Integrated inkjet printing cartridge module and inkjet printer

Abstract

The present invention discloses an integrated inkjet printing cartridge module. A filter is provided in a first cavity to eliminate bubbles and filter impurities in the ink. The filtered ink flows to a second cavity through a connecting port. In the second cavity, a heating element heats the ink, which is then output by an ink outlet valve, ensuring that the ink operates at a normal viscosity and effectively preventing poor operating conditions such as ink breakage and ink dispersion in the nozzle. A liquid level monitoring assembly is provided in the second cavity. The liquid level monitoring assembly includes a first liquid level sensor and a buffer element. The first liquid level sensor monitors the ink level in the second cavity. The buffer element cushions the impact of ink waves on the first liquid level sensor, ensuring the accuracy of the first liquid level sensor's monitoring results and the operational stability and reliability of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module. The present invention also provides an inkjet printer including the above-mentioned integrated inkjet printing cartridge module, which effectively improves the quality of inkjet printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of inkjet printing equipment and peripheral supporting facilities thereof, in particular to an integrated inkjet printing cartridge module and an inkjet printer. Background Art

[0002] Digital inkjet printers print on cartons, color boxes, flexible packaging and other materials. Regardless of whether the ink is supplied by siphon, negative pressure or circulating ink, a secondary ink cartridge for storing ink needs to be set above the print head. There will be a liquid level signal in the secondary ink cartridge to control the addition of ink. Adding ink causes the ink to move and generate bubbles. When there are bubbles in the ink, the print head will be disconnected, which will reduce the printing quality and increase the maintenance cost of the machine.

[0003] When inkjet printers are working normally, they have high requirements for the working temperature of the ink. When the temperature is too high, the ink viscosity will become lower. When the temperature is too low, the ink viscosity will become higher and the ink fluidity will become worse. Both of these situations will cause the ink output of the nozzle to deteriorate, affecting the print quality.

[0004] Currently, there are two digital inkjet printing methods on the market: single-pass and multi-pass. Regardless of the method, the secondary ink cartridge will move with the printhead module, and ink will form ink waves in the secondary ink cartridge. Especially in the field of wide-format printing, the secondary ink cartridge is larger and the performance is more obvious. The ink waves will affect the accuracy of liquid level detection. The liquid level of the secondary ink cartridge will affect the stability of the ink path, which will cause the printhead to drop ink, break the line, and pull the line, resulting in poor printing effect and reduced printing quality.

[0005] How to change the current situation in which the secondary ink cartridge of the inkjet printer affects the stable ink supply to the nozzle, causing problems such as ink breakage, ink flying, and white leakage in inkjet printing, thereby affecting the printing quality, has become an urgent problem to be solved by technicians in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an integrated inkjet printing cartridge module and an inkjet printer to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, improve the working reliability of the ink cartridge, and improve the quality of inkjet printing.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides the following solution: The present invention provides an integrated inkjet printing cartridge module, comprising an ink cartridge body, the ink cartridge body being capable of containing ink, the ink cartridge body comprising interconnected:

[0008] a first cavity, wherein the first cavity has an ink inlet, the ink inlet is connected to an ink source, and a filter is provided in the first cavity, the filter being capable of filtering the ink;

[0009] The second cavity, the first cavity is connected to the second cavity via a connecting port, the ink inlet and the connecting port are respectively located on both sides of the filter; a heating element and a liquid level monitoring component are arranged in the second cavity, the heating element can heat the ink, the liquid level monitoring component includes a first liquid level sensor and a buffer element, the first liquid level sensor can monitor the liquid level of the ink, and the buffer element can buffer the impact of ink waves on the first liquid level sensor; the second cavity is connected to an ink outlet valve.

[0010] Preferably, the filtering accuracy of the filter is 5 μm.

[0011] Preferably, the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module further comprises a third cavity, and the top of the second cavity is connected to the top of the third cavity via a reversing valve.

[0012] Preferably, the third cavity is connected to a negative pressure valve and a circulation valve, the negative pressure valve is connected to the reversing valve through the third cavity, and the circulation valve is connected to a circulation pump;

[0013] A second liquid level sensor is arranged in the third cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the ink inlet is located at the top of the first cavity, an ink inlet valve is provided at the ink inlet, the ink inlet valve is connected to the ink source, and the ink inlet is located at the top of the filter; a manual valve is also connected to the bottom of the first cavity.

