A gas-ink separation and recovery device

Abstract

This invention belongs to the technical field of gas-ink separation and recovery devices, and discloses a gas-ink separation and recovery device. It includes a main body box and a main body cover, with the main body cover attached to the upper side of the main body box. The main body box contains a first cavity and a second cavity. The main body cover has a first opening and a second opening. The main body cover and the main body box form a communicating groove. The main body cover is equipped with an air inlet pipe. The gas-ink mixture enters through the air inlet pipe and then along the first guiding groove, separating the ink droplets. This solves the problem in the prior art where ink is directly sucked into the blower, causing damage to the blower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printer equipment technology, and in particular to an ink-air separation and recovery device. Background Technology

[0002] After using inkjet printers, the printheads need to be cleaned and maintained promptly to ensure the precision required for subsequent printhead printing. To remove excess ink remaining on the printheads and ensure excellent print quality, a blower is typically used as the air source. The negative pressure generated by the blower draws away the residual ink from the printheads. However, since ink is expensive, the ink drawn from the printheads cannot be recycled, resulting in waste. Furthermore, if ink from the printheads is drawn into the blower, it may damage the electronic components inside the blower, leading to blower failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ink-air separation and recovery device to solve the problem of ink being directly sucked into the blower, causing damage to the blower, in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: The present invention provides a gas-ink separation and recovery device, including a main body box and a main body cover. The main body cover is attached to the upper side of the main body box. A first cavity and a second cavity are formed inside the main body box. A first opening and a second opening are provided on the main body cover. The main body cover and the main body box form a communicating groove. An air inlet pipe is provided on the main body cover. The gas-ink mixture enters the first cavity through the air inlet pipe and along the first guiding groove. A first filter assembly is inserted into the first cavity through the first opening. A first lower cover is provided at the bottom of the first filter assembly. A first through hole is provided on the first lower cover. The gas-ink mixture... After passing through the first through hole, the gas passes through the first filter assembly and enters the connecting groove. The first filter assembly has a side opening that communicates with the connecting groove. The second filter assembly is inserted into the second cavity along the second opening. The upper end of the second filter assembly is provided with an air outlet pipe, and the lower end of the second filter assembly is provided with a second lower cover. The air outlet pipe is installed on the upper side of the main cover. The second lower cover is provided with a second through hole. The gas-ink mixture passes through the second filter assembly along the second through hole and is discharged from the air outlet pipe. The bottom of the first cavity and the second cavity are respectively provided with ink discharge ports, and the ink discharge ports are connected to the ink tank through a first conduit.

[0005] Preferably, the first filter assembly includes a filter element body and an air guide body. The air guide body is installed on the upper side of the filter element body and connected to the body cover. The filter element body is connected to the communicating groove through the air guide body. The side opening is provided on the side of the air guide body. A first upper cover and a first lower cover are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the filter element body. The first upper cover is fixed to the bottom of the air guide body. A third through hole is formed on the first upper cover. A stainless steel filter screen is provided inside the filter element body by the first upper cover and the first lower cover.

[0006] Preferably, the distance between the first lower cover and the bottom of the first cavity is less than the distance from the first through groove to the bottom of the first cavity.

[0007] Preferably, the bottom of the first cavity has symmetrical inclined surfaces on both sides, and the ink discharge port is provided at the junction of the two sets of inclined surfaces.

[0008] Preferably, the first guide groove is tangential, which sends the gas-ink mixture into the first cavity along the side wall of the first cavity, and the first cavity and the first filter assembly are cylindrical.

[0009] Preferably, the connecting groove is tangential, which delivers the gas-ink mixture into the second cavity along the side wall of the second cavity, and the second filter assembly and the second cavity are cylindrical.

[0010] Preferably, the second filter assembly includes a second filter body, with a second upper cover and a second lower cover respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the second filter body. An air outlet pipe is installed on the upper side of the second upper cover, and a fourth through hole is opened on the second upper cover. The second upper cover is fixed on the main body cover.

[0011] Preferably, an absorbent sponge is installed inside the second filter body.

[0012] Preferably, the distance between the second lower cover and the bottom of the second cavity is less than the distance between the connecting groove and the bottom of the second cavity.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the second cavity has symmetrical inclined surfaces on both sides, and the ink discharge port is located at the junction of the two sets of inclined surfaces.

