Patent Application
20060012643
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for ink conduits carrying ink between an ink source and a print head in an inkjet printer; and, more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for the outlet of an ink flow regulator having an output delivering ink to a print head of an inkjet printer.
2. Background of the Invention
The flow of fluids through predetermined conduits has been generally accomplished using a valve and/or a pressure source. More specifically, valves come in various shapes and sizes and include as a subset, check valves. These valves prevent the reversal of fluid flow from the direction the fluid passed by the valve. A limitation of check valves is that the volumetric flow of the fluid past the valve is controlled by the inlet side fluid pressure. If the inlet pressure is greater than the outlet pressure, the valve will open and fluid will pass by the valve; if not, the inlet fluid will be relatively stagnant and the valve will not open.
Inkjet printers must take ink from an ink source and direct the ink to the print head where the ink is selectively deposited onto a substrate to form dots comprising an image discernable by the human eye. Two general types of systems have been developed for providing the pressure source to facilitate movement of the ink from the ink source to the print head. These generally include gravitational flow system and pumping systems. Pumping systems as the title would imply create an artificial pressure differential between the ink source and the print head to pump the fluid from the ink source to the print head. Generally, these pumping systems have many moving parts and need complex flow control systems operatively coupled thereto. Gravitational flow avoids many of these moving parts and complex systems.
Gravitational fluid flow is the most common way of delivering ink from an ink reservoir to a print head for eventual deposition onto a substrate, especially when the print head includes a carrier for the ink source. However, this gravitational flow may cause a problem in that excess ink is allowed to enter the print head and accumulate, being thereafter released or deposited onto an unintended substrate or onto one or more components of the inkjet printer. Thus, the issue of selective control of ink flow from a gravitational source has also relied upon the use of valves. As discussed above, a check valve has not unitarily been able to solve the problems of regulating ink flow, at least in part because the inlet pressure varies with atmospheric pressure, and when the valve is submerged, the pressure is exerted by the fluid itself.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,693, entitled “Ink Interconnect Between Print Cartridge and Carriage”, assigned to Hewlett-Packard Company, describes an internal regulator for a print cartridge that regulates the pressure of the ink chamber within the print cartridge. The regulator design includes a plurality of moving parts having many complex features. Thus, there is a need for a regulator to regulate the flow of ink from an ink source to a print head that includes fewer moving parts, that is relatively easy to manufacture and assemble, and that does not necessitate direct coupling to the atmosphere to properly function.
The invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for ink conduits carrying ink between an ink source and a print head in an inkjet printer; and, more particularly, to methods and apparatuses for maintaining sealed fluidic interfaces for the outlet of an ink flow regulator having an output delivering ink to a print head of an inkjet printer. The invention makes use of a mechanical device providing control over the flow of a fluid from a fluid source to at least a point of accumulation. More specifically, the invention makes use of an ink flow regulator that selectively allows fluid communication between the ink source and the print head so as to supply the print head with ink, while substantially inhibiting the free flow through the print head. The regulator comprises a pressurized chamber, generally exhibiting negative gauge pressure therewithin, having an ink flow inlet and an ink flow outlet. A seal is biased against the ink inlet to allow selective fluid communication between the interior of the pressurized chamber and an ink source. A flexible wall, acting as a diaphragm, is integrated with a chamber wall to selectively expand outwardly from and contract inwardly towards the interior of the chamber depending upon the relative pressure differential across the flexible wall. The pressure differential depends upon the pressure of the interior of the chamber versus the pressure on the outside of the flexible wall.
As the flexible wall contracts inwardly towards the interior of the chamber, it actuates a lever. The lever includes a sealing arm and an opposing flexible arm, and pivots on a fulcrum. The sealing arm includes the seal biased against the ink inlet, while the flexible arm is angled with respect to the sealing arm and includes a spoon-shaped aspect contacting the flexible wall. As the flexible wall continues contracting inward, the flexible arm flexes without pivoting the lever until the force of the wall against the flexible arm is sufficient to overcome the bias biasing the sealing arm against the inlet. When the force against the lever is sufficient to overcome the bias, the lever pivots about the fulcrum to release the seal at the ink inlet, thereby allowing ink to flow into the chamber until the pressure differential is reduced such that the bias again overcomes the reduced push created by the inward contraction of the flexible wall.
