Printer with housing for temporarily unused cartridges

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for printing using an ink jet which is supplied from at least one cartridge (102). The device (100) has a housing (200) which has a receiving area (101) for each cartridge (102) of the device (100) for temporarily unused cartridges (102). If the cartridge (102) comprises a closure element (104) for closing a nozzle plate of the cartridge (102), the receiving area (101) is capable of receiving the respective cartridge (102) in a play-free manner.

Description

[0001] Printer with housing for temporarily unused cartridges

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for printing using an inkjet fed from at least one cartridge. In particular, the invention relates to a device and a corresponding system for accommodating temporarily unused cartridges in a housing of the device.

[0003] Such inkjet printing devices (e.g., inkjet printers, printer devices, or simply: devices) use one or more cartridges to feed the ink jet. The cartridge has a nozzle plate (also called a cover plate or pressure plate) through which the ink exits for printing. In one design, the nozzle plate is part of the print head when inserted into the printer device. In another design, the cartridges used for printing are stationary and connected to the moving print head via fluid lines. For this purpose, a plug-in connection for the fluid lines may be provided on the nozzle plate.

[0004] The longer a cartridge is not used, the greater the risk that it will become unusable because the ink dries out on the printing plate or in the cartridge reservoir; for example, the viscosity of the ink becomes greater than is permissible for producing the inkjet because the solvent (for example water) in the ink evaporates.

[0005] To prevent the cartridges from drying out, cartridge manufacturers provide a closure element (e.g., a closure clip or clip) that protects the nozzle plate from drying out. The clip features a gel pad that covers the nozzle plate and thus protects the cartridge or its nozzle plate from drying out.

[0006] Cartridge manufacturers recommend a storage time of 48 hours or 72 hours or longer. Attaching the clip to the cartridge is also recommended.

[0007] However, when using a conventional printer, there's a risk that the sealing element and / or the unused cartridge will be misplaced or lost. Furthermore, unused cartridges in conventional printers are often stored in a tilted or flat orientation, which isn't optimal for preserving the ink and nozzle plate. These disadvantages are increasingly evident when printing at changing locations, for example, when labeling cables and components in control cabinets.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for improved technology to maintain the functionality of unused cartridges and thus ensure resource-efficient use of inkjet printers.

[0009] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] Embodiments of the invention are described below with partial reference to the figures.

[0011] According to one aspect of the device, a device for printing using an inkjet fed from at least one cartridge is provided. The device comprises a housing that has a receptacle for one or each cartridge of the device for temporarily unused cartridges. The receptacle is designed to accommodate the cartridge without play if a closure element for closing a nozzle plate (for example, a base plate with an outlet) of the cartridge is arranged on the cartridge.

[0012] By inserting or retrieving the cartridge (preferably only) in conjunction with the closure element without play, it can be ensured that the cartridge is protected from drying out when inserted. The play-free insertion can signal to the user that the cartridge is correctly positioned.

[0013] By making the play-free receptacle dependent on the closure element being attached, embodiments can remind a user of the device to attach the closure element. Furthermore, the play-free receptacle can establish an optimal orientation of the received cartridge for preserving the ink and the nozzle plate.

[0014] By making the receptacle part (e.g., an integral part) of the housing of the printing device (printing device), it can prevent the temporarily unused cartridge(s) from being misplaced. In other words, the housing for accommodating the cartridges, which is mounted in or on the printing device, can reduce the likelihood of the cartridge(s) being lost or improperly stored.

[0015] By integrating the cartridge holder on or into the housing of the printing device, the device's footprint is reduced and handling is improved, as the cartridges are positioned directly on the printing device, especially during transport. A separate housing would make it easy to misplace or lose the cartridge. The cartridge holder (also referred to as the cartridge parking space) on or within the device's housing prevents this.

[0016] The orientation of the cartridge or cartridges (e.g., an angle of the side walls or flanks of the cartridge relative to the vertical) when mounted without play can play an important role in the storage and durability of the cartridges, for example, to protect the cartridges from drying out or to protect the printing ink contained therein from aging (e.g., due to light or heat). Preferably, the orientation is as perpendicular as possible (i.e., vertical), i.e., the angle can preferably be zero or as small as possible (e.g., according to the recommendations of the ink and / or cartridge manufacturer).

