BACKGROUND

[0001] Printers may emit a printing fluid onto print media to produce images, words, symbols, etc. (collectively referred to herein as “images”) thereon, in some circumstances, a volume of printing fluid may be stored within a suitable reservoir. At some point during the life of the printer, additional printing fluid may be inserted within the reservoir (e.g., such as when the volume of printing fluid within the reservoir falls below some predetermined minimum).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0002] Various examples will be described below referring to the following figures:

[0003] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a printer according to some examples; [0004] FIG. 2 is another schematic view of the printer of FIG. 1 according to some examples;

[0005] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a valve of the printer of FIG. 1 with a sleeve of the valve in a first position according to some examples;

[0006] FIGS. 4 and 5 show example radially oriented cross-sectional views of the stem and sleeve of the valve of FIG. 3 according to some examples;

[0007] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 3 inserted within a bottle and with the sleeve of the valve in a second position according to some examples;

[0008] FIG. 7 is a side view of a valve of the printer of FIG. 1 according to some examples;

[0009] FIGS. 8 and 9 are sequential side views of the valve of FIG. 7 with a sleeve of the valve disposed in a first position and a second position, respectively, according to some examples; and

[0010] FIG. 10 Is a block diagram of a method of filling a printing fluid into a reservoir of a printer according to some examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Printers may include a reservoir of printing fluid that may be refilled at various times during the operational life of the printer. Printing fluid may be provided to the reservoir via a bottle (or other container) of printing fluid. During a printing fluid filling operation, a user may wish to avoid spillage so as to avoid loss of the printing fluid, as well as the staining of clothes, furniture, etc. In addition, during such a filling operation, a suitable fluid connection to the reservoir may be established with the bottle of printing fluid so as to allow the free exchange of printing fluid and gases (e.g., air) within the reservoir, to facilitate an uninterrupted flow of printing fluid into the reservoir.

[0012] Accordingly, examples disclosed herein include valves for a printing fluid reservoir of a printer that allow connection and disconnection of a portable volume (e.g., bottle) of printing fluid thereto with minimal risk of spillage, and so as to facilitate and allow the free exchange of air and printing fluid between the portable volume and printing fluid reservoir.

[0013] As used herein, the term “print media” refers to any surface or material that is to receive a printing fluid thereon to form an image. The term specifically includes paper.

[0014] As used herein, the term “printing fluid” refers to any liquid printing fluid that may be used to form an image on print media. The term specifically includes liquid printing agents, such as, for instance, ink. in addition, the term “printing fluid” may refer to liquid printing agents that may be utilized in additive manufacturing, such as, for instance, three dimensional (3D) printing.

[0015] As used herein, the term “elongate” refers to objects or members that have a length greater than their width.

[0016] Referring now to FIG, 1 , a printer 10 according to some examples is shown. Generally speaking, the printer 10 includes a housing 12, and a printing assembly 14 disposed within the housing 12.

[0017] The printing assembly 14 comprises a plurality of printing fluid reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36 for storing volumes of printing fluid therein, and a carriage 18. The printing fluid reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36 (or more simply “reservoirs” 30, 32, 34, 36) may comprise a vessel (e.g., tank, bottle, chamber, etc.), in some examples, the reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36 may hold different colors of printing fluid (e.g., such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black printing fluid). In some examples, printer 10 may include one reservoir (e.g., one of the reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36) in place of the plurality of reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36, such as in examples where printer 10 is to form images out of one color (e.g., black),

[0018] Carriage 18 supports a plurality of printheads 20, 22, 24, 26 thereon. The printheads 20, 22, 24, 26 are fluidly coupled to corresponding ones of the reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36, respectively, so that printing fluid may flow from the reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36 to the printheads 20, 22, 24, 26 during printing operations. In addition, the carriage 18 is coupled to a rail 16 or other suitable structure that allows carriage 18 to be translated across a surface of print media 50. Thus, during a printing operation, carriage 18 is translated across print media 50, and printing fluid is drawn (e.g,, pumped) from the reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36 and deposited onto print media 50 from printheads 20, 22, 24, 26 so as to form images thereon.

