Ink cartridges and printing equipment

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of printing equipment, solves the technical problem that the ink cartridge of the existing printing equipment has poor ink fluidity or even precipitation, and provides an ink cartridge, the ink cartridge comprising: an ink cartridge body, the ink cartridge body is provided with a first ink storage cavity and a second ink storage cavity; a circulation mechanism, the two ends of the circulation mechanism are respectively connected to the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity, the circulation mechanism is used to make the ink stored in the ink cartridge circulate between the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity, the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity respectively supply ink to at least one nozzle. Since the ink in the first ink storage cavity and the ink in the second ink storage cavity are exchanged, the ink is prevented from being stagnant in a closed space for too long and precipitating, thereby reducing the possibility of precipitation; the effect of ensuring better ink fluidity is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and in particular to an ink cartridge and a printing equipment. Background Art

[0002] An inkjet printer is a non-contact printing device having an ink supply line with a secondary ink cartridge. The function of the secondary ink cartridge is to receive ink delivered by the primary ink cartridge and then deliver it to the nozzle. However, the secondary ink cartridge is placed inside the printer and is in a stationary state during use. If the secondary ink cartridge is in a stationary state for a long time, the ink inside will become less fluid or even precipitate, thereby affecting the printing effect. Therefore, the ink cartridges of existing printing devices have technical problems such as poor ink fluidity and even precipitation. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the embodiments of the present invention provide an ink cartridge, a printing device and a printing equipment to solve the technical problem that the ink cartridges of the existing printing equipment have poor ink fluidity or even precipitation.

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides an ink cartridge, comprising: an ink cartridge body, wherein a first ink storage cavity and a second ink storage cavity are provided in the ink cartridge body; a circulation mechanism, wherein two ends of the circulation mechanism are respectively connected to the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity, and the circulation mechanism is used to circulate the ink stored in the ink cartridge between the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity, and the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity respectively supply ink to at least one nozzle.

[0005] Furthermore, in the cross section of the ink cartridge, a figure formed by the outer contour of the first ink storage cavity and a figure formed by the outer contour of the second ink storage cavity are complementary figures.

[0006] Furthermore, the cross-sections of the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity are both "L"-shaped.

[0007] Furthermore, the ink cartridge further comprises: a first heating device, which is arranged on the outside of the ink cartridge body in the length direction and is used to heat the ink cartridge body.

[0008] Furthermore, the ink cartridge also includes: a first valve body, which is used to connect the first ink storage cavity and the nozzle; a second valve body, which is used to connect the second ink storage cavity and the nozzle; the first valve body and the second valve body are both installed at the bottom of the ink cartridge body, and the installation directions of the first valve body and the second valve body are opposite.

[0009] Furthermore, the ink cartridge also includes: a first liquid level detection mechanism, disposed in the first ink storage cavity, for detecting the liquid level of the ink in the first ink storage cavity; a second liquid level detection mechanism, disposed in the second ink storage cavity, for detecting the liquid level of the ink in the second ink storage cavity.

[0010] Furthermore, the ink cartridge also includes: a pressure detection mechanism, which includes two detection heads, which are respectively connected to the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity, and are used to detect the pressure values ​​of the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the ink cartridge further comprises an end cover, and the end cover is buckled on the ink cartridge body to cover the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, the circulation mechanism includes: a first ink pump, which is connected to the lower end of the first ink storage cavity and the upper end of the second ink storage cavity, and is used to pump ink from the first ink storage cavity to the second ink storage cavity; a second ink pump, which is connected to the lower end of the second ink storage cavity and the upper end of the first ink storage cavity, and is used to pump ink from the second ink storage cavity to the first ink storage cavity.

[0013] A printing device, comprising the ink cartridge as described in any one of the above items.

[0014] Furthermore, two ink cartridges are provided, and each of the ink cartridges is provided with two circulation systems; each of the circulation systems comprises: the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity; each of the circulation systems is used to store ink of one color, and the colors of ink stored in any two of the circulation systems are different.

