Inkjet printing system using a modular print cartridge assembly

摘要

Disclosed is a print cartridge receptacle assembly (70) including a first modular print cartridge receptacle (30) for removably receiving and supporting a single first print cartridge (10), a second modular print cartridge receptacle (30) for removably receiving and supporting a single second print cartridge (10), a separate locking mechanism (46) on the first and second modular print cartridge receptacles (30) for individually locking the first and second print cartridges (10) in the modular print cartridge receptacles (30) and alignment surfaces (50, 52, 54, 60. 62, 64) on the first and second modular print cartridge receptacles (30) for aligning and interlocking the first modular print cartridge receptacle (30) with the second modular print cartridge receptacle (30). Also disclosed is a print cartridge receptacle assembly (70) including a first modular print cartridge receptacle (30) for removably receiving and supporting a single first print cartridge (10), a second modular print cartridge receptacle (30) for removably receiving and supporting a single second print cartridge (10), a separate locking mechanism (46) on the first and second modular print cartridge receptacles (30) for individually locking the first and second print cartridges (10) in the modular print cartridge receptacles (30) and first and second print cartridge driver circuits (48) mounted on the first and second modular print cartridge receptacles (30) and electrically connected with a first and second electrical interconnect on the first and second modular print cartridge receptacles (30) for receiving signals from the first and second electrical interconnects (49). The present invention provides for a modular printing system which allows for flexibility in the design of printers for particular or unique applications. The invention allows for multiple modular print cartridge receptacles (30) to be assembled together to quickly produce a functional specialized printing system. <IMAGE>