Ink path system and printing equipment

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of ink-jet printing, solves the problem that in the prior art, an ink path system is unstable due to ink properties, and provides an ink path system and printing equipment, the ink path system comprises an ink supply module used for supplying ink to an ink-jet assembly; the ink returning module is used for returning the ink of the ink jet assembly into the ink supply module; the pneumatic control module is used for regulating and controlling the amount of ink in the ink return module and the ink supply module through positive and negative pressure; the cleaning module communicates with the ink jet assembly and is used for cleaning the ink jet assembly; the ink supply module comprises an ink supply box, a transfer ink bin and an ink barrel, the transfer ink bin is connected with the ink supply box and the ink barrel, and the ink supply box is connected with the ink jet assembly and used for supplying ink to the ink jet assembly. Ink is buffered through the transfer ink bin, meanwhile, the ink return module, the pneumatic control module and the cleaning module control the ink supply module and the ink jet assembly in the ink path in a coordinated mode, and the problem that the ink path is unstable is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of inkjet printing, in particular to an ink path system and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] In inkjet printing, the stability of the ink system is crucial. The properties of the ink itself, such as viscosity and fluidity, will affect the stability of the ink path to a certain extent. Its viscosity may cause friction in narrow channels, thereby slowing down the flow rate. The volatile components in the ink may decrease over time and use, causing the ink to become thicker and increasing the risk of clogging.

[0003] A stable ink path allows the ink to flow to the nozzle at the same flow rate and flow rate for printing, avoiding the problem of ink droplets splashing due to too fast ink flow rate or uneven ink volume when the ink is sprayed onto the substrate surface due to too large ink flow rate. At the same time, the instability of the ink path will also impact the high-precision components in the inkjet equipment, such as the nozzle, causing damage to the equipment and shortening the service life of the high-precision components. Therefore, how to improve the stable operation of the ink path has become one of the common challenges in inkjet printing. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, an embodiment of the utility model provides an ink path system and a printing device to solve the technical problem of ink path instability caused by ink properties in inkjet printing.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the utility model provides an ink path system, the system comprising:

[0006] An ink supply module, used for supplying ink to the inkjet assembly;

[0007] An ink return module, used for returning the ink of the inkjet assembly to the ink supply module;

[0008] An air control module, used for regulating the ink amount in the ink return module and the ink supply module through positive and negative pressure;

[0009] A cleaning module, connected to the inkjet assembly, for cleaning the inkjet assembly;

[0010] The ink supply module includes an ink supply box, a transfer ink tank and an ink barrel. The transfer ink tank is connected to the ink supply box and the ink barrel respectively. The ink supply box is connected to the inkjet assembly for supplying ink to the inkjet assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the ink supply module is provided with a first ink pump, a second ink pump and a first filter unit;

[0012] The first ink pump is used to control the ink to flow from the ink barrel to the transfer ink tank, the second ink pump is used to control the ink to flow from the transfer ink tank to the ink supply box, and the first filter unit is used to remove impurities and gas in the ink.

[0013] Preferably, the ink supply module further comprises a constant temperature unit for keeping the ink in the transfer ink tank and the ink supply cartridge warm.

[0014] Preferably, the ink return module includes an ink return box and a third ink pump, the ink return box is connected to the inkjet assembly and is used to collect excess ink in the inkjet assembly, and the third ink pump is used to control the ink in the ink return box to flow to the transfer ink tank.

[0015] Preferably, the cleaning module includes a first liquid storage unit and a second liquid storage unit connected thereto, the first liquid storage unit is used to provide cleaning liquid to the second liquid storage unit, and the second liquid storage unit is connected to the inkjet assembly for transporting the cleaning liquid from the second liquid storage unit to the inkjet assembly to clean the inkjet assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the air control module is provided with an air control unit and a first safety bottle and a second safety bottle connected to the air control unit, the first safety bottle is also connected to the ink return module, and the second safety bottle is also connected to the ink supply module.