[0015] Preferably, the heating element includes a heating plate and a heat conducting block, the heating plate is arranged at the bottom of the second cavity, the heating plate can heat the ink, and the heat conducting block is arranged on the top of the heating plate.

[0016] Preferably, the heat conducting block is connected to a heat conducting plate, one end of the heat conducting plate is connected to the heat conducting block, and the other end of the heat conducting plate extends toward the top of the second cavity;

[0017] There are multiple heat conducting plates, and the multiple heat conducting plates are arranged in parallel with equal spacing;

[0018] The heat conducting block and the heat conducting plate are both made of aluminum.

[0019] Preferably, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are arranged in the second cavity, the first temperature sensor is arranged at the bottom of the second cavity, the second temperature sensor is connected to the top of the second cavity and extends toward the bottom of the second cavity, and the second temperature sensor is arranged at the top of the heat conductive block.

[0020] Preferably, the buffer element includes two buffer plates, and the two buffer plates are symmetrically arranged with the first liquid level sensor as the axis;

[0021] The buffer plate includes a first section and a second section, the first section is connected to the second section, the first section is connected to the top inner wall of the ink cartridge body, and there is a gap between the second section and the bottom inner wall of the ink cartridge body, the first section is a flat plate structure, the first section is arranged perpendicular to the axis of the connecting port, and the second section is an arc panel protruding toward the first liquid level sensor.

[0022] Preferably, the ink cartridge body comprises a top cover, a main body side wall, and a bottom plate, wherein the top cover is arranged on the top of the main body side wall, and the bottom plate is arranged on the bottom of the main body side wall, the first cavity and the second cavity are both located in a space enclosed by the top cover, the main body side wall, and the bottom plate, the top cover is detachably connected to the main body side wall, the bottom plate is detachably connected to the main body side wall, and sealing elements are provided between the top cover and the main body side wall, and between the bottom plate and the main body side wall.

[0023] There are multiple ink outlet valves.

[0024] The present invention also provides an inkjet printer, comprising the above-mentioned integrated inkjet printing cartridge module.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has achieved the following technical effects:

[0026] The integrated inkjet printing cartridge module of the present invention has a filter screen installed in the first cavity to eliminate bubbles in the ink and filter impurities in the ink. The filtered ink flows to the second cavity through the connecting port. In the second cavity, a heating element can heat the ink, and the heated ink is output by the ink outlet valve, ensuring that the ink operates at normal viscosity, effectively avoiding poor working conditions such as ink breakage and ink dispersion in the nozzle. A liquid level monitoring assembly is installed in the second cavity. The liquid level monitoring assembly includes a first liquid level sensor and a buffer element. The first liquid level sensor can monitor the ink level in the second cavity. The buffer element can buffer the impact of ink waves on the first liquid level sensor, ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring results of the first liquid level sensor and ensuring the working stability and reliability of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module. The present invention also provides an inkjet printer including the above-mentioned integrated inkjet printing cartridge module, which effectively improves the quality of inkjet printing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] 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. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 It is a partial structural schematic diagram of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module of the present invention.

[0031] Among them, 100 is an integrated inkjet printing cartridge module;

[0032] 1 is the ink cartridge body, 101 is the top cover, 102 is the side wall of the main body, 103 is the bottom plate, 2 is the first cavity, 3 is the second cavity, 4 is the filter screen, 5 is the connecting port, 6 is the heating element, 601 is the heating plate, 602 is the heat conducting block, 603 is the heat conducting plate, 7 is the first liquid level sensor, 8 is the buffer element, 801 is the buffer plate, 802 is the first section, 803 is the second section, 9 is the ink outlet valve, 10 is the third cavity, 11 is the circulation valve, 12 is the reversing valve, 13 is the second liquid level sensor, 14 is the ink inlet valve, 15 is the manual valve, and 16 is the negative pressure valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] 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.

[0034] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an integrated inkjet printing cartridge module and an inkjet printer to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art, improve the working reliability of the ink cartridge, and improve the quality of inkjet printing.

[0035] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Please refer to Figure 1-3 ,in, Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module of the present invention. Figure 2This is a partial structural diagram of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module of the present invention.

