Ink supply device, inkjet printing device, and ink supply method

Abstract

The application discloses an ink supply device, an inkjet printing device and an ink supply method. The ink supply device comprises a base, the base having an ink container placement area; an ink container, the ink container being arranged on the ink container placement area; a position adjusting assembly, the position adjusting assembly being arranged on the base; an ink taking assembly, the ink taking assembly comprising an ink pump, an ink taking tube and an ink taking needle, the ink pump being connected with an end of the position adjusting assembly away from the base, a liquid inlet of the ink pump being communicated with one end of the ink taking tube, the other end of the ink taking tube being detachably connected with the ink taking needle, the ink taking needle extending towards the base; and an ink outlet assembly, the ink outlet assembly comprising an ink outlet tube, the ink outlet tube being communicated with a liquid outlet of the ink pump. The ink supply device can improve the ink injection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display technology, and in particular to an ink supply device, an inkjet printing device, and an ink supply method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the OLED / QLED display industry, the use of printing processes to fabricate devices is widely considered the trend for next-generation display technology. Before the printing process is used to fabricate devices, both OLED and QLED require ink to be injected into the ink reservoir of the printing equipment.

[0003] This part of the process usually involves using a syringe to extract ink from the solution bottle and then injecting it into the ink storage device of the printing equipment in small batches; or disassembling the ink storage device first and then directly refilling it with the solution bottle. These two ink supply methods are existing processes. The former does not produce splashing, injects a small amount at a time, and does not waste ink, but it is inefficient; the latter produces splashing, injects a large amount, and wastes ink.

[0004] Therefore, there is a lack of a device that can improve ink supply efficiency and reduce ink waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, this application provides an ink supply device, an inkjet printing device, and an ink supply method, aiming to solve the problem of lacking improved ink filling efficiency and reduced ink waste.

[0006] This application provides an ink supply device comprising: a base having an ink supply container placement area; an ink supply container disposed on the ink supply container placement area; a position adjustment assembly disposed on the base; an ink extraction assembly including an ink pump, an ink extraction tube, and an ink extraction needle, wherein the ink pump is connected to the end of the position adjustment assembly away from the base, the inlet of the ink pump is connected to one end of the ink extraction tube, the other end of the ink extraction tube is detachably connected to the ink extraction needle, and the ink extraction needle extends toward the base; and an ink dispensing assembly including an ink dispensing tube connected to the outlet of the ink pump.

[0007] Optionally, the ink collection tube includes several sub-ink collection tubes, each of which is connected to the inlet of the ink pump via a first valve; and / or the ink outlet tube includes several sub-ink outlet tubes, each of which is connected to the outlet of the ink pump via a second valve.

[0008] Optionally, the position adjustment component includes: a lifting mechanism mounted on a base; and a horizontal moving mechanism disposed on the lifting mechanism and at an angle to the lifting mechanism, wherein the end of the horizontal moving mechanism away from the lifting mechanism is connected to the ink pump.

[0009] Optionally, it also includes: a weight sensor located within the ink supply container placement area, the weight sensor being signal-connected to the position adjustment component.

[0010] Optionally, it further includes: a flow control unit, the flow control unit including a ranging structure and a solenoid valve; wherein, the ranging structure is disposed facing the opening of the ink supply container, the ranging structure is signal-connected to the ink pump; the solenoid valve is disposed on the pipe of the ink extraction tube and is signal-connected to the ranging structure.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes: a filter module, the filter module including a first-stage filter, a second-stage filter and a third-stage filter; wherein, the first-stage filter is disposed on the ink intake tube; the third-stage filter is disposed on the ink output tube; the second-stage filter is disposed on the ink intake tube and / or the ink output tube, and is disposed between the first-stage filter and the third-stage filter; the pore sizes of the first-stage filter, the second-stage filter and the third-stage filter decrease sequentially.

[0012] An inkjet printing apparatus includes: an ink supply device as described above; and an inkjet printing mechanism, wherein the ink inlet of the inkjet printing mechanism is connected to the ink outlet tube.

[0013] A method for supplying ink using the above-described ink supply device includes: controlling the ink-collecting needle to move from an initial position toward the bottom of the ink supply container using the position adjustment component; detecting the pressure on the ink-collecting needle when the ink-collecting needle abuts against the bottom of the ink supply container; adjusting the ink-collecting needle to a preset position if the pressure is greater than a preset pressure; and performing ink collection processing from the ink supply container according to preset ink collection parameters using the ink collection component, wherein the preset ink collection parameters include at least one of ink flow rate, ink collection time, and ink-collecting needle pressure.

[0014] Optionally, after performing ink extraction from the ink supply container according to preset ink extraction parameters and using the ink extraction component, the process includes: detecting the ink parameters of the first ink in the ink supply container, wherein the ink parameters include at least one of ink volume and ink level; if the ink parameters determine that the first ink in the ink supply container is lower than a preset value, controlling the ink extraction needle to move to the initial working position.

