Inkjet printer and ink supply control system thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an inkjet printer and its ink supply control system. The ink supply control system includes a negative pressure tank and at least one group of ink supply components. Each group of ink supply components includes a nozzle and a main ink cartridge and a sub-ink cartridge respectively connected to the nozzle. A pressure regulating component is provided between each group of ink supply components and the negative pressure tank. The pressure regulating components are respectively connected to the main ink cartridge and the sub-ink cartridge. The pressure regulating component is used to adjust the negative pressure difference between the main ink cartridge and the sub-ink cartridge, so that the sub-ink cartridge supplies ink to the main ink cartridge, or the main ink cartridge supplies ink to the sub-ink cartridge in reverse, thereby achieving circulating ink supply. Multiple ink supply components only need to be configured with one negative pressure tank, without the need to set up multiple negative pressure tanks, effectively reducing the occupied space. In addition, the pressure regulating component is used instead of the negative pressure tank to control the ink supply component to perform ink circulation, eliminating the problem of unstable ink supply caused by fluctuations in the negative pressure tank, which is conducive to achieving stable ink supply. Therefore, the ink supply control system of the inkjet printer provided by the present invention occupies a small space and has a more stable ink supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of printers, and in particular to an ink supply control system of an inkjet printer. The present invention also relates to an inkjet printer. Background Art

[0002] The nozzles of an inkjet printer rely on an ink supply control system to spray ink in a quantitative manner. As the core unit of the inkjet printer, the ink supply control system usually includes at least one set of negative pressure control components. Each set of negative pressure control components controls one nozzle, and each set of negative pressure control components includes an air pump and a negative pressure tank. The ink cartridge is connected between the negative pressure tank and the nozzle, so that the ink cartridge can achieve a circulating ink supply with the help of the negative pressure provided by the negative pressure tank. However, the number of negative pressure tanks set up directly depends on the number of nozzles. When the number of nozzles is too large, the number of negative pressure tanks required will increase accordingly, the structure will be more complex, and the space occupied will be larger. In addition, the pressure of the negative pressure tank is very likely to fluctuate due to interference from adverse external factors, resulting in unstable ink supply. Obviously, the ink supply control system of existing inkjet printers has the problems of large space occupation and unstable ink supply. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printer and its ink supply control system, wherein a pressure regulating component is provided between each group of ink supply components and the negative pressure tank, and the pressure regulating component is used instead of the negative pressure tank to realize the ink supply circulation, which occupies less space and has more stable ink supply.

[0004] The specific plan is as follows:

[0005] An ink supply control system for an inkjet printer includes a negative pressure tank and at least one group of ink supply components, each group of ink supply components includes a nozzle and a main ink cartridge and a sub-ink cartridge respectively connected to the nozzle and communicated with each other; a pressure regulating component is provided between each group of ink supply components and the negative pressure tank, and is respectively connected to the main ink cartridge and the sub-ink cartridge to achieve circulating ink supply by adjusting the negative pressure difference between the two.

[0006] Preferably, the pressure regulating assembly includes a main pressure regulating valve arranged between the main ink cartridge and the negative pressure tank and a secondary pressure regulating valve arranged between the secondary ink cartridge and the negative pressure tank, and also includes a controller connected to the main pressure regulating valve and the secondary pressure regulating valve respectively; the controller is used to control the pressures of the main pressure regulating valve and the secondary pressure regulating valve to be equal according to the received normal ink supply instructions so that the secondary ink cartridge supplies ink to the main ink cartridge in a forward direction, and is also used to control the pressure of the main pressure regulating valve to be greater than the pressure of the secondary pressure regulating valve according to the received reverse ink supply instructions so that the main ink cartridge supplies ink to the secondary ink cartridge through the nozzle in reverse.

[0007] Preferably, the pressure regulating assembly also includes a main conducting valve arranged between the main ink cartridge and the main pressure regulating valve and an auxiliary conducting valve arranged between the auxiliary ink cartridge and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve. The main conducting valve and the auxiliary conducting valve are both connected to the controller, and the controller is used to control the opening of the main conducting valve and the auxiliary conducting valve according to normal ink supply instructions or reverse ink supply instructions.