[0014] Beneficial effects: The gas-ink separation and recovery device is equipped with a first chamber and a second chamber. The gas-ink mixture passes through the two chambers in sequence. When the ink droplets in the gas-ink mixture hit the inner walls of the first and second chambers, the gas-ink mixture enters the first and second filter components through the first and second through holes. The droplets adhere to the inner walls and also to the first and second filter components. Under the action of gravity, they drip down to the ink discharge port at the bottom, and the ink is recovered from the ink discharge port. At the same time, less liquid enters the blower, extending the life of the blower. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a main body diagram of the gas-ink separation and recovery device of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the second filter component of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first filter component of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is an installation diagram of the filter assembly of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a top view of the main body box of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a main body diagram of the first filter component of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a main body diagram of the second filter component of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a front view of the main body cover of the present invention.

[0023] In the diagram: 1-Main body box; 11-First cavity; 12-Second cavity; 13-Sloping surface; 14-Ink outlet; 2-Main body cover; 21-First opening; 22-Second opening; 3-Connecting groove; 4-First guiding groove; 5-Air inlet pipe; 6-First filter assembly; 61-Filter element body; 611-First upper cover; 612-First lower cover; 613-Stainless steel filter screen; 614-Third through hole; 615-First through hole; 62-Air guide body; 621-Side opening; 7-Second filter assembly; 71-Second upper cover; 72-Second lower cover; 73-Second through hole; 74-Fourth through hole; 8-Air outlet pipe; 9-Absorbent sponge; 10-Ink pump. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0025] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0027] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0028] Current technology uses a blower to directly suck up the ink from the printhead of an inkjet printer, achieving the effect of cleaning the printhead. However, ink may enter the blower, causing damage to the blower.

[0029] To solve the above problems, such as Figures 1 to 8As shown, the present invention provides an ink-gas separation and recovery device, including a main body box 1 and a main body cover 2. The main body cover 2 is attached to the upper side of the main body box 1. The main body box 1 has a first cavity 11 and a second cavity 12. The main body cover 2 is provided with a first opening 21 and a second opening 22. A connecting groove 3 is formed on the lower side of the main body cover 2. The main body cover 2 is provided with an air inlet pipe 5. The ink-gas mixture enters the first cavity 11 through the air inlet pipe 5 and then enters the first cavity 11 along the first connecting groove 4. A first filter assembly 6 is inserted into the first cavity 11 through the first opening 21. A first lower cover 612 is provided at the bottom of the first filter assembly 6. A first through hole 615 is provided on the first lower cover 612. The ink-gas mixture passes through the first... After passing through the through hole 615, the filter enters the connecting groove 3 through the first filter assembly 6. The first filter assembly 6 is provided with a side opening 621, which is connected to the connecting groove 3. The second filter assembly 7 is inserted into the second cavity 12 along the second opening 22. The upper end of the second filter assembly 7 is provided with an air outlet pipe 8, and the lower end of the second filter assembly 7 is provided with a second lower cover 72. The air outlet pipe 8 is installed on the upper side of the main cover 2. The second lower cover 72 is provided with a second through hole 73. The gas-ink mixture passes through the second filter assembly 7 along the second through hole 73 and is discharged from the air outlet pipe 8. The bottom of the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12 are respectively provided with ink discharge ports 14, which are connected to the ink tank through the first conduit.

[0030] After the ink on the printhead is sucked away, an ink-air separation device is installed between the air intake and the blower. The air intake pipe is connected to the air inlet pipe 5. The ink-air mixture first enters the ink-air separation device, then enters the first guide groove 4 through the air inlet pipe 5, and then passes through the first filter assembly 6 and enters the second filter assembly 7 along the connecting groove 3. After the ink-air mixture passes through the first through hole 615 and the second through hole 73, the ink in it will hit the first lower cover 612 and the second lower cover 72, thereby separating the ink droplets from the gas, reducing the amount of ink droplets entering the blower, and extending the life of the blower. In addition, after the ink-air mixture enters the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12, the ink droplets will also directly adhere to the inner walls of the first cavity 11 and the second cavity 12. Finally, they will all flow out through the ink discharge port 14 set at the bottom, and the ink pump 10 will transport the ink back to the ink tank.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the first filter assembly 6 includes a filter element body 61 and an air guide body 62. The air guide body 62 is installed on the upper side of the filter element body 61 and connected to the body cover 2. The filter element body 61 is connected to the connecting groove 3 through the air guide body 62. A side opening 621 is provided on the side of the air guide body 62. A first upper cover 611 and a first lower cover 612 are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the filter element body 61. The first upper cover 611 is fixed to the bottom of the air guide body 62. A third through hole 614 is formed on the first upper cover 611. A stainless steel filter screen 613 is provided inside the filter element body 61. The gas-ink mixture passes through the filter element body 61 and enters the air guide body 62. A side opening 621 is provided on one side of the air guide body 62. After the gas-ink mixture enters the connecting groove 3 along the side opening 621, it directly enters the second cavity 12.