[0017] By providing a housing comprising one or more receptacles into which one or more cartridges with an attached closure element can be inserted, embodiments of the printing device prevent drying out without a set of loose parts. The receptacle facilitates transport of the device, in particular.

[0018] Picking up (e.g. inserting and arranging without play) the cartridge in the holder can also be referred to as parking.

[0019] The or each receptacle can be designed to accommodate exactly one cartridge, for example if the at least one cartridge for printing is exactly one cartridge or if a separate receptacle is provided for each of the at least one cartridge. In this case, in a cross-section (for example perpendicular to a receptacle direction), a contour of the receptacle can correspond to a contour of the closure element (or of the cartridge with the closure element). Alternatively, the or each receptacle can be designed to accommodate several (for example all) cartridges of the printing device. In this case, a transverse dimension of the contour of the receptacle can be a corresponding multiple of a transverse dimension of the closure element (or of the cartridge with the closure element).

[0020] "The receptacle" can refer to the single receptacle or the respective receptacle. For linguistic simplicity, "the receptacle" refers to the receptacle for parking that one cartridge in the case of a single cartridge, and to the respective receptacle for parking one or more of the multiple cartridges in the case of multiple cartridges. For example, there may be different receptacles for different printing inks.

[0021] "The cartridge" can refer to the single cartridge required for printing or, in the case of multiple cartridges, to one of the multiple cartridges. In particular, "the cartridge" can refer to the respective cartridge of a receptacle (or each of the respective cartridges) of a receptacle. This will be clear from the respective context. For example, "the receptacle is configured to receive the cartridge without play" means that the receptacle is configured to receive the respective cartridge (or cartridges) without play.

[0022] The fact that the holder is designed to temporarily hold unused cartridges may (but does not necessarily) mean that the holder is capable of holding multiple unused cartridges simultaneously. Rather, the holder may be designed to hold exactly one cartridge at a time. This is essentially a functional feature of the holder, while the plural "unused cartridges" may refer to the interchangeability of the cartridges (e.g., in the sense of a consumable).

[0023] The fact that the device has a receptacle "for one or each cartridge of the device" can encompass the case where each cartridge required for printing is assigned a receptacle (where, optionally, multiple cartridges can be accommodated in one receptacle), or where only one or a subset of the cartridges required for printing are assigned a receptacle. For example, color cartridges can be parked during a black-and-white printing phase (preferably if this phase lasts longer than a minimum time).

[0024] If the device has multiple receptacles, these can be spatially separated from each other (e.g., at different locations on the housing) or separated by a partition. Alternatively, multiple receptacles can be implemented in one recess, for example, by a base of the recess having multiple height profiles, each of which is shaped to complement the underside of a cartridge with a closure element.

[0025] The temporarily unused cartridge holder may be designed to hold one (or more) cartridges that are temporarily unused for printing. This temporary (i.e., temporary or temporary) non-use may be characterized by

[0026] (a) the respective cartridge is not mechanically connected to a print head of the device and / or is not in fluid communication with the print head, and / or

[0027] (b) the cartridge contains a residual amount of printing ink (e.g. usable) to feed the ink jet.

[0028] According to the device aspect, the receptacle can further be designed to receive the respective cartridge with play or not to receive it if the cartridge does not comprise a closure element for closing a nozzle plate of the cartridge.

[0029] In this case, insertion "with play" may mean that the cartridge is not inserted without play.

[0030] The play can clearly signal to a user that the cartridge has been improperly placed in the receptacle, namely without the corresponding locking element. This advantageously enables purely mechanical signaling (e.g., without sensors, electronic evaluation, or power supply).

[0031] The non-receipt (also: non-acceptance) can be implemented as a blockage of a receptacle that is movably mounted (e.g. pivotably) on the housing or of a cover of the receptacle (e.g. pivotably mounted). For example, the cartridge without a closure element can tilt in the receptacle due to the play (e.g. exhibit an angle other than zero to the vertical), whereby the cartridge can block the cover from closing. Alternatively or additionally, the non-receipt can be implemented by a through-opening. In other words, the receptacle can be designed not to accept the respective cartridge by the cartridge without a closure element blocking the receptacle or its cover and / or by the cartridge falling out of the receptacle through a through-opening.