[0008] Preferably, the pressure regulating assembly also includes a main reversing valve arranged between the main pressure regulating valve and the main conducting valve and a pressure regulating air pump connected to the main reversing valve. The main reversing valve and the pressure regulating air pump are both connected to a controller. The controller is used to control the main reversing valve to switch to the first position according to a normal ink supply instruction or a reverse ink supply instruction to connect the main ink cartridge with the negative pressure tank and disconnect the main ink cartridge from the pressure regulating air pump. It is also used to start the pressure regulating air pump according to the received ink cartridge cleaning instruction, close the auxiliary conducting valve and control the main reversing valve to switch to the second position to disconnect the main ink cartridge from the negative pressure tank and enable the pressure regulating air pump to pressurize the main ink cartridge until the ink in the main ink cartridge is completely ejected from the nozzle.

[0009] Preferably, the main ink cartridge is provided with a main negative pressure detection component for detecting the negative pressure of the main ink cartridge, and the auxiliary ink cartridge is provided with a auxiliary negative pressure detection component for detecting the negative pressure of the auxiliary ink cartridge. The main negative pressure detection component and the auxiliary negative pressure detection component are both connected to the controller, and also include a display connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the display to display the negative pressure values ​​of the main ink cartridge and the auxiliary ink cartridge according to the negative pressure signals fed back by the main negative pressure detection component and the auxiliary negative pressure detection component.

[0010] Preferably, each set of ink supply components also includes an ink supply barrel connected to the auxiliary ink cartridge and an ink supply pump arranged between the auxiliary ink cartridge and the ink supply barrel. The auxiliary ink cartridge is provided with an auxiliary liquid level detection component for detecting the liquid level height. The ink supply pump and the auxiliary liquid level detection component are both connected to a controller. The controller is used to start the ink supply pump based on the signal feedback from the auxiliary liquid level detection component when the liquid level height of the auxiliary ink cartridge is lower than the minimum preset height, so that the ink supply barrel supplies ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge.

[0011] Preferably, the controller is used to generate a normal ink supply instruction and control the ink supply pump to stop when the liquid level height of the auxiliary ink cartridge exceeds the minimum preset height based on the signal feedback from the auxiliary liquid level detection component. Each group of ink supply components also includes a circulation pump arranged between the main ink cartridge and the auxiliary ink cartridge. The circulation pump is connected to the controller, and the controller is used to start the circulation pump according to the normal ink supply instruction so that the auxiliary ink cartridge can supply ink to the main ink cartridge in a positive direction.

[0012] Preferably, a main liquid level detection component for detecting the liquid level height is provided in the main ink cartridge, and the main liquid level detection component is connected to the controller. The controller is used to generate a reverse ink supply instruction and control the circulation pump to stop when the liquid level height of the main ink cartridge reaches a specified liquid level height based on the signal feedback from the main liquid level detection component.

[0013] Preferably, both the main ink cartridge and the auxiliary ink cartridge are provided with a temperature control component, which includes a heating element and a temperature detection element for detecting the temperature of the ink. The heating element and the temperature detection element are both connected to a controller, and the controller is used to start the heating element to heat the ink when the temperature of the ink is lower than a preset temperature based on a signal sent by the temperature detection element.

[0014] Preferably, each set of ink supply components also includes a waste ink barrel connected to the main ink cartridge and the auxiliary ink cartridge respectively. A main ink drain valve is provided at the bottom of the main ink cartridge, and an auxiliary ink drain valve is provided at the bottom of the auxiliary ink cartridge. Both the main ink drain valve and the auxiliary ink drain valve are connected to a controller. The controller is used to control the main ink drain valve and the auxiliary ink drain valve to open according to the received ink drain instruction so that the waste ink in the main ink cartridge and the auxiliary ink cartridge can flow into the waste ink barrel.

[0015] The inkjet printer provided by the present invention further includes any one of the above-mentioned ink supply control systems.

[0016] Compared with the background technology, the ink supply control system of the inkjet printer provided by the present invention includes a negative pressure tank and at least one group of ink supply components. Each group of ink supply components includes a nozzle and a main ink cartridge and a sub-ink cartridge respectively connected to the nozzle. A pressure regulating component is provided between each group of ink supply components and the negative pressure tank. The pressure regulating component is respectively connected to the main ink cartridge and the sub-ink cartridge. The pressure regulating component is used to adjust the negative pressure difference between the main ink cartridge and the sub-ink cartridge, so that the sub-ink cartridge supplies ink to the main ink cartridge, or the main ink cartridge supplies ink to the sub-ink cartridge in reverse, thereby realizing circulating ink supply.

