Ink supply unit and inkjet printing unit

Abstract

This invention discloses an ink supply device and an inkjet printing device. The ink supply device includes an ink outlet mechanism and an ink filter mechanism. The ink outlet mechanism is used to connect to the inkjet printing device and includes an ink container, an ink supply container, an ink supply tube, and a one-way filter assembly. The ink supply container is movably disposed inside the ink container. One end of the ink supply tube is connected to the ink supply container, and the other end extends to the outside of the ink supply container. The one-way filter assembly is connected to the ink supply container and enables one-way filtration of ink in the ink container before it enters the ink supply container. The ink filter mechanism is connected to the ink container and enables one-way filtration of ink before it enters the ink container. The inkjet printing device includes the aforementioned ink supply device. The ink supply device of this invention solves the problem of ink residue affecting device manufacturing in traditional ink supply devices, reduces ink costs, avoids ink waste, saves costs, and contributes to the industrialization of printing technology.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, the manufacturing process of display devices such as OLED / QLED primarily utilizes printing technology. In the current printing process for OLED or QLED display devices, the ink is supplied by the ink supply unit of the printing equipment for inkjet printing. Traditional ink supply units, after prolonged ink storage, experience ink instability, leading to thinning and requiring ink replacement. Before and after ink replacement, a large amount of residue remains, resulting in deposited particles. These deposited particles contaminate the newly added ink, thus polluting the manufactured display devices and wasting the newly added ink. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an ink supply device that addresses the problem of deposited particles in traditional ink supply devices causing contamination of newly added ink, contamination of the manufactured display devices, and waste of the newly added ink.

[0004] An ink supply device, comprising:

[0005] An ink export mechanism includes an ink container, an ink supply container, an ink supply tube, and a one-way filter assembly. The ink supply container is movably disposed within the ink container. One end of the ink supply tube is connected to the ink supply container, and the other end extends to the outside of the ink supply container. The one-way filter assembly is connected to the ink supply container and enables one-way filtration of the ink within the ink container before it enters the ink supply container.

[0006] An ink filter element mechanism is connected to the ink container and enables unidirectional filtration of ink before it enters the ink container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the ink supply container has a first opening at its bottom, and the one-way filter assembly is connected to the bottom of the ink supply container and closes the first opening; and / or

[0008] The ink supply container and the ink container are fitted with a gap so that the ink supply container can float inside the ink container.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one-way filtering component includes:

[0010] The unidirectional filter core comprises an outer filter membrane and an inner filter membrane. The unidirectional filter core is connected to the ink supply container with its inner surface facing the inner cavity of the ink supply container. The unidirectional filter core has a plurality of filter holes penetrating its inner and outer surfaces. The orifice size of the filter hole facing the inner surface is smaller than the orifice size of the filter hole facing the outer surface. The outer filter membrane and the inner filter membrane respectively cover the outer and inner surfaces of the unidirectional filter core. The outer filter membrane has a plurality of outer membrane pores communicating with the filter holes, and the inner filter membrane has a plurality of inner membrane pores communicating with the filter holes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pore size of the outer membrane pores is 0.60 μm-0.70 μm, and the pore size of the inner membrane pores is 0.05 μm-0.15 μm; and / or

[0012] The external filter membrane and the internal filter membrane are each independently one or more of the following: polypropylene thermally sprayed fiber membrane, nylon membrane, and polytetrafluoroethylene microporous filter membrane; and / or

[0013] The flow rate of the unidirectional filter component is >12L / min.

[0014] In some embodiments, the ink supply device further includes:

[0015] The fixing mechanism includes a fixing platform, a gravity sensing component, and a heating and stirring component. The ink container is detachably installed on the fixing platform and connected to the gravity sensing component on the fixing platform. The heating and stirring component is connected to the ink container to control the temperature and stir the ink in the ink container.

[0016] A sealing mechanism, comprising a sealing element, an ink guide tube, and a drive pump, wherein the sealing element is connected to the ink container and forms a receiving cavity with the ink filter mechanism, the ink guide tube is connected to the sealing element and communicates with the receiving cavity, and the drive pump is installed on the ink guide tube and connected to a control mechanism for driving ink into the receiving cavity;

[0017] A filter element support mechanism is provided, wherein the ink container has a liquid inlet, the filter element support mechanism is installed at the liquid inlet, the ink filter element mechanism is connected to the filter element support mechanism and closes the liquid inlet, and the sealing member is connected to the filter element support mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism further includes:

[0019] A sealing element is disposed between the sealing element and the filter element support mechanism to achieve a sealing fit between the sealing element and the filter element support mechanism.