It is noted that the regulator is not a check valve, as the operation of the regulator is independent from the inlet pressure. In other words, a check valve is dependent upon the inlet pressure, whereas this regulator provides a relatively small inlet cross sectional area in relation to the size and relative forces action upon the regulator system that effectively negates any variance in inlet pressure. Thus, increasing the inlet pressure does not affect the operation of the regulator.
The above regulator is of relatively little use if a sealed fluid connection between the inlet of the ink regulator, in fluid communication with an ink source, and the outlet of the ink regulator, in fluid communication with a print head, cannot be achieved. Therefore, the present invention concerns methods and apparatuses for providing sealed fluidic interfaces between the inlet and outlet of the regulator that are relatively inexpensive, relatively compact in size, relatively easy to manufacture, and relatively easy to assemble. More specifically, the present invention maintains these sealed fluidic interfaces while providing an apparatus and/or a method of mounting the regulator to one of the print head base or a component mounted to the print head base. Still further, the invention makes use of polymer films as a way of retaining components alignment and a sealed fluid interface of a print cartridge or an ink cartridge. Exemplary mounting techniques for maintaining the sealed fluidic interfaces include laser welding, impulse sealing, and heat staking, to name a few.
It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a method of assembling a print head. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a print head base including a nozzle and at least one ink channel; (b) mounting in fluid communication with the ink channel of the print head base an ink regulator that includes: (i) a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet in fluid communication with an ink source, an ink outlet in fluid communication with the ink channel of the print head base, and an exterior flexible wall having an inner surface facing an interior of the pressurized chamber, (ii) a valve biased to restrict fluid communication between the ink source and the pressurized chamber, where the exterior flexible wall actuates the valve to overcome the bias in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall to provide fluid communication between the ink source and the pressurized chamber, where the fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink source decreases the pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall, and where the valve restricts fluid communication between the ink source and the pressurized chamber when the pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall is less than the predetermined pressure differential; and (c) positioning an ink filter in fluid communication with the ink regulator and the ink channel of the print head base.
In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the ink filter is positioned within a housing coupled to the print head base. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator is laser welded to an adapter operatively coupled to the print head base. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator is mounted to the print head base by a snap-fitting. In a further detailed embodiment, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filter throughputs. In still a further detailed embodiment, the mounting step includes the steps of mounting the ink regulator to an ink filter cap and mounting the ink filter cap to the print head base. In a more detailed embodiment, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter and ink filter cap between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filter throughputs. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter cap is laser welded to the print head base. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator is mounted to the ink filter cap by utilizing ultrasonic welding, heat staking, impulse sealing, or an adhesive.
In an alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the ink filter comprises stainless steel. In another more detailed embodiment, the mounting step includes the step of mounting the ink regulator to the print head base, sandwiching the ink filter between the ink regulator and the print head base. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter is recessed within at least a portion of the ink regulator. In a further detailed embodiment, the ink filter is recessed within at least a portion of the print head base. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the print head base includes three separate ink channels in fluid communication with three separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter between the regulators and the print head base to provide three distinct ink filters. In still a further detailed embodiment, the ink filter is positioned between the ink regulator and the ink filter cap. In a more detailed embodiment, the ink filter cap is mounted to the print head base utilizing welding, an adhesive, impulse sealing, or heat staking. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter is mounted to the ink filter cap. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink regulator and the print head base sandwich a seal, the ink filter, and the ink filter cap therebetween.