[0017] The multiple ink supply assemblies in the present invention only require a single negative pressure tank, eliminating the need for multiple negative pressure tanks, effectively reducing space requirements. Furthermore, the use of a pressure regulating assembly instead of a negative pressure tank to control the ink supply circulation of the ink supply assembly eliminates the problem of unstable ink supply caused by fluctuations in the negative pressure tank, thereby facilitating stable ink supply. Therefore, the ink supply control system for the inkjet printer provided by the present invention occupies a small space and provides a more stable ink supply.

[0018] The inkjet printer provided by the present invention, including the above-mentioned ink supply control system, has the same beneficial effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a working principle diagram of an ink supply control system of an inkjet printer provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0022] Negative pressure air pump 1, negative pressure tank 2, ink supply component 3, pressure regulating component 4 and temperature control component 5;

[0023] Printhead 31, main ink cartridge 32, auxiliary ink cartridge 33, ink supply barrel 34, ink supply pump 35, circulation pump 36 and waste ink barrel 37;

[0024] Main negative pressure detection element 321 and main liquid level detection element 322;

[0025] Auxiliary negative pressure detection element 331 and auxiliary liquid level detection element 332;

[0026] Main pressure regulating valve 411, main flow valve 412, main reversing valve 413 and pressure regulating air pump 414;

[0027] Auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421 and auxiliary conductance valve 422. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a working principle diagram of an ink supply control system of an inkjet printer provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The embodiment of the present invention discloses an ink supply control system for an inkjet printer, the key improvement of which is to improve the pressure regulation method of the ink supply component 3 to achieve reduced occupied space and stable ink supply.

[0032] The ink supply control system for an inkjet printer provided by the present invention includes a negative pressure tank 2 and at least one ink supply assembly 3. The negative pressure tank 2 provides a stable negative pressure for the ink supply assembly 3. The specific structure of the negative pressure tank 2 can be referenced in the prior art. The negative pressure tank 2 is externally connected to a negative pressure air pump 1. When the negative pressure value of the negative pressure tank 2 is inconsistent with the preset negative pressure value, the negative pressure air pump 1 inflates the negative pressure tank 2 to ensure that the negative pressure value of the negative pressure tank 2 is maintained stable, thereby preventing the negative pressure in the negative pressure tank 2 from being unstable and affecting the stability of the ink supply.

[0033] Each ink supply assembly 3 includes a printhead 31 and a primary ink cartridge 32 and a secondary ink cartridge 33 connected to each printhead 31. Both the primary ink cartridge 32 and the secondary ink cartridge 33 supply ink to the printhead 31. The primary and secondary ink cartridges 32 and 33 are interconnected, allowing ink to circulate between the two cartridges, thus providing a circulating ink supply. The number of ink supply assemblies 3 provided can be determined based on the number of printheads 31. Each printhead 31 corresponds to one ink supply assembly 3, which is not specifically limited here.

[0034] A pressure regulating assembly 4 is provided between each ink supply assembly 3 and the negative pressure tank 2. The pressure regulating assembly 4 is connected to the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33, respectively. This allows the main and auxiliary ink cartridges 32, 33 to utilize a negative pressure differential to achieve ink circulation, eliminating the need for the negative pressure tank 2 to directly control the ink supply assembly 3. This effectively eliminates the problem of unstable ink supply caused by fluctuations in the negative pressure tank 2 and facilitates stable ink supply. Furthermore, the provision of the pressure regulating assembly 4 allows multiple ink supply assemblies 3 to be equipped with only one negative pressure tank 2, eliminating the need for multiple negative pressure tanks 2, thus reducing space usage.

[0035] In summary, the ink supply control system of the inkjet printer provided by the present invention occupies a small space and has a relatively stable ink supply.

[0036] The pressure regulating assembly 4 includes a main pressure regulating valve 411 and a secondary pressure regulating valve 421. The main pressure regulating valve 411 is disposed between the main ink cartridge 32 and the negative pressure tank 2 and is used to adjust the pressure of the main ink cartridge 32. The secondary pressure regulating valve 421 is disposed between the secondary ink cartridge 33 and the negative pressure tank 2 and is used to adjust the pressure of the secondary ink cartridge 33. Both the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the secondary pressure regulating valve 421 are vacuum proportional valves, which may be solenoid proportional valves, but are not limited to such.