[0020] In some embodiments, the filter element support mechanism is magnetically connected to the ink filter element mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, the ink supply device further includes a volume detection mechanism, the volume detection mechanism comprising:

[0022] A detection tube, the first end of which is connected to the bottom of the ink container, and the opposite second end of which extends toward the top of the ink container, and the detection tube is provided with scale lines;

[0023] A top-sealing valve is installed at the second end of the detection tube;

[0024] A fixed bracket, wherein the fixed bracket is used for mounting on a fixed platform, and the detection tube is connected to the fixed bracket; and

[0025] A connecting valve is provided, through which the first end of the detection tube is connected to the ink container.

[0026] In some embodiments, the ink filter mechanism includes a primary filtration assembly, which includes:

[0027] The system comprises a primary filter element, a primary external filter membrane, and a primary internal filter membrane. The primary filter element is connected to the ink container and has a plurality of primary filter pores. The orifice size of the primary filter pores facing the inner cavity of the ink container is smaller than the orifice size of the primary filter pores away from the inner cavity of the ink container. The primary external filter membrane covers the surface of the primary filter element away from the inner cavity of the ink container, and the primary internal filter membrane covers the surface of the primary filter element facing the inner cavity of the ink container. The primary external filter membrane has a plurality of primary external pores communicating with the primary filter pores, and the primary internal filter membrane has a plurality of primary internal pores communicating with the primary filter pores. The pore size of the primary external pores is 1.5μm-2.5μm, and the pore size of the primary internal pores is 0.6μm-0.7μm. The flow rate of the primary filter assembly is >15L / min.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ink filter mechanism includes a secondary filtration assembly, the secondary filtration assembly comprising:

[0029] The system comprises a secondary filter element, a secondary external filter membrane, and a secondary internal filter membrane. The secondary filter element is connected to the ink container and spaced apart from the primary filter element. The secondary filter element is closer to the inner cavity of the ink container. The secondary filter element has several secondary filter holes. The orifice size of the secondary filter hole facing the inner cavity of the ink container is smaller than the orifice size of the primary filter hole facing the primary filter element. The secondary external filter membrane covers the surface of the secondary filter element facing the primary filter element, and the secondary internal filter membrane covers the surface of the secondary filter element facing the inner cavity of the ink container. The secondary external filter membrane has several secondary external holes communicating with the secondary filter holes, and the secondary internal filter membrane has several secondary internal holes communicating with the secondary filter holes. The pore size of the secondary external holes is 0.6μm-0.7μm, and the pore size of the secondary internal holes is 0.05μm-0.15μm. The flow rate of the secondary filter assembly is >12L / min.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ink filter mechanism includes a three-stage filtration assembly, the three-stage filtration assembly comprising:

[0031] The system comprises a three-stage filter element, a three-stage external filter membrane, and a three-stage internal filter membrane. The three-stage filter element is connected to the ink container and spaced apart from the two-stage filter element. The three-stage filter element is closer to the inner cavity of the ink container. The three-stage filter element has a plurality of three-stage filter holes. The orifice size of the three-stage filter holes facing the inner cavity of the ink container is smaller than the orifice size of the three-stage filter holes facing the two-stage filter element. The three-stage external filter membrane covers the three-stage filter element facing the two-stage filter element. The third-stage inner filter membrane covers the surface of the third-stage filter body facing the inner cavity of the ink container on one side of the filter element body. The third-stage outer filter membrane has several third-stage outer pores communicating with the third-stage filter holes. The third-stage inner filter membrane has several third-stage inner pores communicating with the third-stage filter holes. The pore size of the third-stage outer pores is 0.05μm-0.15μm, and the pore size of the third-stage inner pores is 0.005μm-0.015μm. The flow rate of the third-stage filtration assembly is >7L / min.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ink supply device further includes:

[0033] An ink heating mechanism includes an ink outlet tube, a heat conduction tube, and a heating element. The ink outlet tube is wound around the heat conduction tube. One end of the ink outlet tube is connected to the ink supply tube, and the other end is used for ink dispensing. The heating element is disposed inside the heat conduction tube to heat the heat conduction tube.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing apparatus.

[0035] An inkjet printing apparatus, comprising:

[0036] The ink supply device described above;

[0037] A circulation device, which is connected to the ink supply device;

[0038] A printhead, connected to the circulation device, and in communication with the ink supply tube of the ink supply device; and

[0039] Waste liquid recovery device, which is connected to the ink supply pipe.

[0040] In some embodiments, the ink supply device further includes an ink heating mechanism, which includes an ink outlet tube, a heat conduction tube, and a heating element. The ink outlet tube is wound around the heat conduction tube, one end of which is connected to the ink supply tube and the other end is used for ink dispensing. The heating element is disposed inside the heat conduction tube for heating the heat conduction tube.