[0037] The present invention provides an integrated inkjet printing cartridge module 100, including an ink cartridge body 1, which can hold ink. The ink cartridge body 1 includes a first cavity 2 and a second cavity 3 that are connected to each other, wherein the first cavity 2 has an ink inlet that is connected to an ink source, and a filter screen 4 is provided in the first cavity 2, which can filter the ink; the first cavity 2 is connected to the second cavity 3 via a connecting port 5, and the ink inlet and the connecting port 5 are respectively located on both sides of the filter screen 4; a heating element 6 and a liquid level monitoring component are provided in the second cavity 3, the heating element 6 can heat the ink, and the liquid level monitoring component includes a first liquid level sensor 7 and a buffer element 8, the first liquid level sensor 7 can monitor the liquid level of the ink, and the buffer element 8 can buffer the impact of ink waves on the first liquid level sensor 7; the second cavity 3 is connected to an ink outlet valve 9.

[0038] The integrated inkjet printing cartridge module 100 of the present invention is provided with a filter screen 4 in the first cavity 2 for eliminating bubbles in the ink and filtering impurities in the ink. The filtered ink flows to the second cavity 3 through the connecting port 5. In the second cavity 3, the heating element 6 can heat the ink, and the heated ink is output by the ink outlet valve 9 to ensure that the ink works at normal viscosity, effectively avoiding poor working conditions such as ink breakage and ink dispersion of the nozzle. A liquid level monitoring component is provided in the second cavity 3, and the liquid level monitoring component includes a first liquid level sensor 7 and a buffer element 8. The first liquid level sensor 7 can monitor the ink level in the second cavity 3, and the buffer element 8 can buffer the impact of ink waves on the first liquid level sensor 7, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring results of the first liquid level sensor 7, and ensuring the working stability and reliability of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module 100, thereby improving the inkjet printing quality.

[0039] In this specific embodiment, the filter screen 4 has a filtration accuracy of 5 μm and a fine mesh, which can effectively block bubbles from entering the bottom of the filter screen 4 and prevent bubbles from entering the second cavity 3 .

[0040] Among them, the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module 100 also includes a third cavity 10. The top of the second cavity 3 is connected to the top of the third cavity 10 through a reversing valve 12. The third cavity 10 serves as an ink overflow protection cavity to prevent ink from overflowing into the negative pressure bottle, causing abnormal negative pressure in the ink cartridge, thereby causing ink leakage and other phenomena.

[0041] In this specific embodiment, the ink inlet is located at the top of the first cavity 2, and an ink inlet valve 14 is provided at the ink inlet. The ink inlet valve 14 is connected to the ink source. The ink inlet is located at the top of the filter 4. The ink inlet valve 14 can select a two-position two-normally closed solenoid valve. In actual use, the ink inlet valve 14 is connected to an ink pump to ensure smooth input of ink; a manual valve 15 is also connected to the bottom of the first cavity 2 to facilitate liquid discharge during cleaning.

[0042] It should also be noted that the third cavity 10 is connected to a negative pressure valve 16 and a circulation valve 11. The negative pressure valve 16 is connected to the reversing valve 12 through the third cavity 10 to provide negative pressure for the second cavity 3. The circulation valve 11 is connected to a circulation pump. A second liquid level sensor 13 is provided in the third cavity 10. In this specific embodiment, the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module 100 also includes a controller, and the negative pressure valve 16, the reversing valve 12, the circulation valve 11, the first liquid level sensor 7 and the second liquid level sensor 13 are all connected to the controller. When the first liquid level sensor 7 detects that there is no ink, the ink inlet valve 14 and the ink pump are opened, and the ink pump pumps ink until the ink shortage signal disappears and stops pumping ink; if the monitoring function of the first liquid level sensor 7 is abnormal, causing the ink in the second cavity 3 to overflow into the third cavity 10, after the second liquid level sensor 13 detects the liquid level, the ink pump stops pumping ink and the ink inlet valve 14 is closed. If the controller receives a normal negative pressure signal at this time, the ink cartridge supplies ink to the nozzle normally; if the second liquid level sensor 13 detects the liquid level and the controller receives an abnormal negative pressure signal, the ink outlet valve 9 and the negative pressure valve 16 are closed, the circulation valve 11 is opened, and the ink is pumped out until the second liquid level sensor 13 detects that it is normal, the circulation valve 11 is closed, and the negative pressure valve 16 is opened. After the negative pressure signal is normal, the ink outlet valve 9 is opened and normal operation begins. The controller can control the working state of the reversing valve 12. When the inkjet head needs positive pressure cleaning, the reversing valve 12 is opened to realize the positive and negative pressure switching. The second cavity 3 is at positive pressure. After the cleaning is completed, the controller closes the reversing valve 12 and switches back to negative pressure in the second cavity 3 to ensure that the second cavity 3 can normally supply ink to the nozzle. After closing the reversing valve 12, it takes time for the negative pressure in the second cavity 3 to return to normal. At this time, it is necessary to close the ink outlet valve 9 first, and then open the ink outlet valve 9 after the negative pressure signal is normal. Otherwise, because the negative pressure is abnormal and the ink outlet valve 9 is open, it will cause the nozzle to leak ink. In actual applications, the negative pressure valve 16 can choose a two-position two-way normally closed solenoid valve with a pagoda connector. The ink outlet valve 9 and the circulation valve 11 can choose a two-position two-way normally closed solenoid valve with two pagoda connectors. The reversing valve 12 is a two-position three-way solenoid valve.