[0032] To improve the efficiency of intercepting ink in the gas-ink mixture, two sets of stainless steel filter screens 613 are installed inside the filter body 61. The ink can be adsorbed on the stainless steel filter screens 613 and then fall directly to the bottom of the first chamber 11 by gravity. It is then sucked into the ink tank through the ink outlet 14, which further reduces the ink content in the gas-ink mixture.

[0033] The distance between the first lower cover 612 and the bottom of the first cavity 11 is less than the distance between the first guide groove 4 and the bottom of the first cavity 11. The lower end of the first filter assembly 6 inside the first cavity 11 is lower than the first guide groove 4. This allows the gas-ink mixture to flow along the gap between the first cavity 11 and the first filter assembly 6 to the bottom of the first cavity 11. The airflow then flows downward, so the ink in it will fall to the bottom of the first cavity 11 first due to gravity, separating from the gas-ink mixture and achieving separation of ink from the gas-ink mixture. Afterward, the gas-ink mixture passes through the first through hole 615 of the first lower cover 612 and enters the first filter assembly 6. After being filtered by two layers of stainless steel filter screens 613, it enters the second cavity 12 along the connecting groove 3 for secondary filtration, resulting in a greater amount of ink being separated from the gas-ink mixture.

[0034] The bottom of the first cavity 11 has symmetrical inclined surfaces 13 on both sides. The axis of symmetry of the two sets of inclined surfaces 13 is provided with ink discharge ports 14. When ink falls to the bottom, it can be collected in the middle and flow out of the ink tank directly through the ink discharge ports 14, without leaving any residue at the bottom.

[0035] The first guide groove 4 is tangentially directed to feed the gas-ink mixture into the first cavity 11 along the side wall of the first cavity 11. Since the first cavity 11 and the first filter assembly 6 are cylindrical, the gap between the first cavity 11 and the first filter assembly 6 is annular. The first guide groove 4 enters the annular gap tangentially, and the gas-ink mixture rotates along the annular gap and approaches the bottom of the first cavity 11. The rotation of the gas-ink mixture generates centrifugal force, which throws the ink droplets in the gas-ink mixture onto the side wall of the first cavity 11, so that the ink droplets in the gas-ink mixture can be separated from the gas, reducing the amount of ink droplets entering the blower. At the same time, the ink droplets can slide down the inner wall of the first cavity 11 into the ink discharge port 14 for recycling.

[0036] Similarly, the connecting groove 3 tangentially feeds the gas-ink mixture into the second cavity 12 along the side wall of the second cavity 12. The second cavity 12 and the second filter assembly 7 are cylindrical, and the gas-ink mixture will rotate and flow towards the bottom of the second cavity 12 along the gap between the second cavity 12 and the second filter assembly 7. The ink droplets will also be thrown onto the side wall of the second cavity 12, and then slide down from the side wall of the second cavity 12 to the ink discharge port 14 inside the second cavity 12. The distance between the second lower cover 72 and the bottom of the second cavity 12 is less than the distance between the connecting groove 3 and the bottom of the second cavity 12.

[0037] like Figure 7 and Figure 2 As shown, the second filter assembly 7 includes a second filter body. The upper and lower sides of the second filter body are respectively provided with a second upper cover 71 and a second lower cover 72. An air outlet pipe 8 is installed on the upper side of the second upper cover 71. A fourth through hole 74 is opened on the second upper cover 71. The second upper cover 71 is fixed on the main body cover 2. Before passing through the second filter assembly 7, the gas-ink mixture will first flow to the bottom of the second filter assembly 7, and then pass upward through the second filter body and flow along the air outlet pipe 8 to the blower. When the gas-ink mixture moves downward, the ink droplets will also fall directly to the bottom of the second cavity 12 due to gravity.

