An ink supply device and a printer

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and more particularly to an ink supply device and a printer. The printer includes an ink supply device and a printhead. The ink supply device includes a main ink tank, a first auxiliary ink cartridge, and a second auxiliary ink cartridge. The main ink tank stores ink. The first auxiliary ink cartridge is connected to the main ink tank and receives ink from it. The second auxiliary ink cartridge is connected to the first auxiliary ink cartridge and receives ink from it. Along the direction of gravity, the bottom of the inner wall of the second auxiliary ink cartridge is lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first auxiliary ink cartridge. The second auxiliary ink cartridge is also connected to the printhead and delivers ink to it. This invention provides a first and second auxiliary ink cartridge that are interconnected, which increases the flow of ink within the auxiliary ink cartridge, improves the problem of ink sedimentation at the bottom of the auxiliary ink cartridge, and allows the second auxiliary ink cartridge to act as a filter, reducing the risk of sedimentation clogging the printhead. Furthermore, the second auxiliary ink cartridge can hold more ink, increasing the flow force of ink to the printhead.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and more particularly to an ink supply device and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] In the digital inkjet printing industry, the ink path plays a crucial role, directly impacting customer applications and product performance. An ink path system typically includes a main ink tank, auxiliary ink cartridges, positive and negative pressure systems, tubing, pumps, filters, and printheads. The principle of the ink path system is that ink from the main ink tank flows through filters and a degassing module to the auxiliary ink cartridge, and then into the printhead to achieve the inkjet function. When too much ink flows into the printhead, the excess ink flows back to the main ink tank.

[0003] In the above solution, although the ink circulates between the main ink tank, the secondary ink cartridge, and the print head, the ink return speed in the secondary ink cartridge is slow, and the ink is prone to precipitating at the bottom of the secondary ink cartridge. The precipitate in the secondary ink cartridge will later detach from the bottom of the secondary ink cartridge and flow into the print head with the ink, which will cause the nozzle of the print head to be blocked and affect the printing operation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an ink supply device and printer that improves the problem of ink settling at the bottom of the secondary ink cartridge.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of the present invention is: providing an ink supply device, the ink supply device including a main ink tank, a first auxiliary ink cartridge and a second auxiliary ink cartridge, the main ink tank being used to store ink; the first auxiliary ink cartridge being connected to the main ink tank and being used to receive ink from the main ink tank; the second auxiliary ink cartridge being connected to the first auxiliary ink cartridge and being used to receive ink from the first auxiliary ink cartridge, and along the direction of gravity, the bottom of the inner wall of the second auxiliary ink cartridge is lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first auxiliary ink cartridge; the second auxiliary ink cartridge is also connected to a printhead and being used to deliver ink to the printhead.

[0006] In some embodiments, the air pressure inside the first ink cartridge and the second ink cartridge is equal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bottom of the first ink cartridge has a first connection hole, which is connected to the second ink cartridge via a pipe.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bottom of the second ink cartridge has a second connection hole and a third connection hole. The second connection hole is connected to the first ink cartridge through a pipe, and the third connection hole is connected to the printhead through a pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, a buffer ink cartridge is further included, which is in communication with the main ink tank and the printhead. The buffer ink cartridge is used to receive ink from the printhead and to deliver ink to the main ink tank.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air pressure inside the buffer ink cartridge is lower than the air pressure inside the second ink cartridge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom of the buffer ink cartridge is provided with a fourth connection hole and a fifth connection hole. The fourth connection hole is connected to the printhead through a pipe, and the fifth connection hole is connected to the main ink tank through a pipe.

[0012] In some embodiments, the negative pressure of the gas in the second ink cartridge is 5.0 kPa, and the negative pressure of the gas in the buffer ink cartridge is 5.3 kPa.

[0013] In some embodiments, the ink supply device further includes an ink pump and a negative pressure box. The ink pump is used to pump ink from the main ink tank to the first auxiliary ink cartridge. The negative pressure box is connected to at least one of the first auxiliary ink cartridge and the second auxiliary ink cartridge to regulate the air pressure of at least one of the first auxiliary ink cartridge and the second auxiliary ink cartridge.

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted in the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a printer, the printer including a printhead as described in any of the above claims and an ink supply device as described in any of the above claims, wherein the ink supply device is connected to the printhead.