In another alternate detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter, the ink filter cap, and the seal mounted between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filter throughputs. In another more detailed embodiment, the mounting step includes the step of mounting the ink regulator to the print head base and, the ink filter is mounted to the ink filter cap utilizing heat staking, welding, impulse sealing, or an adhesive. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter is simultaneously mounted to the ink filter cap and the print head base. In a further detailed embodiment, the ink filter is mounted to the print head base after the ink filter is mounted to the ink filter cap. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the ink regulator and the print head base also sandwich a seal, where the seal can be an O-ring. In still a further detailed embodiment, a retention clip is operatively coupled to the ink regulator and the ink filter cap to mount the ink filter cap to the ink regulator, while sandwiching the seal between the ink filter cap and the ink regulator. In a more detailed embodiment, the seal includes an ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer. In another more detailed embodiment, the ink filter includes a recess for seating the seal therein and, the seal includes at least one wall partially defining a volume circumscribing the perimeter of a portion of the ink filter to provide, at least in part, a separable ink throughput in fluid communication with the ink channel of the print head. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the print head base includes two separate ink channels in fluid communication with two separate ink regulators collectively sandwiching the ink filter and the seal between the regulators and the print head base to provide two distinct ink filters throughputs.
It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide an ink regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head outlet. The regulator comprises: (a) a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet adapted to provide fluid communication with an ink source, an ink outlet adapted to provide fluid communication with a print head outlet, and at least one exterior flexible wall having an inner surface facing an interior of the pressurized chamber; (b) a lever including a flexible arm extending along a portion of the exterior flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal, the seal discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is pivoted to a second position, the lever being biased to the first position; and (c) an attachment interface for coupling in fluid communication the ink outlet of the regulator to a print head body, an ink filter tower, an ink filter cap, or an outlet of an ink reservoir, where a higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the exterior flexible wall to apply force against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall, overcoming the bias, to thereby pivot the lever to the second position, reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet, where a lower pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall to weaken, succumbing to the bias, which pivots the lever back to the first position, discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet and, where a pressure change from the lower pressure differential to the higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall to increase and flex the flexible arm without overcoming the bias.
In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the attachment interface includes at least one boss adapted to be received by the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In another more detailed embodiment, a seal is adapted to be mounted between the regulator and the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir, where the seal may be a compression seal. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the seal includes an ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer. In a further detailed embodiment, the attachment interface is adapted to receive a boss operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In still a further detailed embodiment, a dominant dimension of the regulator (the length, the width, or the height) is mounted to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir such that the dominant dimension of the regulator is generally vertically or horizontally oriented. In a more detailed embodiment, the attachment interface receives a clamp adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In a more detailed embodiment, the clamp provides a snap fit when coupled to the regulator, the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In another more detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a throughput for a fluid conduit of the regulator. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a first snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the attachment interface of the regulator, and a second snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In still another more detailed embodiment, the first snap fit end opposes the second snap fit end.
It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide an ink regulator adapted to regulate the throughput of an ink between an ink source and a print head outlet. The regulator comprises: (a) a pressurized chamber including an ink inlet adapted to provide fluid communication with an ink source, an ink outlet adapted to provide fluid communication with a print head outlet, and at least one exterior flexible wall having an inner surface facing an interior of the pressurized chamber; (b) a lever including a flexible arm extending along a portion of the exterior flexible wall and an opposing arm operatively coupled to a seal, the seal discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is in a first position and reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet when the lever is pivoted to a second position, the lever being biased to the first position; and (c) a means for coupling in fluid communication the ink outlet of the regulator to at least one of a print head body, an ink filter tower, an ink filter cap, or an outlet of an ink reservoir; where a higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the exterior flexible wall to apply force against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall, overcoming the bias, to thereby pivot the lever to the second position, reestablishing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet, where a lower pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall against the flexible arm contacting the exterior flexible wall to weaken, succumbing to the bias, which pivots the lever back to the first position, discontinuing fluid communication between the pressurized chamber and the ink inlet, and where a pressure change from the lower pressure differential to the higher pressure differential across the exterior flexible wall causes the force applied by the exterior flexible wall to increase and flex the flexible arm without overcoming the bias.