[0019] Referring still to FIG. 1 , a plurality of valves 100 are disposed along the housing 12 and fluidly coupled to the plurality of reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36. In particular, each valve 100 is fluidly coupled to a corresponding one of the reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36 so that, as will be described in more detail below, printing fluid may be deposited in to the printing fluid reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36 via the valves 100.

[0020] Referring now to FIG. 2, an alternative view of printer 10 is shown that depicts the fluid connection between printing fluid reservoir 30, printhead 20, and a corresponding one of the valves 100 in more detail, but omits the other reservoirs 32, 34, 36 and printheads 22, 24, 26 so as to simplify the drawings. However, the fluid connections between the reservoirs 32, 34, 36, printheads 22, 24, 26, and corresponding valves 100 may be similar to that described below for reservoir 30, printhead 20, and the corresponding valve 100 and shown in FIG. 2. [0021] As shown in FIG. 2, reservoir 30 is fluidly coupled to valve 100 via a first conduit 40 and a second conduit 42. The first conduit 40 is fluidly coupled to an air pocket 38 within reservoir 30 and a first flow path 102 through valve 100, and second conduit 42 is fluidly coupled to a volume of printing fluid 62 within reservoir 30 and a second flow path 104 within valve 100. The level or volume of printing fluid 62 within reservoir 30 may affect the communication of conduits 40, 42 with printing fluid and/or air within the reservoir 30 during operations. For instance, if the reservoir 30 is empty or very low, both conduits 40, 42 may be in communication with air pocket 38, and if the reservoir 30 is full or nearly full, both conduits 40, 42 may be in fluid communication with printing fluid 62 within reservoir 30.

[0022] In addition, reservoir 30 may be fluidly coupled to printhead 20 on carriage 18 via a third conduit 44. Thus, during operations, printing fluid 62 may be communicated to printhead 20 via third conduit 44, which then emits or deposits the printing fluid 62 onto print media 50 to form images as previously described.

[0023] A pump 46 may be disposed along second conduit 42 that is to pressurize fluid (e.g., printing fluid) flowing along second conduit 42 and induce a flow within second conduit 42 toward reservoir 30. While not shown, an additional pump may be disposed along the third conduit 44 so as to pressurize the flow of printing fluid from the reservoir 30 to the printhead 20. in addition, in some examples, the third conduit 44 may be merged or coupled to the second conduit 42, downstream of pump 46 such that pump 46 may pressurize both the flow of printing fluid into reservoir 30 as well as the flow of printing fluid into printhead 20. Suitable valves (e.g., one-way valves, selectively actuatabie valves, etc.) may be disposed along the conduits 42, 44 so as to avoid improper routing of printing fluid in some of these examples, in still some examples, no pumps (e.g., pump 46) are included along the conduits 40, 42, 44.

[0024] Conduits 40, 42, 44 may comprise any suitable members or structures for flowing fluid therethrough. For instance, in some examples, conduits 40, 42, 44 may comprise flexible tubes (e.g., polymer and/or elastomeric tubes); however, in other examples, conduits 40, 42 may comprise metallic tubing, pipes, channels, bores, and/or any combination thereof.

[0025] Referring still to FIG. 2, when refilling printing fluid 62 into reservoir 30, a bottle 60 (or other suitable container or volume) may be connected to valve 100 so that both the first flow path 102 and second flow path 104 are placed in communication with bottle 60. As a result, printing fluid 62 disposed within the bottle 60 may begin to flow out of bottle 60, through second flow path 104, second conduit 42, and into reservoir 30. The flow of printing fluid 62 from the bottle 60 to reservoir 30 may be driven or enhanced by operation of pump 46 as described above. As printing fluid 62 flows into the reservoir 30, air pocket 38 is compressed thereby driving the air from air pocket 38 through the first conduit 40, first flow path 102 in valve 100, and into bottle 60 so as to form an air pocket 64 therein. The exchange of printing fluid 62 and air between the bottle 60 and reservoir 30 via the flow paths 104 and 102, respectively, within valve 100 equalizes the pressures between bottle 60 and reservoir 30 so that printing fluid 62 continues to flow from bottle 60 into reservoir 30 until bottle 60 is empty (or substantially empty) or until reservoir 30 is full (or substantially full).