[0017] Preferably, the second safety bottle is also connected to the cleaning module to adjust the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning module.

[0018] Preferably, the gas control unit is provided with a first negative pressure output terminal and a second negative pressure output terminal;

[0019] The first negative pressure output end is used to adjust the ink volume in the ink return module, and the second negative pressure output end is connected to the ink supply module and the cleaning module to adjust the ink volume in the ink supply module and the liquid volume in the cleaning module;

[0020] When the amount of ink in the ink supply cartridge is greater than a preset value, a first negative pressure and a second negative pressure are set to regulate the ink in the ink supply cartridge to flow back into the ink return cartridge through the inkjet assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the cleaning module further comprises a Y-type connector, two ports of which are connected to the inkjet assembly for outputting cleaning liquid to the inkjet assembly and recovering the cleaning liquid on the inkjet assembly to the second liquid storage unit.

[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present utility model provides a printing device, wherein the printing device includes the ink path system provided in the first aspect.

[0023] In summary, the beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows:

[0024] The ink circuit system and printing device provided by the embodiment of the utility model, the air control module provided in the ink circuit system is used to set different positive and negative pressure values, control the amount of ink in the ink return module and the ink supply module, so as to realize the normal operation of the ink return module and the ink supply module and ensure smooth printing operation; control the flow of ink between the ink return module and the ink supply module according to the amount of ink in the ink return module and the ink supply module, so as to ensure that the ink supply module supplies ink to the inkjet component stably and uninterruptedly; at the same time, when the amount of ink in the ink supply cartridge is greater than the preset value and will affect the printing of the inkjet component, the air control module outputs the air pressure value of the ink return module and the ink supply module to regulate the ink to flow from the ink supply module to the ink return module through the inkjet component, so as to avoid the ink from accumulating on the ink supply cartridge and the inkjet component for a long time without flowing, causing its fluidity to change and blocking the ink tube or nozzle.

[0025] A cleaning module is set in the ink path system to clean the inkjet components regularly or before / after printing to prevent dust accumulation or ink residue from clogging the inkjet components.

[0026] At the same time, a transfer ink tank is set in the ink supply module. The transfer ink tank can serve as an ink buffer, making the ink flow to the ink supply cartridge more smoothly, and avoiding the situation where the ink tank fails to supply ink to the ink supply cartridge in time when the ink is exhausted when the ink tank and the ink supply cartridge are directly connected, affecting the printing of the inkjet component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the utility model, the drawings required for use in the embodiment of the utility model will be briefly introduced below. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work, and these are all within the protection scope of the utility model.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ink circuit system provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ink supply module in an ink circuit system provided in an embodiment of the utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ink circuit system provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the ink circuit system provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a Y-type connector of an ink circuit system provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0033] Parts and numbers in the figure: 100, ink supply module; 200, inkjet assembly; 400, air control module; 300, ink return module; 500, cleaning module; 1, ink barrel; 2, transfer ink tank; 3, ink supply cartridge; 4, first ink pump; 5, first filter unit; 6, second ink pump; 7, filter unit, 8, ink return cartridge; 9, filter unit; 10, third ink pump; 11, normally closed valve; 12, first safety bottle; 13, second safety bottle; 14, positive pressure control unit; 15, air control unit; 16, second liquid storage unit; 17, first liquid storage unit; 18, second filter unit; 19, fourth ink pump; 20, third solenoid valve; 21, Y-type connector; 211, first interface; 212, second interface; 213, third interface; 22, fourth solenoid valve; 23, first solenoid valve, 24, second solenoid valve; 25, fifth solenoid valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiment of the utility model clearer, the technical scheme in the embodiment of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the utility model. It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply that there is any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. In the description of the utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc. is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to the utility model. Moreover, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the statement "comprising..." do not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising the elements. If there is no conflict, the various features in the embodiments and embodiments of the utility model can be combined with each other, all within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0035] The stability of the ink path is very important in inkjet printing. A stable ink path can ensure that the ink can flow at a consistent speed and with the same flow rate, so that the nozzle can spray uniform ink droplets during inkjet printing, and can effectively reduce the generation of flying ink to ensure printing quality. To solve the problem of unstable ink path in inkjet printing equipment, please refer to Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present invention provides an ink path system, the ink path system comprising:

[0036] An embodiment of the present invention provides an ink path system, the ink path system comprising:

[0037] The ink supply module 100 is used to supply ink to the inkjet assembly 200;

[0038] The ink return module 300 is used to return the ink of the inkjet assembly 200 to the ink supply module 100;

[0039] The air control module 400 is used to adjust the ink amount in the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100 through positive and negative pressure;

[0040] A cleaning module 500, which is in communication with the inkjet assembly 200 and is used to clean the inkjet assembly 200;

[0041] The ink supply module 100 includes an ink supply box 3, a transfer ink tank 2 and an ink barrel 1. The transfer ink tank 2 is connected to the ink supply box 3 and the ink barrel 1 respectively. The ink supply box 3 is connected to the inkjet assembly 200 for supplying ink to the inkjet assembly 200.

[0042] Specifically, the output end of the ink return module 300 is connected to the transfer ink tank 2 in the ink supply module 100, and the input end is connected to the inkjet assembly 200. The ink in the inkjet assembly 200 is transported to the ink return module 300 through the ink tube, and the ink in the ink return module 300 is transported to the transfer ink tank 2 through the ink tube, so as to realize the circulation of ink, regulate the ink in the ink supply cartridge, and ensure that no excess ink is accumulated in the inkjet assembly 200, thereby ensuring the fluidity of the ink and avoiding the problem of blockage caused by the accumulation of ink.

[0043] The ink transfer tank 2 is provided in the ink supply module 100, which can buffer the ink flowing out of the ink barrel 1 to a certain extent, so as to control the flow rate of the ink flowing into the ink supply cartridge 3 and ensure that the ink in the ink supply cartridge 3 meets the printing requirements, and at the same time, avoid the ink supply of the ink supply cartridge 3 to the inkjet assembly 200 affected by the exhaustion of the ink in the ink barrel 1 caused by the direct connection between the ink barrel 1 and the ink supply cartridge 3. The provision of the ink transfer tank 2 can also prevent the gas in the ink barrel 1 from being introduced into the ink supply cartridge, better control the entry of air, and reduce the generation of bubbles.

[0044] The ink path system is provided with an ink amount detection module, which includes a detection unit and a control unit. The detection unit is used to detect the amount of ink in the transfer ink tank 2, the ink supply cartridge 3, and the ink return module 300. When the amount of ink in the transfer ink tank 2, the ink supply cartridge 3, and the ink return module 300 exceeds a certain amount, the detection information is transmitted to the control unit to control the ink in the transfer ink tank, the ink supply cartridge 3, and the ink return module 300.

[0045] The detection unit may be a liquid level monitoring unit, which sends out monitoring information when the liquid level monitoring detects that the ink volume exceeds or falls below a certain liquid level.

[0046] At the same time, the detection unit can also be a weight detection unit, which is used to detect the weight of the ink. When the weight of the ink exceeds or is lower than a certain weight, a monitoring message is issued.

[0047] The control unit controls the input or output of the ink amount in the transfer ink tank 2 / ink supply cartridge 3 and the ink return module 300 according to the received monitoring information. When the ink amount in the transfer ink tank 2 / ink supply cartridge 3 exceeds a preset value, the ink delivery to the transfer ink tank 2 / ink supply cartridge 3 is disconnected. When the ink amount in the ink return module 300 exceeds a preset value, the flow rate of the ink from the ink return module 300 to the transfer ink tank 2 is increased to avoid the ink return module 300 being too full of ink and affecting the recovery of excess ink in the inkjet assembly 200.