[0041] The aforementioned ink supply device solves the problem of ink residue affecting device manufacturing inherent in traditional ink supply devices, while also reducing ink costs, avoiding ink waste, and saving costs, thus contributing to the industrialization of printing processes. Specifically, the ink outlet mechanism of the aforementioned ink supply device can be completely disassembled. The disassembled ink outlet mechanism can be soaked and cleaned several times, and then reinstalled into the ink supply device, resolving the ink residue problem from previous processes. Furthermore, the ink supply container and the one-way filter assembly are detachable, and the ink filter element mechanism can be removed from the ink container for separate cleaning, resolving the ink residue problem on the one-way filter assembly and the ink filter element mechanism. Compared to traditional ink supply devices, this invention allows for separate cleaning of most of the ink supply device's structure between two printing processes. The cleaning procedure is simple, installation is convenient, and it ensures that subsequent printing processes are not affected by ink residue problems from previous processes. Attached Figure Description

[0042] 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.

[0043] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a unidirectional filter assembly of an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ink container portion of the ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ink filter mechanism of an ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the ink heating mechanism of the ink supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0053] 10. Ink supply device; 100. Ink discharge mechanism; 110. Ink container; 111. Liquid inlet; 120. Ink supply container; 130. Ink supply tube; 140. One-way filter assembly; 141. One-way filter core; 1411. Filter core pores; 142. External filter membrane; 143. Internal filter membrane; 200. Ink filter mechanism; 210. Primary filter assembly; 211. Primary filter core; 2111. Primary filter pores; 212. Primary external filter membrane; 213. Primary internal filter membrane; 220. Secondary filter assembly; 221. Secondary filter core; 2211. Secondary filter pores; 222. Secondary external filter membrane; 223. Secondary internal filter membrane; 230. Tertiary filter assembly; 231. Tertiary filter core; 2311. Tertiary filter pores ; 232. Three-stage external filter membrane; 233. Three-stage internal filter membrane; 240. Magnetic housing; 300. Fixing mechanism; 310. Fixing platform; 320. Gravity sensing component; 330. Heating and stirring component; 400. Sealing mechanism; 410. Sealing component; 420. Ink guide tube; 430. Drive pump; 440. Sealing component; 500. Filter element support mechanism; 600. Volume detection mechanism; 610. Detection tube; 620. Top sealing valve; 630. Fixing bracket; 640. Connecting valve; 700. Ink heating mechanism; 710. Ink outlet tube; 720. Heat conduction tube; 730. Heating component; 800. Control mechanism; 20. Inkjet printing device; 21. Circulation device; 22. Printhead; 23. Waste liquid recovery device. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, 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 this invention.

[0056] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0057] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., 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, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0060] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0062] This application provides an ink supply device 10 to solve the problems of deposited particles in conventional ink supply devices causing contamination of newly added ink, contamination of the manufactured display device, and waste of newly added ink. The following description is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0063] The ink supply device 10 provided in this application embodiment is exemplary; please refer to [link to example]. Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink supply device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The ink supply device 10 of this application can be used for inkjet printing of display devices and the like.

[0064] To more clearly illustrate the structure of the ink supply device 10, the ink supply device 10 will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0065] For example, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink supply device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. An ink supply device 10 includes an ink discharge mechanism 100 and an ink filter mechanism 200.

[0066] The ink delivery mechanism 100 is used to connect to an inkjet printer. See also... Figure 2 As shown, the ink delivery mechanism 100 includes an ink container 110, an ink supply container 120, an ink supply tube 130, and a one-way filter assembly 140. The ink supply container 120 is movably disposed within the ink container 110. One end of the ink supply tube 130 is connected to the ink supply container 120, and the other end extends to the outside of the ink supply container 120. The one-way filter assembly 140 is connected to the ink supply container 120 and enables the ink in the ink container 110 to be filtered one-way before entering the ink supply container 120.

[0067] The ink filter element 200 is connected to the ink container 110 and can achieve one-way filtration of ink before it enters the ink container 110.

[0068] In some embodiments, the ink filter mechanism 200 is attached to the bottom of the ink container 110.

[0069] In some embodiments, the volumetric capacity of the ink container 110 can range from 500mL to 1500mL. Specifically, the ink container 110 is generally cylindrical, with a curved bottom, such as a hemispherical structure. The inner diameter of the ink container 110 ranges from (80-110mm) ±1mm, the outer diameter ranges from (85mm-115mm) ±1mm, and the height ranges from (80-125mm) ±1mm, where ±1mm represents the error range; the amount of ink it can store ranges from 300mL to 1000mL. The curved bottom of the ink container 110 ensures that the ink filter mechanism 200 at the bottom of the ink supply container 120 does not contact the bottom of the ink container 110. By setting the radius of curvature of the curved bottom of the ink container 110, the distance between the ink filter mechanism 200 at the bottom of the ink supply container 120 and the bottom of the ink container 110 can be 2.5mm ±1mm.