[0026] in the event that printing fluid 62 should overfill reservoir 30 (i.e. , a greater volume of printing fluid 62 is flowed toward reservoir 30 than is available within the reservoir 30), air pocket 38 within reservoir 30 may be eliminated (or substantially eliminated) so that excess printing fluid 62 may begin to flow back to bottle 60 via first conduit 40 and first flow path 102 within valve 100. Thus, an overflow of printing fluid 62 from the second flow path 104 is avoided during a refilling operation.

[0027] in addition, during a printing operation, printing fluid 62 may be drawn from the reservoir 30 to the printhead 20 via third conduit 44 as previously described. During this process, the level of printing fluid 62 may generally fall within reservoir 30 so that air pocket 38 generally Increases in size. Simultaneously, air may be drawn into reservoir 30 via the first flow path 102 in valve 100 so as to avoid an excessive negative pressure. Further structural details of examples of valves 100 are now described in more detail below so as to further illustrate these printing fluid filling operations for printer 10.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of one of the valves 100 according to some examples is shown. Generally speaking, valve 100 includes a centra! axis 105, a valve body 120, a stem 110, a sleeve 140, and a membrane 150. These components are now described in more detail below.

[0029] Valve body 120 may be coupled to housing 12 of printer 10 (see e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2). In some examples, valve body 120 may be integrated into the housing 12. In addition, in some examples, the valve bodies 120 of the plurality of valves 100 (see e.g., FIG. 1) may be integrated with one another. Valve body 120 includes a first chamber 122 and a second chamber 124. The first chamber 122 may be in fluid communication (e.g., via a suitable port or connector) to the first conduit 40, while the second chamber 124 may be in fluid communication (e.g., via a suitable port or connector) to the second conduit 42 (see e.g., conduits 40, 42 in FIG. 2).

[0030] Valve body 120 also includes a recess 126 that is defined by a wall 123. Recess 126 Includes a first opening 128 into the first chamber 122 and a second opening 129 into the second chamber 124. In some examples (e.g., such as the example of FIG. 3), the opening 128 is coaxially aligned with axis 105,

[0031] Referring still to FIG. 3, stem 110 is an elongate member that extends through opening 128 of valve body 120 along axis 105. Generally speaking, as used herein the term “stem” refers to an elongate member having a central, longitudinal axis (e.g., axis 105 in FIG. 3). Stem 110 includes a first or outer end 110a, a second or inner end 110b opposite the outer end 110a along axis 105, a radially outer surface 110c extending axially between ends 110a, 110b, and a fhroughbore 112 also extending axially between ends 110a, 110b. As used herein, the term “throughbore” refers to a bore or hole that extends through an object or member, inner end 110b is disposed within chamber 122 and outer end 110a is projected through opening 128 along axis 105, outside of chamber 122. Radially outer surface 110c of stem 110 includes a radially extending shoulder 119 engaged with an internal shoulder 127 of valve body 120. internal shoulder 127 is annularly disposed about opening 128. in some examples, the stem 110 engages with valve body 120 at opening 128 (e.g., via shoulders 119, 127) so as to seal off opening 128 and therefore prevent fluid flow between stem 110 and opening 128 into or out of first chamber 122. in some examples, stem 110 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded) with the valve body 120.

[0032] Radially outer surface 110c includes a frustoconicai surface 113 extending from outer end 110a. Frustoconicai surface 113 is a so-called down- ward facing frustoconicai surface that generally flares radially outward from axis 105 when moving axially from outer end 110a toward inner end 110b, Without being limited to this or any other theory, the frustoconicai surface 113 may facilitate the insertion of outer end 110a of stem 110 into a bottle (e.g., bottle 60 in FIG. 2) during a printing fluid filling operation as generally described above.

[0033] In addition, stem 110 includes an annular seal assembly 114 disposed along radially outer surface 110c. Annular seal assembly 114 may be axially disposed between frustoconical surface 113 and inner end 110b. In particular, annular seal assembly 114 comprises a radially inwardly extending, annular recess 116 and an annular seal member 115 disposed within annular recess 116. Annular seal member 115 may comprise a compliant member, such as, for instance an O-ring which may comprise any suitable material (e.g., an elastomeric material such as natural or synthetic rubber). In some examples, such as in the example of FIG. 3, the annular seal assembly 114 may be disposed axially closer to the outer end 110a than the inner end 110b.