[0048] Preferably, the ink volume detection module may also be a liquid level switch, and when the ink volume reaches a certain liquid level, the liquid level switch is disconnected or connected.

[0049] At the same time, the ink volume detection module controls the air pressure output of the air control module 400 according to the monitoring information, and regulates the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100, so that the ink in the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100 flows smoothly, and the inkjet assembly 200 prints evenly and uninterruptedly.

[0050] The cleaning module 500 is connected to the air control module 400 and the inkjet assembly 200. Before or after inkjet printing, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning module 500 is transported to the inkjet assembly 200 for cleaning to prevent dust and residual ink in the inkjet assembly 200 from clogging the nozzle.

[0051] The ink path system provided by the utility model can effectively control the flow of ink in the ink path through the arrangement of the ink supply module 100, the ink return module 300, the air control module 400 and the cleaning module 500, provide a stable ink supply for the inkjet component 200, and ensure the normal inkjet printing of the inkjet component 200. At the same time, a transfer ink tank 2 is arranged in the ink supply module 100, which can effectively control the flow speed of the ink flowing into the ink supply cartridge 3. The connection between the ink return module 300 and the transfer ink tank 2 can prevent excess ink from accumulating in the inkjet component 200 and clogging the nozzle, thereby ensuring that the inkjet component 200 will not cause printing interruptions due to lack of ink. At the same time, the vacuum design of the transfer ink tank 2 can prevent the oxidation of the ink when it flows in the ink supply cartridge 3 and the ink return module 300, thereby ensuring that the viscosity and fluidity of the ink remain unchanged, so that the ink can flow stably.

[0052] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the ink supply module 100 is provided with a first ink pump 4, a second ink pump 6 and a first filter unit 5;

[0053] The first ink pump is used to control the ink to flow from the ink barrel 1 to the transfer ink tank 2, the second ink pump 6 is used to control the ink to flow from the transfer ink tank 2 to the ink supply box 3, and the first filter unit 5 is used to remove impurities and gas in the ink.

[0054] Specifically, the ink barrel 1 and the transfer ink tank 2 are connected through an ink tube to deliver ink to the transfer ink tank 2. The first ink pump 4 controls the flow rate of the ink to the transfer ink tank 2 and the opening and closing of the ink delivery. At the same time, a first filter unit 5 is provided to filter the ink delivered from the ink barrel 1 to the transfer ink tank 2 to remove gas and impurities in the ink to prevent the gas from flowing to the transfer ink tank 2 and affecting the properties of the ink. At the same time, the ink is filtered to prevent impurities from being delivered to the inkjet assembly 200 to clog the nozzle.

[0055] Preferably, the first filtering unit 5 may include a filter and a damper. The use of the filter and the damper helps to remove impurities and air in the ink, ensure the purity and stability of the ink, reduce the possibility of nozzle blockage, and improve printing stability and clarity. At the same time, the setting of the damper can slow down the flow speed of the ink in the ink path, prevent violent fluctuations, help maintain the smooth flow of the ink, and reduce the instability of the ink during the transportation process.

[0056] In one embodiment, the ink supply module 100 further includes a constant temperature unit for keeping the ink in the transfer ink bin 2 and the ink supply cartridge 3 warm.

[0057] Specifically, a constant temperature unit is provided in the transfer ink tank 2 and the ink supply box 3, which can keep the ink within a suitable temperature range, prevent the viscosity of the ink from changing due to temperature changes, help prevent the ink from solidifying or becoming too thick in the ink path, and improve the stability of the ink path.

[0058] The constant temperature unit, including a heater or a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) element, is used to maintain the temperature of the ink, thereby avoiding the problem of ink solidification in a low temperature environment.

[0059] In one embodiment, the ink tube connecting the ink supply cartridge 3 and the inkjet assembly 200 is provided with a filter unit (7) to prevent the ink from being mixed with impurities and causing blockage when passing through the inkjet assembly 200.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, further, the ink return module 300 includes an ink return box 8 and a third ink pump 10. The ink return box 8 is connected to the inkjet assembly 200 and is used to collect excess ink in the inkjet assembly 200. The third ink pump 10 is used to control the ink in the ink return box 8 to flow to the transfer ink tank 2.