[0015] Unlike related technologies, the ink supply device and printer of this invention are equipped with a first and a second sub-ink cartridge that are interconnected. The first sub-ink cartridge is connected to the main ink tank, and the second sub-ink cartridge is connected to the printhead. Along the direction of gravity, the bottom of the inner wall of the second sub-ink cartridge is lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first sub-ink cartridge. When ink from the second sub-ink cartridge flows into the printhead, ink from the first sub-ink cartridge flows into the second sub-ink cartridge to replenish it, thereby increasing the fluidity of the ink in the sub-ink cartridge and improving the problem of ink settling at the bottom of the sub-ink cartridge. Furthermore, the second sub-ink cartridge can act as a filter, reducing the risk of ink settling and clogging the printhead. Moreover, the ink volume in the second sub-ink cartridge is greater than that in the first sub-ink cartridge, meaning the second sub-ink cartridge can hold more ink, increasing the power of ink flow to the printhead, improving ink circulation speed, and reducing ink settling. Attached Figure Description

[0016] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:

[0019] 100. Ink supply unit; 1. Main ink tank;

[0020] 2. First ink cartridge; 21. Liquid inlet; 22. First connection hole;

[0021] 3. Second ink cartridge; 31. Second connection hole; 32. Third connection hole;

[0022] 4. Buffer ink cartridge; 41. Fourth connection hole; 42. Fifth connection hole;

[0023] 5. Ink pump; 6. Negative pressure box;

[0024] 200. Printer; 201. Printhead. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the various features in the embodiments of this invention can be combined with each other, all of which are within the protection scope of this invention. Furthermore, although functional modules are divided in the device schematic diagram and a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed with a different module division or in a different order than that shown in the device schematic diagram or the flowchart.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0030] To solve the above technical problems, such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides an ink supply device 100, which includes a main ink tank 1, a first auxiliary ink cartridge 2, a second auxiliary ink cartridge 3, a buffer ink cartridge 4, an ink pump 5, and a negative pressure box 6. The main ink tank 1 is used to store ink; the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 is used to receive ink from the main ink tank 1; the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 is used to receive ink from the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 and also to deliver ink to the printhead 201; the buffer ink cartridge 4 is used to receive ink from the printhead 201 and also to deliver ink to the main ink tank 1; the ink pump 5 is used to deliver ink; and the negative pressure box 6 is used to provide negative pressure.

[0031] The specific structures of the main ink tank 1, the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2, the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3, the buffer ink cartridge 4, the ink pump 5, and the negative pressure box 6 will be described in turn.

[0032] Regarding the aforementioned main ink tank 1, the main ink tank 1 is used to store ink for printing by the printhead 201, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the volume of the main ink tank 1 is greater than the volumes of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2, the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3, and the buffer ink cartridge 4.

[0033] Regarding the first ink cartridge 2 mentioned above, as Figure 1As shown, the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 has an inlet 21 and a first connecting hole 22. Both the inlet 21 and the first connecting hole 22 communicate with the cavity inside the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2. The inlet 21 is connected to the main ink tank 1 through a pipe, thereby receiving ink from the main ink tank 1. The first connecting hole 22 is connected to the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 through a pipe, so as to deliver ink to the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3. Furthermore, the first connecting hole 22 is located at the bottom of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2. When ink flows out through the first connecting hole 22, it can drive the ink flow at the bottom of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2, further improving the problem of ink sedimentation at the bottom of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2. Optionally, the inlet 21 is located on the side wall of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 and close to the bottom of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2. Therefore, when ink flows into the inlet 21, it also helps to drive the ink flow at the bottom of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2, improving the problem of ink sedimentation at the bottom of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2.

[0034] Regarding the second ink cartridge 3 mentioned above, as Figure 1 As shown, the second sub-ink cartridge 3 has a second connection hole 31 and a third connection hole 32. Both the second connection hole 31 and the third connection hole 32 communicate with the cavity inside the second sub-ink cartridge 3. The second connection hole 31 communicates with the first sub-ink cartridge 2 through a pipe, thereby receiving ink from the first sub-ink cartridge 2. The third connection hole 32 communicates with the printhead 201 through a pipe, thereby delivering ink to the printhead 201. Furthermore, at least one of the second connection hole 31 and the third connection hole 32 is located at the bottom of the second sub-ink cartridge 3. This allows the ink to flow at the bottom of the second sub-ink cartridge 3 when ink flows in or out from the second connection hole 31 and the third connection hole 32, thus improving the problem of ink sedimentation at the bottom of the second sub-ink cartridge 3.