[0070] In some embodiments, the bottom of the ink supply container 120 has a first opening. A one-way filter assembly 140 is connected to the bottom of the ink supply container 120 and closes the first opening. It should be noted that the top of the ink supply container 120 can be closed. When the ink supply container 120 is engaged with the ink filter mechanism 200, the top of the ink supply container 120 is sealed, allowing ink in the ink filter mechanism 200 to completely enter the ink container 110 without entering the ink supply container 120. The ink in the ink container 110 enters the ink supply container 120 after being filtered by the ink filter mechanism 200. Furthermore, to balance the pressure inside the ink supply container 120, a one-way valve can be provided at the top of the ink supply container 120 to allow gas to escape from the ink supply container 120 and prevent ink outside the ink supply container 120 from entering it through the one-way valve.

[0071] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 1 As shown, the ink supply container 120 has a cylindrical structure. One end of the ink supply tube 130 extends to the bottom of the ink supply container 120 at a distance of 2.5 mm ± 1 mm from the bottom, and the other end of the ink supply tube 130 extends from the top of the ink supply container 120 to the outside of the ink container 110. The ink supply tube 130 has a cylindrical tubular structure, with an inner diameter of (4-6 mm) ± 0.5 mm and an outer diameter of (6-8 mm) ± 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the ink supply tube 130 is a flexible tube, and the material used to manufacture the ink supply tube 130 can be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0072] In some embodiments, the ink supply container 120 is clearance-fitted with the ink container 110, allowing the ink supply container 120 to float within the ink container 110. The ink supply container 120 is made of a relatively lightweight material, allowing it to float slightly in the ink. This floating motion of the ink supply container 120 within the ink container 110 allows it to adapt to the movement of the ink within the ink container 110, ensuring sufficient ink storage within the ink supply container 120.

[0073] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 3 As shown, the unidirectional filter assembly 140 includes a unidirectional filter core 141, an outer filter membrane 142, and an inner filter membrane 143. The unidirectional filter core 141 is connected to the ink supply container 120, with its inner surface facing the inner cavity of the ink supply container 120. The unidirectional filter core 141 has a plurality of filter holes 1411 penetrating its inner and outer surfaces. The orifice size of the filter hole 1411 facing the inner surface is smaller than the orifice size of the filter hole 1411 facing the outer surface. The outer filter membrane 142 and the inner filter membrane 143 respectively cover the outer and inner surfaces of the unidirectional filter core 141. The outer filter membrane 142 has a plurality of outer membrane pores communicating with the filter holes 1411. The inner filter membrane 143 has a plurality of inner membrane pores communicating with the filter holes 1411.

[0074] In some embodiments, the pore size of the outer membrane is 0.60 μm-0.70 μm, and the pore size of the inner membrane is 0.05 μm-0.15 μm.

[0075] In some embodiments, the outer filter membrane 142 and the inner filter membrane 143 are each independently selected from one or more of polypropylene thermally sprayed fiber membranes, nylon membranes, and polytetrafluoroethylene microporous filter membranes.

[0076] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the unidirectional filter component 140 is >12 L / min.

[0077] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 4 As shown, the ink supply device 10 also includes a fixing mechanism 300. The fixing mechanism 300 includes a fixing platform 310, a gravity sensing component 320, and a heating and stirring component 330. The ink container 110 is detachably mounted on the fixing platform 310 and connected to the gravity sensing component 320 on the fixing platform 310. The heating and stirring component 330 is connected to the ink container 110 for temperature control and stirring of the ink in the ink container 110.

[0078] In some embodiments, the heating and stirring component 330 may be a magnetic stirrer. The heating and stirring component 330 is capable of driving a magnetic rotor placed inside the ink container 110 to rotate.

[0079] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 1As shown, the ink supply device 10 also includes a sealing mechanism 400. The sealing mechanism 400 is connected to the ink container 110 and forms a receiving cavity with the ink filter mechanism 200.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 400 includes a sealing element 410, an ink guide tube 420, and a drive pump 430. The sealing element 410 is connected to the ink container 110 and forms a receiving cavity with the ink filter mechanism 200. The ink guide tube 420 is connected to the sealing element 410 and communicates with the receiving cavity. The drive pump 430 is mounted on the ink guide tube 420 and connected to the control mechanism 800 for driving ink into the receiving cavity.

[0081] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the ink supply device 10 also includes a filter element support mechanism 500. The top of the ink container 110 has an inlet 111. The filter element support mechanism 500 is mounted at the inlet 111. The ink filter element mechanism 200 is connected to the filter element support mechanism 500 and closes the inlet 111. A sealing member 410 is connected to the filter element support mechanism 500.

[0082] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the filter element support mechanism 500 can be an annular hollow columnar structure, and the filter element support mechanism 500 forms a boss structure inside the liquid inlet 111 at the top of the ink container 110. The filter element support mechanism 500 can be used to install the ink filter element mechanism 200. Preferably, the filter element support mechanism 500 and the ink filter element mechanism 200 can be connected by contact, snap-fit, or magnetic connection.

[0083] In some embodiments, the sealing element 410 may be a pot-shaped lid. See also Figure 1 As shown, the sealing member 410 can cover the liquid inlet 111 on the top of the ink container 110.