[0015] Optionally, after controlling the ink needle to move to the initial position, the method further includes: cleaning the ink tube and the ink needle; if the type of the second ink to be injected into the ink supply container is the same as the type of the first ink, then injecting the second ink into the ink supply container and performing the step of controlling the ink needle to move from the initial position toward the bottom of the ink supply container using the position adjustment component; if the type of the second ink to be injected into the ink supply container is different from the type of the first ink, replacing the ink tube and the ink needle, and performing the step of controlling the ink needle to move from the initial position toward the bottom of the ink supply container using the position adjustment component.

[0016] The ink supply device of this application detects ink parameters through various components and extracts ink according to these parameters, thereby achieving efficient ink dispensing. Furthermore, automated dispensing reduces the likelihood of tipping over the ink supply container, and the position adjustment component ensures that the tip of the ink extraction needle remains in contact with the bottom wall of the ink supply container, minimizing ink residue and preventing ink waste.

[0017] Furthermore, the ink intake assembly is equipped with multiple sub-ink intake tubes, and the ink output assembly is equipped with multiple sub-ink output tubes. When changing the ink type, you can simply switch to other sub-ink intake tubes and sub-ink output tubes without having to perform extensive cleaning of the sub-ink intake tubes and sub-ink output tubes, thus improving ink filling efficiency.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a flow control unit, which allows setting the ink dispensing volume. A ranging structure measures the ink level; when the ranging structure detects that the ink level has reached the predetermined height, it sends a signal to stop ink extraction, thus achieving quantitative ink dispensing. Additionally, when the ink is depleted, the ranging structure can also control the solenoid valve and ink pump to shut down simultaneously, preventing air intake.

[0019] Furthermore, by setting a position adjustment component, the ink needle can be driven to the upper end of the ink supply container and then extended downwards to the lower side of the ink level in the ink supply container. This automated operation can improve ink filling efficiency and reduce accidental operation, thereby reducing the chance of tipping over the ink supply container and saving ink.

[0020] Furthermore, a weight sensor connected to the position adjustment component is configured. When the tip of the ink-collecting needle presses against the bottom wall of the ink supply container, the weight sensor reading increases due to the pressure from the needle. This weight sensor then sends a signal to the position adjustment component to adjust the position of the ink-collecting needle. This prevents the needle from breaking off and avoids separating the lower end of the needle from the bottom wall of the ink supply container, ensuring that the needle can draw all the ink from the container and preventing ink residue at the bottom, thus avoiding waste. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink supply device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink supply device and an ink supply container in cooperation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the base portion of an ink supply device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of multiple sub-ink tubes of an ink supply device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of multiple sub-ink outlet tubes of an ink supply device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an ink supply method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] In the diagram: 10. Base; 12. Weight sensor; 13. Flow control unit; 131. Distance measuring structure; 132. Solenoid valve; 14. Stop button; 15. Reset button; 16. Start button; 17. Selection button; 18. Power button; 19. Display device; 20. Position adjustment assembly; 21. Lifting mechanism; 22. Horizontal movement mechanism; 30. Ink collection assembly; 31. Ink pump; 32. Ink collection tube; 321. Sub-ink collection tube; 33. Ink collection needle; 40. Ink output assembly; 41. Ink output tube; 411. Sub-ink output tube; 50. Filter module; 51. First-stage filter; 52. Second-stage filter; 53. Third-stage filter. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In addition, it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for illustration and explanation of this application and are not intended to limit this application. In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" specifically refer to the drawing directions in the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the description of this application, the term "including" means "including but not limited to". Various embodiments of the present invention may exist in the form of a range; it should be understood that the description in the form of a range is only for convenience and conciseness and should not be construed as a hard limitation on the scope of the present invention; therefore, it should be considered that the range description has specifically disclosed all possible sub-ranges and single values ​​within that range. For example, it should be assumed that the description of a range from 1 to 6 specifically discloses subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as single numbers within the range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, regardless of the range. Furthermore, whenever a numerical range is referred to herein, it means including any referenced number (fraction or integer) within the range referred to.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink supply device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] The ink supply device includes a base 10, a position adjustment component 20, an ink intake component 30, an ink output component 40, and an ink supply container.

[0032] The base 10 has an ink supply container placement area; the ink supply container is disposed on the ink supply container placement area. The position adjustment component 20 is disposed on the base 10; the ink extraction component 30 includes an ink pump 31, an ink extraction tube 32, and an ink extraction needle 33. The ink pump 31 is connected to the end of the position adjustment component 20 away from the base 10. The inlet of the ink pump 31 is connected to one end of the ink extraction tube 32. The other end of the ink extraction tube 32 is detachably connected to the ink extraction needle 33, and the ink extraction needle 33 extends toward the base 10; the ink dispensing component 40 includes an ink dispensing tube 41, and the ink dispensing tube 41 is connected to the outlet of the ink pump 31.

[0033] The ink supply container is placed on the ink supply container placement area of ​​the base 10. The position adjustment component 20 adjusts the position of the ink taking component 30 so that the ink taking needle 33 extends into the ink container. The ink pump 31 draws ink, so that the ink enters the ink taking tube 32 from the ink taking needle 33 and then enters the ink pump 31. Then the ink pump 31 injects the ink into the required position through the ink outlet tube 41.