[0035] like Figure 1As shown, the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3, along with the connecting pipe between them, form a communicating vessel. The ink in both cartridges is connected and dynamically at the same level. When the ink level in the second sub-ink cartridge 3 drops, the ink in the first sub-ink cartridge 2 automatically flows to the second sub-ink cartridge. Compared to using a single sub-ink cartridge, this increases the volume of flowing ink, thus increasing ink fluidity and reducing ink sedimentation. Furthermore, when sediment appears in the first sub-ink cartridge 2, it will first pass through the second sub-ink cartridge 3 before reaching the printhead 201. Therefore, sediment may first block the connecting pipe between the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3, or even block the second sub-ink cartridge 3 itself. The second sub-ink cartridge 3 has a certain filtering or buffering function, reducing the risk of the printhead 201 being blocked. The first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 31 only need to be located below the liquid surface to achieve the communicating vessel between the first sub-ink cartridge 2, the second sub-ink cartridge 3, and the connecting pipe between them. For example, the first connecting hole 22 and the second connecting hole 31 can be located at the bottom of the sub-ink cartridge, or on the side wall of the sub-ink cartridge near the bottom.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, along the direction of gravity, the bottom of the inner wall of the second ink cartridge 3 is lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first ink cartridge 2. When both the first ink cartridge 2 and the second ink cartridge 3 contain ink, the bottom of the ink in the second ink cartridge 3 is lower than the bottom of the ink in the first ink cartridge 2. Therefore, even when the ink in the first ink cartridge 2 is depleted, the second ink cartridge 3 still contains ink, thus continuing to supply ink to the printhead 201. This provides a buffer, mitigating ink supply interruptions in unexpected situations and improving ink path stability. Optionally, the bottom of the inner wall of the second ink cartridge 3 is 20cm lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first ink cartridge.

[0037] Understandably, when using a single sub-cartridge, the ink level inside is typically controlled to 30%-70% of its volume. Ink delivery to the sub-cartridge stops when it reaches 70%. Increasing this 70% to increase the flow of ink to the printhead 201 would increase safety risks, such as insufficient accuracy of the ink pump 5 or significant sensor delay, leading to excessive ink delivery to the sub-cartridge. However, in this application, the first sub-cartridge 2 and the second sub-cartridge 3 form a communicating vessel, and the bottom of the inner wall of the second sub-cartridge 3 is lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first sub-cartridge 2. Therefore, when the ink level in the first sub-cartridge 2 is controlled at 30%-70%, the ink level in the second sub-cartridge 3 can be 40%-70%, or even 50%-90%. This means the second sub-cartridge can hold more ink, which not only increases the flow of ink to the printhead 201, improves ink circulation speed, and reduces ink sedimentation, but also reduces the risk of excessive ink delivery to the first sub-cartridge 2. Moreover, due to the principle of communicating vessels, the ink volume in the first ink cartridge 2 and the second ink cartridge 3 is interconnected, and the total ink volume of the two will be much greater than the ink volume in a single ink cartridge. Compared with the solution of using a single ink cartridge, this can further increase the power of ink flowing into the printhead 201.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the bottom of the second ink cartridge 3 is flush with the bottom of the first ink cartridge 2, which facilitates installation on the same mounting plane, such as the top surface of the same mounting plate, thus saving installation space. In this embodiment, the base of the first ink cartridge 2 is relatively thick, while the base of the second ink cartridge 3 is relatively thin. Consequently, when the bottoms are flush, the bottom of the inner wall of the second ink cartridge 3 is lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first ink cartridge 2.

[0039] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3 are connected to the same negative pressure box 6. The air pressure inside the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3 is equal. Therefore, when the ink level in the second sub-ink cartridge 3 is lower than the ink level in the first sub-ink cartridge 2, the ink in the first sub-ink cartridge 2 can flow into the second sub-ink cartridge 3. When the ink in the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3 is still, their ink levels are equal. It is understood that the air pressure inside the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3 can also be unequal. For example, within a certain range of air pressure difference, i.e., the air pressure difference between the two is not too large, the above function can still be achieved. Optionally, the relative position of the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3 can also be unrestricted. The ink flow can be driven by the air pressure difference between them. For example, the first sub-ink cartridge 2 and the second sub-ink cartridge 3 are at the same height, but the air pressure inside the first sub-ink cartridge 2 is higher than the air pressure inside the second sub-ink cartridge 3, thereby driving the ink to flow into the second sub-ink cartridge 3. Optionally, the negative pressure of the gas inside the first ink cartridge 2 and the second ink cartridge 3 is 5.0 kPa.