[0032] According to the device aspect, the receptacle can further comprise a base with a through-opening. The through-opening can be at most large enough for the cartridge with the closure element to rest on the base. The through-opening can be at least large enough for the cartridge without the closure element to fit through the through-opening.

[0033] A diameter or a transverse dimension of the through-opening (for example, in one or both directions perpendicular to the receiving direction) can be smaller than a corresponding diameter or a corresponding transverse dimension of the closure element or of the cartridge with the closure element. Alternatively or additionally, the diameter or the transverse dimension of the through-opening can be larger than the diameter of the cartridge (i.e., without the closure element). The receptacle can be configured (e.g., aligned) to receive the cartridge vertically (i.e., the receiving direction can be vertical), and the cartridge without the closure element can fall through the through-opening in a vertical direction.

[0034] According to the device aspect, the receptacle can have a recess in the housing into which the cartridge with the closure element can be inserted. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacle can be a replaceable insert in a housing opening of the housing.

[0035] The recess in the housing or the replaceable insert can be a recess (e.g. an injection-molded part or a deep-drawn part).

[0036] The or each receptacle may have a receiving opening into which the cartridge with the closure element can be inserted. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may have a housing opening into which the receptacle can be interchangeably inserted and / or through which the cartridges can be inserted into and removed from the respective receptacle.

[0037] According to the device aspect, the device may further comprise a cover. The receiving opening or the housing opening may be coverable by the cover. Optionally, the cover may comprise a lid that is removable from the housing or pivotally or longitudinally movable on the housing.

[0038] The device can further comprise (for example on the receiving opening or on the housing opening) a cover (for example a lid) (for example a plug-on or pivotable cover) or a drawer. The drawer can be movable between an open position and a closed position (for example longitudinally movable or pivotable). The receptacle can be or all receptacles of the device can be accessible through the housing opening or protrude from the housing opening when the cover or drawer is in an open position. In a closed position, the receptacle or all receptacles can be inaccessible. For example, an end face of the drawer can close the housing opening in the closed position.

[0039] The cover or drawer can be designed for several or all receptacles of multiple cartridges together. The cover or drawer can cover or encompass all receptacles (e.g., covering the housing opening) or be designed for individual receptacles (e.g., covering individual receptacle openings).

[0040] The mount or part of the mount's housing does not always have to be visible on the printer, but can be temporarily pulled out or folded out of the printer housing, for example, as a drawer. For example, the mount can be connected to the housing via rails for longitudinal movement or via a hinge for pivoting movement.

[0041] The cover may be designed to cover the housing opening only when each cartridge is received without play.

[0042] According to the device aspect, the cover can have at least two elements projecting in the direction of the receptacle, which elements are arranged, starting from an open position, to come into contact with a cartridge received with play before reaching a closed position and to enclose a cartridge received without play on opposite sides in the closed position.

[0043] The cantilevered (or projecting) elements can be walls and / or pins.

[0044] The cartridge without a closure element can tilt sideways in one direction (e.g., from two opposite directions) due to the play in the holder. By having at least two elements projecting towards the holder, it can be ensured that one of the elements always hits the cartridge before the closed position is reached, regardless of which side the cartridge tilts to. Alternatively or additionally, the projecting elements can be designed to engage over opposite sides or edges of a cartridge with a closure element that is held without play (e.g., at the base of the holder). This allows the cartridge to be held without play on an upper side (opposite the base of the holder or the nozzle plate of the cartridge) in the closed position.

[0045] According to the device aspect, the closure element can be arranged on the cartridge. When arranged on the cartridge, the closure element can cover the cartridge at the nozzle plate and engage frictionally or positively with a side of the cartridge opposite the nozzle plate.

[0046] "Mountable" can mean that the closure element can be mounted on the nozzle plate (e.g., reversibly). The closure element can be detachable from the cartridge (e.g., non-destructively).

[0047] According to the device aspect, the closure element may comprise a gel cushion (also: "gel pad" or "blue gel pad") which, in the arranged (i.e., mounted) state, covers the nozzle plate of the cartridge.

[0048] The length of the closure element relative to the distance between the nozzle plate and the opposite side can be dimensioned such that the closure element is subject to tensile stress when assembled. The gel cushion can be pressed onto the nozzle plate by the tensile stress. For example, the closure part can transition from the separated to the assembled state (and vice versa) through elastic deformation.