[0034] The base 10 includes an ink supply container placement area. In this embodiment, a groove is formed on the base 10, and the ink supply container is placed in the groove, which makes the ink supply container less likely to be knocked over, making the entire ink supply process more stable. In other embodiments, the ink supply container placement area may also be located on the surface of the base 10, or protrude from the surface of the base 10.

[0035] Furthermore, a weight sensor 12 is included, located within the ink supply container placement area and mounted thereon. In this embodiment, the weight sensor 12 is a photoelectric weight sensor. The weight sensor 12 is used to weigh the ink supply container and the ink, thereby calculating the ink volume and facilitating the setting of the ink dispensing amount.

[0036] The position adjustment component 20 is mounted on the base 10. The position adjustment component 20 is connected to the ink pump 31 and is used to adjust the height and horizontal position of the ink intake component 30 and the ink output component 40, thereby automatically inserting the ink needle 33 into the ink supply container.

[0037] In this embodiment, the position adjustment component 20 includes a lifting mechanism 21 and a horizontal moving mechanism 22.

[0038] The height of the ink pump 31 is adjusted via a lifting mechanism 21, which includes, but is not limited to, an electric push rod or a cylinder. The horizontal position of the ink pump 31 is adjusted via a horizontal moving mechanism 22, which includes, but is not limited to, a motor or an electric slide. For example, a motor can drive the ink pump 31 to rotate, thereby moving the ink needle 33 above the opening of the ink supply container, and then the lifting mechanism 21 moves the ink needle 33 downwards into the ink supply container. Alternatively, an electric slide can drive the ink pump 31 to move linearly, thereby moving the ink needle 33 above the opening of the ink supply container, and then the lifting mechanism 21 moves the ink needle 33 downwards into the ink supply container.

[0039] For example, the lifting mechanism 21 is mounted on the base 10, the horizontal moving mechanism 22 is disposed on the lifting mechanism 21 and is disposed at an angle to the lifting mechanism 21, and the end of the horizontal moving mechanism 22 away from the lifting mechanism 21 is connected to the ink pump 31.

[0040] In this embodiment, the included angle between the horizontal moving mechanism 22 and the lifting mechanism 21 is preferably set to 90°.

[0041] In other embodiments, the positions of the lifting mechanism 21 and the horizontal moving mechanism 22 are not limited and can be adjusted according to actual conditions. For example, when the lifting mechanism 21 is mounted on the horizontal moving mechanism 22, the ink pump 31 is connected to the lifting mechanism 21. The connection method is not specifically limited here; it can be directly installed or connected through an intermediate connecting structure.

[0042] By setting the position adjustment component 20, on the one hand, manual operation is reduced and the efficiency of operation is improved by mechanical operation, thereby improving the efficiency of ink filling; on the other hand, the probability of manual operation is high, and spilling the ink supply container will lead to waste, while automated operation can reduce the probability of operation error and save ink.

[0043] The ink collection assembly 30 includes an ink pump 31, an ink collection tube 32, and an ink collection needle 33. The ink pump is connected to the end of the position adjustment assembly away from the base. The inlet of the ink pump 31 is connected to one end of the ink collection tube 32. The other end of the ink collection tube 32 is detachably connected to the ink collection needle 33, which extends toward the base 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ink pump 31 serves as the power mechanism for ink extraction, providing suction to the ink extraction tube 32 to extract ink.

[0045] In this embodiment, the ink collection tube 32 is configured as a flexible tube. In other embodiments, the ink collection tube 32 may also be a rigid tube or a combination of a rigid tube and a flexible tube.

[0046] Specifically, the ink-collecting needle 33 can be threaded to the end of the ink-collecting tube 32, or it can be connected to the ink-collecting tube 32 by a snap-fit ​​connection. When collecting ink, the ink-collecting needle 33 is inserted into the ink supply container, and ink is collected through the needle. The significance of setting up the ink-collecting needle 33 is as follows: if the ink-collecting tube 32 extends directly into the ink supply container, the outside of the ink-collecting tube 32 will be contaminated with ink, and cleaning will waste time. By setting up the ink-collecting needle 33, the ink-collecting needle 33 can be replaced, reducing cleaning time and improving efficiency. Furthermore, the ink-collecting needle 33 can extend into a relatively deep ink supply container, facilitating ink collection.

[0047] In this embodiment, the end of the position adjustment component 20 away from the base 10 is the moving end of the horizontal moving mechanism 22.

[0048] Specifically, the ink needle 33 extends toward the ink supply container placement area of ​​the base 10. After the ink supply container is placed in the ink supply container placement area, the ink needle 33 can extend into the ink supply container.

[0049] The ink output assembly 40 includes an ink output tube 41, which is connected to the outlet of the ink pump 31; it is used to inject the extracted ink into the ink storage device of the printing device.

[0050] In this embodiment, the ink pump 31 has an outlet and an inlet connected through an internal pipeline. The ink pump 31 draws in ink through the inlet and then discharges the ink through the outlet.

[0051] The ink outlet end of the ink outlet tube 41 can be directly connected to the ink storage device of the printer, or it can be indirectly connected to the ink storage device of the printer through the ink injection needle, so as to inject ink into the ink storage device of the printer.