[0040] For the aforementioned buffer ink cartridge 4, as Figure 1 As shown, the buffer ink cartridge 4 has a fourth connection hole 41 and a fifth connection hole 42. Both the fourth connection hole 41 and the fifth connection hole 42 communicate with the cavity inside the buffer ink cartridge 4. The fourth connection hole 41 is connected to the printhead 201 through a pipe, thereby receiving ink from the printhead 201 and improving the problem of excess ink flowing out of the printhead 201. The fifth connection hole 42 is connected to the main ink tank 1 through a pipe, thereby delivering ink to the main ink tank 1. Furthermore, at least one of the fourth connection hole 41 and the fifth connection hole 42 is located at the bottom of the buffer ink cartridge 4. When ink flows in or out from the fourth connection hole 41 and the fifth connection hole 42, it can drive the ink flow at the bottom of the buffer ink cartridge 4, improving the problem of ink sedimentation at the bottom of the buffer ink cartridge 4 and the problem of sedimentation in the pipes, thus improving the stability of the ink path. Optionally, the bottom of the buffer ink cartridge 4 is at the same height as the bottom of the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3, so that it can be installed on the same mounting plane as the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3, such as the top surface of the same mounting plate, thus saving installation space.

[0041] In some embodiments, the air pressure inside the buffer ink cartridge 4 is lower than the air pressure inside the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3. This causes the ink in the printhead 201 to flow back to the buffer ink cartridge 4, and also drives the ink in the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 to flow towards the printhead 201. This achieves a circulation of ink along the main ink tank 1 - first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 - second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 - printhead 201 - buffer ink cartridge 4 - main ink tank 1. This circulation not only recovers excess ink from the printhead 201 but also improves the problem of ink sedimentation in the printhead 201, reducing clogging. Furthermore, both the air pressure inside the buffer ink cartridge 4 and the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 are negative pressure, i.e., lower than atmospheric pressure, which improves the problem of excess ink flowing out of the printhead 201. Optionally, the air pressure inside the buffer ink cartridge 4 is 0.3 kPa lower than the air pressure inside the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3. Optionally, the negative pressure of the gas inside the second ink cartridge 3 is 5.0 kPa, and the negative pressure of the gas inside the buffer ink cartridge 4 is 5.3 kPa.

[0042] In some embodiments, a liquid level sensor (not shown) is provided inside the buffer ink cartridge 4. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the ink level inside the buffer ink cartridge 4. When the ink level is detected to reach a preset height, it can send a command to the ink pump 5 to draw a portion of the ink in the buffer ink cartridge 4 to the main ink tank 1. For example, by drawing ink, the ink level is lowered to 10cm below the preset height, that is, ink is drawn 10cm high. Here, it can also be other heights, as long as it is less than the height of the inner cavity of the buffer ink cartridge 4.

[0043] For the ink pump 5 mentioned above, such as Figure 1 As shown, two ink pumps 5 are provided. The first ink pump 5 is located between the main ink tank 1 and the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 to draw ink from the main ink tank 1 to the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2. The second ink pump 5 is located between the buffer ink cartridge 4 and the main ink tank 1 to draw ink from the buffer ink cartridge 4 to the main ink tank 1. Optionally, no ink pump 5 may be provided between the main ink tank 1 and the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2; instead, ink flow can be achieved by controlling the air pressure difference between the main ink tank 1 and the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2.

[0044] For the aforementioned negative pressure box 6, as Figure 1 As shown, two negative pressure boxes 6 are provided. The first negative pressure box 6 is connected to the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 and the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 to achieve negative pressure within the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 and the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3. The second negative pressure box 6 is connected to the buffer ink cartridge 4 to achieve negative pressure within the buffer ink cartridge 4. Optionally, the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 and the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 can also be connected to a single negative pressure box 6 to achieve individual air pressure control.

