Print media cartridge with integral print media and ink supplies
View Patent ↗The present invention relates to a cartridge for use with a digital printing device. The cartridge includes a first casing portion for housing print media and a second casing portion for housing a supply of ink. The ink supply is formed by having the second casing portion segregated into distinct chambers for storing a supply of different colored inks, with each ink storage chamber having a corresponding ink outlet closed with a pierceable seal and is defined at least in part by a collapsible membrane.
1. A cartridge for use with a digital printing device, the cartridge including:
a first casing portion for housing print media;
a second casing portion for housing a supply of ink, the second casing portion defining a part of each of a plurality of distinct chambers for storing a supply of different colored inks, each ink storage chamber having a corresponding ink outlet closed with a pierceable seal; and
a deformable film sealingly connecting the first and second casing portions so as to define a remaining part of each of the storage chambers,
wherein the deformable film is configured to provide each of the storage chambers with ink storage volumes that reduce with ink usage.
2. A cartridge device according to claim 1 wherein each ink outlet is in the form of a nozzle adapted to connect with a corresponding ink connection means provided on the printed device with which the cartridge is to be used.
3. A cartridge according to claim 1 , the cartridge including a print media exit opening arranged in said first portion of the casing; and
a transport assembly arranged at least partially within said first portion of the casing and being disposed upon operation to pick up and drive a sheet of said print media through said exit opening.
4. A cartridge according to claim 3 wherein said transport assembly includes:
a drive shaft, pick up rollers rigidly connected with said drive shaft; and
a drive gear, said shaft and roller being captively supported within said first portion of the casing.
5. A cartridge according to claim 4 wherein the drive gear is adapted to engage a powered corresponding gear provided on the printing device with which the cartridge is to be used.
6. A cartridge according to claim 5 wherein the drive gear is able to engage a powered corresponding gear provided on the printing device by means of an aperture provided on said casing.
7. A cartridge according to claim 1 which includes a shielding means arranged in said first portion of the casing adjacent the exit opening for assisting in the supply of print media to said printing device.