Air inhalation prevention

Abstract

According to one example, a printhead storage device includes a printhead recess for receiving a printhead, a container having an internal chamber, and a fluid interconnection device providing printing fluid in the internal chamber, the fluid interconnection device including a fluid path to the internal chamber. When a printhead is inserted into the recess, the fluid interconnection device connects to the printhead, thereby providing fluid connectivity between the printhead and the internal chamber, and wherein the printhead is inoperable when inserted into the printhead recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the prevention of air inhalation. Background Technology

[0002] A printing system includes printheads for distributing printing fluid onto a medium, the printheads being supplied with printing fluid via fluid lines connected to a fluid supply source. In some cases, some printheads can be disconnected from the fluid lines to switch printing modes of the printing system, replace the current printhead with another printhead with similar characteristics, or remove a faulty printhead. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a printhead storage device is provided, comprising: a printhead recess for receiving a printhead; a container having an inner chamber in which printing fluid is provided; and a fluid interconnection means including a fluid path to the inner chamber, wherein, when a printhead is inserted into the printhead recess: the fluid interconnection means is connected to the printhead to provide a fluid connection between the printhead and the inner chamber; and the printhead is inoperable when inserted into the printhead recess.

[0004] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a printing system is provided, comprising: a printhead in a non-operating state; and the aforementioned printhead storage device, wherein the printhead storage device has an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein insertion of the printhead into the printhead recess causes the printhead storage device to enter the engaged state, wherein during the engaged state, the printhead is fluidly connected to the container, and a fluid path is established from the container to the printhead.

[0005] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a printhead storage library is provided for storing non-operating printheads, the storage library comprising: a printhead holder for receiving a first non-operating printhead; a container including printing fluid; a first printing fluid interface for receiving a connector of the first non-operating printhead, wherein the first printing fluid interface is fluidly connected to the container, wherein when the printhead holder receives the first non-operating printhead, the connector of the printhead is coupled to the printing fluid interface, such that a first fluid path from the container to the first non-operating printhead is enabled; and a second printing fluid interface for receiving a second connector of a second non-operating printhead, wherein: the second printing fluid interface is fluidly connected to the container, and when the printhead holder receives the second non-operating printhead, the second connector of the second non-operating printhead is coupled to the printing fluid interface, such that a second fluid path from the container to the second non-operating printhead is enabled. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The features of this disclosure are shown by way of example and are not limited to the following figures, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a printhead storage device according to an example of the present disclosure is shown;

[0008] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a printhead storage device according to an example of the present disclosure is shown, the printhead storage device including a cap for contacting a nozzle associated with a printhead;

[0009] Figure 3 A printhead including a printhead fluid chamber is shown as an example according to this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a printhead storage library according to an example of this disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 5 A printing system including a switching station, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown;

[0012] Figure 6 A printing system including a printhead storage library, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown;

[0013] Figure 7 A line graph showing the average weight of the printhead across multiple inserts, representing an example according to this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 8 A method for establishing a fluid path to the printhead is shown according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, this disclosure is described primarily by way of examples. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be readily apparent that this disclosure can be practiced without being limited to these particular details. In other instances, some methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure this disclosure.

[0016] Throughout this disclosure, the terms "a" and "an" are intended to mean at least one of a particular element. As used herein, the term "comprising" means including but not limited to, and the term "including" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means at least partially based on.

[0017] The printing system includes a printhead that distributes printing fluid onto a printing medium via a series of fluid dispensers. This printing fluid flows from a fluid supply source to the printhead through a series of fluid lines. To receive the printhead, the printing system may further include a printhead holder (such as a printhead recess, printhead slot, or printhead retainer) into which the printhead is inserted. This insertion establishes a fluid path from the fluid supply source to the printhead, thereby fluidly connecting the printhead to the fluid supply source.

[0018] To establish a connection with the fluid line, the fluid line may include an outlet end, such as a fluid interconnect or fluid interface. Therefore, the outlet end can be connected to a connector on the printhead, allowing the printhead and the fluid supply source to be fluidly connected via a fluid path. Thus, when the printhead is disconnected from the outlet end, no fluid path is established from the fluid supply source to the printhead.