[0037] The present invention also includes a controller connected to the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421. When the controller receives a normal ink supply command, it controls the valve cores of the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421 to equalize the pressures in the main and auxiliary pressure regulating valves 411 and 421. This equalizes the pressures in the main and auxiliary ink cartridges 32 and 33, allowing the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 to supply ink to the main ink cartridge 32 in a forward direction. When the controller receives a reverse ink supply command, it controls the valve cores of the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421 to equalize the pressures in the main and auxiliary pressure regulating valves 411 and 421, allowing the pressure in the main and auxiliary pressure regulating valves 411 and 421 to exceed that in the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421. This increases the pressure in the main and auxiliary ink cartridges 32 and 33, allowing reverse ink supply from the main ink cartridge 32 to the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 through the printhead 31. Clearly, the configuration of the main and auxiliary pressure regulating valves 411 and 421 enables precise pressure regulation, further preventing unstable ink supply caused by pressure fluctuations. In addition, it should be noted that both the normal ink supply instruction and the reverse ink supply instruction can be obtained by the controller based on the trigger signal fed back by the trigger switch, or based on the detection signal fed back by the detection component. For details, please refer to the following content.

[0038] The pressure regulating assembly 4 also includes a main conducting valve 412 and a secondary conducting valve 422. The main conducting valve 412 is located between the main ink cartridge 32 and the main pressure regulating valve 411. A main pressure regulating air circuit is provided between the main ink cartridge 32 and the negative pressure tank 2. The main pressure regulating valve 411 and the main conducting valve 412 are both located on the main pressure regulating air circuit. The main conducting valve 412 is used to control the on-off state of the main pressure regulating air circuit. Similarly, the secondary conducting valve 422 is located between the secondary ink cartridge 33 and the secondary pressure regulating valve 421. A secondary pressure regulating air circuit is provided between the secondary ink cartridge 33 and the negative pressure tank 2. The secondary pressure regulating valve 421 and the secondary conducting valve 422 are both located on the secondary pressure regulating air circuit. The secondary conducting valve 422 is used to control the on-off state of the secondary pressure regulating air circuit. Both the main conducting valve 412 and the secondary conducting valve 422 can be solenoid valves.

[0039] Both the main guide valve 412 and the auxiliary guide valve 422 are connected to a controller. When the controller receives a normal ink supply command or a reverse ink supply command, it automatically opens both the main guide valve 412 and the auxiliary guide valve 422, allowing the pressure regulating assembly 4 to regulate the pressure of the primary ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33, ensuring normal ink circulation. In the event of a special operating condition or emergency, the controller can also automatically close the main guide valve 412 and / or the auxiliary guide valve 422, disconnecting the ink cartridges from the pressure regulating assembly 4.

[0040] When the nozzle 31 is a non-circulating nozzle, the pressure regulating assembly 4 further includes a main reversing valve 413 and a pressure regulating air pump 414. The main reversing valve 413 is arranged between the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the main control valve 412. The main reversing valve 413 is specifically a two-position three-way reversing valve, and the three interfaces are respectively connected to the main pressure regulating valve 411, the main control valve 412 and the pressure regulating air pump 414. When the main reversing valve 413 is in the first position, the main pressure regulating valve 411 is connected to the main control valve 412, and the pressure regulating air pump 414 is disconnected from the main control valve 412; when the main reversing valve 413 is in the second position, the main pressure regulating valve 411 is disconnected from the main control valve 412, and the pressure regulating air pump 414 is connected to the main control valve 412. The main reversing valve 413 can specifically be an electromagnetic reversing valve.

[0041] The main reversing valve 413 and the pressure-regulating air pump 414 are both connected to the controller. When the controller receives a normal ink supply command or a reverse ink supply command, it switches the main reversing valve 413 to the first position, connecting the main pressure-regulating valve 411 to the main control valve 412 and disconnecting the pressure-regulating air pump 414 from the main control valve 412. With the main control valve 412 in the open position, the connection between the main pressure-regulating valve 411 and the main control valve 412 allows the main ink cartridge 32 to communicate with the negative pressure tank 2, thus enabling the pressure-regulating assembly 4 to adjust the pressure of the main ink cartridge 32.