[0034] Referring still to FIG. 3, sleeve 140 is disposed about stem 110 such that sleeve 140 is generally coaxially aligned with axis 105. Generally speaking, as used herein the term “sleeve” refers to a hollow member that may receive an elongate object therethrough (e.g,, such as stem 110 for sleeve 140), Sleeve 140 includes a first or outer end 140a, a second or inner end 140b opposite outer end 140a, and a radially inner surface 140c extending axially between ends 140a, 140b. Radially inner surface 140c defines a throughbore 146 extending axially between ends 140a, 140b. As is generally shown in FIG. 3, outer end 140a is axially closer to outer end 110a of stem 110 than Inner end 140b along axis 105, and inner end 140b is axially closer to the inner end 110b of stem 110 than outer end 140a along axis 105. An annulus 147 is defined within throughbore 146 radially between the radially inner surface 140c of sleeve 140 and the radially outer surface 110c of stem 110.

[0035] Referring briefly now to FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein example radially oriented cross-sections of stem 110 and sleeve 140 axially between outer end14Ga and flange 144 are shown. Referring first to FIG. 4, in some examples, radially outer surface 110c of stem 110 is cylindricaily shaped so that annulus is defined by the cylindrical radially inner surface 140c of sleeve 140 and the cylindrical radially outer surface 110c of stem 110. Referring now to FIG. 5, in some examples, radially outer surface 110c of stem 110 may include one (or a plurality of) recesses 111 extending radially inward toward axis 105 such that annulus 147 includes one (or a plurality of) axially extending channels 117 (e.g., that extend axially between outer end 110a of stem 110 and inner end 140b of sleeve 140). [0036] Referring back now to FIG. 3, outer end 140a includes a frustoconical surface 142. Frustoconical surface 142 is a so-called upward facing frustoconical surface 142 that generally flares radially inward to axis 105 when moving axially from outer end 140a toward inner end 140b.

[0037] Sleeve 140 also includes a flange 144 extending radially outward from axis 105, and annuiarly about axis 105. In some examples (e.g., such as the example of FIG. 3) the flange 144 is axially disposed axially closer to inner end 140b than outer end 140a. An annular skirt 149 extends axially from flange 144 toward inner end 140b. in some examples, annular skirt 149 extends to inner end 140b, while in other examples (e.g., such as in the example of FIG. 3) the annular skirt 149 extends to a point that is short of the inner end 140b.

[0038] Membrane 150 includes first connection flange 152, a second connection flange 156, and a hollow body 157 extending between connection flanges 152, 156. Hollow body 157 is annuiarly disposed about axis 105. A first opening 154 extends axially through first connection flange 152, and a second opening 158 extends axially through second connection flange 156. Annular skirt 149 of sleeve 140 is inserted through first opening 154 so that first connection flange 152 is axially captured and compressed between flange 144 of sleeve 140 and a first retaining ring 148. In addition, second connection flange 156 is axially captured between wall 123 of recess 126 in valve body 120 and a second retaining ring 153. Thus, together, hollow body 157 of membrane 150 and recess 126 of valve body 120 form a chamber 160. Fluid flow into or out of the chamber 160 between the membrane 150 and sleeve 140 is prevented via the engagement of first connection flange 152 of membrane 150 and flange 144 of sleeve 140, and via the engagement of the second connection flange 156 of membrane 150 and wail 123 of recess 125 in valve body 120.

[0039] A biasing member 162 is disposed within chamber 160, axially between first retaining ring 148 and valve body 120. Biasing member 162 is to exert an axially directed biasing force on the sleeve 140 (e.g., via the first retaining ring 148, first connection flange 152 of membrane 150, and flange 144 of sleeve 140) so as to bias sleeve 140 axially toward outer end 110a of stem 110, As a result, frustoconical surface 142 at outer end 140a of sleeve 140 is biased (via the biasing member 162) into engagement with the annular seal member 115 of annular seal assembly 114 such that fluid flow into or out of the annulus 147 between the annular seal member 115 and frustoconical surface 142 is prevented. In some examples (e.g., such as in the example of FIG. 3), biasing member 162 comprises a coiled spring that includes a first end 162a engaged with first retaining ring 148 and a second end 162b opposite first end 162a that is engaged with valve body 120.