[0043] Specifically, the heating element 6 includes a heating plate 601 and a heat-conducting block 602. The heating plate 601 is arranged at the bottom of the second cavity 3. The heating plate 601 can heat the ink. The heat-conducting block 602 is arranged on the top of the heating plate 601. The heating plate 601 is arranged at the bottom of the ink cartridge body 1. The heat-conducting block 602 is used to conduct heat to the ink to ensure uniform and stable heating of the ink.

[0044] In order to further improve the uniformity of thermal conductivity, the thermal block 602 is connected to a thermal plate 603, one end of the thermal plate 603 is connected to the thermal block 602, and the other end of the thermal plate 603 extends toward the top of the second cavity 3; the thermal plate 603 extends into the ink in the second cavity 3, evenly transferring heat to the ink, thereby preventing uneven heating of the ink from affecting the printing quality.

[0045] In other specific embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple heat conducting plates 603, and the multiple heat conducting plates 603 are arranged at equal intervals and in parallel. It should be noted that the first liquid level sensor 7 and the heat conducting plates 603 should avoid interference. The height of the heat conducting plate 603 below the first liquid level sensor 7 can be appropriately set lower.

[0046] In order to improve the heat conduction efficiency, the heat conducting block 602 and the heat conducting plate 603 are both made of aluminum. In practical applications, other materials with high thermal conductivity coefficients can also be selected to enhance the heat conduction capacity of the heat conducting block 602 and the heat conducting plate 603.

[0047] More specifically, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are disposed within the second cavity 3. The first temperature sensor is located at the bottom of the second cavity 3 and can monitor the heating temperature of the heating element 6. The second temperature sensor is connected to the top of the second cavity 3 and extends toward the bottom of the second cavity 3 to monitor the temperature of the ink. In this embodiment, the controller receives temperature data monitored by the first and second temperature sensors and, using a PID algorithm, controls the heater 601 to provide stable and precise heating of the ink, further improving the operational stability of the integrated inkjet printer cartridge module 100 of the present invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the buffer element 8 includes two buffer plates 801, which are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the first liquid level sensor 7. These buffer plates 801 bidirectionally buffer the impact of ink waves on the first liquid level sensor 7, thereby ensuring the operational reliability of the first liquid level sensor 7. In other embodiments of the present invention, the number and arrangement of the buffer plates 801 can be adjusted based on the structure of the ink cartridge body 1 and the direction of ink flow, such as by providing buffer plates 801 arranged circumferentially.

[0049] In this specific embodiment, the buffer plate 801 includes a first section 802 and a second section 803, the first section 802 is connected to the second section 803, the first section 802 is connected to the top inner wall of the ink cartridge body 1, and there is a gap between the second section 803 and the bottom inner wall of the ink cartridge body 1, the first section 802 is a flat plate structure, the first section 802 is arranged perpendicular to the axis of the connecting port 5, and the second section 803 is an arc panel protruding toward the first liquid level sensor 7. The arc panel can further enhance the buffering effect and avoid ink splashing and generating bubbles. The width of the buffer plate 801 is slightly narrower than the width of the ink cartridge body 1. Without affecting the normal flow of ink, the ink is avoided as much as possible from causing impact on the first liquid level sensor 7, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the monitoring results of the first liquid level sensor 7.

[0050] To facilitate assembly and disassembly, the ink cartridge body 1 has a split structure, comprising a top cover 101, side walls 102, and a bottom plate 103. The top cover 101 is positioned on top of the side walls 102, while the bottom plate 103 is positioned at the bottom of the side walls 102. The first cavity 2 and the second cavity 3 are both located within the space enclosed by the top cover 101, the side walls 102, and the bottom plate 103. The top cover 101 and the side walls 102 are detachably connected, and the bottom plate 103 and the side walls 102 are detachably connected, using screws. The detachable connection is secure and easy to assemble and disassemble. Sealing elements are provided between the top cover 101 and the side walls 102, as well as between the bottom plate 103 and the side walls 102, to enhance the sealing performance of the ink cartridge body 1 and prevent air and ink leakage. In practical applications, the top cover 101 and the bottom plate 103 can be made of plastic material, effectively preventing heat dissipation while ensuring efficient ink heating.