[0062] Specifically, the input end of the ink return cartridge 8 is connected to the inkjet assembly 200, and is used to output excess ink in the inkjet assembly 200 to the ink return cartridge 8. The output end of the ink return cartridge 8 is connected to the transfer ink tank 2. The third ink pump 10 is used to control the ink in the ink return cartridge 8 to flow to the transfer ink tank, thereby realizing the recovery cycle of excess ink in the inkjet assembly 200.

[0063] The ink return cartridge 8 is connected to the air control module 400 to ensure the vacuum environment in the ink return cartridge 8 and enable the air control module 400 to regulate the ink in the ink return cartridge 8 so that the ink return cartridge 8 can recover the excess ink in the inkjet assembly 200 in time.

[0064] In one embodiment, the ink return box 8 is provided with a constant temperature unit to ensure that the ink in the ink return box 8 is within an appropriate temperature range, thereby avoiding the temperature drop during ink recycling, causing the ink to become viscous and cause clogging, thereby achieving temperature-controlled ink recycling.

[0065] In one embodiment, the ink return module 300 is provided with a filter unit 9 for filtering the ink flowing from the ink return box 8 to the transfer ink tank 2 to prevent the ink from being mixed with impurities and causing blockage when passing through the inkjet assembly 200.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] Further, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the cleaning module 500 includes a first liquid storage unit 17 and a second liquid storage unit 16 connected thereto, wherein the first liquid storage unit 17 is used to provide cleaning liquid to the second liquid storage unit 16, and the second liquid storage unit 16 is connected to the inkjet assembly 200, and is used to transport the cleaning liquid from the second liquid storage unit 16 to the inkjet assembly 200 to clean the inkjet assembly 200.

[0068] Specifically, the first liquid storage unit 17 stores cleaning liquid, which is transported to the second liquid storage unit 16 through the ink tube. The second liquid storage unit 16 then transports the cleaning liquid to the inkjet assembly 200 to clean the inkjet assembly 200, thereby preventing the residual ink or dust in the inkjet assembly 200 from clogging the nozzle.

[0069] The cleaning module 500 further includes a fourth ink pump 19 for controlling the cleaning liquid in the first liquid storage unit 17 to be transported to the second liquid storage unit 16 .

[0070] In one embodiment, the cleaning module 500 further includes a second filtering unit 18 disposed between the first liquid storage unit 17 and the second liquid storage unit 16 for filtering impurities and gas in the cleaning liquid to prevent impurities in the cleaning liquid from clogging the inkjet assembly 200 .

[0071] In one embodiment, if Figure 3-5 As shown, the cleaning module 500 also includes a Y-type connector 21, and two ports of the Y-type connector 21 are connected to the inkjet assembly 200 for outputting cleaning liquid to the inkjet assembly 200 and recovering the cleaning liquid on the inkjet assembly 200 to the second liquid storage unit 16.

[0072] Specifically, the Y-type connector 21 has three ports: a first port 211, a second port 212, and a third port 213. The first port 211 is connected to the output port of the second liquid storage unit 16 for inputting the cleaning liquid. The second port 212 and the third port 213 are respectively connected to the inkjet assembly 200. The second port 212 is used to deliver the cleaning liquid to the inkjet assembly 200 to clean the inkjet assembly 200. After the cleaning is completed, most of the liquid in the inkjet assembly 200 flows out through the nozzle in the inkjet assembly 200, and some of the residual cleaning liquid is recovered to the second liquid storage unit 16 through the third port 213.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] Further, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, the air control module 400 is provided with an air control unit 15, a first safety bottle 12 and a second safety bottle 13 connected to the air control unit 15, the first safety bottle 12 is connected to the ink return module 300, and the second safety bottle 13 is connected to the ink supply module 100.