[0052] In this embodiment, the ink outlet tube 41 is configured as a flexible tube. In other embodiments, the ink outlet tube 41 may also be configured as a rigid tube or a combination of a rigid tube and a flexible tube.

[0053] Additionally, please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of multiple sub-ink tubes is shown. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of multiple sub-ink tubes is shown.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the ink collection assembly 30 includes several sub-ink collection tubes 321 connected side-by-side and all connected to the inlet of the ink pump 31 via a first valve. The first valve is used to switch the sub-ink collection tubes 321, connecting the required sub-ink collection tubes 321 to the inlet of the ink pump 31 while keeping unused sub-ink collection tubes 321 disconnected from the ink pump 31. Each sub-ink collection tube 321 has a detachable ink collection needle at its end. In this embodiment, several sub-ink collection tubes 321 are integrated into a single main tube, preventing them from becoming scattered and improving operational convenience.

[0055] The ink output assembly 40 includes several sub-ink output tubes 411 and several sub-ink intake tubes 321 connected side-by-side, all of which are connected to the outlet of the ink pump 31 via a second valve. The second valve is used to switch the sub-ink output tubes 411, connecting the required sub-ink output tubes 411 to the outlet of the ink pump 31, while disconnecting unused sub-ink output tubes 411 from the ink pump 31. In this embodiment, several sub-ink output tubes 411 are integrated into a main pipe, which prevents the multiple sub-ink output tubes 411 from being scattered, thereby improving the convenience of operation.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first valve is configured as a multi-pipe switching valve, and multiple sub-ink tubes 321 are connected to the ink pump 31 through a multi-pipe switching valve, so that each time it is used, a certain sub-ink tube 321 is connected to the ink pump 31; the second valve is configured as a multi-pipe switching valve, and multiple sub-ink tubes 411 are connected to the ink pump 31 through a multi-pipe switching valve, so that each time it is used, a certain sub-ink tube 411 is connected to the ink pump 31.

[0057] In other embodiments, a first valve may be provided on each sub-ink tube 321 and a second valve may be provided on each sub-ink tube 411, so as to individually control the opening and closing of each sub-ink tube 321 or sub-ink tube 411.

[0058] When changing the ink type, first remove the sub-ink take-up tube 321 from the ink supply container and the sub-ink output tube 411 from the ink storage device. Then, place the used sub-ink take-up tube 321 into the cleaning solution. The ink pump 31 draws the cleaning solution into the sub-ink take-up tube 321 and discharges it through the sub-ink output tube 411. This allows for a simple cleaning of the used sub-ink take-up tube 321 and sub-ink output tube 411. Then, by replacing the sub-ink take-up tube 321 and sub-ink output tube 411 with different types of ink, a different type of ink can be supplied.

[0059] With the above settings, on the one hand, existing ink supply devices require extensive cleaning when changing ink, while this device only requires simple cleaning and then switching to other sub-ink inlet tubes and sub-ink outlet tubes, thus improving ink filling efficiency; on the other hand, even after cleaning, existing ink supply devices will still have trace amounts of residue, which may cause slight mixing of different types of ink, while this device helps to improve the purity of the injected ink.

[0060] In addition, as a preferred embodiment, the weight sensor 12 and the position adjustment assembly 20 are signal connected.

[0061] In this embodiment, the position of the end of the ink collection tube 32 relative to the ink pump 31 remains unchanged. Only after the end of the ink collection tube 32 is fixed can the ink collection needle 33 be pushed downwards to exert pressure on the bottom wall of the ink supply container, thereby detecting the pressure on the ink collection needle 33. To achieve this purpose, the ink collection tube 32 is configured as a rigid tube. In other embodiments, to fix the lower end of the ink collection tube 32, a support rod can extend from the ink pump 31, and the end of the ink collection tube 32 can be fixedly connected to the support rod, thereby fixing the end of the ink collection tube 32.

[0062] The ink-collecting needle 33 is required to be made of a material that can exert pressure on the bottom wall of the ink supply container while also possessing a certain degree of toughness to prevent breakage. For example, the material of the ink-collecting needle 33 may include, but is not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy. In this embodiment, the ink-collecting needle 33 is a metal needle, and its diameter can be selected from 0.1mm to 2mm.

[0063] Furthermore, when the lifting mechanism 21 drives the ink-collecting needle 33 downwards into the ink supply container, the data of the weight sensor 12 remains unchanged until the lower end of the ink-collecting needle 33 contacts the bottom wall of the ink supply container. When the lower end of the ink-collecting needle 33 presses against the bottom wall of the ink supply container, the value of the weight sensor 12 increases due to the pressure from the lower end of the ink-collecting needle 33. At this time, the weight sensor 12 sends a signal to cause the lifting mechanism 21 to drive the ink-collecting needle upwards. In practical use, the normal operating parameters of the weight sensor 12 can be adjusted to be greater than the real-time weight of the ink and the ink supply container, but less than a fixed constant added to the real-time weight of the ink and the ink supply container. The added fixed constant should be less than the pressure experienced by the ink-collecting needle 33 when it breaks.