[0019] During the lifespan of a printing system, the printhead can periodically disconnect from the fluid supply source. This disconnection may be caused by removing a faulty printhead, replacing the printhead with another printhead of a different specification, or by printing operations to be performed in the printing system. Therefore, the result is that the printhead can periodically connect to and disconnect from the fluid supply source during its lifespan.

[0020] The printhead includes a print fluid distributor, such as a nozzle, fluidly connected to the printhead fluid chamber. The printhead fluid chamber can contain print fluid flowing from the fluid supply source of the printing system. When heat is selectively applied to the print fluid (e.g., by using a thermal transducer such as a resistor), this print fluid can be expelled from the printhead fluid chamber through the nozzle. The heat may be sufficient to cause vapor bubbles to form in the printhead fluid chamber, and the expansion of these vapor bubbles pushes droplets through the nozzle adjacent to the bubbles. Once droplets have been dispensed with print fluid, the vapor bubbles pushing the droplets rapidly burst, and the printhead fluid chamber is refilled with print fluid flowing through the fluid lines of the printing system. In other examples, when the printhead fluid chamber is refilled from the fluid supply source, the new printhead may contain air bubbles within its printhead fluid chamber. Furthermore, the solubility of air in the print fluid may decrease with temperature, and during printing operations, air may be released due to heating of the print fluid, potentially causing air to accumulate in the printhead fluid chamber as bubbles. Moreover, when the printhead is disconnected from the fluid supply source of the printing system, ambient air can be drawn into the printhead.

[0021] Because the printhead dispenses printing fluid by selectively heating the printing fluid within its fluid chamber, the temperature within the printhead can vary depending on the printhead's condition. Therefore, during operation (e.g., when the printhead is fluidly connected to a fluid supply source and used to dispense printing fluid), the temperature within the printhead fluid chamber can be higher than during non-operation (e.g., when the printhead is not connected to a fluid supply source via a fluid line). The transition from operation to non-operation can cause a decrease in temperature within the printhead fluid chamber, and depending on the printing fluid, this temperature decrease can result in a volume difference that causes a pressure difference in the air bubbles. This pressure difference can cause air to be drawn in through the printhead nozzles or connectors. If the printhead is connected to a fluid supply source, the volume difference caused by the pressure difference in the air bubbles can be refilled with printing fluid. However, since printing systems typically have a limited number of printhead slots in their carriages, the printhead is usually disconnected from the fluid supply source when not in operation to allow its slots to be used for additional printheads. Therefore, disconnecting the printhead from the fluid supply source (i.e., in a non-operating state) may result in the intake of ambient air caused by changes in the fluid volume within the printhead fluid chamber.

[0022] Air bubbles are generated in the printhead chamber due to air intake. These bubbles reduce the printing fluid in the printhead fluid chamber. Even when the printhead is reconnected to the fluid supply source and its state is switched from inactive to operational, bubbles (or multiple bubbles) remain. Subsequent transitions from operational to inactive states can increase air intake, leading to a further increase in bubble volume and a further reduction in the maximum amount of printing fluid in the printhead fluid chamber, which can ultimately affect printhead performance. Depending on the bubble volume, printhead image quality may degrade, rendering the printhead malfunctioning. Therefore, air intake caused by printing operations and repeated disassembly and reassembly of the printhead reduces printhead life.

[0023] The following describes an air intake prevention device that can house the printhead when not in use. These air intake prevention devices may be referred to as storage devices, switching stations, and printhead storage containers. In some examples, the printing system may include such a device to store unused and inactive printheads.

[0024] Throughout this specification, the terms "engaged state" and "disengaged state" will be used to indicate the state of the fluid path between the air intake prevention device and the printhead. In the engaged state of the air intake prevention device, a fluid path is established from the device to the printhead, and in the disengaged state of the storage device, no fluid path is established from the device to the printhead.