[0042] When the controller receives the ink cartridge cleaning instruction, the controller starts the pressure regulating air pump 414 and closes the auxiliary conduction valve 422. At the same time, the controller controls the main reversing valve 413 to switch to the second position, the main pressure regulating valve 411 is disconnected from the main conduction valve 412, and the pressure regulating air pump 414 is connected to the main conduction valve 412. At this time, the main ink cartridge 32 is disconnected from the main pressure regulating valve 411, and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 is disconnected from the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421. The pressure regulating component 4 cannot play a pressure regulating role. At this time, the main ink cartridge 32 mainly relies on the pressure regulating air pump 414 to achieve pressure regulation. The pressure regulating air pump 414 pressurizes the main ink cartridge 32 so that the ink in the main ink cartridge 32 is completely sprayed out by the nozzle 31, and the main ink cartridge 32 is fully cleaned.

[0043] It is particularly important to note that when the nozzle 31 is a recyclable nozzle, in addition to setting the main reversing valve 413 and the pressure-regulating air pump 414, an auxiliary reversing valve and a pressure-regulating air pump 414 can also be set. The auxiliary reversing valve is arranged between the auxiliary pressure-regulating valve 421 and the auxiliary conduction valve 422, and the pressure-regulating air pump 414 is connected to one of the interfaces of the auxiliary reversing valve. Combined with the above content, the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 can be cleaned at the same time.

[0044] The main ink cartridge 32 is provided with a main negative pressure detection element 321 for detecting the negative pressure of the main ink cartridge 32, and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 is provided with a auxiliary negative pressure detection element 331 for detecting the negative pressure of the auxiliary ink cartridge 33. The main negative pressure detection element 321 and the auxiliary negative pressure detection element 331 are both connected to a controller. Both can be specifically negative pressure sensors, but are not limited to such. Accordingly, the present invention also includes a display connected to the controller. The main negative pressure detection element 321 sends a negative pressure signal of the main ink cartridge 32 to the controller, and the auxiliary negative pressure detection element 331 sends a negative pressure signal of the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 to the controller. The controller controls the display to display the negative pressure values ​​of the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 in real time based on the negative pressure signals fed back by the main negative pressure detection element 321 and the auxiliary negative pressure detection element 331, so as to facilitate intuitive observation of the pressure of the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33.

[0045] Of course, an alarm connected to the controller can also be added. When the main negative pressure detection component 321 detects that the negative pressure value of the main ink cartridge 32 is too high, or when the secondary negative pressure detection component 331 detects that the negative pressure value of the secondary ink cartridge 33 is too high, the controller activates the alarm according to the signal feedback from the main negative pressure detection component 321 or the secondary negative pressure detection component 331. The alarm automatically sounds an alarm to avoid abnormal pressure in the main ink cartridge 32 or the secondary ink cartridge 33, which is conducive to improving work reliability.

[0046] Each ink supply assembly 3 also includes an ink supply barrel 34 and an ink supply pump 35. The ink supply barrel 34 is connected to the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 and is used to hold ink. The ink supply pump 35 is located between the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 and the ink supply barrel 34 and is used to draw ink from the ink supply barrel 34 into the auxiliary ink cartridge 33. Furthermore, the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 is provided with a secondary liquid level detector 332 for detecting the liquid level. The secondary liquid level detector 332 can be, but is not limited to, a capacitive liquid level sensor. Both the ink supply pump 35 and the secondary liquid level detector 332 are connected to a controller. When the secondary liquid level detector 332 detects that the liquid level in the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 is below a minimum preset height, indicating that there is insufficient ink in the auxiliary ink cartridge 33, the secondary liquid level detector 332 sends a pulse signal to the controller, which automatically activates the ink supply pump 35, causing the ink supply barrel 34 to automatically supply ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge 33. The minimum preset height refers to the lowest liquid level in the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 that ensures normal inkjet printing from the nozzle 31.

[0047] Furthermore, when the auxiliary liquid level detection component 332 detects that the liquid level height of the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 exceeds the minimum preset height, it means that the ink content in the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 can ensure that the nozzle 31 can spray ink normally. At this time, the auxiliary liquid level detection component 332 sends a pulse signal to the controller, and the controller controls the ink supply pump 35 to stop, and the ink supply barrel 34 stops supplying ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge 33; at the same time, the controller generates a normal ink supply instruction, and the controller controls the pressure of the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421 to be equal according to the normal ink supply instruction, controls the main reversing valve 413 to switch to the first position, and controls the main conducting valve 412 and the auxiliary conducting valve 422 to be open.

