초록 ▼

In the preferred embodiment, an inkjet printer includes a replaceable print cartridge which is inserted into a scanning carriage. An ink tube extends from the scanning carriage to a separate ink supply located within the printer. A fluid interconnect on the print cartridge connects to a fluid interc

In the preferred embodiment, an inkjet printer includes a replaceable print cartridge which is inserted into a scanning carriage. An ink tube extends from the scanning carriage to a separate ink supply located within the printer. A fluid interconnect on the print cartridge connects to a fluid interconnect on the carriage when the print cartridge is inserted into the carriage to complete the fluid connection between the external ink supply and the print cartridge. In one embodiment, the fluid interconnection is made between the print cartridge and the ink tube simply by placing the print cartridge into a stall in the scanning carriage. A pressure regulator, which may be internal or external to the print cartridge, regulates the flow of ink from the external ink supply to the print cartridge. The external ink supply may be pressurized or non-pressurized.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A printing system for depositing ink onto a printing medium, said printing system having a bottom surface when supported on a planar surface for printing, comprising:a scanning carriage having a first interconnect member;an ink source external to said carriage;a flexible

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A printing system for depositing ink onto a printing medium, said printing system having a bottom surface when supported on a planar surface for printing, comprising:a scanning carriage having a first interconnect member;an ink source external to said carriage;a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said ink source and said second end connected to said carriage, said flexible tube providing a fluid connection between said ink source and said carriage;a print cartridge, supported by and removably installed in said carriage, having a printhead for ejecting droplets of ink in a direction toward said bottom surface and onto the printing medium, said printhead extending in a plane substantially parallel to said bottom surface, said print cartridge also having a second interconnect member in fluid communication with said first interconnect member, said second interconnect member being spaced farther away from said bottom surface than said printhead, said print cartridge also having an ink chamber in fluid communication with said printhead, and an ink channel leading from said second interconnect member to said ink chamber, said second interconnect member and said ink channel forming a path of ink from said first interconnect member to said chamber, wherein said path of ink does not extend to a height above said print cartridge.