[0084] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 1 As shown, the sealing mechanism 400 also includes a sealing element 440. The sealing element 440 is disposed between the sealing element 410 and the filter element support mechanism 500 to achieve a sealing fit between the sealing element 410 and the filter element support mechanism 500. The sealing element 440 can be a sealing ring.

[0085] In some embodiments, the filter element support mechanism 500 is magnetically connected to the ink filter element mechanism 200.

[0086] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 1As shown, the ink supply device 10 also includes a volume detection mechanism 600. The volume detection mechanism 600 includes a detection tube 610 and a top-sealing valve 620. The first end of the detection tube 610 is connected to and communicates with the bottom of the ink container 110, and the opposite second end of the detection tube 610 extends towards the top of the ink container 110. The detection tube 610 is provided with graduation lines. The top-sealing valve 620 is installed at the second end of the detection tube 610. When the ink volume reaches a certain level, the top-sealing valve 620 can prevent backflow or ejection caused by pressure differences during ink supply.

[0087] In some embodiments, the detection tube 610 may be a J-shaped tube, a U-shaped tube, or a similar structure. Specifically, the height of the end of the detection tube 610 furthest from the ink container 110 (see [reference]). Figure 1 The vertical direction of the angle shown is not less than the height of ink container 110 (see [reference]). Figure 1 (Vertical direction of the angle shown).

[0088] In some embodiments, the volume detection mechanism 600 further includes a fixed bracket 630. The fixed bracket 630 is mounted on the fixed platform 310, and the detection tube 610 is connected to the fixed bracket 630.

[0089] In some embodiments, the volume detection mechanism 600 further includes a connecting valve 640. The first end of the detection tube 610 is connected to the ink container 110 via the connecting valve 640. The connecting valve 640 enables the detection tube 610 and the ink container 110 to be connected or disconnected. The connecting valve 640 can be an electric valve or a manual valve.

[0090] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the ink filter mechanism 200 includes a primary filter assembly 210. The primary filter assembly 210 includes a primary filter core 211, a primary outer filter membrane 212, and a primary inner filter membrane 213. The primary filter core 211 is connected to the ink container 110. The primary filter core 211 has a plurality of primary filter holes 2111 extending through it. The orifice size of the end of the primary filter hole 2111 facing the inner cavity of the ink container 110 is smaller than the orifice size of the end of the primary filter hole 2111 away from the inner cavity of the ink container 110. The primary outer filter membrane 212 covers the surface of the primary filter core 211 on the side away from the inner cavity of the ink container 110. The primary inner filter membrane 213 covers the surface of the primary filter core 211 on the side facing the inner cavity of the ink container 110. The primary outer filter membrane 212 has a plurality of primary outer holes communicating with the primary filter holes 2111. The primary inner filter membrane 213 has a plurality of primary inner holes communicating with the primary filter holes 2111. The diameter of the primary external pore is 1.5μm-2.5μm, and the diameter of the primary internal pore is 0.6μm-0.7μm.

[0091] In some embodiments, the primary filter pore 2111 gradually narrows from one end away from the inner cavity of the ink container 110 to the end towards the inner cavity of the ink container 110.

[0092] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the primary filter component 210 is >15 L / min.

[0093] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the ink filter mechanism 200 includes a secondary filtration assembly 220. The secondary filtration assembly 220 includes a secondary filter core 221, a secondary outer filter membrane 222, and a secondary inner filter membrane 223. The secondary filter core 221 is connected to the ink container 110 and spaced apart from the primary filter core 211. The secondary filter core 221 is closer to the inner cavity of the ink container 110. The secondary filter core 221 has a plurality of secondary filter holes 2211 extending through it. The orifice size of the secondary filter holes 2211 facing the inner cavity of the ink container 110 is smaller than the orifice size of the primary filter holes 2111 facing the primary filter core 211. The secondary outer filter membrane 222 covers the surface of the secondary filter core 221 facing the primary filter core 211. The secondary inner filter membrane 223 covers the surface of the secondary filter core 221 facing the inner cavity of the ink container 110. The secondary external filter membrane 222 has several secondary external pores communicating with the secondary filter holes 2211. The secondary internal filter membrane 223 has several secondary internal pores communicating with the secondary filter holes 2211. The pore size of the secondary external pores is 0.6μm-0.7μm, and the pore size of the secondary internal pores is 0.05μm-0.15μm.

[0094] In some embodiments, the secondary filter pores 2211 gradually narrow from one end toward the primary filter core 211 to the end toward the inner cavity of the ink container 110.

[0095] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the secondary filter component 220 is >12L / min.

