REPLACEABLE INK CONTAINER FOR INK JET PRINTING SYSTEM

摘要

PURPOSE: A replaceable ink container is provided to prevent improper insertion of ink container, by surely guiding the ink container to a receiving station and performing fluid communication and electrical connection. CONSTITUTION: A receiving station(14) has a fluid inlet and a pair of guide rails(46) extending along either side of the fluid inlet. A replaceable ink container(12) includes a fluid outlet configured for connection to the fluid inlet associated with the receiving station. Also included is a pair of outwardly extending guide rail engaging features(42). Each of the pair of guide rail engaging features are so disposed and arranged on the replaceable ink container for engagement with each of the pair of guide rails to guide the replaceable ink container in both horizontal and vertical directions into the receiving station. The pair of guide rail engaging features and the pair of guide rails cooperate to align the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet to establish fluid communication between the ink container and the receiving station.