[0015] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0016] Since the ink cartridge is provided with a circulation mechanism to exchange the ink in the first ink storage cavity with the ink in the second ink storage cavity, the ink in the first ink storage cavity and the ink in the second ink storage cavity are caused to flow, thereby preventing the ink inside the ink cartridge from being stationary for too long and having poor fluidity, thereby ensuring the fluidity of the ink; since the ink in the first ink storage cavity and the ink in the second ink storage cavity are exchanged, the ink is prevented from being stationary for too long in a closed space and causing precipitation, thereby reducing the possibility of precipitation; the technical problem that the ink cartridges of existing printing equipment have poor ink fluidity or even precipitation is solved, thereby achieving the effect of ensuring better ink fluidity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, the drawings required for use in the embodiment of the present invention 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 present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge in the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Middle B-direction sectional view;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A-axis sectional view;

[0022] Figure 5 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the ink cartridge in the present invention.

[0023] Parts and numbers in the picture:

[0024] 1. Ink cartridge body; 2. First ink storage cavity; 21. First ink inlet; 22. First ink outlet; 3. Second ink storage cavity; 31. Second ink inlet; 32. Second ink outlet; 4. Second heating device; 5. First liquid level detection mechanism; 6. Second liquid level detection mechanism; 7. First sealing ring; 8. Second sealing ring; 9. End cover; 10. Pressure detection mechanism; 11. First valve body; 12. Second valve body; 13. First heating device; 14. Chamfer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiment of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the present invention. 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 present invention, 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 present 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 of the present invention. Moreover, the term "include", "comprise" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such a process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the phrase "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 examples of the present invention can be combined with each other, all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] The following is combined with Figure 1 -Attached Figure 5 The present invention is further described in detail.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention provides an ink cartridge, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The ink cartridge comprises: an ink cartridge body 1, wherein a first ink storage cavity 2 and a second ink storage cavity 3 are provided in the ink cartridge body 1; a circulation mechanism, wherein two ends of the circulation mechanism are respectively connected to the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, and the circulation mechanism is used to make the ink stored in the ink cartridge circulate between the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, and the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 respectively supply ink to at least one nozzle.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are independent of each other, and an ink cartridge includes two first ink storage cavities 2 and two second ink storage cavities 3, wherein one first ink storage cavity 2 and one second ink storage cavity 3 complement each other to form a first part constituting a first part of the ink cartridge, and another first ink storage cavity 2 and another second ink storage cavity 3 constitute a second part of the ink cartridge; the ink cartridge includes an ink cartridge body 1, the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are formed inside the ink cartridge body 1, the ink cartridge body 1 is integrally formed, the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are arranged in sequence along the lateral direction of the ink cartridge body 1, that is, the openings of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 face upward, the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are independent cavities, the bottom surface of the first ink storage cavity 2 is connected to the nozzle through a plurality of first valve bodies 11, and the bottom of the second ink storage cavity 3 is connected to the nozzle through the second valve body 12, for inkjet printing. The ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3 are exchanged, that is, the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 flows to the second ink storage cavity 3, and the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3 flows to the first ink storage cavity 2; the first circulation mechanism can be arranged on the outside of the ink cartridge body 1, because the circulation mechanism is arranged to exchange the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 with the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3, that is, the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3 are circulated, so as to avoid the ink inside the ink cartridge from being stationary for too long and having poor fluidity, thereby ensuring the fluidity of the ink; because the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3 are exchanged, the ink is prevented from being stationary for too long in a closed space and precipitating, thereby reducing the possibility of precipitation; the technical problem that the ink cartridge of the existing printing device has poor ink fluidity or even precipitation is solved, and the effect of ensuring better ink fluidity is achieved; in addition, since two cavities are arranged in one ink cartridge, the actual ink cartridge is The actual capacity is not greatly affected, and the external size of the ink cartridge is also relatively small. Ink circulation is achieved in one ink cartridge, ensuring good ink fluidity and avoiding ink precipitation. Therefore, since two independent first ink storage cavities 2 and second ink storage cavities 3 are arranged on one ink cartridge, ink circulation is achieved; and a circulation mechanism is used in the same ink cartridge, and the pipeline of the circulation mechanism can be set smaller, without the need to use too much equipment for circulation, thereby reducing the volume of the entire ink cartridge and reducing the cost; therefore, the entire ink cartridge has the advantages of simple and compact structure and low production cost; further, the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 respectively supply ink to at least one nozzle, so that the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 independently supply ink to the nozzle, and when the length of the ink cartridge is certain, the ink cartridge can supply ink to more nozzles as much as possible, thereby reducing the use of fewer ink cartridges in one device and supplying ink to more nozzles.