[0048] Each ink supply assembly 3 also includes a circulation pump 36, which is located between the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 and is used to pump ink from the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 into the main ink cartridge 32. The circulation pump 36 is connected to a controller. When the controller generates a normal ink supply command, in addition to controlling the opening and closing of the valve body, it also controls the circulation pump 36 to start, causing the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 to automatically supply ink to the main ink cartridge 32.

[0049] Furthermore, a main liquid level detection element 322 for detecting the liquid level is provided in the main ink cartridge 32. The main liquid level detection element 322 may be a capacitive liquid level sensor. The main liquid level detection element 322 is connected to the controller.

[0050] When the main liquid level detector 322 detects that the liquid level in the main ink cartridge 32 has reached a specified level, indicating that there is a large amount of ink in the main ink cartridge 32, the main liquid level detector 322 then sends a feedback signal to the controller, which in turn stops the circulation pump 36, causing the secondary ink cartridge 33 to stop supplying ink to the main ink cartridge 32. Simultaneously, the controller generates a reverse ink supply instruction, controlling the main reversing valve 413 to remain in the first position and opening both the main conduction valve 412 and the secondary conduction valve 422. Crucially, the controller adjusts the main pressure regulating valve 411 so that the pressure in the main pressure regulating valve 411 is greater than the pressure in the secondary pressure regulating valve 421, causing the ink in the main ink cartridge 32 to flow in reverse through the nozzle 31 into the secondary ink cartridge 33, thus achieving automatic reverse ink supply. The specified level refers to the level at which the ink in the main ink cartridge 32 reaches its highest level.

[0051] To further ensure stable ink supply, a temperature control assembly 5 is provided in both the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33. The temperature control assembly 5 includes a heating element and a temperature detection element. Both the heating element and the temperature detection element are connected to a controller. The temperature detection element is used to detect the temperature of the ink in the main ink cartridge 32 or the auxiliary ink cartridge 33, and can be a temperature sensor. The heating element can be, but is not limited to, a silicone heating element. When the temperature detection element detects that the ink temperature is lower than a preset temperature, the controller activates the heating element to heat the ink in the main ink cartridge 32 or the auxiliary ink cartridge 33, ensuring that the ink maintains an appropriate viscosity and avoiding unstable ink supply to the nozzle 31 due to changes in ink viscosity.

[0052] Each ink supply assembly 3 also includes a waste ink bucket 37, which is connected to the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33, respectively. This bucket is used to collect waste ink remaining in the main and auxiliary ink cartridges 32, 33 before the printhead 31 is properly supplying ink. To automatically collect waste ink, a primary ink drain valve is provided at the bottom of the main ink cartridge 32, and a secondary ink drain valve is provided at the bottom of the auxiliary ink cartridge 33. Both the primary and secondary ink drain valves are solenoid valves connected to a controller. When the controller receives an ink drain command, it controls the primary and secondary drain valves to open, allowing waste ink in both the main and auxiliary ink cartridges 32, 33 to flow into the waste ink bucket 37.

[0053] The working principle of the ink supply control system of the inkjet printer provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0054] When the controller receives the ink cartridge cleaning instruction, it starts the pressure regulating air pump 414 and closes the auxiliary conduction valve 422. At the same time, the controller controls the main reversing valve 413 to switch to the second position. The main pressure regulating valve 411 is disconnected from the main conduction valve 412, and the pressure regulating air pump 414 is connected to the main conduction valve 412. At this time, the main ink cartridge 32 is disconnected from the main pressure regulating valve 411, and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 is disconnected from the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421. The pressure regulating air pump 414 pressurizes the main ink cartridge 32, and the ink in the main ink cartridge 32 is completely ejected from the nozzle 31, and the main ink cartridge 32 is fully cleaned.