[0049] For example, the gel pad can seal the nozzle plate (or an opening for the printing ink in the nozzle plate) gas-tight.

[0050] According to the device aspect, the receptacle can further be designed to receive the closure element in a frictional or positive manner.

[0051] The cartridge can be accommodated with the closure element facing forward in the receiving direction (i.e., with the pressure plate facing forward in the receiving direction). Play-free accommodation can be achieved by designing a base of the receptacle to complement the closure element. Alternatively or additionally, a base of the receptacle can be designed to accommodate the closure element of the cartridge in a form-fitting and / or frictional manner (e.g., clamping).

[0052] According to the device aspect, the frictional or positive engagement between the receptacle and the closure element can be stronger than a connection between the closure element and the cartridge.

[0053] Due to the stronger connection between the closure element and the holder, the closure element can remain in the holder when the cartridge is removed from the holder.

[0054] For example, the receptacle may taper transversely to a receptacle direction (for example from a receptacle opening of the receptacle to a bottom of the receptacle) so that the closure element is clamped in the receptacle.

[0055] According to the device aspect, the device or the receptacle can further be configured to detect whether the cartridge is inserted or whether the closure element is arranged on the inserted cartridge. Alternatively or additionally, the device or the receptacle can further be configured to output a signal indicating whether the cartridge is inserted or whether the closure element is arranged on the inserted cartridge. The device can comprise a first sensor in the receptacle (and a control unit in the housing) configured to optically detect whether the cartridge is inserted.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the device, in particular the receptacle, can be designed to detect whether the inserted cartridge comprises the closure element, i.e. whether the closure element is mounted on the inserted cartridge. The device can comprise a second sensor which is designed to detect a mechanical stress caused by the play-free receptacle. For example, the closure element of the inserted cartridge at the bottom of the receptacle can transfer a tensile stress to the receptacle by means of a wedge effect, which tensile stress is detected by the second sensor. The second sensor can comprise a strain gauge. The strain gauge can be connected to the receptacle via a gap extending in the receptacle direction. Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor can comprise a forked light barrier whose light falls on a gap extending in the receptacle direction.If the gap widens due to the locking element being held without play (preferably frictionally), the second sensor can detect this.

[0057] The signal may be an electronic signal (for example a wired data signal or a radio or infrared signal) for issuing a message to the user and / or a visible light signal and / or an audible acoustic signal.

[0058] The signal may indicate an error (for example, a red light signal) if the inserted cartridge does not include an assembled closure element, and / or the signal may indicate an insertion confirmation (for example, a green light signal) if the inserted cartridge includes the assembled closure element.

[0059] According to the device aspect, the device may further comprise a control unit configured to output a request signal for receiving or inserting the temporarily unused cartridges into the (or the respective) receptacle.

[0060] Optionally, the request signal can indicate at least one of the temporarily unused cartridges (for example, its color). Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to output the request signal when a (for example, functional or temporal) condition or criterion is met. The criterion can be that the device is or will be in sleep mode for longer than a certain period of time (for example, in accordance with a print job). Alternatively or additionally, the criterion can be that the device is in black and white mode for longer than a certain period of time. Alternatively or additionally, the criterion can be that the device detects or processes a print job that requires a true subset of the device's cartridges and / or requires more time than a certain period of time.

[0061] The specified period of time can be 48 hours and / or longer than 72 hours. Alternatively or additionally, the prompt signal can be time-controlled (e.g., dependent on a calendar date), for example, before a non-use period (e.g., before a weekend, public holiday, company holiday, or a predicted time longer than the specified period).

[0062] The printing device can indicate to a user by means of the prompt signal that the cartridge must be removed.

[0063] The print order (also known as a print job in technical terms) can include a controlled instruction for issuing the prompt signal (for inserting the cartridges into the holder), for example in the output of a computer-aided design (technically known as "Computer-Aided Engineering" or CAE).

[0064] According to the device aspect, the housing may further comprise a space for at least one further element. Optionally, the at least one further element may comprise a replacement cartridge and / or cleaning wipes.

[0065] The at least one additional location can be arranged within the drawer, the recess, or a housing part of the device's housing. The cover can be designed to cover the at least one additional location.