[0029] In other embodiments, the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 can also be overlapped and arranged along the vertical direction of the ink cartridge body 1; and the first ink storage cavity 2 is above the second ink storage cavity 3; at this time, the lower end of the first ink storage cavity 2 is connected to the upper end of the second ink storage cavity 3, and the ink flows from the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3 due to gravity, and the circulation mechanism is connected to the lower end of the second ink storage cavity 3 and the upper end of the first ink storage cavity 2. The circulation mechanism uses a pump to provide power to draw the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3 to the first ink storage cavity 2, and the ink in the two cavities flows from the first ink storage cavity 2 through the second ink storage cavity 3 and then back to the first ink storage cavity 2 to realize circulation in the ink cartridge; in this way, the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3 is realized by the gravity of the ink, and the circulation mechanism only needs to set a single-sided circulation, that is, the ink exchange of the two cavities can be realized, the structure is simpler, and the production cost is lower. The lower end of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the upper end of the second ink storage cavity 3 are connected through a first ink tube, and a first flow rate testing device is provided on the first ink tube. The first flow rate testing device tests the speed S1 of ink flowing from the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3. A second ink tube is provided in the circulation mechanism to connect the lower end of the second ink storage cavity 3 and the upper end of the first ink storage cavity 2, and a second flow rate testing device is provided on the second ink tube. The second flow rate testing device tests the speed S1 of ink flowing from the second ink storage cavity 3 to the first ink storage cavity 2; compare S1 and S2, if S1<S2, it means that the speed of ink flowing from the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3 is less than the speed of ink flowing from the second ink storage cavity 3 to the first ink storage cavity 2. At this time, control to reduce S2 so that S2=S1, and vice versa, so that the speed of ink flowing from the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3 is equal to the speed of ink flowing from the second ink storage cavity 3 to the first ink storage cavity 2; avoid overflow of excessive ink in a certain cavity due to flow rate difference, and ensure the fluidity of ink. In addition, pressure sensors can be provided inside both the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 to test the air pressure values ​​of the two cavities and compare the relationship between the two pressure values; if the pressure of the first ink storage cavity 2 is greater than the pressure of the second ink storage cavity 3, it means that the ink can flow smoothly from the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3; if the pressure of the second ink storage cavity 3 is greater than the pressure of the first ink storage cavity 2, it means that the ink may not be able to flow directly to the second ink storage cavity 3 due to its own gravity. At this time, it is necessary to increase the speed of the circulation mechanism to increase the speed at which the ink flows from the second ink storage cavity 3 to the first ink storage cavity 2, so as to reduce the pressure of the second ink storage cavity 3, so that the ink can flow to the second ink storage cavity 3 due to its own gravity, thereby ensuring the normal circulation of the ink. In addition, the connecting nozzle of the first ink storage cavity 2 uses the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 for inkjet printing, and the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 can also be connected to the nozzles at the same time. It is worth noting that when a single cavity is connected to the nozzle, the flow rate to this cavity needs to be adjusted slightly higher so that the ink can circulate normally.

[0030] Preferably, in the cross section of the ink cartridge, a figure formed by the outer contour of the first ink storage cavity 2 and a figure formed by the outer contour of the second ink storage cavity 3 are complementary figures.