[0051] In practical applications, the number of ink outlet valves 9 can be set to multiple, and the number of ink outlet valves 9 can be specifically set according to the requirements of inkjet printing.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an inkjet printer, comprising the above-mentioned integrated inkjet printing cartridge module 100, to ensure the working stability and reliability of the integrated inkjet printing cartridge module 100, thereby effectively improving the inkjet printing quality.

[0053] The present invention uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only intended to help understand the method and core concept of the present invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will find that the specific implementation methods and application scopes may vary based on the concept of the present invention. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated inkjet printing cartridge module, characterized in that: The ink cartridge body comprises an ink cartridge body capable of containing ink, and the ink cartridge body comprises: a first cavity, wherein the first cavity has an ink inlet, the ink inlet is connected to an ink source, and a filter is provided in the first cavity, the filter being capable of filtering the ink; a second cavity, wherein the first cavity is connected to the second cavity via a communication port, the ink inlet and the communication port being located on either side of the filter, respectively; a heating element and a liquid level monitoring assembly are disposed within the second cavity, the heating element being capable of heating the ink; the liquid level monitoring assembly comprising a first liquid level sensor and a buffer element, the first liquid level sensor being capable of monitoring the liquid level of the ink, and the buffer element being capable of buffering the impact of ink waves on the first liquid level sensor; and an ink outlet valve being connected to the second cavity; The liquid chamber further comprises a third chamber, wherein the top of the second chamber is connected to the top of the third chamber via a reversing valve; the third chamber is connected to a negative pressure valve and a circulation valve, the negative pressure valve is connected to the reversing valve via the third chamber, and the circulation valve is connected to a circulation pump; a second liquid level sensor is provided in the third chamber; The buffer element includes two buffer plates, and the two buffer plates are symmetrically arranged with the first liquid level sensor as the axis; The buffer plate includes a first section and a second section, the first section is connected to the second section, the first section is connected to the top inner wall of the ink cartridge body, and there is a gap between the second section and the bottom inner wall of the ink cartridge body, the first section is a flat plate structure, the first section is arranged perpendicular to the axis of the connecting port, and the second section is an arc panel protruding toward the first liquid level sensor.

2. The integrated inkjet printing cartridge module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink inlet is located at the top of the first cavity, an ink inlet valve is provided at the ink inlet, the ink inlet valve is connected to the ink source, and the ink inlet is located at the top of the filter; a manual valve is also connected to the bottom of the first cavity.

3. The integrated inkjet printing cartridge module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating element includes a heating plate and a heat conducting block. The heating plate is arranged at the bottom of the second cavity and can heat the ink. The heat conducting block is arranged on the top of the heating plate.

4. The integrated inkjet printing cartridge module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heat conducting block is connected to a heat conducting plate, one end of the heat conducting plate is connected to the heat conducting block, and the other end of the heat conducting plate extends toward the top of the second cavity; There are multiple heat conducting plates, and the heat conducting plates are arranged in parallel with equal intervals.

5. The integrated inkjet printing cartridge module according to claim 3, characterized in that: A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are arranged in the second cavity, the first temperature sensor is arranged at the bottom of the second cavity, the second temperature sensor is connected to the top of the second cavity and extends toward the bottom of the second cavity, and the second temperature sensor is arranged at the top of the heat conductive block.

6. The integrated inkjet printing cartridge module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink cartridge body includes a top cover, a main body side wall, and a bottom plate, wherein the top cover is arranged on the top of the main body side wall, and the bottom plate is arranged on the bottom of the main body side wall. The first cavity and the second cavity are both located in a space enclosed by the top cover, the main body side wall, and the bottom plate. The top cover is detachably connected to the main body side wall, and the bottom plate is detachably connected to the main body side wall. Sealing elements are provided between the top cover and the main body side wall, and between the bottom plate and the main body side wall. There are multiple ink outlet valves; The filtering accuracy of the filter is 5 μm.

7. An inkjet printer, characterized in that: An integrated inkjet printing cartridge module comprising any one of claims 1 to 6.

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