[0066] According to the device aspect, the at least one cartridge can comprise multiple cartridges. A spatial arrangement of the receptacles for the cartridges in the housing can correspond to the spatial arrangement of cartridges in a print head of the device. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacles can be color-coded.

[0067] The arrangement of the cartridges in the housing can, in principle, be arbitrary. Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement of the cartridges within the housing or one or more receptacles can correspond to the arrangement of the cartridges in the printing device.

[0068] According to one aspect of the system, a system for preserving temporarily unused cartridges is provided. The system comprises a device with a housing according to the aspect of the device and at least one cartridge, each with a closure element according to the aspect of the device.

[0069] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings using preferred embodiments. In particular, further details of embodiments of the technology are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0070] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view in a horizontal plane of a first embodiment of a device for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge, comprising a housing with a receptacle for temporarily unused cartridges;

[0071] Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view in a vertical plane of a second embodiment of a device for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge, comprising a housing with a receptacle for temporarily unused cartridges;

[0072] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view in a horizontal plane of a third embodiment of a device for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge, comprising a housing with a receptacle for temporarily unused cartridges;

[0073] Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view in a vertical plane of a fourth embodiment of a device for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge, comprising a housing with a receptacle for temporarily unused cartridges; Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view in a vertical plane of a fifth embodiment of a device for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge, which can be combined with any of the first to fourth embodiments;

[0074] Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view in a vertical plane of a sixth embodiment of a device for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge, which can be combined with any of the first to fourth embodiments; and

[0075] Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional view in a vertical plane of a seventh embodiment of a device for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge, which can be combined with any of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0076] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the proportional dimensions shown are only schematic. The same reference symbols denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary.

[0077] The embodiments described below are described with exemplary directions relative to a gravitational field, namely horizontal (i.e., perpendicular to gravity) and vertical (i.e., parallel to gravity). Advantageously, the recording direction can be in the direction of gravity.

[0078] Fig. 1 schematically shows a horizontal sectional view of a first embodiment of a device for printing by means of an inkjet fed from at least one cartridge 102, comprising a housing 200 with receptacles 101 for temporarily unused cartridges 102. The device is generally designated by the reference numeral 100. The device 100 comprises a control unit 103 for receiving messages (for example control instructions or print jobs) that specify tasks to be performed, and for outputting messages to other elements of the device 100 that specify instructions for performing the task. For this purpose, the control unit can have a (wired or wireless) network connection and / or a serial interface (for example Universal Serial Bus, USB).

[0079] The control unit 103 can be configured to output a signal. The signal can indicate that at least one cartridge is temporarily unused. The signal can be, for example, an electrical signal for outputting a readable message for the user and / or a light signal and / or an acoustic signal. The user-readable message can, for example, indicate holidays and / or weekends and the need to insert the cartridges 102 into the housing 200. The user-readable message can, for example, indicate special printing tasks and the need to insert at least one cartridge 102 into the housing 200.

[0080] If the device 100 is in standby mode for longer than a certain period of time (e.g., temporarily), e.g., longer than 48 hours or longer than 72 hours, this means that the cartridges 102 have not been used for an extended period. This increases the risk of drying out, and the cartridges 102 require special protection to prevent drying out.

[0081] For example, if a color printing device 100 is operated with only black and white jobs for an extended period of time, e.g., more than 48 hours or more than 72 hours, it is possible that some of the cartridges (e.g., color cartridges) have temporarily become unused.

[0082] Another example is when a color printing device 100 only receives print jobs that use certain colors for a certain time, e.g., more than 48 hours or more than 72 hours, which in turn means that some of the cartridges are temporarily no longer used.

[0083] Each embodiment of the device 100 can be configured for manually receiving the (temporarily unused) cartridge 102 into the receptacle 101 of the housing 200. In this case, the device 100 can include a display for outputting the prompt signal, e.g., a message to the user. Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 can be configured for automatically transferring the (temporarily unused) cartridge 102 into the receptacle 101. In this case, the cartridge 102 can be mechanically decoupled from the print head (e.g., by means of a quick-change system) and automatically moved into the receptacle 101 of the housing 200. For example, the replacement and / or swapping of the cartridge 102 can be carried out automatically by means of an internal mechanism of the device 100.