[0025] According to one example, a printhead storage device includes a printhead cavity for receiving a printhead, a container having an internal chamber, and a fluid interconnection device including a fluid path to the internal chamber. The internal chamber of the container may contain printing fluid. When the printhead is inserted into the printhead cavity, the printhead is inoperable, but the fluid interconnection device is connected to the printhead, thereby providing fluid connection between the printhead and the internal chamber. In other words, even when the printhead is connected to a fluid supply source, the printhead remains in an inoperable state. By engaging the printhead storage device to the inoperable printhead, the printhead is fluidly connected to the container, and therefore, once the air bubbles in the printhead fluid chamber of the printhead have contracted, the printhead will draw in printing fluid instead of ambient air.

[0026] In other examples, the printhead storage device also includes a cap for contacting a nozzle associated with the printhead, wherein the cap is biased toward the printhead by a biasing element. In one example, the cap includes an orifice defining a labyrinthine conduit between the nozzle of the printhead and ambient air.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 1 The image shows a printhead storage device 100. The printhead storage device 100 includes: a mechanism for receiving printheads (…). Figure 1The device includes a printhead recess 101 (not shown); a container 102 having an inner chamber 103; and a fluid interconnection device 104 fluidly connected to the inner chamber 103 through an opening in the container 102. The container 102 may contain printing fluid within the inner chamber 103, and the inner chamber may be resistant to printing fluid to prevent leakage of printing fluid from the container 102. When no printhead is connected to the printhead recess 101, printing fluid cannot flow from the inner chamber to the outside; that is, there is no fluid path. However, when a non-operating printhead is connected to the printhead recess 101, a fluid path is established between the inner chamber 103 and the printhead. Therefore, when the printhead is inserted into the printhead recess 101, a fluid path is established between the inner chamber 103 and the printhead, but the printhead is inoperable, for example, because inserting the printhead into the printhead recess does not result in a data connection or electrical connection between the storage device and the printhead.

[0028] To establish and cancel fluid paths, the fluid interconnect 104 may include a blocking element that allows fluid to pass through the fluid interconnect 104 when the printhead is inserted into the printhead recess 101. In one example, the blocking element of the fluid interconnect 104 is released when the printhead connector is connected to the fluid interconnect 104. In other examples, the fluid interconnect 104 includes a check valve that allows printing fluid to flow from the inner chamber 103 to the printhead, but not in the opposite direction from the printhead to the inner chamber 103.

[0029] In some examples, container 102 also includes an inlet that allows printing fluid to flow into the internal chamber 103. Printing fluid can be supplied through the inlet if container 102 runs out. In other examples, container 102 may be coupled to an external device that periodically supplies a certain amount of printing fluid. In yet another example, the external device supplies printing fluid when a sensor in printhead storage device 100 determines that container 102 has run out of printing fluid.

[0030] In some other examples, the container 102 of the printhead storage device 100 is an expandable and contractible bag. In some examples, the inner chamber 103 of the bag is essentially airless.

[0031] As used throughout the instructions, "airless" means that the surface of the printing fluid is not exposed to air, but the printing fluid itself may contain air bubbles.

[0032] As used herein, “printing fluid” generally refers to any substance that can be applied to a substrate by a printer during a printing operation, including but not limited to inks, primers and topcoat materials (such as varnishes), water and solvents other than water.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 2The image shows a printhead storage device 200 with a cap 220. The printhead storage device 200 includes a printhead recess 101, a container 102 with an inner chamber 103, a fluid interconnection device 104, and a cap 220. (See previous reference...) Figure 1 The internal chamber 103 contains printing fluid. The printhead 210 is received by a printhead recess 101 such that when the connector 211 is coupled to the fluid interconnect device 104, the printhead 210 is fluidly connected to the internal chamber 103. However, the insertion causing the fluid connection does not result in a data connection or any electrical connection between the storage device 200 and the printhead 210; that is, the printhead is inoperable when inserted into the printhead recess 101. The printhead 210 includes a printhead fluid chamber (…). Figure 2 (Not shown), print fluid is stored in the printhead fluid chamber before being ejected through a series of nozzles 212. When the printhead 210 is connected to the fluid interconnect 104, the cap 220 contacts the nozzles 212. To ensure that the cap 220 contacts the series of nozzles 212 of the printhead 210, the cap 220 is biased toward the series of nozzles 212 by a biasing element 221. In other examples, the cap 220 includes an orifice that defines a labyrinthine conduit between the nozzles and ambient air.