[0096] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the ink filter mechanism 200 includes a three-stage filtration assembly 230. The three-stage filtration assembly 230 includes a three-stage filter core 231, a three-stage outer filter membrane 232, and a three-stage inner filter membrane 233. The three-stage filter core 231 is connected to the ink container 110 and spaced apart from the two-stage filter core 221. The three-stage filter core 231 is closer to the inner cavity of the ink container 110. The three-stage filter core 231 has a plurality of three-stage filter holes 2311 extending through it. The orifice size of the end of the three-stage filter hole 2311 facing the inner cavity of the ink container 110 is smaller than the orifice size of the end of the three-stage filter hole 2311 facing the two-stage filter core 221. The three-stage outer filter membrane 232 covers the surface of the three-stage filter core 231 facing the two-stage filter core 221. The three-stage inner filter membrane 233 covers the surface of the three-stage filter core 231 facing the inner cavity of the ink container 110. The three-stage external filter membrane 232 has several external pores communicating with the three-stage filter holes 2311. The three-stage internal filter membrane 233 has several internal pores communicating with the three-stage filter holes 2311. The pore size of the external pores is 0.05μm-0.15μm. The pore size of the internal pores is 0.005μm-0.015μm.

[0097] In some embodiments, the tertiary filter pores 2311 gradually narrow from one end toward the secondary filter core 221 to the end toward the inner cavity of the ink container 110.

[0098] In some embodiments, the flow rate of the tertiary filtration assembly 230 is >7 L / min.

[0099] The primary filter assembly 210, the secondary filter assembly 220 and the tertiary filter assembly 230 are stacked sequentially during installation, with the tertiary filter assembly 230 being closer to the inner cavity of the ink container 110.

[0100] The aforementioned primary external filter membrane 212, primary internal filter membrane 213, secondary external filter membrane 222, secondary internal filter membrane 223, tertiary external filter membrane 232, and tertiary internal filter membrane 233 can all be made of polypropylene thermally sprayed fiber membrane, nylon membrane, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous filter membrane.

[0101] In some embodiments, the ink filter element mechanism 200 further includes a magnetic housing 240. The magnetic housing 240 encloses the primary filter element 210, the secondary filter element 220, and the tertiary filter element 230. Correspondingly, the filter element support mechanism 500 may also be configured to be magnetic or magnetically conductive, so that the magnetic housing 240 can magnetically engage with the filter element support mechanism 500.

[0102] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 7As shown, the ink supply device 10 also includes an ink heating mechanism 700. The ink heating mechanism 700 includes an ink outlet tube 710, a heat conduction tube 720, and a heating element 730. The ink outlet tube 710 is wound around the heat conduction tube 720. One end of the ink outlet tube 710 is connected to the ink supply tube 130, and the other end is used for ink dispensing. The heating element 730 is disposed inside the heat conduction tube 720 to heat the heat conduction tube 720. The ink outlet tube 710 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), with an inner diameter of (4-6 mm) ± 0.5 mm and an outer diameter of (6-8 mm) ± 0.5 mm. The heat conduction tube 720 has an outer diameter of (20-30 mm) ± 1 mm and a thickness of (2-3 mm) ± 0.5 mm. The heat conduction tube 720 is equipped with a heating element 730, the temperature of which can be set from 20℃ to 100℃. Preferably, the heating temperature of the heating element 730 is set to 85℃.

[0103] In some embodiments, the ink outlet tube 710 may be a flexible hose. The heating element 730 may be a heating rod.

[0104] In some of these embodiments, see Figure 1 As shown, the ink supply device 10 also includes a control mechanism 800. The aforementioned drive pump 430, top sealing valve 620, connecting valve 640, gravity sensor 320, and heating and stirring component 330 are all electrically connected to the control mechanism 800. The control mechanism 800 can be a PLC programmable logic controller.

[0105] When using the above-mentioned ink supply device 10, the following steps are included:

[0106] Step 1: The sealing part 410 of the sealing mechanism 400 is installed at the liquid inlet 111 of the ink container 110 and sealed with the filter element support mechanism 500 by the sealing part 440. The control mechanism 800 controls the drive pump 430 to work and the drive pump 430 injects a predetermined volume of ink into the accommodating cavity through the ink guide tube 420.

[0107] Step 2: As the drive pump 430 provides a certain pressure, the ink in the accommodating cavity is filtered through the ink filter mechanism 200, and the filtered ink enters the inner cavity of the ink container 110.

[0108] Step 3: The control mechanism 800 controls the heating and stirring component 330 to heat and stir the ink in the ink container 110, so that the ink temperature in the ink container 110 is between 30℃ and 65℃. The heating process is carried out simultaneously with stirring to reduce solute residue in the ink.

[0109] Step 4: The ink volume in the ink container 110 is 300mL-1000mL. The control mechanism 800 controls the drive pump 430 to drive until the ink volume in the ink container 110 reaches the preset value. Then observe whether the ink level in the detection tube 610 reaches the corresponding scale.

[0110] Step 5: After the ink enters the ink container 110, it can enter the ink supply container 120 through the filtration of the one-way filter assembly 140 at the bottom of the ink supply container 120.