[0040] As previously described, valve 100 may include a first flow path 102 and a second flow path 104 therethrough. As shown in FIG. 3 (wherein the flow paths 102, 104 are depicted with arrows), the first flow path 102 extends through fhroughbore 112 from outer end 110a of stem 110 through inner end 110b and into first chamber 122 of valve body 120. In addition, the second flow path 104 extends through annulus 147, into chamber 160 and then into second chamber 124 in valve body 120.

[0041] When the sleeve 140 is in a first position as shown in FIG. 3, the frustoconical surface 142 is biased into engagement with annular seal member 115 of annular seal assembly 114 via biasing member 162 and the second flow path 104 into second chamber 124 of valve body 120 is therefore closed. However, when the sleeve 140 is in the first position of FIG. 3, the first flow path 102 is open via the opening outer end 110a and fhroughbore 112 such that fluid may freely flow therethrough into the first chamber 122 in valve body 120.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 6, during printing fluid filling operations (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 2 and discussed above), bottle 60 may be engaged with valve 100 as previously described. Specifically, in some examples, bottle 60 may include a nozzle 66 including a septum 68. Septum 68 comprises a membrane that covers an opening of the nozzle 66, and includes a small slit 67. When connecting bottle 60 to valve 100, outer end 110a of stem 110 is pushed through slit 67, thereby forcing slit 67 open to accept a portion of stem 110 as well as a portion of sleeve 140 therethrough. When no object (e.g., stem 110, sleeve 140, etc.) is inserted through slit 67 of septum 68, the slit 67 is generally closed so as to prevent fluid flow therethrough,

[0043] As the outer ends 110a, 140a of stem 110, sleeve 140, respectively, are advanced into nozzle 66 of bottle 60 via septum 68, eventually an end 66a of nozzle 66 engages or abuts flange 144 on sleeve 140. Thereafter, continued advancement of outer ends 110a, 140a of stem 110, sleeve 140, respectively, into bottle 60 displaces or translates sleeve 140 axially along stem 110 toward inner end 110b from the first position of FIG. 3 to a second position shown in FIG. 6. in some examples (e,g., such as in the example of FIG. 6), when sleeve 140 is in the second position, the inner end 140b may engage with the valve body 120 about opening 128 (i.e., the sleeve 140 may be displaced axially along stem 110 until inner end 140b engages with valve body 120). The displacement of sleeve 140 axially along stem 110 may compress the biasing member 162, and may displace the first connection flange 152 of membrane 150 axially toward second connection flange 156 so as to deform membrane 150.

[0044] When the sleeve 140 is transitioned to the second position of FIG. 6, the frustoconical surface 142 at outer end 140a of sleeve 140 is disengaged and axially spaced from annular seal member 115 of annular seal assembly 114. As a result, the second flow path 104 extending along annulus 147 is opened when sleeve 140 is in the second position of FIG. 6. In addition, when the sleeve 140 is in the second position of FIG. 6, the first flow path 102 through throughbore 112 into first chamber 122 of valve body 120 remains open via the open outer ends 110a and throughbore 112 of stem 110. Thus, referring briefly to FIGS. 3 and 6, the first flow path 102 of valve 100 is open both when the sleeve 140 is in the first position of FIG. 3 and the second position of FIG. 6, while the second flow path 104 is dosed when the sleeve 140 is in the first position of FIG. 3, and is open when the sleeve 140 is in the second position of FIG. 6.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, once the valve 100 is inserted into nozzle 66 of bottle 60 and sleeve 140 is transitioned to the second position as previously described, printing fluid 62 disposed within bottle 60 may flow through the second flow path 104 into the second chamber 124 in valve body 120, and is then communicated to the reservoir 30 via the second conduit 42 as previously described. Simultaneously, air within the air pocket 38 of reservoir 30 is communicated through first conduit 40, into the first chamber 122 in valve body 120, and through the first flow path 102 into bottle 60 so as to equalize the pressure between bottle 60 and reservoir 30 as previously described.