[0034] Bias elements may include springs, spring plates, gas canisters, or any element capable of returning to its size and shape after deformation (e.g., deformation caused by forces transmitted by a process).

[0035] In one example, during the connection of connector 211 to fluid interconnect device 104, a fluid connection is provided from inner chamber 103 to printhead 210 (using... Figure 2 The double-headed arrows indicate this. If the printhead fluid chamber ( Figure 2 (Not shown) If air bubbles are present and the printhead has changed from an operational to a non-operational state, the volume difference in the printhead fluid chamber of printhead 210 results in a pressure difference that could cause air intake. However, this volume difference can be compensated for by printhead fluid from the internal chamber 103 of container 102. Therefore, once the printhead state changes from operational to non-operational, engagement of printhead storage device 200 with printhead 210 prevents air from being drawn into the printhead fluid chamber of printhead 210. When printhead 210 changes its state from non-operational to operational, disengagement of printhead storage device 200 disconnects the fluid connection, allowing printhead 210 to be reconnected to the fluid line connected to the fluid supply source. As a result of using printhead storage device 200, printhead air intake is reduced compared to printheads not stored in printhead storage device 200 when the printhead is not in use, and the lifespan of printhead 210 is increased.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 3The image shows a printhead 300. The printhead 300 includes a connector 301, a series of nozzles 302, and a printhead fluid chamber 303 (indicated by dashed lines). As described above, the printhead 300 dispenses print fluid by selectively heating the print fluid within the printhead fluid chamber 303 using a resistor. The resistor can generate sufficient heat to form vapor bubbles in the printhead fluid chamber 303, which propel droplets through one of the nozzles 302 adjacent to the bubble generated within the printhead fluid chamber 303.

[0037] As previously mentioned, during the operation of printhead 300, the temperature within the printhead fluid chamber 303 is higher than during the non-operational state of printhead 300. If air bubbles are present within the printhead fluid chamber 303, their volume may change due to the state transition. When the connector 301 of printhead 300 is connected to the fluid line of the printing system, the volume difference can be compensated by printing fluid from the fluid supply source. However, most of the time, printhead 300 is not fluidly connected to the fluid supply source, and printhead 300 draws in air retained within the printhead fluid chamber 303. To prevent air intake that negatively impacts printhead performance (e.g., reduced quality of the resulting printed image), printhead 300 may be coupled with an air intake prevention device, such as those previously referenced. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The description refers to the printhead storage device.

[0038] According to some examples, the switching station can be used to prevent air intake. The switching station may include a printhead slot for receiving a printhead in a non-operating position, a print fluid container containing print fluid, and a print fluid interface for fluidly connecting the printhead and the print fluid container. When the printhead is inserted into the printhead slot, a fluid path from the container to the printhead is established upon insertion. As previously described in the specification, the switching station includes an engaged state and a disengaged state; in the engaged state, the printhead is fluidly connected to the container of the switching station; in the disengaged state, no fluid path from the container to the printhead is established.

[0039] In some examples, the switching station includes a cap for contacting a series of nozzles in the printhead, the cap being biased toward the nozzles by a biasing element.

[0040] In some other examples, the container includes an inlet through which the fluid delivery system allows printing fluid to flow into the container. In other examples, the fluid delivery system can allow printing fluid to flow into the container once the sensors at the switching station have determined that the printing fluid is at a minimum threshold printing fluid level.