[0084] For example, the receptacle 101 can be arranged in the access area of ​​a linear drive for moving the print head (for example, a lateral movement and / or perpendicular to the feed direction of a print medium of the device 100). To transfer the cartridge 102 into the receptacle 101, the linear drive can be designed to move the cartridge 102 arranged on the print head into the receptacle 101 and to decouple it there from the linear drive. Alternatively or additionally, to transfer the cartridge 102 into the receptacle 101, the linear drive can be designed to hold the cartridge 102 in the receptacle

[0085] 101 to the print head and from there to move it into a printing area of ​​the device 100. The mechanical connection can also include an electrical connection via contact elements for controlling the dispensing of the printing ink from the cartridge 102. Preferably, the closure element 104 remains in the receptacle 101, for example due to the aforementioned frictional or positive engagement between the receptacle 101 and the closure element 104, which is stronger than the mechanical connection between the closure element 104 and the cartridge 102.

[0086] The housing 200 of the device 100 comprises a receptacle 101 for each cartridge 102 of the device, which is designed to hold the respective cartridge

[0087] 102. The housing 200 can optionally additionally have a space 109 for additional elements. The latter can be tools or cleaning aids for removing or inserting the cartridges 102 (e.g., for changing the position between the print head and the holder). For example, the additional element can be an additional (e.g., still packaged) ink cartridge and / or a cleaning cloth.

[0088] A housing part of the receptacle 101 can be integrated into the housing 200 of the device 100 or can be mechanically connected to the housing 200 of the device 100. The receptacle 101 can be located (e.g., in a closed position) within the housing 200 of the device 100 and / or on the housing

[0089] 200 of the device 100 (e.g. rotationally fixed or pivotable).

[0090] The receptacle 101 or the housing part of the receptacle 101 may not always be visible. For example, it may be arranged within the housing 200 of the device 100, concealed by a cover. The housing 200 can, for example, be temporarily pulled out or folded out of the printer housing 200 like a drawer in an open position. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment with a fold-out receptacle 101 (or corresponding housing part) at a housing opening 106 of the housing 200.

[0091] Fig. 2 schematically shows a vertical sectional view of a second embodiment of the device 100 for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge 102, comprising a housing 200 with receptacles 101 for temporarily unused cartridges 102.

[0092] The housing part of the receptacle 101 can be attached to the housing 200 of the device 100 in a manner accessible from the outside. The housing 200 can have a housing opening 106. The housing 200 can further comprise a cover 107 (e.g., a lid) for covering the housing opening 106. The cover can be, for example, a pluggable or pivotable lid (e.g., hinged to the housing) or a drawer. Fig. 2 specifically shows a pivotable cover 107 of the housing 200 at a housing opening 106 and a receptacle 101 accessible through the housing opening 106 in an open position.

[0093] Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of the device 100 in a horizontal cross-section. The device 100 comprises a housing 200. The receptacle 101 is accessible through a housing opening 106 in the housing 200 of the device 100. Figure 3 shows, by way of example, a cover 107 of a drawer in the housing 200 with the receptacle 101.

[0094] Fig. 3 specifically shows a pivotable cover 107 of the housing 200 at a housing opening 106 and a receptacle 101 that is longitudinally movable through the housing opening 106. In particular, the pivotable cover 107 and the longitudinally movable receptacle 101 (for example as a drawer) can be realized individually or in combination with any other embodiment.

[0095] Fig. 4 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of the device 100, which comprises a housing 200. The housing 200 can be pulled out from a closed position through a housing opening 106 in the housing 200 of the device 100 into an open position.

[0096] Fig. 4 shows a pluggable cover 107 of the housing 200, which can be implemented in any other embodiment.

[0097] Fig. 5 schematically shows a vertical section of a fifth embodiment in a housing 200 with receptacles 101 for temporarily unused cartridges 102. The housing 200 has a housing opening 106 that can be covered with a cover 107. The cover 107 is, for example, a pivotable lid.

[0098] The device 100 (for example its housing 200) comprises a receptacle 101 for each cartridge 102 for operating the device 100, which receptacle is designed to receive the respective cartridge 102 without play if the cartridge 102 comprises a closure element 104 for closing a nozzle plate of the cartridge 102.