[0031] In this embodiment, the complementary figure, i.e., the cross-sectional figure of the ink cartridge, is similar to the figure formed by the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, i.e., the cross-sectional area of ​​the ink cartridge, except for the part of the cross-sectional area of ​​the first ink storage cavity 2, is just occupied by the cross-sectional area of ​​the second ink storage cavity 3; the cross-sectional area of ​​the ink cartridge is rectangular, and the figure formed by the outer contours of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is also rectangular, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first ink storage cavity 2 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second ink storage cavity 3 are complementary and just fill the cross-sectional area of ​​the ink cartridge; the structure of the entire ink cartridge is made more compact, thereby reducing the size of the entire ink cartridge and improving the space utilization rate of the ink cartridge.

[0032] Preferably, the cross-sections of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are both "L"-shaped.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are both provided with chamfers 14 at their corners (see Figure 2 ), so that the corners of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are smoother, which is convenient for the ink to flow in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, and further ensures the fluidity and viscosity of the ink; in the cross-section of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the cross-section of the second ink storage cavity 3, the cross-sectional graphics of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are adapted to each other, so that the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are compact in structure, thereby making the structure of the entire ink cartridge more compact, thereby reducing the overall size of the ink cartridge, that is, the two right-angled parts of the cross-section of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the cross-section of the second ink storage cavity 3 are opposite to each other, the longer sides are parallel to each other, and the long side of the first ink storage cavity 2 is close to the short side of the second ink storage cavity 3, and the second ink storage cavity 3 is close to the short side of the second ink storage cavity 3. The short side of the cavity 3 is close to the short side of the first ink storage cavity 2; in addition, the shape of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is "L" shape, and the walls of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 can be heated by heating the entire ink cartridge body 1, that is, the heating area of ​​the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is increased, thereby improving the heating effect, so that the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 can be heated evenly; further ensuring the fluidity and viscosity of the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3; in addition, the longer side of the "L"-shaped first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is designed to be thinner, and the ink that is heated more evenly can circulate better in this cavity.

[0034] Preferably, Figure 4As shown, the ink cartridge also includes: a first valve body 11, the first valve body 11 is used to connect the first ink storage cavity 2 and the nozzle; a second valve body 12, the second valve body 12 is used to connect the second ink storage cavity 3 and the nozzle; the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 are both installed at the bottom of the ink cartridge body 1, and the installation directions of the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 are opposite.

[0035] The first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 are oriented in opposite directions, so that the pipes connecting the first valve body 11 and the second valve body 12 to the nozzle are just misaligned, that is, the direction of the first valve body 11 gives a space for the pipe of the second valve body 12 to install the nozzle, and vice versa, so that all the pipes are evenly distributed under the ink cartridge body 1, which is convenient for installing the nozzle and also makes the structure of the entire ink cartridge neat.

[0036] Preferably, Figure 1 As shown, the ink cartridge further includes: a first heating device 13 , which is disposed on the outside of the ink cartridge body 1 in the length direction and is used to heat the ink cartridge body 1 .

[0037] A groove is provided on both outer sides of the ink cartridge body 1 in the length direction, and the first heating device 13 is adapted to be embedded in the groove; the width of the ink cartridge body 1 is preferably set to 6 cm, so that the first heating device 13 heats the ink cartridge body 1. In addition, the shape of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is "L" shape; the entire outer wall constituting the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is heated, which is equivalent to the entire ink cartridge body 1 being a heat-conducting medium, and then the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is heated, so that the heating area is increased, thereby ensuring the viscosity and fluidity of the ink stored in the ink cartridge.

[0038] Preferably, combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ink cartridge also includes: a second heating device 4 for heating the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3.