[0064] This design prevents the ink-collecting needle 33 from being broken while also preventing the tip of the needle 33 from separating from the bottom wall of the ink supply container. Separation of the needle tip would leave some ink residue in the container, hindering ink extraction and thus reducing ink efficiency.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the ink supply device further includes a flow control unit 13, which is connected to the inlet channel before the ink pump 31 and is signal-connected to the ink pump 31 to control the ink flow rate through the ink pump 31.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the ink collection tube 32 is directly connected to the inlet of the ink pump 31, the inlet channel includes the ink collection tube 32 in use and the ink collection needle 33. When multiple ink collection tubes 32 are connected to the inlet of the ink pump 31 through a first connecting pipe, the inlet channel includes the ink collection tube 32, the ink collection needle 33, and the first connecting pipe.

[0067] For example, the flow control unit 13 includes a ranging structure 131 and a solenoid valve 132; the ranging structure 131 is disposed facing the opening of the ink supply container; the ranging structure 131 and the ink pump 31 are signal-connected. The solenoid valve 132 is disposed on the pipe of the ink extraction tube and is signal-connected to the ranging structure 131. The ranging structure 131 may be configured as a laser rangefinder.

[0068] On one hand, the ranging structure 131 measures the height of the ink level. By setting the ranging structure 131 to send a signal when the ink reaches a predetermined height, the function of quantitative ink dispensing can be achieved. For example, for a regularly shaped ink supply container, the product of the bottom area and the height difference is the amount of ink dispensed. For an irregularly shaped ink supply container, the amount of ink at a certain liquid level is also determined.

[0069] On the other hand, when the ranging structure 131 detects that the ink is used up, it controls the solenoid valve 132 and the ink pump 31 to close simultaneously to prevent air from being sucked in.

[0070] In other embodiments, a flow controller can also be installed on the ink tube 32. The flow controller and the ink pump 31 are connected by a signal. When the amount of ink passing through the flow controller reaches the set amount, the flow controller sends a signal to shut down the ink pump 31. In this way, the effect of flow control can also be achieved.

[0071] Furthermore, the ink supply device also includes a temperature sensor, which is signal-connected to the ink pump 31.

[0072] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor can be installed on the bearing area. The temperature sensor can sense the temperature of the ink in the ink supply container. When the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the ink exceeds the set value, it restricts the start of the ink pump 31, which can prevent ink with excessive temperature from being injected into the ink storage device that needs to be filled, causing it to expand and overflow.

[0073] Please see Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the ink supply device shows that the device also includes a filter module 50, which includes a filter and is disposed in the ink flow channel for filtering the ink during the ink filling process.

[0074] In this embodiment, the filtration module 50 can perform multi-stage filtration of the ink to improve the quality of the injected ink. The ink flow channel is the flow channel throughout the entire process from ink extraction to ink injection, including but not limited to the ink intake tube 32 and the ink outlet tube 41. For example, it may also include a connection interface between the ink intake tube and the ink extraction pump, or a connection interface between the ink outlet tube and the ink extraction pump.

[0075] In this embodiment, the filtration module 50 includes a first-stage filter 51, a second-stage filter 52, and a third-stage filter 53. The first-stage filter 51 is disposed on the inlet channel before the ink pump 31 inlet, and the inlet channel includes an ink-collecting tube 32 and a connection interface between the ink-collecting tube and the ink pump. The third-stage filter 53 is disposed on the outlet channel after the ink pump 31 outlet, and the outlet channel includes an ink-dispensing tube and a connection interface between the ink-dispensing tube and the ink pump. The second-stage filter 52 is disposed on the ink-collecting tube 32 and / or the ink-dispensing tube 41, and is disposed between the first-stage filter 51 and the third-stage filter 53.

[0076] The pore sizes of the first-stage filter 51, the second-stage filter 52, and the third-stage filter 53 decrease sequentially.

[0077] When the ink outlet tube 41 is directly connected to the outlet of the ink pump 31, the liquid outlet channel includes the ink outlet tube 41. When multiple ink outlet tubes 41 are provided, and the multiple ink outlet tubes 41 are connected to the ink pump 31 through a second connecting pipe, the liquid outlet channel includes the ink outlet tube 41 and the second connecting pipe.

[0078] For example, the first-stage filter 51 can be installed on the first connecting pipe between the first valve and the ink pump 31, or it can be installed on the ink collection pipe 32. When multiple sub-ink collection pipes 321 are installed, each sub-ink collection pipe 321 is equipped with a first-stage filter 51.

[0079] The third-stage filter 53 can be installed on the second connecting pipe between the second valve and the ink pump 31, or on the ink outlet pipe 41. When multiple sub-ink outlet pipes 411 are installed, the third-stage filter 53 can be installed on each sub-ink outlet pipe 411.

[0080] The second-stage filter 52 is installed on the ink intake pipe 32 and / or the ink outlet pipe 41. The second-stage filter 52 can be installed alone on the ink intake pipe 32, or alone on the first connecting pipe when there is a first connecting pipe between the first valve and the ink intake pipe 32; it can also be installed alone on the ink outlet pipe 41, or alone on the second connecting pipe when there is a second connecting pipe between the second valve and the ink outlet pipe 41, or the second-stage filter 52 can be installed in two, three or all of the above locations.

