, or a multifunction machine. A “print job” or “document” is normally one or a set of related sheets printed or copied on the imaging device. An image generally includes information in electronic form which is to be rendered on the print media by the marking engine and may include text, graphics, pictures, and the like.
In the exemplary printer shown, the ink access cover 20 is attached to an ink load linkage element 22 so that when the printer ink access cover 20 is raised, the ink load linkage 22 slides and pivots to an ink load position. As seen in
Each longitudinal feed channel 28 delivers ink sticks 30 of one particular color to a corresponding melt plate 32. Each feed channel has a longitudinal feed direction from the insertion end of the feed channel to the melt end of the feed channel. The melt end of the feed channel is adjacent the melt plate. The melt plate melts the solid ink stick into a liquid form. The melted ink drips through a gap 33 between the melt end of the feed channel and the melt plate, and into a liquid ink reservoir (not shown). The feed channels 28 have a longitudinal dimension from the insertion end to the melt end, and a lateral dimension, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension. Each feed channel in the particular embodiment illustrated includes a push block 34 driven by a driving force or element, such as a constant force spring 36, to push the individual ink sticks along the length of the longitudinal feed channel toward the melt plates 32 that are at the melt end of each feed channel. The tension of the constant force spring 36 drives the push block toward the melt end of the feed channel. In a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,903, the ink load linkage 22 is coupled to a yoke 38, which is attached to the constant force spring 36 mounted in the push block 34. The attachment to the ink load linkage 22 pulls the push block 34 toward the insertion end of the feed channel when the ink access cover is raised to reveal the key plate 26. The constant force spring 36 can be a flat spring with its face oriented along a substantially vertical axis. Persons familiar with the art will identify that other orientations of the ink stick feed channel may be used, and that other techniques are available to move the ink sticks from the insertion end of the feed channel to the melt end.
A color printer may use four colors of ink (yellow, cyan, magenta, and black). Ink sticks 30 of each color are delivered through a corresponding individual one of the solid ink feed channels 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D. The key plate 26 has keyed openings 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D to aid the printer user in ensuring that only ink sticks of the proper color are inserted into each feed channel. Each keyed opening of the key plate has a unique shape. The ink sticks 30 of the color for that feed channel have a shape corresponding to the shape of the keyed opening. The keyed openings and corresponding ink stick shapes exclude from each ink feed channel ink sticks of all colors except the ink sticks of the proper color for that feed channel of that particular printer.
An ink stick may take many forms. One exemplary solid ink stick 100 for use in the ink delivery system is illustrated in
Ink sticks may include key contours that aid in the insertion of ink sticks through the correct insertion opening and corresponding feed channel associated with a particular ink stick. Key contours may comprise surface features formed into the ink stick such as protrusions and/or indentations that are located in different positions on an ink stick for interacting with complementarily shaped and positioned key elements in the insertion openings of the printer. As an example, the ink stick of
Each color for a printer may have a unique arrangement of one or more key elements in the outer perimeter of the ink stick to form a unique cross-sectional shape for that particular color ink stick. The combination of the keyed openings in the key plate and the keyed shapes of the ink sticks insure that only ink sticks of the proper color are inserted into each feed channel. A set of ink sticks is formed of an ink stick of each color, with a unique key feature arrangement for ink sticks of each color.
Key contours may also be used to differentiate ink sticks based on other parameters besides color such as printer model, marketing program, price point, geographic area, etc. For example, all of the ink sticks that are intended to be used with a particular printer model may be equipped with a series key contour in a predetermined position on each ink stick. A series key contour that is associated with a particular model of printer may be formed on each ink stick or ink stick configuration that is compatible with or intended to be used with the particular printer model. Each insertion opening of the particular printer model may then be equipped with a key element that is complementarily shaped and positioned with respect to the series key contour incorporated into the ink sticks intended for that printer model. Ink stick groups intended for different printer models, marketing programs, price points, geographic areas, etc. may be equipped with one or more series key contours of different sizes, shapes, and/or positions on the ink sticks from group to group.
Referring to
In order to configure a printer or ink delivery system to utilize a particular ink stick configuration, ink delivery systems are equipped with the appropriate key plate 26 or insertion opening configuration corresponding to the select ink stick configuration. In previously known systems, a uniquely configured ink delivery system or at least a uniquely configured key plate 26 or insertion opening configuration has been required for each different key contour configuration incorporated into ink sticks. Due to the numerous key contour configurations that are possible, however, creating ink delivery systems or key plate configurations for each ink key configuration can be costly.
As an alternative to providing a separate key plate or insertion opening for each different key contour configuration incorporated into ink sticks, ink delivery systems may be provided with adjustable insertion openings, which may be automatic, that enable the shape of one or more insertion openings to be adjusted to accommodate different ink sticks or ink stick sets. In one embodiment, adjustable insertion openings may be implemented by using movable or mechanized insertion key elements movably positioned adjacent one or more of the insertion openings of an ink delivery system that each may be moved with respect to an insertion opening to at least two different positions along the perimeter of the insertion openings corresponding to positions of key contours that are included in at least two different ink sticks or ink stick sets.