In a more detailed embodiment of the third aspect, the coupling means includes a snap fitting. In a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes an adapter mounted to the outlet of the regulator. In still a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes ultrasonic welding. In another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes heat staking. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes laser welding. In a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes an adhesive. In still a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes ultrasonic sealing. In a more detailed embodiment, the coupling means retains the position of the ink filter between the outlet of the of the regulator and at least one of the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, and the outlet of the ink reservoir. In a more detailed embodiment, the coupling means retains the position of the seal between the outlet of the of the regulator and the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. In another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes a boss adapted to be received by the print head body, regulator, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the coupling means is adapted to receive a boss operatively coupled to the print head body, the regulator, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir to provide a snap fit. In a further detailed embodiment, the coupling means includes a clamp adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the regulator, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the clamp provides a snap fit when coupled to the regulator, the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In still a further detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a throughput for the ink outlet of the regulator. In even a further detailed embodiment, the clamp includes a first snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the regulator, and a second snap fit end adapted to be operatively coupled to the print head body, the ink filter tower, the ink filter cap, or the outlet of the ink reservoir. In another detailed embodiment, the first snap fit end opposes the second snap fit end.
It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide a method of mounting a septum approximate an outlet of an ink conduit. The method comprises the steps of: (a) positioning a septum in fluid communication with an ink outlet of an ink conduit; (b) mounting, in a circumferential manner, a flexible film to the septum to create a first seal between the flexible film and the septum that circumscribes an orifice in the septum; and (c) mounting, in a circumferential manner, the flexible film to a wall of the ink conduit to create a second seal between the flexible film and the outlet of the ink conduit that circumscribes the septum to inhibit ink within the ink conduit from passing beyond the ink outlet.
In a more detailed embodiment of the fourth aspect, an opening is provided in the flexible film that is aligned with the orifice in the septum. In another more detailed embodiment, the mounting steps occur concurrently. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the septum is at least partially within the ink conduit and flexible film retains the septum within the ink conduit. In a further detailed embodiment, the septum is not a compression fitting. In still a further detailed embodiment, the flexible film is mounted to the septum before the flexible film is mounted to the wall of the ink conduit.
It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide a fluid supply valve comprising: (a) a fluid conduit bounding the flow of a fluid contained therein; (b) a valve body in series with the fluid conduit, the valve body having an aperture therethrough in fluid communication with a valve seat adapted to receive a plug to selectively inhibit fluid communication between an upstream region of the valve seat and a downstream region of the valve seat; and (c) a film bonded to the fluid conduit and bonded to the valve body to create a seal to inhibit the fluid from passing between the valve body and a wall of the fluid conduit, where the film at least partially retains the valve body in series with the fluid conduit.
In a more detailed embodiment of the fifth aspect, the fluid conduit is an outlet conduit from at least one of an ink reservoir and an ink regulator. In another more detailed embodiment, the valve body includes a septum and, the plug includes a ball operatively coupled to a compression spring and, the ball is biased by the compression spring to inhibit fluid communication between the upstream region of the valve seat and a downstream region of the valve seat. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the valve body includes a thermoplastic elastomeric material. In still a further detailed embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomeric material includes a polyolefin. In even a further detailed embodiment, the film includes at least one of a polyolefin, a nylon, a polyester, an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and a metal. In an additional detailed embodiment, the polyolefin includes at least one of polypropylene and polyethylene. In another detailed embodiment, the film includes multiple layers. In yet another detailed embodiment, the film includes a synthetic rubber and the synthetic rubber includes an ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer.
In an alternate detailed embodiment of the fifth aspect, the film is bonded to the fluid conduit in a circumscribed manner and the film is bonded to the valve body in a circumscribed manner. In still a further detailed embodiment, the fluid includes ink and, the film includes a hole generally aligned with the aperture of the valve body and, the hole in the film and the aperture of the valve body are adapted to receive a needle from a receiving structure to selectively displace the plug to provide fluid communication between the upstream region of the valve seat and the downstream region of the valve seat and, the downstream region of the valve seat is in fluid communication with one or more nozzles of a print head. In even a further detailed embodiment, the receiving structure may be an on-carrier or off-carrier assembly of an ink jet printer. In an additional detailed embodiment, the fluid includes ink and, the aperture of the valve body is adapted to receive a needle from a receiving structure to selectively displace the plug to provide fluid communications between the upstream region of the valve seat and the downstream region of the valve seat and, the needle of the receiving structure pierces the film to create a hole before contacting the plug and, the downstream region of the valve seat is in fluid communication with one or more nozzles of a print head. In a more detailed exemplary embodiment, the receiving structure may be an on-carrier or off-carrier assembly of an ink jet printer. In even a further detailed exemplary embodiment, the seal is maintained after the needle pierces the film.