[0075] Specifically, the air control unit 15 is effectively configured to enable the ink in the ink path system to flow under a vacuum environment, preventing air from entering the system, and improving the stability and reliability of inkjet printing. The air control unit 15 is preferably a vacuum air tank.

[0076] The first safety bottle 12 and the second safety bottle 13 are connected to the ink return box 8 in the ink return module 300 and the ink supply box 3 in the ink supply module 100 through air pipes. The first safety bottle 12 and the second safety bottle 13 can store a certain amount of liquid and have airtightness, so that ink leakage can be prevented even when there is a problem with the ink circuit system. At the same time, when the ink in the ink return box 8 and the ink supply box 3 is full and overflows, the first safety bottle 12 and the second safety bottle 13 can store the overflowed ink to prevent the ink from flowing to the air control unit 15, so as to maintain the cleanliness of the printer and its surrounding environment and avoid damage caused by ink leakage. At the same time, the airtightness of the safety bottle also helps to prevent air from entering the ink supply system and avoid affecting the normal flow of ink.

[0077] In one embodiment, the gas control unit 15 is provided with a first negative pressure output terminal and a second negative pressure output terminal;

[0078] The first negative pressure output end is used to adjust the ink volume in the ink return module 300, and the second negative pressure output end is connected to the ink supply module 100 and the cleaning module 500, and is used to adjust the ink volume in the ink supply module 100 and the liquid volume in the cleaning module 500;

[0079] When the amount of ink in the ink supply cartridge 3 is greater than a preset value, a first negative pressure and a second negative pressure are set to regulate the ink in the ink supply cartridge 3 to flow back into the ink return cartridge 8 through the inkjet assembly 200 .

[0080] Specifically, the first negative pressure output end is connected to the first safety bottle 12 through the air pipe, and the first negative pressure output end controls and regulates the pressure back into the ink cartridge 8. The second negative pressure output end is connected to the second safety bottle 13 through the air pipe, and the second negative pressure output end controls and regulates the pressure in the ink cartridge 3 to ensure that the ink does not overflow into the air control unit 15 while realizing the regulation of the entire ink path system.

[0081] When the amount of ink in the ink supply cartridge 3 is greater than a preset value, the air pressure values ​​of the ink supply module 100 and the ink return module 300 are regulated by the first negative pressure output terminal and the second negative pressure output terminal, so that there is a pressure difference between the ink supply module 100 and the ink return module 300, allowing the ink in the ink supply cartridge 3 to continuously flow to the inkjet assembly 200, and then flow from the inkjet assembly 200 to the ink return cartridge 8, thereby regulating the ink flow to solve the problem of excessive ink in the ink supply cartridge 3.

[0082] At the same time, the second safety bottle 13 is also connected to the second liquid storage unit 16 for regulating the flow of cleaning liquid between the cleaning module 500 and the inkjet assembly 200 when cleaning the inkjet assembly 200 .

[0083] In one embodiment, the gas control module 400 further includes a positive pressure regulating unit 14 , and the positive pressure regulating unit is connected to the second safety bottle 13 .

[0084] Specifically, when the inkjet assembly 200 is cleaned, the air control unit 15 in the air control module 400 operates first. By adjusting the negative pressure value in the cleaning module 500, the cleaning liquid is controlled to flow from the first liquid storage unit 17 to the second liquid storage unit 16. The fourth ink pump 19 is combined with the negative pressure control of the cleaning module 500 to achieve more precise liquid transmission.

[0085] Then, the negative pressure regulation of the air control unit 15 is disconnected, and the positive pressure regulation unit 14 operates to input positive pressure into the second safety bottle 13. Under the action of positive pressure and gravity, the cleaning liquid flows into the inkjet assembly 200 through the second interface 212 of the Y-shaped interface to clean the inkjet assembly 200. At the same time, under the action of positive pressure, the cleaning liquid flows out from the nozzle of the inkjet assembly 200 to complete the cleaning of the inkjet assembly 200.