[0039] In this embodiment, a second heating device 4 is provided to heat the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, so that the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 is maintained at a certain temperature, because the ink will become less fluid and viscous under low temperature conditions; the second heating device 4 is provided to maintain the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 at a certain temperature, thereby ensuring the fluidity of the ink and reducing the possibility of the ink becoming viscous. The second heating device 4 is configured as a heating rod, which is disposed below the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3. In the top projection of the ink cartridge, the projection of the heating rod partially overlaps with the first ink storage cavity 2 and partially overlaps with the second ink storage cavity 3, so that one heating rod can heat the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 at the same time, which is convenient for controlling the temperature of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, saving the use of heating materials, and thus reducing the production cost; in addition, in order to facilitate monitoring the temperature of the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, temperature sensors are respectively disposed in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 to monitor the temperature of the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, thereby making it easier to monitor the temperature of both. In other embodiments, the second heating device 4 can also be configured as a heating plate, and the entire heating plate covers the bottom of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3. In other embodiments, a heating chamber can be formed in the ink cartridge body 1, and the heating chamber is independent of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3. The first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are in the heating chamber, and the opening of the heating chamber faces upward. Oil or water is arranged in the heating chamber, and a water bath or an oil bath is used to heat the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3. The oil bath or the water bath heats the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 more evenly, so that the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are heated more evenly, and it is easier to control the temperature of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3.

[0040] Preferably, the second heating device 4 is disposed in the ink cartridge body 1 .

[0041] In this embodiment, the second heating device 4 is arranged inside the ink cartridge body 1, specifically between the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 and the outer wall of the ink cartridge body 1, which reduces the contact between the second heating device 4 and the outside, thereby reducing the heat loss of the second heating device 4 to the outside of the ink cartridge body 1. In addition, a thermal insulation layer is provided on the outer surface of the ink cartridge body 1 to further reduce the heat loss of the second heating device 4.

[0042] Preferably, Figure 4 As shown, the ink cartridge also includes: a first liquid level detection mechanism 5, arranged in the first ink storage cavity 2, for detecting the ink level in the first ink storage cavity 2; a second liquid level detection mechanism 6, arranged in the second ink storage cavity 3, for detecting the ink level in the second ink storage cavity 3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first liquid level detection mechanism 5 is arranged at a right angle to the first ink storage cavity 2, and the second liquid level detection mechanism 6 is arranged at a right angle to the second ink storage cavity 3. The first liquid level detection mechanism 5 and the second liquid level detection mechanism 6 detect the liquid levels of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, so as to facilitate the monitoring of the ink usage of the two cavities; the user can add ink according to the feedback of the ink amount, and can also adjust the flow rate of the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3 or the flow rate of the second ink storage cavity 3 to the first ink storage cavity 2 according to the feedback of the remaining ink amount.

[0044] Preferably, Figure 5 As shown, the ink cartridge also includes: a pressure detection mechanism 10, the pressure detection mechanism 10 includes two detection heads, which are respectively connected to the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3, and are used to detect the pressure values ​​of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 respectively.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pressure detection mechanism 10 in the figure shows the connection relationship with the ink cartridge; the pressure detection mechanism 10 detects the pressure of the two cavities, and then reflects whether the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 can smoothly exchange ink. If the pressure in one of the cavities is too high, it will affect the ink delivery to the other cavity, resulting in the inability to deliver ink or requiring a larger driving force to deliver ink, thereby causing the ink circulation to be obstructed. In addition, a pressure relief valve can be provided. The first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 are both provided with a pressure relief valve. When it is detected that the pressure in a specific cavity is too high, the pressure relief valve is activated to release the pressure, thereby facilitating the ink circulation of the two cavities.