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below as ink regulators and/or ink cartridges (reservoirs) utilizing such regulators, for regulating the volumetric flow of ink between an ink source and a point of expulsion, generally encompassing a print head. The various orientational, positional, and reference terms used to describe the elements of the inventions are therefore used according to this frame of reference. Further, the use of letters and symbols in conjunction with reference numerals denote analogous structures and functionality of the base reference numeral. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments may also be used in combination with one or more components to produce a functional ink cartridge for an inkjet printer. In such a case, the orientational or positional terms may be different. However, for clarity and precision, only a single orientational or positional reference will be utilized; and, therefore it will be understood that the positional and orientational terms used to describe the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are only used to describe the elements in relation to one another. For example, the regulator of the exemplary embodiments may be submerged within an ink reservoir and positioned such that the lengthwise portion is aligned vertically therein, thus effectively requiring like manipulation with respect to the orientational explanations.
As shown in
The regulator will typically function in a cyclical process as shown in
Referencing
Referencing
Thus, the bias and the properties of the lever enable the lever 24 to flex first, and thereafter when the amount of force applied to the lever is greater than the force applied by the spring to bias the lever closed, the lever pivots. This relatively high pressure differential between the contents of the chamber and the environment causes ink from the higher pressure ink source to pour into the chamber. The incoming volume of ink reduces the pressure differential such that the flexible wall expands outward from the chamber (inflating) to arrive again at the position as shown in
The floor 36 includes a generally cylindrical orifice forming the ink outlet 14′ and a generally oval orifice 44 over which the flexible wall/diaphragm 22′ is mounted. A pair of perpendicular, diametrical spring supports 46 (forming a cross) are positioned within the cylindrical channel of the outlet 14′, where the central hub of the cross formed by the pair of diametrical supports 46 extends upwardly to form an axial projection for seating a spring 50 thereabout. Circumferentially arranges gaps 49 between the supports 46 provide fluid communication between the chamber 16′ and the ink outlet 14′ (see
The lever 24′ includes a strip of spring metal 52 with a spoon-shaped first end 28′ and an encapsulated second end 54. The spoon-shaped end 28′ is angled with respect to the encapsulated end 54. The encapsulated end 54 is encapsulated by a block 56 of plastic material where the block 56 includes the pair of bearing pins 42 extending axially outward along the pivot axis of the fulcrum 20′; and also includes a counter-bored channel 58 extending therethrough for seating an elastomeric sealing plug 60 therein. The strip 52 of spring metal also includes a hole 62 extending therethrough that is concentric with the channel 58 in the encapsulated body 56 for accommodating the sealing plug 60. The plug 60 includes a disk-shaped head 64 and an axial stem 66 extending downwardly therefrom. As can be seen in
The base 34 is capped by a plastic lid 70 having a generally rectangular shape matching that of the rectangular opening formed by the elongated side walls 38 and end walls 40 of the base 34. The lid 70 has a generally planar top surface with the exception of a generally conical channel extending there through to form the inlet 18′ of the pressurized chamber 16′. The lower side of the lid 70 includes a series of bases or projections 72 for registering the lid on the base 34. In an alternate embodiment, the lid may include a cylindrical tube (coupled to element 71 of
The flexible wall 22′ is preferably a thin polymer film attached around the outer edges of the oval opening 44 extending through the floor 36 of the base 34. The area of the film 22′ positioned within the opening 44 is larger than the area of the opening 44 so that the flexible film 22′ can expand outwardly and contract inwardly with the changes of the pressure differential between the pressurized chamber 16′ and the outer surface 74 of the film (where the pressure on the outer surface 74 of the film may be ambient pressure, pressure of ink within and ink reservoir, etc.).