[0055] When the auxiliary liquid level detection component 332 detects that the liquid level of the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 is lower than the minimum preset height, the controller starts the ink supply pump 35 according to the signal fed back by the auxiliary liquid level detection component 332, and the ink supply barrel 34 supplies ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge 33;

[0056] When the auxiliary liquid level detection component 332 detects that the liquid level of the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 exceeds the minimum preset height, the controller controls the ink supply pump 35 to stop rotating according to the signal fed back by the auxiliary liquid level detection component 332, and the ink supply barrel 34 stops supplying ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge 33; at the same time, the controller generates a normal ink supply instruction, and the controller adjusts the valve cores of the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421 according to the normal ink supply instruction so that the pressures of the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421 are equal, and the controller also controls the main conducting valve 412 and the auxiliary conducting valve 422 to open, and the controller controls the main reversing valve 413 to switch to the first position, the main pressure regulating valve 411 is connected to the main conducting valve 412, and the pressure regulating air pump 414 is disconnected from the main conducting valve 412; in addition, the controller also starts the circulation pump 36 according to the normal ink supply instruction, and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 supplies ink to the main ink cartridge 32;

[0057] When the main liquid level detection component 322 detects that the liquid level of the main ink cartridge 32 reaches a specified liquid level, the controller controls the circulation pump 36 to stop according to the signal fed back by the main liquid level detection component 322, and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 stops supplying ink to the main ink cartridge 32; at the same time, the controller generates a reverse ink supply instruction, and adjusts the valve cores of the main pressure regulating valve 411 and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421 according to the reverse ink supply instruction so that the pressure of the main pressure regulating valve 411 is greater than the pressure of the auxiliary pressure regulating valve 421, and the main ink cartridge 32 reversely supplies ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 through the nozzle 31. The controller also controls the main conduction valve 412 and the auxiliary conduction valve 422 to remain open and controls the main reversing valve 413 to remain in the first position;

[0058] When the controller receives the ink discharge instruction, the controller controls the main ink discharge valve and the auxiliary ink discharge valve to open respectively, and the waste ink in the main ink cartridge 32 and the auxiliary ink cartridge 33 flows into the waste ink barrel 37 .

[0059] The inkjet printer provided by the present invention also includes the above-mentioned ink supply control system, which has the same beneficial effects.

[0060] The above is a detailed introduction to the inkjet printer and ink supply control system provided by the present invention. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present invention and its core idea. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the ideas of the present invention, there may be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scopes. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink supply control system for an inkjet printer, characterized in that: It comprises a negative pressure tank (2) and at least one set of ink supply components (3); a plurality of the ink supply components (3) only need to be equipped with one negative pressure tank (2); each set of the ink supply components (3) comprises a nozzle (31) and a main ink cartridge (32) and a sub-ink cartridge (33) respectively connected to the nozzle (31) and communicated with each other; a pressure regulating component (4) is provided between each set of the ink supply components (3) and the negative pressure tank (2), the pressure regulating component being respectively connected to the main ink cartridge (32) and the sub-ink cartridge (33) to achieve circulating ink supply by adjusting the negative pressure difference between the two; The pressure regulating assembly (4) comprises a main pressure regulating valve (411) provided between the main ink cartridge (32) and the negative pressure tank (2) for regulating the pressure of the main ink cartridge (32), and a secondary pressure regulating valve (421) provided between the secondary ink cartridge (33) and the negative pressure tank (2) for regulating the pressure of the secondary ink cartridge (33), wherein both the main pressure regulating valve (411) and the secondary pressure regulating valve (421) are vacuum proportional valves; the pressure regulating assembly (4) further comprises a main conducting valve (412) provided between the main ink cartridge (32) and the main pressure regulating valve (411), and a secondary conducting valve (422) provided between the secondary ink cartridge (33) and the secondary pressure regulating valve (421); The ink supply control system further includes a controller connected to the main pressure regulating valve (411) and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve (421) respectively; the main conducting valve (412) and the auxiliary conducting valve (422) are both connected to the controller; the controller is used to control the main conducting valve (412) and the auxiliary conducting valve (422) to open according to a normal ink supply instruction or a reverse ink supply instruction; the controller is also used to control the pressures of the main pressure regulating valve (411) and the auxiliary pressure regulating valve (421) to be equal according to the received normal ink supply instruction so that the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) supplies ink to the main ink cartridge (32) in a forward direction, and to control the pressure of the main pressure regulating valve (411) to be greater than the pressure of the auxiliary pressure regulating valve (421) according to the received reverse ink supply instruction so that the main ink cartridge (32) supplies ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) in a reverse direction through the nozzle (31).