[0041] According to some examples, the switching station may include a second print fluid interface to fluidly connect a second printhead and a print fluid container. Thus, the container of the switching station can be fluidly connected to the second print fluid interface, such that when multiple printheads are inserted, the switching station enables two fluid paths, one for each printhead. When at least one of the printheads is connected to the printhead storage device, a first fluid path and / or a second fluid path is established from the container to the printhead (or printheads) connected to its respective print fluid interface. In other examples, the container includes an internal barrier that divides the internal volume of the internal chamber into a first volume and a second volume, wherein a first fluid path is established from the first volume to the printhead connected to the first print fluid interface, and a second fluid path is established from the second volume to the printhead connected to the second print fluid interface.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 4 A cross-sectional view is shown of a storage device or printhead reservoir 400 for storing non-operating printheads. The printhead reservoir 400 can be a stand-alone device or integrated within a printing system. The printhead reservoir 400 includes a printhead holder 401, a container 402 having an internal volume 403 including printing fluid, a first fluid interface 404 for receiving printheads via a connector, and a cap 420. In other examples, the printhead reservoir 400 does not need to include the cap 420. Figure 4 In the middle, the printhead storage 400 is in an engaged state, wherein the printhead holder 401 is connected to the connector via the first print fluid interface 404. Figure 4 (Not shown) is connected to receive the printhead 410. The printhead includes a series of nozzles ( Figure 4 (Not shown in the image), the series of nozzles is contacted by a cap 420, which is biased toward the nozzle by a biasing element 421. The use of cap 420 prevents wear and corrosion of the nozzles of printhead 410. In one example, the use of cap 420 prevents the nozzles of printhead 410 from becoming clogged.

[0043] As previously described, the printhead reservoir 400 includes an engaged state and a disengaged state. During the engaged state, a printhead fluid chamber is established from the internal volume 403 of the container 402 to the printhead 410. Figure 4 (Not shown in the diagram) During the disengagement phase, no fluid path is established from the internal volume 403 to the printhead fluid chamber 410. Figure 4 In one example, the printhead connector is engaged with the print fluid interface, enabling a first fluid path from container 402 to printhead 410, and thus, printhead reservoir 400 is engaged. In some examples, the first print fluid interface 404 may include a blocking element that prevents print fluid from flowing to the outside when the printhead is not connected.

[0044] In some examples, the first print fluid interface 404 includes a check valve, which allows print fluid to flow from the internal volume 403 of the container 402 to the print head 410 when the print head 410 is inserted into the print head holder 401. In other examples, the container 402 is an expandable and contractible bag, and the internal chamber defined by the internal volume 403 is substantially air-free.

[0045] In some other examples, container 402 may also include an inlet through which printing fluid flows into container 402. In yet another example, container 402 is fluidly connected to a second printing fluid interface, and the internal volume 403 includes a barrier dividing the internal volume 403 into a first volume and a second volume. Having a usable second printing fluid interface can provide a second connection for additional printheads, and thus, two printheads can be fluidly connected to container 403 simultaneously. In other examples, each of the first and second volumes includes a different type of printing fluid.

[0046] According to one example, an air intake prevention device can be used within the printing system to engage with at least one of the printheads, which is disconnected from the fluid lines of the printing system.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 5 A printing system 500 is shown. The printing system 500 includes a printhead 510 and a storage device or switching station 520, wherein the switching station 520 has an engaged state and a disengaged state. The printhead 510 in the non-operating state includes a connector 511 fluidly connected to a printhead fluid chamber 513, as previously referenced. Figure 3 The switching station 520 includes a print fluid container 522 fluidly connected to a print fluid interface 524. When the print head 510 is inserted into the print head slot 521 of the printing system 500, the print fluid interface 524 is connected to the connector 511 of the print head 510.

[0048] As previously described, container 522 has an internal volume in which printing fluid is supplied. Container 522 also includes a first opening that fluidly connects the internal volume to printing fluid interface 524. When printhead 510 is inserted into printhead slot 521, this insertion causes switching station 520 to enter an engaged state and establishes a fluid path between printhead fluid chamber 513 and the internal volume of container 522. Therefore, during the engaged state of switching station 520, printhead 510 is fluidly connected to container 522 and establishes a fluid path from container 522 to printhead fluid chamber 513 of printhead 510. In the same manner, removal of printhead 510 from printhead slot 521 causes switching station 520 to enter a disengaged state, during which printing fluid interface 524 and printhead 510 are disengaged, such that no fluid path exists between printhead fluid chamber 513 and the internal volume of container 522.