Assembly of the regulator includes providing the base 34; positioning the spring 50 on the seat 48; positioning the pins 42 of the lever 24′ within the bearing seats formed in the elongated side walls 38 of the base 34 and seating the dome 68 on the spring 50 such that the spoon-shaped end 28′ of the lever contacts the inner surface 76 of the flexible wall 22′; and mounting the lid 70 thereover so as to seal the pressurized chamber 16 therein. Operation of the regulator 10′ is as described above with respect to the regulator 10 of
As shown in
The cylindrical opening 73 in the floor 36A includes a spring seat 75 for seating the lower portion of the spring 50A therein. The spring seat 75 includes a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the walls of the cylindrical opening 73 that provide substantially L-shaped ribs 77 (four in this exemplary embodiment) in elevational cross-section. The vertical portion of the L-shaped ribs 77 tapers and transitions inward toward the interior walls to provide a relatively smooth transition between the rib surfaces potentially contacting the spring 50A and the interior walls of the cylindrical opening 73. The horizontal portion of the L-shaped rib 77 provides a plateau upon which the spring 50A is seated thereon. The tapered portions of the ribs 77 work in conjunction to provide a conical guide for aligning the spring 50a within the spring seat 75.
In assembling this exemplary embodiment, the tapered portion of the L-shaped ribs 77 effectively provides a conical guide for aligning the spring 50A within the spring seat 75. In other words, the L-shaped ribs 77 within the cylindrical opening 73 provides ease in assembly as the spring 50A is placed longitudinally approximate the throughput 79 and becomes gravitationally vertically aligned within the opening 73, thereby reducing the level of precision necessary to assembly this exemplary embodiment.
As shown in
A siphon hose (not shown) may be operatively coupled to the ink inlet 18A to by way of the hose coupling 71A to provide fluid communication between a lower ink accumulation point 88A of the reservoir 78A and the ink inlet 18A. While the above exemplary embodiments have been described and shown where the coupling adapter 93 is integrated into, and functions concurrently as a filter cap for the print head 82, it is also within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide an adapter that is operatively mounted in series between a filter cap of the print head 82 and the regulator 10A.
As shown in
The print head assembly 90 includes a multi-chamber body 34″, a top lid 70″ having three inlet hose couplings 71″ for providing fluid communication with the three ink sources, three levers 24″, three springs 50″, a seal 92, three filters 94, a nose 96, and the tri-color print head heater chip assembly 101. Each chamber 16″ is generally analogous to the chamber described in the previous exemplary embodiments.
Referencing
Referencing
As shown in
It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a siphon hose (not shown) operatively coupled to the inlet 136 of the fluid regulator 113 (see
It is further within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide a mounting clip (such as a clip similar to the retention clip 111) that mounts an inlet of an ink regulator to an outlet of an ink cartridge (such as an ink tank) that is remote from a print head base. Such an exemplary embodiment may be typified as an off-carrier type of embodiment.
As shown in
Referencing
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The seal 118″ is likewise mounted to the outlet 112″ of the ink regulator 113″. Thereafter, the outlet of the ink regulator 113″, the seal 118″, and the standpipe 202 are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. An adapter 107, as shown in
It is also within the scope and spirit of the present invention to provide the recessed surface 204 on the outlet 112″ of the ink regulator 113″. In such an exemplary embodiment, the filter 132″ is recessed within the outlet 112″ of the regulator 113″ while concurrently maintaining the relatively smooth outer circumferential surface of the outlet 112″ with which the seal 118″ may be sandwiched between the outlet 112′ and the standpipe 202 at a relatively smooth surface 210 to provide a fluidic seal utilizing one or more of the above exemplary procedures.