[0081] For example, the filtration accuracy of the first-stage filter 51 is set to 0.2um, the filtration accuracy of the second-stage filter 52 is set to 0.1um, and the filtration accuracy of the third-stage filter 53 is set to 0.05um.

[0082] In other embodiments, other numbers of filters may be provided as needed, such as one, two, or more than four.

[0083] For further details, please refer to Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the base part shows that the ink supply device also includes a stop button 14, a reset button 15, a start button 16, a selection button 17, a power button 18, and a display device 19, which facilitates user operation.

[0084] In this embodiment, a processor, such as a CPU or MCU, is provided in the base 10. The processor has a control program. The base 10 also includes a stop button 14, a reset button 15, a start button 16, a selection button 17, and a display device 19, all of which are connected to the processor. The processor is connected to the ink collection component 30 and is also connected to the weight sensor 12, the flow control unit 13, and the position adjustment component 20.

[0085] When the ink supply system is not in use or in case of an emergency stop due to a malfunction, the ink pump 31 can be stopped using the stop button 14. The reset button 15 resets each module of the ink supply system to a non-operating state. The start button 16 acts as a power button, used to turn on the power and initiate the ink feeding and filling program. The selection button 17 is used to select the required data parameters. The power button 18 turns the ink supply system on or off. The display device 19 displays temperature, weight, parameter settings, recipe settings, flow rate, pressure, and pipeline data.

[0086] This application also provides an inkjet printing apparatus, including: the ink supply device and the inkjet printing mechanism described above, wherein the ink inlet of the inkjet printing mechanism is connected to the ink outlet tube.

[0087] In this embodiment, the inkjet printing mechanism includes a printing unit and an ink storage unit connected to the printing unit, and the ink outlet tube of the ink supply device is connected to the ink storage unit.

[0088] This application also provides an ink supply method for an ink supply device; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 A flowchart of the ink supply method, including the following steps:

[0089] S1. The position adjustment component is used to control the ink needle to move from the initial position toward the bottom of the ink supply container;

[0090] S2. When the ink needle comes into contact with the bottom of the ink supply container, the pressure on the ink needle is detected. If the pressure is greater than the preset pressure, the ink needle is adjusted to the preset position.

[0091] S3. Based on preset ink extraction parameters, ink is extracted from the ink supply container using the ink extraction component. The preset ink extraction parameters include at least one of ink flow rate, ink extraction time, and ink needle pressure.

[0092] Furthermore, after the step of extracting ink from the ink supply container according to preset ink extraction parameters and using the ink extraction component, the method includes:

[0093] The ink parameters of the first ink in the ink supply container are detected, wherein the ink parameters include at least one of the following: ink volume and ink level.

[0094] If the ink parameters are determined to be that the first ink in the ink supply container is lower than a preset value, the ink needle is controlled to move to the initial working position.

[0095] Furthermore, after controlling the ink-collecting needle to move to the initial position, the method further includes:

[0096] The ink collection tube and the ink collection needle are cleaned.

[0097] If the type of the second ink to be injected into the ink supply container is the same as the type of the first ink, then the second ink is injected into the ink supply container, and the step of using the position adjustment component to control the ink needle to move from the initial position toward the bottom of the ink supply container is executed;

[0098] If the type of the second ink to be injected into the ink supply container is different from the type of the first ink, replace the ink collection tube and the ink collection needle, and perform the step of using the position adjustment component to control the ink collection needle to move from the initial position toward the bottom of the ink supply container. Specifically, this may involve replacing the sub-ink collection tube, the ink collection needle, and the sub-ink outlet tube.

[0099] The weight of the ink can be detected by a weight sensor. By detecting the weight of the ink, the volume of the ink can be calculated, which makes it easier to set the amount of ink to be filled at one time. It is preferable that the amount of ink to be filled at one time is less than or equal to the amount of ink in the ink supply container, which can save the step of changing the ink supply container in the middle.

[0100] Real-time temperature detection methods include: using a temperature sensor to detect the ink temperature and feeding it back to the ink dispensing assembly. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the ink in the ink supply container. When the temperature exceeds a set value, the ink dispensing process is prohibited from starting until the ink temperature is detected to be below the set temperature, at which point the ink dispensing process is allowed to start. This method prevents excessively hot ink from being injected into the ink storage unit of the printing device, causing it to expand and overflow.

[0101] Methods for detecting liquid level include: detecting the liquid level using a ranging device and feeding it back to the ink dispensing assembly. The ranging device can measure changes in the ink level in the ink supply container. When the ink level is detected to be lower than a set value, the ink dispensing assembly is controlled to stop dispensing ink, thereby controlling the ink flow rate.

[0102] The ink flow rate can be adjusted by the power of the ink pump. The ink pump has multiple power levels, and the ink flow rate can be adjusted by changing the power of the ink pump.

[0103] Ink extraction time can be controlled by automatically or manually turning the ink pump on and off.

[0104] Methods for detecting ink flow include: using a ranging device such as a laser rangefinder to detect the height of the ink level and feeding it back to the ink dispensing component. The ranging device can measure the height change of the ink level in the ink supply container. When the ink level is detected to be lower than the set value, the ink dispensing component is controlled to stop dispensing ink.