2. The ink supply control system of the inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure regulating assembly (4) further comprises a main reversing valve (413) disposed between the main pressure regulating valve (411) and the main flow valve (412) and a pressure regulating air pump (414) connected to the main reversing valve (413). The main reversing valve (413) and the pressure regulating air pump (414) are both connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the main reversing valve (413) to switch to the first position according to the normal ink supply instruction or the reverse ink supply instruction so that the main ink cartridge (32) and the negative pressure tank ( 2) is connected to and disconnects the main ink cartridge (32) from the pressure regulating air pump (414), and is also used to start the pressure regulating air pump (414) according to the received ink cartridge cleaning instruction, close the auxiliary conduction valve (422) and control the main reversing valve (413) to switch to the second position to disconnect the main ink cartridge (32) from the negative pressure tank (2) and enable the pressure regulating air pump (414) to pressurize the main ink cartridge (32) until the ink in the main ink cartridge (32) is completely ejected from the nozzle (31).

3. The ink supply control system of an inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The main ink cartridge (32) is provided with a main negative pressure detection element (321) for detecting the negative pressure of the main ink cartridge (32), and the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) is provided with a secondary negative pressure detection element (331) for detecting the negative pressure of the auxiliary ink cartridge (33). The main negative pressure detection element (321) and the secondary negative pressure detection element (331) are both connected to the controller, and also include a display connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the display to display the negative pressure values ​​of the main ink cartridge (32) and the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) according to the negative pressure signals fed back by the main negative pressure detection element (321) and the secondary negative pressure detection element (331).

4. The ink supply control system of an inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: Each group of the ink supply components (3) further includes an ink supply barrel (34) connected to the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) and an ink supply pump (35) provided between the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) and the ink supply barrel (34); a secondary liquid level detection component (332) for detecting the height of the liquid level is provided in the auxiliary ink cartridge (33); the ink supply pump (35) and the secondary liquid level detection component (332) are both connected to the controller; the controller is used to start the ink supply pump (35) when the height of the liquid level in the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) is lower than a minimum preset height according to a signal fed back by the secondary liquid level detection component (332), so that the ink supply barrel (34) supplies ink to the auxiliary ink cartridge (33).

5. The ink supply control system of the inkjet printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The controller is used to generate the normal ink supply instruction and control the ink supply pump (35) to stop when the liquid level of the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) exceeds the minimum preset height according to the signal fed back by the auxiliary liquid level detection component (332). Each group of the ink supply components (3) also includes a circulation pump (36) arranged between the main ink cartridge (32) and the auxiliary ink cartridge (33). The circulation pump (36) is connected to the controller. The controller is used to start the circulation pump (36) according to the normal ink supply instruction so that the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) can supply ink to the main ink cartridge (32) in a positive direction.

6. The ink supply control system of the inkjet printer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The main ink cartridge (32) is provided with a main liquid level detection component (322) for detecting the liquid level height. The main liquid level detection component (322) is connected to the controller. The controller is used to generate the reverse ink supply instruction and control the circulation pump (36) to stop when the liquid level of the main ink cartridge (32) reaches a specified liquid level according to the signal fed back by the main liquid level detection component (322).

7. The ink supply control system of an inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The main ink cartridge (32) and the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) are both provided with a temperature control component (5), the temperature control component (5) comprising a heating element and a temperature detection element for detecting the temperature of the ink, the heating element and the temperature detection element are both connected to the controller, and the controller is used to start the heating element to heat the ink when the temperature of the ink is lower than a preset temperature based on a signal sent by the temperature detection element.

8. The ink supply control system of an inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: Each group of the ink supply components (3) further includes a waste ink barrel (37) connected to the main ink cartridge (32) and the auxiliary ink cartridge (33), respectively. A main ink discharge valve is provided at the bottom of the main ink cartridge (32), and an auxiliary ink discharge valve is provided at the bottom of the auxiliary ink cartridge (33). Both the main ink discharge valve and the auxiliary ink discharge valve are connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the main ink discharge valve and the auxiliary ink discharge valve to open according to the received ink discharge instruction so that the waste ink in the main ink cartridge (32) and the auxiliary ink cartridge (33) can flow into the waste ink barrel (37).

9. An inkjet printer, characterized in that: It also includes the ink supply control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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