[0049] In some examples, switching station 520 may include an additional print fluid interface to fluidly connect additional printheads to container 522. In other examples, switching station 520 of printing system 500 may be replaced by a storage device or printhead storage library. In one example, printing system 500 includes printhead storage device 100 or printhead storage device 200 instead of switching station 520. In other examples, printing system 500 includes a printhead storage library instead of switching station 520 to store non-operating printheads.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 6 A printing system 600 is illustrated. The printing system 600 includes a first printhead 510, a second printhead 610, and a storage device or printhead reservoir 620. In this example, the printhead reservoir 620 includes a printhead holder 621 for receiving a non-operating printhead, a container 622 containing printing fluid, a first printing fluid interface 624a, and a second printing fluid interface 624b. The first printing fluid interface 624a is used to receive a first connector 511 of the first printhead 510, and the second printing fluid interface 624b is used to receive a second connector 611 of the second printhead 610. As previously explained, the printing fluid interfaces are fluidly connected to the container 622.

[0051] As previously described in the specification, when the printhead holder 621 receives the first printhead 510 and / or the second printhead 610, the corresponding connector of the printhead engages with its corresponding print fluid interface, thereby enabling a fluid path from the container 622 to the corresponding printhead. Therefore, when the first printhead 510 and the second printhead 610 are connected, the first connector 511 engages with the first print fluid interface 624a and the second connector 611 engages with the second print fluid interface 624b, thereby enabling a first fluid path from the container 622 to the first printhead fluid chamber 513 of the first printhead 510 and a second fluid path from the container 622 to the second printhead fluid chamber 613 of the second printhead 610.

[0052] In some examples, the printing system 600 also includes a fluid delivery system for allowing printing fluid to flow through an inlet to container 622. In other examples, the internal volume of container 622 includes barriers dividing the internal volume into a first volume and a second volume, wherein, during the engaged state of printhead reservoir 620, a first fluid path is established from the first volume to the first printhead fluid chamber 613, and a second fluid path is established from the second volume to the second printhead fluid chamber 613.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 7 A line graph 700 is shown, representing the average weight of the printheads across multiple insertions. The Y-axis represents the average weight of the printheads in grams, and the X-axis represents the number of insertions. Each curve depicts data for the printheads where each printhead has performed the same printing operation using the same printing fluid and has been subjected to the same environmental conditions in the printing system. A weight failure value 701 is represented by a horizontal line, where the weight failure value 701 represents the minimum weight of the printhead required to perform the printing operation without image quality performance defects. The weight failure value 701 can vary depending on the type of printhead. First printhead data 710 represents a first printhead that has engaged with an air intake prevention device when disconnected from the fluid line, and second printhead data 720 represents a second printhead that has not yet engaged with an air intake prevention device when disconnected from the fluid line.

[0054] As depicted in line graph 700, the first printhead data 710 and the second printhead data 720 behave similarly during a small number of insertions. However, the first printhead data 710 has a reduction in its weight, causing it to intersect with the weight failure value 701 at a first point 711 (i.e., at 450 insertions), while the second printhead data 720 suffers a greater reduction in its weight at an earlier number of insertions. As a result, the second printhead data 720 intersects with the weight failure value 701 at a second point 721 (i.e., at 45 insertions). Comparing the number of insertions between the printheads, the second printhead reaches the weight failure value 710 with one-tenth the number of insertions of the first printhead.

[0055] On the left side of line graph 700, additional printhead data is shown. However, since none of the printheads associated with this data are connected to an air intake prevention device, the printheads behave similarly to the second printhead data 720, thus intersecting with the weight failure value 701 at approximately 45 insertions.

[0056] In some examples, printheads may have different weights. Similarly, for other types of printheads, the number of insertions may vary based on a range of printhead characteristics, such as the number of nozzles, the shape of the printhead fluid chamber, or the type of printing fluid. However, it should be understood that line drawing 700 represents a comparison between a printhead not connected to an air intake prevention device and a printhead connected to one.

[0057] According to some examples, a method can be implemented to store the printhead in an air intake prevention device to prevent air intake. The storage device can be, for example, one of the storage devices, switching stations, and printhead storage cascades previously described in the specification.