[0111] Step 6: The ink in the ink supply container 120 is then supplied to the inkjet printer through the ink supply tube 130;

[0112] Step 7: When the printing process is completed, if it is necessary to replace the ink, first guide the ink through the ink supply tube 130 to the waste liquid recovery device.

[0113] Step 8: Then remove the ink export mechanism 100 from the ink supply device 10 and soak and clean it several times; preferably, the ink filter mechanism 200 can also be removed from the ink supply device 10 and soaked and cleaned several times.

[0114] Step 9: After soaking and cleaning, the ink export mechanism 100 is reinstalled into the ink supply device 10, and ink solvent is injected to clean each pipeline. The number of cleaning times can be 3-6. Then, new ink is injected into the ink supply device 10. The injection of new ink is referred to steps 1-6.

[0115] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing apparatus 20.

[0116] See Figure 8 As shown, an inkjet printing apparatus 20 includes an ink supply device 10, a circulation device 21, a printhead 22, and a waste liquid recovery device 23. The circulation device 21 is connected to the ink supply device 10; it prevents clogging of the printhead nozzles of the printhead 22 and ensures print quality. The printhead 22 is connected to the circulation device 21 and communicates with the ink supply tube 130 of the ink supply device 20. The waste liquid recovery device 23 is connected to the ink supply tube 130 to collect waste ink and cleaning fluid.

[0117] In summary, in the ink supply device 10 of the present invention, the ink export mechanism 100 can be completely disassembled. The disassembled ink export mechanism 100 can be soaked and cleaned several times, and then reinstalled into the ink supply device 10. This can solve the problem of ink residue in the preceding process. Furthermore, the ink supply container 120 and the one-way filter assembly 140 can be disassembled, and the ink filter element mechanism 200 can be removed from the ink container 110 for separate cleaning. This solves the problem of ink residue on the one-way filter assembly 140 and the ink filter element mechanism 200. Compared with the traditional ink supply device 10, the present invention can perform separate cleaning of most of the structure of the ink supply device 10 between two printing processes. The cleaning procedure is simple and the installation is convenient. It can ensure that the subsequent printing process is not affected by the ink residue problem in the preceding process, reduce ink costs, avoid ink waste, and help improve the industrialization of printing technology display.

[0118] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0119] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0120] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An ink supply device, characterized in that, include: An ink export mechanism includes an ink container, an ink supply container, an ink supply tube, and a one-way filter assembly. The ink supply container is movably disposed inside the ink container. One end of the ink supply tube is connected to the ink supply container, and the other end extends to the outside of the ink supply container. The one-way filter assembly is connected to the ink supply container and can achieve one-way filtration of the ink in the ink container before it enters the ink supply container. An ink filter mechanism is connected to the ink container and enables unidirectional filtration of ink before it enters the ink container. The ink supply container is fitted with the ink container with a gap so that the ink supply container can float inside the ink container. The fixing mechanism includes a fixing platform, a gravity sensing component, and a heating and stirring component. The ink container is detachably installed on the fixing platform and connected to the gravity sensing component on the fixing platform. The heating and stirring component is connected to the ink container to control the temperature and stir the ink in the ink container. A sealing mechanism, comprising a sealing element and an ink guide tube, wherein the sealing element is connected to the ink container and forms a receiving cavity with the ink filter element mechanism, and the ink guide tube is connected to the sealing element and communicates with the receiving cavity; In addition, a filter element support mechanism is provided, wherein the ink container has a liquid inlet, the filter element support mechanism is installed at the liquid inlet, the ink filter element mechanism is connected to the filter element support mechanism and closes the liquid inlet, and the sealing member is connected to the filter element support mechanism.

2. The ink supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink supply container has a first opening at its bottom, and the one-way filter assembly is connected to the bottom of the ink supply container and closes the first opening.

3. The ink supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unidirectional filtering component includes: The unidirectional filter core comprises an outer filter membrane and an inner filter membrane. The unidirectional filter core is connected to the ink supply container with its inner surface facing the inner cavity of the ink supply container. The unidirectional filter core has a plurality of filter holes penetrating its inner and outer surfaces. The orifice size of the filter hole facing the inner surface is smaller than the orifice size of the filter hole facing the outer surface. The outer filter membrane and the inner filter membrane respectively cover the outer and inner surfaces of the unidirectional filter core. The outer filter membrane has a plurality of outer membrane pores communicating with the filter holes, and the inner filter membrane has a plurality of inner membrane pores communicating with the filter holes.

4. The ink supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer membrane pores have a diameter of 0.60μm-0.70μm, and the inner membrane pores have a diameter of 0.05μm-0.15μm.

5. The ink supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The external filter membrane and the internal filter membrane are each independently one or more of the following: polypropylene thermally sprayed fiber membrane, nylon membrane, and polytetrafluoroethylene microporous filter membrane.