[0046] At the cessation of these printing fluid filling operations (e.g., when reservoir 30 is full and/or when bottle 60 is empty), valve 100 may be withdrawn from nozzle 66 of bottle 60, so as that end 66a of nozzle 66 is disengaged from flange 144. As a result, the biasing force supplied by biasing member 162 urges sleeve 140 toward outer end 110a of stem 110 until sleeve 140 once again returns to the first position of FIG. 3, and the frustoconlcal surface 142 is re-engaged with the annular seal member 115. Thus, the second flow path 104 is once again closed. When outer end 110a of stem 110 is fully withdrawn through septum 68, the slit 67 once again closes so as to prevent the flow of printing fluids that may still be retained within bottle 60 from flowing out of the nozzle 66 upon disengagement from valve 100. As a result, both the second flow path 104 of valve 100 and nozzle 66 of bottle 60 are automatically dosed upon disengaging bottle 60 from valve 100 so as to prevent spillage of printing fluid 62. [0047] After the nozzle 66 is disengaged from valve 100, the first flow path 102 remains open as previously described above. Thus, during a printing operation, air is free to flow into the reservoir 30 via first flow path 102 of valve 100 so as to equalize the pressure within reservoir 30 as the level of printing fluid 62 falls. In addition, first flow path 102 may also allow air to vent from reservoir 30 in the event that environmental heat within and/or around printer 10 may cause thermal expansion (e.g., of the air, printing fluid 62, etc.) within reservoir 30. As a result, keeping the first flow path 102 open may help to maintain the pressure of reservoir 30 within an acceptable range during and outside of printing fluid filling operations (e.g,, such as during printing operations as described above).

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, in some examples flange 144 of sleeve 140 may include a tag 170 radially spaced from sleeve 140 and stem 110 with respect to axis 105. The tag 170 may engage with a surface, switch, energy wave, etc. as the sleeve 140 is translated axially along stem 110 from the first position to the second position in the manner described above so as to generate a signal or other indication for a controller 180 (which may be a controller of the printer 10 in FIG. 1), that printing fluid filling operations have commenced. For instance, such information may be useful so as to trigger the controller (not shown) to actuate (or refrain from actuating) other components (e.g., valves, pumps, etc.) within printer 10 (FIG. 1) to enable, facilitate, and/or enhance the fluid filling operation. Specifically, in some examples, upon receiving the indication (e.g., via tag 170) that sleeve 140 of valve 100 is transitioned to the second position (FIG. 6), the controller 180 may determine that printing fluid filling operations have commenced and may therefore energize pump 46 within printer 10 of FIG. 1 so as to more quickly draw printing fluid 62 from bottle 60 into reservoir 30 as previously described. Likewise, upon receiving the indication (e.g., via tag 170) that sleeve 140 of valve 100 is transitioned back to the first position (FIG. 3), the controller 180 may determine that the printing fluid filling operation has ceased and may therefore de-energize pump 46 (FIG. 1). In some examples, upon receiving the indication (e.g., via tag 170) that sleeve 140 of valve 100 is transitioned to the second position (FIG. 6), the controller 180 may determine that valve 100 is fully inserted within nozzle 66 of bottle 60 (FIG. 6) such that controller 180 may provide an indication (e.g., a light, tone, haptic feedback, etc.) to the user that the bottle 60 is properly and fully engaged with the valve 100 for printing fluid filling operations.

[0049] Referring specifically now to FIGS. 8 and 9, in some examples, tag 170 may selectively interrupt a light beam 176 emitted between two sensors 172, 174 coupled to valve body 120. Specifically, sensor 172 may comprise a light transmitter that is to generate light beam 176 and direct it toward sensor 174 which may comprise a receiver. During operations, as the sleeve 140 is displaced from the first position (FIG. 3) to the second position (FIG. 6) as previously described, so that the tag 170 may be moved between the sensors 172, 174 so as to effectively block the light beam 176 from reaching sensor 174. [0050] in some examples, sensor 172 may comprise a transceiver and second sensor 174 may be replaced with a reflective surface, such that sensor 172 is to generate and emit the light beam 176 that is then reflected off of the reflective surface (not shown) disposed in place of second sensor 174 so as to be received by the sensor 172. In these examples, the displacement of sleeve 140 may again move tag 170 between the sensor 172 and the reflective surface (not shown) in place of sensor 174 to thereby prevent the light beam 176 from being reflected back and received by sensor 172. In some examples, tag 170 may comprise (or be coated or topped with) a non-reflective material.