[0105] Methods for detecting the pressure on the ink needle include: the tip of the ink needle applies downward pressure to the bottom wall of the ink supply container, thereby increasing the reading of the weight sensor due to the pressure, and the pressure of the ink needle can be detected in real time by the weight sensor.

[0106] The ink extraction method includes: adjusting the position of the position adjustment component according to the ink parameters to control the ink extraction needle to move towards the bottom of the ink supply container, and extracting ink according to the ink extraction parameters.

[0107] Furthermore, methods for adjusting the position of the ink needle include: moving it in a vertical plane and / or a horizontal plane so that the ink needle extends into the ink supply container.

[0108] Furthermore, when the ink needle is pressed to the bottom of the ink supply container, it is adjusted to a preset position according to the changes in ink parameters.

[0109] In this embodiment, the method of injecting ink into the structure to be injected includes: adjusting the position of the ink outlet end to connect the ink outlet end and the structure to be injected, and the ink taking component injecting ink into the structure to be injected.

[0110] Automated ink filling reduces the chance of spilling the ink supply container and ensures that the ink needle is always in contact with the bottom wall of the ink supply container, reducing ink residue and preventing ink waste.

[0111] In another embodiment, multiple sub-ink inlet tubes and multiple sub-ink outlet tubes are provided. When it is necessary to change the ink type, the connection between the sub-ink inlet tube in use and the ink supply container can be disconnected first, and the connection between the sub-ink outlet tube in use and the ink filling structure can be disconnected. Then, the used sub-ink inlet tube is placed in the washing solution. The ink inlet assembly draws the washing solution from the used sub-ink inlet tube and discharges it through the used sub-ink outlet tube, which can perform a simple cleaning of the used sub-ink inlet tube and sub-ink outlet tube. Then, by replacing different sub-ink inlet tubes and sub-ink outlet tubes, another type of ink can be filled.

[0112] With the above settings, when changing ink types, it's unnecessary to extensively clean the existing ink inlet and outlet tubes. Simply switch to other inlet and outlet tubes that match the ink type, thus improving ink refilling efficiency. Furthermore, using corresponding inlet and outlet tubes for each ink type prevents slight mixing between different ink types, contributing to higher ink purity.

[0113] The present invention also provides a method using Figure 1 An embodiment of the ink collection method of the ink collection device shown.

[0114] This embodiment may specifically include the following steps:

[0115] S21. Click the power button 18 of the ink supply device to start the ink supply device, and click the reset button 15 to reset each module of the ink supply device.

[0116] S22. Place the ink supply container in the ink supply container placement area of ​​the base 10 with the lid open, and calculate the volume of ink using the weight sensor 12 and the program.

[0117] S23. Install the required ink needle 33 at the end of the ink tube 32.

[0118] S24. Display data on display device 19, and set parameters by selecting button 17. Multiple flow rates can be set, such as 100ml, 200ml, 300ml, 400ml, etc. According to the selected flow rate value, flow control unit 13 collects data transmitted by flow controller in real time. After the set value is reached, it can control solenoid valve 132 to close and control ink pump 31 to stop working.

[0119] S25. Based on the real-time detected ink parameters, manually set the ink extraction parameters for this ink extraction, click the start button 16, and the position adjustment component 20 moves the ink extraction needle 33 directly above the ink supply container opening, and then slowly moves the ink extraction needle 33 downwards.

[0120] S26. When the ink needle 33 is pressed to the bottom of the ink supply container, the weight sensor 12 detects the pressure on the ink needle 33 and automatically adjusts the ink needle 33 up and down through the feedback of the weight sensing device, so as to prevent the ink needle 33 from being broken and to prevent the tip of the ink needle 33 from leaving the bottom wall of the ink supply container.

[0121] S27. Connect the end of the ink outlet tube 41 to the structure to be filled with ink.

[0122] S28, the ink pump 31 operates, drawing ink through the ink needle 33; through multi-stage filtration, the ink is then injected into the ink storage device of the printing unit through the ink outlet tube.

[0123] S29, the ranging structure 131 detects the level and amount of ink by means of light reflection response. When the ink in the ink supply container is empty, ink filling stops and each module performs a reset action.

[0124] S210. When refilling with the same type of ink, first disconnect the used sub-ink tube from the ink supply container, and disconnect the used sub-ink outlet tube from the ink-refilling structure. Then, place the used sub-ink tube into the cleaning solution. The ink extraction assembly draws the cleaning solution into the used sub-ink tube and discharges it through the used sub-ink outlet tube, thus performing a simple cleaning of the used sub-ink tube and sub-ink outlet tube. Then, use the same sub-ink tube and sub-ink outlet tube to refill with ink according to the above steps. When changing the ink type, first disconnect the used sub-ink tube from the ink supply container, and disconnect the used sub-ink outlet tube from the ink-refilling structure. Then, place the used sub-ink tube into the cleaning solution. The ink extraction assembly draws the cleaning solution into the used sub-ink tube and discharges it through the used sub-ink outlet tube, thus performing a simple cleaning of the used sub-ink tube and sub-ink outlet tube. Then, replace with a different sub-ink tube and sub-ink outlet tube to refill with another type of ink according to the above steps.