[0058] Now for reference Figure 8 This illustrates a method 800 for storing printheads. Method 800 includes blocks 810, 820, and 830, and can be used in conjunction with, as previously referenced... Figure 1-2 Used in conjunction with the air intake device described in 4-6. At box 810, method 800 includes disconnecting the printhead from the printing system. The printhead can be, for example, as previously referenced. Figure 3The described printhead, and the disconnection of the printhead, can be performed, for example, by disengaging the printhead from the fluid supply source of the printing system. At block 820, method 800 includes connecting the printhead to a fluid interconnect device, wherein the printhead remains inactive after connection. In some examples, the printhead can be connected to the fluid interconnect device immediately after being disconnected from the printing system. In other examples, the printhead can be connected, for example, after 5 minutes. At block 830, method 800 includes establishing a fluid path from the internal volume of the container to the printhead. As described above, establishing the fluid path allows the printhead to draw in printing fluid instead of air. By preventing air intake, the lifespan of the printhead is extended, such as... Figure 7 The line graph is shown in 700.

[0059] In some examples, method 800 also includes allowing printing fluid to flow through an inlet to the internal volume of the container. In one example, a fluid delivery system allows the printing fluid to flow. In other examples where the air intake prevention device is used as a stand-alone device, the printing fluid may be supplied by an external device. In some other examples where the air intake prevention device includes a cap, method 800 also includes capping a series of nozzles on the printhead as previously described in the specification.

[0060] The examples and variations of this disclosure described and illustrated herein are merely illustrative. The terminology, descriptions, and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations are possible within the scope of this disclosure, which is intended to be defined by the appended claims (and their equivalents), wherein all terms are to be interpreted in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise stated.

Claims

1. A printhead storage device, comprising: Print head recess for receiving the print head; A container with an inner chamber in which printing fluid is supplied; as well as A fluid interconnect device, the fluid interconnect device including a fluid path to the internal chamber, Specifically, when inserting the print head into the print head recess: The fluid interconnect device is connected to the printhead, thereby providing a fluid connection between the printhead and the internal chamber; and The printhead is inoperable when inserted into the printhead recess.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, comprising a cap that contacts the nozzle of the inserted printhead, wherein, The cap is biased toward the printhead by a biasing element.

3. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The cap includes an orifice that defines a labyrinthine conduit between the nozzle and ambient air.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The fluid interconnection device includes a check valve, wherein, when the printhead is inserted, the check valve allows printing fluid to flow from the container to the printhead.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: - The container is an expandable and contractible bag; and - The surface of the printing fluid inside the interior is not exposed to air.

6. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein, Insertion of the printhead into the printhead recess does not result in a data connection between the storage device and the printhead.

7. The printhead storage device of claim 1, wherein the container includes an inlet, and a fluid delivery system allows printing fluid to flow through the inlet into the container.

8. A printing system, comprising: A printhead that is not in operation; as well as The printhead storage device according to claim 1, wherein the printhead storage device has an engaged state and an unengaged state, The insertion of the printhead into the printhead recess causes the printhead storage device to enter the engaged state, wherein, during the engaged state, the printhead is fluidly connected to the container and a fluid path is established from the container to the printhead.

9. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein, During the disengaged state of the printhead storage device, no fluid path is established from the container to the printhead.

10. A printhead storage library for storing non-operating printheads, the storage library comprising: A printhead holder for receiving a first non-operating printhead; Including containers for printing fluid; A first printing fluid interface for receiving a connector of the first non-operational printhead, wherein the first printing fluid interface is fluidly connected to the container. Wherein, when the printhead holder receives the first non-operational printhead, the connector of the printhead is connected to the printing fluid interface, thereby enabling a first fluid path from the container to the first non-operational printhead; and A second printing fluid interface for receiving a second connector of a second non-operational printhead, wherein: - The second printing fluid interface is fluidly connected to the container, and, When the printhead holder receives the second non-operational printhead, the second connector of the second non-operational printhead is connected to the print fluid interface, thereby enabling a second fluid path from the container to the second non-operational printhead.

11. The printhead storage library according to claim 10, wherein, Removing the first non-operational printhead from the printhead holder moves the blocking element of the first print fluid interface to a position that blocks the first fluid path.

12. The printhead storage container of claim 10, wherein the container includes a barrier that divides the internal volume of the container into a first volume and a second volume, wherein the first fluid path is from the first volume to the first non-operational printhead, and the second fluid path is from the second volume to the second non-operational printhead.

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