[0099] The receptacle 101 has a receiving opening 105 into which the respective cartridge 102 with the closure element 104 can be inserted. The receptacle 101 can generally accommodate the cartridges 102 with and / or without the closure element 104. However, the cartridge 102 without the closure element 104 is not free of play, ie, it does not have a secure fit. For example, the cartridge can tilt, as shown schematically in Fig. 5. For example, the cartridge tilts about a longitudinal axis.

[0100] When removing the cartridges 102 from the receptacle 101, the closure element 104 can remain in the receptacle 101 and / or the closure element 104 can be removed with the cartridge.

[0101] The housing 200 may have a housing opening 106 that can be covered with a cover 107, wherein the cover 107 is a removable, pivotable, or longitudinally movable cover (for example, perpendicular to the housing opening). Fig. 5 shows an exemplary pivotable cover 107 of the housing 200.

[0102] The cover 107 of the housing opening 106 can have (for example, in spatial association with each receiving opening 105 of each receptacle 101) at least two elements 110 projecting in the direction of the receptacle 101, which are arranged to come into contact with (i.e., abut) a cartridge 102 received with play during the transition from the open position to the closed position of the cover 107. In contrast, the projecting elements 110 are arranged to move past each cartridge 102 received without play, for example, to enclose the cartridge 102 on opposite sides. The latter only occurs with the received cartridges 102 which are centered on the receiving opening 105 due to the play-free reception.

[0103] Fig. 5 shows an example situation when no closure element 104 is arranged on one of the cartridges 102 (for example the left cartridge 102 in Fig. 5). The receptacle 101 can accommodate the cartridges 102, but not without play. At least one of the two projecting (i.e., protruding) elements 110 cannot pass the side of the cartridge 102 accommodated with play (here the left side), but comes into contact with the upper side. This means that the cover 107 (e.g., a lid) cannot completely close the housing opening 106, i.e., the closed position is not reached. This provides a mechanical signal to the user that at least one cartridge 102 is not accommodated with the closure element 104.

[0104] The control unit 103 can be configured to output a signal. The signal can indicate that at least one cartridge 102 has been picked up without the corresponding closure element 104.

[0105] Fig. 6 schematically shows a sixth embodiment of the device 100 in a vertical cross-section for temporarily unused cartridges 102. The receptacle 101 of the housing 200 has a base with a through-opening 108 that is at most large enough for the cartridge 102 with the closure element 104 to rest on the base, and at least large enough for the cartridge without the closure element 104 to fit through the through-opening 108. In other words, a cartridge 102 without a closure element 104 can slip through the through-opening 108, for example by falling if the receptacle direction is the same as the direction of gravity. The user can unmistakably interpret this situation as a (purely mechanical) signal that the cartridge 102 in question is missing the closure element 104.

[0106] Alternatively or additionally, the device 100 may comprise a control unit 103 which can output a signal to a user if or whether the cartridges 102 with the closure element 104 are correctly received or not.

[0107] In any embodiment, the closure element 104 can be mounted on the cartridge 102 and, in the mounted state, covers the cartridge 102 on the nozzle plate (e.g., in a gas-tight manner) and engages a side of the cartridge opposite the nozzle plate in a frictional or positive engagement. Alternatively or additionally, the receptacle 101 can be configured to receive the closure element 104 in a frictional or positive engagement.

[0108] Fig. 7 schematically shows a seventh embodiment of the device 100 for temporarily unused cartridges 102 in a vertical cross-section. A housing 200 for temporarily unused cartridges 102. The receptacle 101 of the housing 200 is wider on the opening side (i.e. at the receptacle opening 105) than on the opposite side (e.g. the bottom of the receptacle 101). This creates a frictional or positive connection between the receptacle 101 and the closure element 104. The latter is stronger than a connection between the closure element 104 and the cartridge 102. Due to the stronger connection between the closure element 104 and the receptacle 101, the closure element 104 can remain in the receptacle 101 when the cartridge 102 is removed from the receptacle 101. This also makes it possible to reduce the number of loose parts during the usage phase of the cartridges 101.