In the embodiment of
The key element support 110 may have any suitable configuration that enables the insertion key element 108 to be supported adjacent an insertion opening 24 of an ink delivery system and to be moved between at least two predetermined positions E, F at which the insertion key element 108 is adjacent and protruding into the insertion opening 24. In the embodiment of
In one embodiment, the key element 108 and support 110 of the key assembly may be formed integrally of any suitable material such as plastic or metal. The key element, however, may be formed separately and fixedly or removably attached to the support of the key assembly in any suitable manner. Similarly, the support may be may be configured for removable attachment to the ink delivery system so that the movable key assembly may be easily replaced in the field if damaged or in order to reconfigure the insertion openings.
The movable key assembly 104 is operably coupled to a positioner 114 that is configured to move the key element 108 between two or more pre-selected positions, E, F in relation to the insertion opening 24. For example, the key element positioner 114 of
The positioner 114 may comprise any suitable device that is capable of imparting the necessary motion to the insertion key element to move the key element between at least two predetermined positions in relation to an insertion opening. For example, the positioner may be configured to impart the necessary motion pneumatically, electrically, mechanically or any combination thereof and may comprise a motor, solenoid or any similar device. In one embodiment, the positioner comprises a motor with a leadscrew coupling that is capable of providing the necessary movement and may then be held securely in place so as to withstand attempts to alter its position by manual manipulation once the position of the insertion element has been set. In another embodiment, the positioner comprises a solenoid driven element that may be capable of being locked in place when driven to one of the solenoid travel limits.
As mentioned, the insertion key element 108 of the adjustable insertion opening system is configured to be moved between at least two predetermined positions, or configuration settings, in relation to the insertion opening in order to reconfigure the insertion opening shape to accept a first ink stick shape and to exclude a second ink stick shape or to accept the second ink stick shape and to exclude the first ink stick shape. One way exclusion may intentionally be implemented. As example, a second shape may be admitted in an opening configured for the first or the second shape but the first shape would not be admitted through an opening configured for the second shape. The system, however, may be configured to move the insertion key element to any suitable number of positions that correspond to key contour positions in a plurality of different ink stick configurations. One of the multiple configuration settings may be used as a default and the default may be a setting that allows one ink set to be inserted. In another embodiment, the adjustable insertion opening system may be configured to include a preliminary configuration setting, or factory position, at which the insertion key element may be positioned in relation to an insertion opening that is intended to prevent or block the insertion of any, none or all ink sticks until the adjustable insertion opening system has been “set” to utilize a particular ink stick configuration.
The system includes a controller 118 that is operably coupled to the positioner 114 to actuate the positioner to move the insertion key element 108 to the first position E or the second position F, or to any other desired position with respect to the insertion opening. In one embodiment, the controller 118 is configured to actuate the positioner 114 to move the insertion key element to one of a plurality of pre-selected positions along the perimeter of the insertion opening based on input to the imaging device that identifies the ink stick or ink stick set that is to be used with the product at its end user site. Accordingly, the controller is configured to receive as an input an ink stick identifier that indicates an ink stick type or configuration that is intended to be used with the imaging device. In response to receiving a particular ink stick identifier, the controller is configured to actuate the positioner to move the insertion key element of the adjustable insertion opening system to a predetermined position in relation to an insertion opening that corresponds to the ink stick identifier received by the controller. Any suitable device or method may be utilized to provide the controller with an appropriate ink stick identifier. For example, ink stick identifiers may be input via the control panel of the imaging device or a computer operably coupled to the imaging device via a communications network. In other embodiments, ink stick identifiers that enable a controller to set the adjustable insertion opening system to one of the predetermined positions may be provided by an identifier (ID) chip, configuration card, sensed features of the ink stick, or memory device that may be inserted into the imaging device. Ink stick identifiers may have any suitable form capable of conveying meaning to the controller such as a string of alphanumeric characters. The point in time relative to product set up at the end user site where the ink delivery system is configured for use with appropriate ink sticks may occur at the factory, a distribution site, a point of sale location, the end user site or any other appropriate location.
Mechanized or movable elements that alter ink stick insertion opening configurations may be configured to alter a portion or all of a perimeter segment of an insertion opening. For example, key elements of movable key assemblies may correspond to movable surround elements that define one or more entire perimeter segment shapes of an insertion opening and may include one or more contour shapes that correspond to key contours incorporated into ink sticks. The contour shapes incorporated into movable surround elements may be complementary to recessed or protruding key contour shapes. For example,
A separate movable key assembly may be separately provided for one or more insertion openings of an ink delivery system. In such an embodiment, each movable key assembly may be separately controlled by controller to adjust each insertion opening individually. The movable key assemblies may be utilized to provide series and/or color keying functions to the insertion openings of the ink delivery system. More than one movable key may be provided for a single insertion opening that may be movable as a unit or separately adjustable. In addition, movable key elements may be provided along substantially any of the perimeter segments of an insertion opening.
As an alternative to providing individually controlled movable key assemblies for each insertion opening, the movable key assemblies for each insertion opening of an ink delivery system may be coupled so that all of the insertion openings of an ink delivery system may be adjusted simultaneously. For example,
In the embodiment of
The key element support 138 may have any suitable configuration that enables each insertion key element 134 to be supported adjacent the appropriate insertion opening of the ink delivery system such that movement of the support 138 causes a corresponding movement of the key elements 134 in relation to the respective insertion openings. In the embodiment of
As mentioned above, the adjustable key shape may be provided by a movable key element in conjunction with a fixed element.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications can be made to the specific implementations of the adjustable insertion opening key elements described above. Therefore, the following claims are not to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described above. The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