[0038] The second filter body of the present invention is equipped with an absorbent sponge 9, which can absorb small ink droplets, separate all ink droplets in the gas-ink mixture, and extend the life of the blower.

[0039] The bottom of the second cavity 12 has symmetrical inclined surfaces 13 on both sides. The two inclined surfaces 13 are positioned at the axis of symmetry of the two sets of inclined surfaces 13. After the ink droplets fall to the bottom, they will slide down along the inclined surfaces 13 to the ink outlets 14 at the symmetrical positions. The ink pump 10 will then draw the ink in the ink outlets 14 back into the ink tank.

[0040] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-ink separation and recovery device, characterized in that, The system includes a main body box (1) and a main body cover (2). The main body cover (2) is attached to the upper side of the main body box (1). The main body box (1) has a first cavity (11) and a second cavity (12) inside. The main body cover (2) has a first opening (21) and a second opening (22). The main body cover (2) and the main body box (1) form a connecting groove (3). The main body cover (2) is provided with an air inlet pipe (5). The gas-ink mixture enters the first cavity (11) through the air inlet pipe (5) and then enters the first cavity (11) along the first guide groove (4). The first filter assembly (6) is inserted into the first cavity (11) through the first opening (21). The gap between the first cavity (11) and the first filter assembly (6) is annular. The first guide groove (4) enters the annular gap tangentially. The bottom of the first filter assembly (6) is provided with a first lower cover (612). The first lower cover (612) is provided with a first through hole (61). 5) The gas-ink mixture passes through the first through hole (615) and then through the first filter assembly (6) into the connecting groove (3). The first filter assembly (6) is provided with a side opening (621), which is connected to the connecting groove (3). The second filter assembly (7) is inserted into the second cavity (12) along the second opening (22). The upper end of the second filter assembly (7) is provided with an air outlet pipe (8), and the lower end of the second filter assembly (7) is provided with a second lower cover (72). The air outlet pipe (8) is installed on the upper side of the main cover (2). The second lower cover (72) is provided with a second through hole (73). The gas-ink mixture passes through the second filter assembly (7) along the second through hole (73) and is discharged from the air outlet pipe (8). The bottom of the first cavity (11) and the second cavity (12) are respectively provided with ink discharge ports (14), which are connected to the ink tank through the first conduit.

2. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first filter assembly (6) includes a filter element body (61) and an air guide body (62). The air guide body (62) is installed on the upper side of the filter element body (61) and connected to the main body cover (2). The filter element body (61) is connected to the connecting groove (3) through the air guide body (62). The side opening (621) is provided on the side of the air guide body (62). The first upper cover (611) and the first lower cover (612) are respectively installed on the upper and lower sides of the filter element body (61). The first upper cover (611) is fixed to the bottom of the air guide body (62). A third through hole (614) is formed on the first upper cover (611). The first upper cover (611) and the first lower cover (612) are provided with a stainless steel filter screen (613) inside the filter element body (61).

3. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the first lower cover (612) and the bottom of the first cavity (11) is less than the distance between the first through groove (4) and the bottom of the first cavity (11).

4. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the first cavity (11) has symmetrical inclined surfaces (13) on both sides, and the ink discharge port (14) is provided at the junction of the two sets of inclined surfaces (13).

5. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide groove (4) is tangential to send the gas-ink mixture into the first cavity (11) along the side wall of the first cavity (11). The first cavity (11) and the first filter assembly (6) are cylindrical.

6. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting groove (3) is tangentially used to feed the gas-ink mixture into the second cavity (12) along the side wall of the second cavity (12). The second filter assembly (7) and the second cavity (12) are cylindrical.

7. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second filter assembly (7) includes a second filter body. The second filter body is provided with a second upper cover (71) and a second lower cover (72) on its upper and lower sides respectively. An air outlet pipe (8) is installed on the upper side of the second upper cover (71). A fourth through hole (74) is opened on the second upper cover (71). The second upper cover (71) is fixed on the main body cover (2).

8. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second filter body is equipped with an absorbent sponge (9).

9. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the second lower cover (72) and the bottom of the second cavity (12) is less than the distance between the connecting groove (3) and the bottom of the second cavity (12).

10. The gas-ink separation and recovery device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the second cavity (12) has symmetrical slopes (13) on both sides, and the ink discharge port (14) is located at the junction of the two sets of slopes (13).

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