[0045] This invention also provides a printer 200, which includes a printhead 201 as described in any of the preceding claims and an ink supply device 100 as described in any of the preceding claims. The ink supply device 100 is connected to the printhead 201. The printer 200 has the structure and beneficial effects of the ink supply device 100, which will not be described in detail here.

[0046] The ink supply device 100 and printer 200 of this embodiment are provided with a first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 and a second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 that are interconnected. The first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 is connected to the main ink tank 1, and the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 is connected to the printhead 201. When the ink in the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 flows into the printhead 201, the ink in the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 will flow into the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 to replenish it, thereby increasing the fluidity of the ink in the auxiliary ink cartridge and improving the problem of ink sedimentation at the bottom of the auxiliary ink cartridge. The second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 can act as a filter, reducing the risk of sedimentation clogging the printhead 201. The connection holes of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2, the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3, and the buffer ink cartridge 4 are all opened at the bottom, thereby driving the ink flow at the bottom and further improving the problem of ink sedimentation. Along the direction of gravity, the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3... The bottom of the inner wall is lower than the bottom of the inner wall of the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2. When the ink in the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 is used up, it can act as a supply buffer, improving the situation of ink supply interruption in case of sudden events. Furthermore, the ink volume in the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 is greater than the ink volume in the first auxiliary ink cartridge 2. Compared with a single auxiliary ink cartridge, it can increase the power of ink flowing to the printhead 201, improve the ink circulation speed, and reduce ink sedimentation. The air pressure in the buffer ink cartridge 4 is lower than the air pressure in the second auxiliary ink cartridge 3, and both are negative pressures. This enables the ink to circulate along the main ink tank 1 - first auxiliary ink cartridge 2 - second auxiliary ink cartridge 3 - printhead 201 - buffer ink cartridge 4 - main ink tank 1, improving the problem of ink sedimentation in the printhead 201 and also improving the problem of excess ink flowing out of the printhead 201.

[0047] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; under the concept of the present invention, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the present invention as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An ink supply device characterized by comprising: The ink supply device comprises: a main ink tank for storing ink; a first sub-ink cartridge in communication with the main ink tank for receiving ink from the main ink tank; and a second sub-ink cartridge in communication with the first sub-ink cartridge for receiving ink from the first sub-ink cartridge, and the inner wall bottom of the second sub-ink cartridge is lower than the inner wall bottom of the first sub-ink cartridge in the direction of gravity; the second sub-ink cartridge is also in communication with a printhead and is used for delivering ink to the printhead; the bottom of the first sub-ink cartridge is provided with a first connecting hole, the first connecting hole is in communication with the second sub-ink cartridge through a pipeline; the bottom of the second sub-ink cartridge is provided with a second connecting hole and a third connecting hole, the second connecting hole is in communication with the first sub-ink cartridge through a pipeline, and the third connecting hole is in communication with the printhead through a pipeline; wherein the first sub-ink cartridge and the second sub-ink cartridge and the pipeline therebetween constitute a communicating vessel; the air pressure in the first sub-ink cartridge and the second sub-ink cartridge is equal.

2. The ink supply device according to claim 1, characterized by The ink supply device further comprises a buffer ink cartridge, the buffer ink cartridge is in communication with the main ink tank and the printhead, and the buffer ink cartridge is used for receiving ink from the printhead and delivering ink to the main ink tank.

3. The ink supply device according to claim 2, characterized by The air pressure in the buffer ink cartridge is less than the air pressure in the second sub-ink cartridge.

4. The ink supply device according to claim 2, characterized by The bottom of the buffer ink cartridge is provided with a fourth connecting hole and a fifth connecting hole, the fourth connecting hole is in communication with the printhead through a pipeline, and the fifth connecting hole is in communication with the main ink tank through a pipeline.

5. The ink supply device according to claim 2, characterized by The negative pressure of the gas in the second sub-ink cartridge is 5.0 Kpa, and the negative pressure of the gas in the buffer ink cartridge is 5.3 Kpa.

6. The ink supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The ink supply device further comprises an ink pump and a negative pressure box, the ink pump is used for pumping ink in the main ink tank to the first sub-ink cartridge; the negative pressure box is in communication with at least one of the first sub-ink cartridge and the second sub-ink cartridge to adjust the air pressure of at least one of the first sub-ink cartridge and the second sub-ink cartridge.

7. A printer characterized by comprising: The ink supply device comprises: The ink supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the ink supply device is in communication with a printhead.

Images