[0109] Many advantages of the present invention are apparent from the foregoing description over and above the specific embodiments, and thus it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form, construction, materials, and arrangement of elements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As the invention is susceptible of variation in many respects, it is recognized that the invention should be limited only by the scope of the following claims. Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention.Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0110] List of reference symbols

[0111] Device 100

[0112] Recording 101 Cartridge 102

[0113] Control unit 103

[0114] Closure element 104

[0115] Receiving opening 105

[0116] Housing opening 106 Cover, e.g. lid or hinged flap 107

[0117] Passage opening 108

[0118] Space for aids 109

[0119] Cantilevers (i.e. projecting elements) 110

[0120] Housing 200 * * * *

Claims

Claims 1. Device (100) for printing by means of an ink jet fed from at least one cartridge (102), comprising: a housing (200) which has a receptacle (101) for temporarily unused cartridges (102) for one or each cartridge (102) of the device (100), wherein the receptacle (101) is designed to receive the cartridge (102) without play if a closure element (104) for closing a nozzle plate of the cartridge (102) is arranged on the cartridge (102).

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle (101) is further designed to receive the respective cartridge (102) with play or not to receive it if the cartridge (102) does not comprise a closure element (104) for closing a nozzle plate of the cartridge.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receptacle (101) further comprises a base with a through-opening (108) which is at most large enough for the cartridge (102) with the closure element (104) to rest on the base, and which is at least large enough for the cartridge without the closure element (104) to fit through the through-opening (108).

4. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receptacle (101) has a recess in the housing (200) into which the cartridge (102) with the closure element (104) can be inserted; and / or wherein the receptacle (101) is a replaceable insert in a housing opening (106) of the housing (200).

5. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or each receptacle (101) has a receiving opening (105) into which the cartridge (102) with the closure element (104) can be inserted and / or wherein the housing (200) has a housing opening (106) into which the receptacle (101) can be exchangeably inserted and / or through which the cartridges (102) can be inserted into and removed from the respective receptacle (101), wherein the device (100) further comprises a cover (107), wherein the receiving opening (105) or the housing opening (106) can be covered by means of the cover (107), optionally wherein the cover (107) has a Housing (200) comprises a removable cover or a cover which is pivotable or longitudinally movable on the housing (200).

6. Device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the cover (107) has at least two elements (110) projecting in the direction of the receptacle (101), which elements are arranged, starting from an open position, to come into contact with a cartridge (102) received with play before reaching a closed position and to encompass a cartridge (102) received without play on opposite sides in the closed position.

7. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the closure element (104) can be arranged on the cartridge (102) and, when arranged on the cartridge (102), covers the cartridge (102) on the nozzle plate and is in frictional or positive engagement with a side of the cartridge (102) opposite the nozzle plate.

8. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the closure element (104) comprises a gel cushion which, in the assembled state, covers the nozzle plate of the cartridge (102).

9. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the receptacle (101) is further designed to receive the closure element (104) in a frictional or positive manner.

10. Device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the frictional or positive connection between the receptacle (101) and the closure element (104) is stronger than a connection between the closure element (104) and the cartridge (102).

11. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receptacle (101) is further designed to detect whether the cartridge (102) is inserted or whether the closure element (104) is arranged on the inserted cartridge (102), and / or to output a signal indicating whether the cartridge (102) is inserted or whether the closure element (104) is arranged on the inserted cartridge (102) is arranged.

12. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a control unit (103) which is designed to generate a request signal for Picking up or inserting the temporarily unused cartridges (102) into the or the respective receptacle (101), optionally wherein the request signal indicates at least one of the temporarily unused cartridges (102), and / or wherein the control unit (103) is designed to output the request signal when the device (100) is or will be in a sleep mode for longer than a certain period of time; and / or when the device (100) is in a black and white mode for longer than a certain period of time; and / or when the device (100) detects or processes a print job that requires a true subset of the cartridges of the device (100) and / or requires more time than a certain period of time.

13. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing (200) further comprises a space (109) for at least one further element, optionally wherein the at least one further element comprises a replacement cartridge and / or cleaning wipes.

14. Device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one cartridge (102) comprises a plurality of cartridges (102), and wherein a spatial arrangement of the receptacles (101) for the cartridges (102) in the housing (200) corresponds to the spatial arrangement of cartridges (102) in a print head of the device (100) and / or is color-coded.

15. A system (300) for preserving temporarily unused cartridges (102), comprising: a device (100) having a housing (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and at least one cartridge (102) each having a closure element (104) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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