6. The ink supply device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow rate of the unidirectional filter component is >12L / min.

7. The ink supply device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that... The sealing mechanism includes a drive pump, which is installed on the ink guide tube and connected to a control mechanism to drive ink into the accommodating cavity.

8. The ink supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sealing mechanism also includes: A sealing element is disposed between the sealing element and the filter element support mechanism to achieve a sealing fit between the sealing element and the filter element support mechanism.

9. The ink supply device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter element support mechanism is magnetically connected to the ink filter element mechanism.

10. The ink supply device according to any one of claims 1-6, 8, and 9, characterized in that, The ink supply device further includes a volume detection mechanism, which comprises: A detection tube, the first end of which is connected to the bottom of the ink container, and the opposite second end of which extends toward the top of the ink container, and the detection tube is provided with scale lines; A top-sealing valve is installed at the second end of the detection tube; A fixed bracket, wherein the fixed bracket is used for mounting on a fixed platform, and the detection tube is connected to the fixed bracket; and A connecting valve is provided, through which the first end of the detection tube is connected to the ink container.

11. The ink supply device according to any one of claims 1-6, 8, and 9, characterized in that, The ink filter element mechanism includes a primary filtration assembly, which includes: The system comprises a primary filter element, a primary external filter membrane, and a primary internal filter membrane. The primary filter element is connected to the ink container and has a plurality of primary filter pores. The orifice size of the primary filter pores facing the inner cavity of the ink container is smaller than the orifice size of the primary filter pores away from the inner cavity of the ink container. The primary external filter membrane covers the surface of the primary filter element away from the inner cavity of the ink container, and the primary internal filter membrane covers the surface of the primary filter element facing the inner cavity of the ink container. The primary external filter membrane has a plurality of primary external pores communicating with the primary filter pores, and the primary internal filter membrane has a plurality of primary internal pores communicating with the primary filter pores. The pore size of the primary external pores is 1.5μm-2.5μm, and the pore size of the primary internal pores is 0.6μm-0.7μm. The flow rate of the primary filter assembly is >15L / min.

12. The ink supply device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The ink filter mechanism includes a secondary filtration assembly, which includes: The system comprises a secondary filter element, a secondary external filter membrane, and a secondary internal filter membrane. The secondary filter element is connected to the ink container and spaced apart from the primary filter element. The secondary filter element is closer to the inner cavity of the ink container. The secondary filter element has several secondary filter holes. The orifice size of the secondary filter hole facing the inner cavity of the ink container is smaller than the orifice size of the primary filter hole facing the primary filter element. The secondary external filter membrane covers the surface of the secondary filter element facing the primary filter element, and the secondary internal filter membrane covers the surface of the secondary filter element facing the inner cavity of the ink container. The secondary external filter membrane has several secondary external holes communicating with the secondary filter holes, and the secondary internal filter membrane has several secondary internal holes communicating with the secondary filter holes. The pore size of the secondary external holes is 0.6μm-0.7μm, and the pore size of the secondary internal holes is 0.05μm-0.15μm. The flow rate of the secondary filter assembly is >12L / min.

13. The ink supply device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The ink filter mechanism includes a three-stage filtration assembly, which includes: The system comprises a three-stage filter element, a three-stage external filter membrane, and a three-stage internal filter membrane. The three-stage filter element is connected to the ink container and spaced apart from the two-stage filter element. The three-stage filter element is closer to the inner cavity of the ink container. The three-stage filter element has a plurality of three-stage filter holes. The orifice size of the three-stage filter holes facing the inner cavity of the ink container is smaller than the orifice size of the three-stage filter holes facing the two-stage filter element. The three-stage external filter membrane covers the three-stage filter element facing the two-stage filter element. The third-stage inner filter membrane covers the surface of the third-stage filter body facing the inner cavity of the ink container on one side of the filter element body. The third-stage outer filter membrane has several third-stage outer pores communicating with the third-stage filter holes. The third-stage inner filter membrane has several third-stage inner pores communicating with the third-stage filter holes. The pore size of the third-stage outer pores is 0.05μm-0.15μm, and the pore size of the third-stage inner pores is 0.005μm-0.015μm. The flow rate of the third-stage filtration assembly is >7L / min.

14. The ink supply device according to any one of claims 1-6, 8, 9, 12, and 13, characterized in that, The ink supply device also includes: An ink heating mechanism includes an ink outlet tube, a heat conduction tube, and a heating element. The ink outlet tube is wound around the heat conduction tube. One end of the ink outlet tube is connected to the ink supply tube, and the other end is used for ink dispensing. The heating element is disposed inside the heat conduction tube to heat the heat conduction tube.

15. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, include: The ink supply device as described in any one of claims 1-14; A circulation device, which is connected to the ink supply device; A printhead, connected to the circulation device, and in communication with the ink supply tube of the ink supply device; and Waste liquid recovery device, which is connected to the ink supply pipe.

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