[0051] Both sensors 172, 174 (or just sensor 172 in some of those examples where sensor 172 is a transceiver as described above) may be communicatively coupled to controller 180 (e.g., via any suitable wireless and/or wired connection). As a result, when the light beam 176 is freely emitted and received between sensors 172, 174, controller 180 may receive an indication (e.g., from the sensors 172 and/or 174) that sleeve 140 is in the first position (FIG. 3), and when the light beam 176 is blocked between sensors 172, 174, controller 180 may receive an indication (e.g., from the sensors 172 and/or 174) that sleeve 140 is in the second position (FIG. 6).

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 10, a method 200 for filling a printing fluid reservoir in a printer is shown, in some examples, method 200 may be performed with the printer 10 and valves 100 previously described above. Thus, in describing method 200, reference may be made to the features of printer 10 and valves 100 previously described above (see e.g., FIGS. 1-6). However, method 200 may be performed with other components and assemblies. As a result, any reference to the printer 10 and valves 100 is intended to further explain the features of method 200 and should not be interpreted as limiting all applications of method 200.

[0053] Initially, method 200 includes inserting a stem of a valve into a bottle at block 202. For instance, for the valve 100, stem 110 may be inserted through nozzle 66 of bottle 60 as previously described above and shown in FIG. 6. Next, method 200 includes displacing a sleeve, that is disposed about the stem, from a first position to a second position along the stem during inserting the stem at block 204. For the valve 100, as the stem 110 is inserted within nozzle 66 of bottle 60, end 66a of nozzle 66 may engage with flange 144 so as to displace sleeve 140 along stem 110 from the first position in FIG. 3 to the second position in FIG. 6 as previously described. Method 200 also includes flowing air from the printing fluid reservoir, into the bottle, through a first flow path that extends through a throughbore in the stem during inserting the stem and displacing the sleeve at block 206, and flowing printing fluid from the bottle, to the printing fluid reservoir through a second flow path that extends between the sleeve and the stem as a result of inserting the stem and displacing the sleeve at block 208. For instance, for the valve 100, once the stem 110 is inserted within nozzle 66 of bottle 60 and sleeve 140 is displaced from the first position (FIG. 3) to the second position (FIG. 6), air may flow from the reservoir 30 into the bottle 60 via the first flow path 102 in valve 100, and printing fluid 62 may flow from the bottle 60 to the reservoir 30 via second flow path 104 as previously described.

[0054] Accordingly, examples disclosed herein include valves (e.g., valves 100) for a printing fluid reservoir (e.g., reservoirs 30, 32, 34, 36) of a printer that allow connection and disconnection of a portable volume (e.g., bottle 60) of printing fluid thereto with minimal risk of spillage, and that facilitate and allow the free exchange of air and printing fluid between the portable volume and printing fluid reservoir. Accordingly, through use of the example valves disclosed herein, printing fluid filling operations may be simplified and enhanced.

[0055] While examples disclosed herein have disclosed valves 100 utilized on a printer 10 for forming images on print media, it should be appreciated that examples of the valves 100 may be utilized on a device for performing additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing. In some of these examples, the valves 100 may be utilized with the additive manufacturing device (e.g., 3D printer) as described above to provide printing fluid to a reservoir and to flow air into and out of the reservoir.

[0056] In the figures, certain features and components disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of certain elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness, in some of the figures, in order to improve clarity and conciseness, a component or an aspect of a component may be omitted.

[0057] In the above discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising'' are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to... ." Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to be broad enough to encompass both indirect and direct connections. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection or through an indirect connection via other devices, components, and connections, in addition, as used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" generally refer to positions along or parallel to a central or longitudinal axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms "radial" and “radially” generally refer to positions located or spaced to the side of the central or longitudinal axis.

[0058] As used herein, including in the claims, the word “or” is used in an inclusive manner. For example, “A or B” means any of the following: “A” alone, “B” alone, or both “A” and “B.” in addition, when used herein including the claims, the word “generally” or “substantially” means within a range of plus or minus 10% of the stated value.

[0059] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various examples of the present disclosure. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.