[0125] The ink supply device, inkjet printer, and ink supply method provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. An ink supply device characterized by comprising: The ink supply device comprises: a base, the base having an ink container placement area; an ink supply container, the ink supply container being arranged on the ink container placement area; a position adjusting assembly, the position adjusting assembly being arranged on the base; an ink taking assembly, the ink taking assembly comprising an ink pump, an ink taking tube and an ink taking needle, the ink pump being connected to an end of the position adjusting assembly away from the base, a liquid inlet of the ink pump being in communication with one end of the ink taking tube, the other end of the ink taking tube being detachably connected to the ink taking needle, the ink taking needle extending towards the base; an ink outlet assembly, the ink outlet assembly comprising an ink outlet tube, the ink outlet tube being in communication with a liquid outlet of the ink pump; and a weight sensor, the weight sensor being located in the ink container placement area, the weight sensor being in signal connection with the position adjusting assembly, the weight sensor being used to detect the pressure received by the ink taking needle and to weigh the mass of the ink supply container and ink. The ink taking tube is a rigid tube, or a support rod extends from the ink pump, and the end of the ink taking tube is fixedly connected to the support rod. The ink taking tube comprises a plurality of sub-ink taking tubes, the plurality of sub-ink taking tubes being integrated in a main tube, the plurality of sub-ink taking tubes each being in communication with the liquid inlet of the ink pump through a first valve, the end of each sub-ink taking tube being detachably connected to the ink taking needle, the first valve being used to switch the sub-ink taking tubes so that the sub-ink taking tubes to be used are in communication with the liquid inlet of the ink pump, and the other sub-ink taking tubes not to be used are not in communication with the liquid inlet of the ink pump. The ink outlet tube comprises a plurality of sub-ink outlet tubes, the plurality of sub-ink outlet tubes being integrated in a main tube, the plurality of sub-ink outlet tubes each being in communication with the liquid outlet of the ink pump through a second valve, the second valve being used to switch the sub-ink outlet tubes so that the sub-ink outlet tubes to be used are in communication with the liquid outlet of the ink pump, and the other sub-ink outlet tubes not to be used are not in communication with the liquid outlet of the ink pump. The position adjusting assembly comprises: a lifting mechanism, the lifting mechanism being mounted on the base; and a horizontal moving mechanism, the horizontal moving mechanism being arranged on the lifting mechanism and being arranged at an angle with the lifting mechanism, an end of the horizontal moving mechanism away from the lifting mechanism being connected to the ink pump. Further comprising: a flow control unit, the flow control unit comprising a distance measuring structure and an electromagnetic valve; 2. The ink supply device according to claim 1, characterized by wherein the distance measuring structure is arranged towards the opening of the ink supply container, the distance measuring structure being in signal connection with the ink pump; the electromagnetic valve being arranged on the pipeline of the ink taking tube and being in signal connection with the distance measuring structure. Further comprising: a filter module, the filter module comprising a first level filter, a second level filter and a third level filter; 3. The ink supply device according to claim 1, characterized by wherein the first level filter is arranged on the ink taking tube; the third level filter is arranged on the ink outlet tube; the second level filter is arranged on the ink taking tube and / or the ink outlet tube and is arranged between the first level filter and the third level filter; the pore size of the first level filter, the second level filter and the third level filter decreases in turn. Further comprising: ​ 4. An inkjet printing apparatus characterized by comprising: ​ The ink supply device according to any one of claims 1-3; An inkjet printing mechanism, an ink inlet of the inkjet printing mechanism being communicated with the ink outlet pipe.

5. An ink supply method characterized by, Utilize the ink supply device according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising: Control the ink taking needle to move from the initial position to the bottom of the ink supply container by the position adjusting assembly; When the ink taking needle abuts to the bottom of the ink supply container, the weight sensor detects the pressure received by the ink taking needle, if the pressure is greater than a preset pressure, adjust the ink taking needle to a preset position; According to the preset ink taking parameters and utilize the ink taking assembly to take ink from the ink supply container, wherein the preset ink taking parameters include at least one of ink taking ink flow rate, ink taking time, ink taking needle pressure.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, After the ink taking process according to the preset ink taking parameters and utilizing the ink taking assembly from the ink supply container, comprising: Detect the ink parameters of the first ink in the ink supply container, wherein the ink parameters include at least one of ink volume, ink liquid level height; If the ink parameters determine that the first ink in the ink supply container is lower than a preset value, control the ink taking needle to move to the initial position.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, After controlling the ink taking needle to move to the initial position, further comprising: Clean the ink taking pipe and the ink taking needle; If the type of the second ink to be injected into the ink supply container is the same as the type of the first ink, inject the second ink into the ink supply container, and execute the step of controlling the ink taking needle to move from the initial position to the bottom of the ink supply container by the position adjusting assembly; If the type of the second ink to be injected into the ink supply container is not the same as the type of the first ink, replace the ink taking pipe and the ink taking needle, and execute the step of controlling the ink taking needle to move from the initial position to the bottom of the ink supply container by the position adjusting assembly.

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