System and method for fluid transmission and temperature regulation in an inkjet printing system

A method for fluid transmission and temperature regulation in an inkjet printing system that includes a printhead mount that is adapted to hold a printhead cartridge and further includes an inlet port connected to a fluid supply conduit that is supplied by first and second ink supplies connected via respective first and second valves to the fluid supply conduit and an outlet port connected via a fluid transmission conduit and a third valve to a waste reservoir, comprising the steps of:

• removing a first printhead cartridge from the printhead mount;
• closing the first valve;
• opening the third valve;
• opening the second valve;
• allowing a first predetermined time period to pass, wherein the first predetermined time period is sufficient to allow ink from the second ink supply to flow beyond the third valve;
• closing the third valve;
• and
• inserting a second printhead cartridge into the printhead mount.

A system for fluid transmission and temperature regulation in an inkjet printing system, comprising:

• first and second ink supplies connected via respective first and second valves to an inlet end of a fluid supply conduit;
• a printhead mount including an inlet port connected to an outlet end of the fluid supply conduit and an outlet port connected via a first fluid transmission conduit and a third valve to a waste reservoir;
• a printhead cartridge mounted within the printhead mount and in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports of the printhead mount;
• a temperature control element and a temperature sensor, each disposed downstream of the first and second valves;
• and
• a controller connected to the temperature control element, the temperature sensor, and to each of the first, second, and third valves.

A method for fluid transmission and temperature regulation in an inkjet printing system including a first printhead cartridge mounted within a printhead mount and in fluid communication with inlet and outlet ports of the printhead mount, wherein the inlet port is connected to an outlet end of a fluid supply conduit that is supplied by first and second ink supplies connected via respective first and second valves to an inlet end of the fluid supply conduit and wherein the outlet port is connected via a first fluid transmission conduit and a third valve to a waste reservoir, comprising the steps of:

• removing the first printhead cartridge from the printhead mount;
• closing the first valve;
• opening the third valve;
• opening the second valve;
• allowing a first predetermined time period to pass, wherein the first predetermined time period is sufficient to allow ink from the second ink supply to flow beyond the third valve;
• closing the third valve;
• inserting a second printhead cartridge into the printhead mount;
• operating the inkjet printing system with the ink from the second ink supply;
• determining a temperature of the ink from the second ink supply from a temperature sensor disposed within the second printhead cartridge;
• and
• comparing the temperature of the ink from the second ink supply to a first predetermined temperature range and, if necessary, activating a temperature control element disposed upstream of the temperature sensor disposed within the second printhead cartridge to correct the temperature of the ink from the second ink supply to within the first predetermined temperature range.