[0086] Finally, a certain amount of cleaning liquid will remain in the inkjet component 200. The positive pressure control unit 14 is disconnected from the positive pressure control, and the air control unit 15 operates to adjust the pressure value in the cleaning module 500, and the ink remaining in the inkjet component 200 is recovered into the second liquid storage unit 16 to complete the cleaning of the inkjet component 200.

[0087] In one embodiment, the positive pressure regulating unit 14 is connected to the first safety bottle 12 , and cooperates with the third ink pump 10 to transport the ink in the return ink cartridge 8 to the transfer ink cartridge through positive pressure.

[0088] In one embodiment, the ink circuit system further includes a plurality of solenoid valves for controlling the ink flow switch in each ink tube and for controlling the connection between the positive pressure regulating unit 14 and the air control unit 15 in the air control module 400 and the safety bottle.

[0089] Specifically, the solenoid valve includes a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve disposed in the air control module 400. The outlet of the first solenoid valve is connected to the first safety bottle 12, and the inlet is connected to the positive pressure control unit 14 and the first negative pressure output end of the air control unit 15. The outlet of the second solenoid valve is connected to the second safety bottle 13, and the inlet is connected to the positive pressure control unit 14 and the second negative pressure output end of the air control unit 15. When the ink circuit system needs to be regulated to positive pressure, the first solenoid valve / the second solenoid valve is correspondingly connected to the positive pressure control unit 14, and when the ink circuit system needs to be regulated to negative pressure, the first solenoid valve / the second solenoid valve is disconnected from the positive pressure control unit 14 and connected to the corresponding air control unit 15.

[0090] The solenoid valve includes a third solenoid valve 20 arranged in the cleaning module 500, the solenoid valve outlet is connected to the first interface 211 of the Y-type connector 21, and the two inlets are respectively connected to the second safety bottle 13 and the second liquid storage unit 16. The inlet connected to the second safety bottle 13 is used to regulate the air pressure in the inkjet assembly 200, and the inlet connected to the second liquid storage unit 16 is used to transport the cleaning liquid to the inkjet assembly 200.

[0091] The solenoid valve includes a fourth solenoid valve and a fifth solenoid valve disposed on the inkjet assembly 200. The outlet of the fourth solenoid valve is connected to the inkjet assembly 200, and the two inlets are respectively connected to the second interface 212 of the Y-type joint 21 and the ink supply cartridge 3. The inlet connected to the second interface 212 of the Y-type joint 21 is used to deliver cleaning liquid and regulate the air pressure of the inkjet assembly 200; the inlet connected to the ink supply cartridge 3 is used for the ink supply cartridge 3 to deliver ink to the inkjet assembly 200. The inlet of the fifth solenoid valve is connected to the inkjet assembly 200, and the two outlets are respectively connected to the third interface 213 of the Y-type joint 21 and the ink return cartridge 8. The outlet connected to the third interface 213 of the Y-type joint 21 is used to deliver the cleaning liquid in the recovered inkjet assembly 200 and regulate the air pressure in the inkjet assembly 200; the outlet connected to the ink return cartridge 8 is used to deliver the ink in the recovered inkjet assembly 200 to the ink return cartridge 8.

[0092] Preferably, the ink return module 300 is provided with a normally closed valve 11 for controlling the ink flowing out of the fifth solenoid valve to return to the ink cartridge 8 .

[0093] Example 4

[0094] An embodiment of the utility model provides a printing device, and the printing device includes the ink path system provided by any of the above embodiments.