[0046] Preferably, the circulation mechanism includes: a first ink pump, which is connected to the lower end of the first ink storage cavity 2 and the upper end of the second ink storage cavity 3, and is used to pump ink from the first ink storage cavity 2 to the second ink storage cavity 3; a second ink pump, which is connected to the lower end of the second ink storage cavity 3 and the upper end of the first ink storage cavity 2, and is used to pump ink from the second ink storage cavity 3 to the first ink storage cavity 2.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first ink storage cavity 2 is provided with a first ink outlet 22 at the lower end, and a first ink inlet 21 at the upper end; the second ink storage cavity 3 is provided with a second ink outlet 32 ​​at the lower end, and a second ink inlet 31 at the upper end; the first ink pump is connected to a first pipeline, and the two ends of the first pipeline are respectively connected to the first ink outlet 22 and the second ink inlet 31; the second ink pump is connected to a second pipeline, and the two ends of the second pipeline are respectively connected to the second ink outlet 32 ​​and the first ink inlet 21; the ink flows from the first ink outlet 22 of the first ink storage cavity 2 through the first ink pump and then enters the second ink storage cavity 3 from the second ink inlet 31, and then flows from the inside of the second ink storage cavity 3 from the second ink outlet 32 ​​through the second ink pump, from the first ink inlet 21 to the first ink storage cavity 2, thereby realizing the circulation of ink.

[0048] Preferably, combined Figure 5 As shown, the ink cartridge further comprises an end cover 9 , which is buckled on the ink cartridge body 1 to cover the first ink storage cavity 2 and the second ink storage cavity 3 .

[0049] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge body 1 and the end cover 9 are buckled together, and a first sealing ring 7 and a second sealing ring 8 are arranged between the ink cartridge body 1 and the end cover 9. The first sealing ring 7 is used to seal the first ink storage cavity 2, and the second sealing ring 8 is used to seal the second ink storage cavity 3. A third ink inlet and a fourth ink inlet are provided on the end cover 9. The third ink inlet is connected to the first ink storage cavity 2, and the fourth ink inlet is connected to the second ink storage cavity 3. The third ink inlet and the fourth ink inlet are respectively connected to the main ink cartridge.

[0050] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a printing device, which includes the ink cartridge described in any one of the above items. Since the device adopts the above ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge is provided with a circulation mechanism to exchange the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 with the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3, the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3 flow, thereby preventing the ink inside the ink cartridge from being stationary for too long and having poor flow, thereby ensuring the fluidity of the ink; since the ink in the first ink storage cavity 2 and the ink in the second ink storage cavity 3 are exchanged, the ink is prevented from being stationary for too long in a closed space and precipitating, thereby reducing the possibility of precipitation; the technical problem that the ink cartridges of existing printing devices have poor ink fluidity or even precipitation is solved, thereby ensuring the effect of better ink fluidity; in addition, by Since two cavities are arranged in one ink cartridge, the actual capacity of the ink cartridge is not greatly affected, and the external size of the ink cartridge is also relatively small. Ink circulation is achieved in one ink cartridge, thereby ensuring good ink fluidity and avoiding ink precipitation. Therefore, since two independent first ink storage cavities 2 and second ink storage cavities 3 are arranged on one ink cartridge, ink circulation is achieved; and a circulation mechanism is used in the same ink cartridge, and the pipeline of the circulation mechanism can be set smaller, without using too much equipment for circulation, thereby reducing the volume of the entire ink cartridge and reducing the cost; therefore, the printing device has all the advantages of the above ink cartridges, and has the advantages of simple and compact structure and low production cost.

[0051] Preferably, two ink cartridges are provided, and each ink cartridge is provided with two circulation systems; each circulation system comprises: a first ink storage cavity 2 and a second ink storage cavity 3; each circulation system is used to store ink of one color, and the colors of inks stored in any two circulation systems are different.