Referencing
As shown in
A seal 118A is positioned between the outlet 112A of the ink regulator 113A and an interface 214A of the ink filter cap 122A, with the interface 214A including a flat or contoured surface to mate with the flat or contoured seal 118A. Thereafter, the outlet 112A of the ink regulator 113A, the seal 118A, and the ink filter cap 122A are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. An adapter 107, as shown in
Referencing
A seal 118B is positioned between the outlet 112B of the ink regulator 113B and an interface 214B of the ink filter cap 122B. Thereafter, the outlet of the ink regulator 113B, the seal 118B, and the ink filter cap 122B are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. Still further, an adapter 107, as shown in
Referencing
A seal 118C is positioned between the outlet 112C of the ink regulator 113C and an interface 214C of the ink filter cap 122C. Thereafter, the outlet of the ink regulator 113C, the seal 118C, and the ink filter cap 122C are compressed and mounted to one another to provide a fluidic seal therebetween. As stated above, exemplary techniques for mounting the ink regulator 113C, the seal 118C, the adapter 107, and the ink filter cap 122C include, without limitation, heat staking, impulse sealing, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, snap fit, press fit, friction welding, and adhesive bonding. A resultant sealed fluidic channel is ensured for ink to flow between the inlet of the regulator 113C and the opening 208C of the standpipe 208C of the print head base 130C.
It is likewise within the scope and spirit of the present invention to mount the fluid regulator 113 to the print head base 130 such that the ink outlet 112 of the regulator is oriented in a generally horizontal and/or generally vertical direction. As the regulator is fully operative when submerged within an ink source or outside of an ink source, the general orientation of the regulator is arbitrary.
As shown in
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the film 180 is sealed to both the bottom surface of the ink tank stem 152 and the bottom surface of the septum 154, so as to effectively provide an annular seal between the inner circumferential surface 182 of the ink tank stem and the outer circumferential surface 184 of the septum. In the exemplary embodiment, the film 180 is heat-sealed to both the bottom surface of the ink stem 152 and the bottom surface of the septum 154. Both heat seals circumscribe the ink channel 164. To allow for such a heat-seal bond, the septum, ink tank stem and film materials are selected such that the film material is heat sealable to both the septum material and the ink tank stem material. In the exemplary embodiment, the film 180 also includes a hole 186 extending there through that is axially aligned with the ink channel 164 of the septum and having a diameter larger than that of the lower cylindrical portion 166 of the ink channel 164. In this exemplary embodiment, the ink tank stem 152, the septum 154, the ink channel 164, and the needle 170 may also have a non-circular cross-section.
Assembly of the seal and interface system 150 may be accomplished by heat-sealing the film 180 to the lower surface of the septum 154, stacking the various components within the ink tank stem 152 and then heat-sealing the film 180 extending radially from the septum 154 against the lower surface of the ink tank stem 152. This construction process is advantageous in a situation in which the lower surfaces of the septum 154 and ink tank stem 152 are not flush, having stepwise offsets. It is also within the scope of the invention to allow for simultaneous heat-welding of the film to both the ink tank stem 152 and septum 154. The hole 186 may be punched into the film 180 prior to construction, prior to attachment of the septum, or even after all components are assembled. In addition to heat-welding the film 180 to the ink stem 152 and/or the septum 154, laser welding can be used to provide sufficient seals. Laser welding is also advantageous in the embodiment in which the film 180 is replaced with a thicker cap of material. In such an embodiment, the cap material should have a certain level of laser light transparency to allow the laser light to pass through, and the base materials being bonded thereto need to absorb the laser energy through the laser light transparent cap.
In the exemplary embodiment of
The present seal approach may also be used for other applications. One such application could be to create a multi-piece flexible diaphragm to replace the control valve disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,137, which shows a thin rubber diaphragm attached to a support ring. This could be replaced by attaching the central seal region to the film by one of the above methods described, and then attaching the diaphragm to the tank without needing an extra support ring. U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,436 shows a method of insert molding a TPE material onto a ring to form the backpressure control member. As can be seen, this also has a seal member attached to the film for a seal and a film attached to the body or support member for the second portion of the seal. The embodiment of the seal and inlet system as shown and described above in
Another prior art seal system for use in replaceable ink tanks holds and seals the septum in place with film. The prior art film is continuous without any holes in it. Therefore, during tank insertion, the needle of the print head assembly must first puncture the film before creating the seal with the septum in pushing the check system out of sealing engagement with the septum. Both this prior art system and the embodiment of the present invention disclosed in
Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the inventions contained herein are not limited to these precise embodiments and that changes may be made to them without departing from the scope of the inventions as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.
The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,377, filed on Jun. 18, 2003, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10465377 | Jun 2003 | US |
| Child | 11232059 | Sep 2005 | US |