[0095] The ink circuit system and printing device provided by the embodiment of the utility model, the air control module 400 provided in the ink circuit system is used to set different positive and negative pressure values, control the amount of ink in the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100, so as to realize the normal operation of the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100 and ensure smooth printing operation; according to the amount of ink in the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100, the ink is controlled to flow between the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100, so as to ensure that the ink supply module 100 supplies ink to the inkjet component 200 stably and uninterruptedly; at the same time, when the amount of ink in the ink supply cartridge is greater than the preset value and will affect the printing of the inkjet component 200, the air control module 400 outputs the air pressure value to the ink return module 300 and the ink supply module 100 to regulate the ink to flow from the ink supply module 100 to the ink return module 300 through the inkjet component 200, so as to avoid the ink from accumulating on the ink supply cartridge and the inkjet component 200 for a long time without flowing and changing its fluidity, thereby blocking the ink tube or nozzle.

[0096] A cleaning module 500 is provided in the ink path system to clean the inkjet assembly 200 regularly or before / after printing to prevent the inkjet assembly 200 from being clogged due to dust accumulation or ink residue.

[0097] At the same time, an ink transfer tank is set in the ink supply module 100, and the ink transfer tank can serve as a buffer zone for ink, so that the ink flows more smoothly to the ink supply cartridge, and avoids the situation where the ink tank fails to supply ink to the ink supply cartridge in time when the ink is exhausted when the ink tank and the ink supply cartridge are directly connected, affecting the printing of the inkjet assembly 200.

[0098] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the utility model, rather than to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solution deviate from the scope of the technical solution of the embodiments of the utility model.

Claims

1. An ink path system, characterized in that: The system comprises: An ink supply module, used for supplying ink to the inkjet assembly; An ink return module, used for returning the ink of the inkjet assembly to the ink supply module; An air control module, used for regulating the ink amount in the ink return module and the ink supply module through positive and negative pressure; A cleaning module, connected to the inkjet assembly, for cleaning the inkjet assembly; The ink supply module includes an ink supply box, a transfer ink tank and an ink barrel. The transfer ink tank is connected to the ink supply box and the ink barrel respectively. The ink supply box is connected to the inkjet assembly for supplying ink to the inkjet assembly.

2. The ink path system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink supply module is provided with a first ink pump, a second ink pump and a first filter unit; The first ink pump is used to control the ink to flow from the ink barrel to the transfer ink tank, the second ink pump is used to control the ink to flow from the transfer ink tank to the ink supply box, and the first filter unit is used to remove impurities and gas in the ink.

3. The ink path system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ink supply module also includes a constant temperature unit for keeping the ink in the transfer ink bin and the ink supply box warm.

4. The ink path system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink return module includes an ink return box and a third ink pump. The ink return box is connected to the inkjet assembly and is used to collect excess ink in the inkjet assembly. The third ink pump is used to control the ink in the ink return box to flow to the transfer ink tank.

5. The ink path system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning module includes a first liquid storage unit and a second liquid storage unit connected thereto, wherein the first liquid storage unit is used to provide cleaning liquid to the second liquid storage unit, and the second liquid storage unit is connected to the inkjet assembly and is used to transport the cleaning liquid from the second liquid storage unit to the inkjet assembly to clean the inkjet assembly.

6. The ink path system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air control module is provided with an air control unit and a first safety bottle and a second safety bottle connected to the air control unit, wherein the first safety bottle is also connected to the ink return module, and the second safety bottle is also connected to the ink supply module.

7. The ink path system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second safety bottle is also connected to the cleaning module and is used to adjust the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning module.

8. The ink path system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air control unit is provided with a first negative pressure output terminal and a second negative pressure output terminal; The first negative pressure output end is used to regulate the amount of ink in the ink return module, and the second negative pressure output end is connected to the ink supply module and the cleaning module, and is used to regulate the amount of ink in the ink supply module and the amount of liquid in the cleaning module.

9. The ink path system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cleaning module also includes a Y-shaped connector, two ports of which are connected to the inkjet assembly for outputting cleaning liquid to the inkjet assembly and recovering the cleaning liquid on the inkjet assembly to the second liquid storage unit.

10. A printing device, characterized in that: The printing device comprises the ink path system as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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