[0052] Two ink cartridges are provided in a printing device, and each ink cartridge is provided with two circulation systems, then four circulation systems are provided in a printing device, and each circulation system operates independently of each other; in this way, the four circulation systems respectively store different colors, namely C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow) and K (black); that is to say, a printing device is provided with two ink cartridges, which can achieve the requirement of printing mixed colors, making the structure of the entire printing device more compact, saving space for the entire device, and improving the space utilization rate of the device; and each ink cartridge is set to a thickness of 6 cm, and the overall design is thin, which further reduces the volume of the device and improves the space utilization rate.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, characterized in that: The ink cartridge comprises: An ink cartridge body, wherein a first ink storage cavity and a second ink storage cavity are provided in the ink cartridge body; A circulation mechanism, wherein two ends of the circulation mechanism are respectively connected to the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity, and the circulation mechanism is used to make the ink stored in the ink cartridge circulate between the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity; The first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity respectively supply ink to at least one nozzle; The first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity are arranged in a superimposed manner along the vertical direction of the ink cartridge body; and the first ink storage cavity is above the second ink storage cavity, the circulation mechanism is powered by a pump, the lower end of the first ink storage cavity and the upper end of the second ink storage cavity are connected through a first ink tube, and a first flow rate testing device is arranged on the first ink tube, and the first flow rate testing device tests the speed S1 of ink flowing from the first ink storage cavity to the second ink storage cavity, and a second ink tube is arranged in the circulation mechanism to connect the lower end of the second ink storage cavity and the upper end of the first ink storage cavity, and a second flow rate testing device is arranged on the second ink tube, and the second flow rate testing device tests the flow rate S2 of ink flowing from the second ink storage cavity to the first ink storage cavity; compare S1 and S2, if S1<S2, it means that the speed of ink flowing from the first ink storage cavity to the second ink storage cavity is less than the speed of ink flowing from the second ink storage cavity The speed of ink flowing to the first ink storage cavity is controlled to reduce S2 so that S2=S1, and vice versa; the ink cartridge also includes: a pressure detection mechanism, the pressure detection mechanism includes two detection heads, which are respectively connected to the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity, and are respectively used to detect the pressure value of the first ink storage cavity and the pressure value of the second ink storage cavity; compare the relationship between the two pressure values, if the pressure value of the first ink storage cavity is greater than the pressure value of the second ink storage cavity, the ink flows from the first ink storage cavity to the second ink storage cavity; if the pressure value of the second ink storage cavity is greater than the pressure value of the first ink storage cavity, the ink cannot flow directly to the second ink storage cavity due to its own gravity. At this time, the speed of the circulation mechanism is accelerated to accelerate the speed of ink flowing from the second ink storage cavity to the first ink storage cavity, so as to reduce the pressure of the second ink storage cavity, so that the ink can flow to the second ink storage cavity due to its own gravity.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the cross section of the ink cartridge, a figure formed by the outer contour of the first ink storage cavity and a figure formed by the outer contour of the second ink storage cavity are complementary figures.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross sections of the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity are both "L" shaped.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ink cartridge also includes: A first heating device is arranged on the outside of the ink cartridge body in the length direction and is used to heat the ink cartridge body.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink cartridge also includes: A first valve body, the first valve body is used to connect the first ink storage cavity and the nozzle; A second valve body, the second valve body is used to connect the second ink storage cavity and the nozzle; The first valve body and the second valve body are both installed at the bottom of the ink cartridge body, and the first valve body and the second valve body are installed in opposite directions.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink cartridge also includes: a first liquid level detection mechanism, disposed in the first ink storage cavity, for detecting the liquid level of the ink in the first ink storage cavity; a second liquid level detection mechanism, disposed in the second ink storage cavity, for detecting the liquid level of the ink in the second ink storage cavity.

7. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The circulation mechanism includes: a first ink pump, which is connected to the lower end of the first ink storage cavity and the upper end of the second ink storage cavity, and is used to pump ink from the first ink storage cavity to the second ink storage cavity; a second ink pump, which is connected to the lower end of the second ink storage cavity and the upper end of the first ink storage cavity, and is used to pump ink from the second ink storage cavity to the first ink storage cavity.

8. A printing device, characterized in that: The device comprises an ink cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: There are two ink cartridges, and each of the ink cartridges is provided with two circulation systems; each of the circulation systems comprises: the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity; each of the circulation systems is used to store ink of one color, and the colors of ink stored in any two of the circulation systems are different.

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