Ink cartridge and inkjet printing apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an ink cartridge and an inkjet printing device, the ink cartridge comprises a container, a sealing head, a sealing plug, a leakage-proof cotton and a chip module, the container has an ink cavity and an ink outlet, the container is made by blow molding process, the ink outlet is formed on the bottom wall of the container, the container is also formed with an ink injection port, the ink injection port and the ink outlet are communicated with the ink cavity, the sealing head is installed in the ink outlet, the sealing head is communicated with the ink cavity, the sealing plug is detachably installed in the ink injection port, the leakage-proof cotton is installed on the bottom wall, a part of the leakage-proof cotton is arranged on the circumference of the ink outlet, and the chip module is installed on the container. The inkjet printing device is provided with the above ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge has the advantages of simple structure, large capacity and reusability.

Description

Ink cartridges and inkjet printing equipment Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing technology, and more specifically, to an ink cartridge and an inkjet printing apparatus equipped with the ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Ink cartridges are used to store ink and, in conjunction with inkjet printers, to image preset results onto a relevant medium (such as paper). Figure 1 illustrates a conventional ink cartridge 9, comprising a container 91 and a converter 92. The container 91 holds the ink, and the converter 92 connects the container 91 to the inkjet printer. However, this ink cartridge 9 has the following drawbacks: Firstly, the converter 92 compresses the ink storage space in the container 91, resulting in a small capacity. Secondly, multiple leak-proof pads are required between the converter 92 and the container 91 to achieve a leak-proof effect, leading to a complex structure and high manufacturing cost. Thirdly, when the ink in the container 91 is depleted, the user cannot refill it, preventing the cartridge from being reused multiple times, which is detrimental to environmental protection. Fourthly, during inkjet printing, the remaining ink level in the container 91 cannot be monitored in real time, making it impossible to refill or replace the cartridge 9 promptly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the main objective of this invention is to provide an ink cartridge that is simple in structure, has a large capacity, and is reusable.

[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printing device equipped with the above-mentioned ink cartridge.

[0005] To achieve the main objective of this invention, this invention provides an ink cartridge, including a container having an ink cavity and an ink outlet. The container is manufactured using a blow molding process, and the ink outlet is formed on the bottom wall of the container. An ink filling port is also formed on the container, and both the ink filling port and the ink outlet are connected to the ink cavity. The ink cartridge also includes a sealing head, a sealing plug, a leak-proof cotton, and a chip module. The sealing head is installed inside the ink outlet and can communicate with the ink cavity. The sealing plug is detachably installed inside the ink filling port. The leak-proof cotton is installed on the bottom wall, and a portion of the leak-proof cotton is arranged around the circumference of the ink outlet. The chip module is installed on the container.

[0006] As can be seen from the above, compared with existing ink cartridges that include a container and a converter, the ink cartridge provided by this invention directly mounts the chip module onto the container, thereby eliminating the need for a converter. Furthermore, by using a blow molding process to manufacture the container, the ink chamber has a larger capacity, and the ink cartridge structure is simpler, which is more conducive to reducing the production cost and assembly difficulty of the ink cartridge. In addition, through the design of the ink cartridge, as much ink as possible in the ink chamber can flow to the sealing head through the ink outlet at the bottom, and then flow to the inkjet printing equipment through the sealing head, thereby minimizing the amount of ink that cannot be used in the ink chamber. Ink level; simultaneously, when the ink level in the ink chamber is insufficient, ink can be added to the ink chamber through the ink refill port, allowing the ink cartridge to be reused, extending its lifespan and reducing operating costs. After replenishing the ink in the ink chamber, the ink refill port is sealed with a sealing plug to prevent ink leakage. In addition, if ink leakage occurs accidentally at the ink outlet, the leak-proof cotton can absorb and clean the leaked ink in time to prevent ink from flowing into the inkjet printer and causing damage to the inkjet printer and / or contamination of the imaging media (such as paper, cloth, etc.).

[0007] A preferred embodiment is that the rear wall of the container has a window that extends through the rear wall and communicates with the ink chamber, and the ink cartridge also includes a transparent plate that is sealed inside the window; or the container is made of a transparent material.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, the design allows users to directly observe the remaining ink level in the ink chamber, so that they can replenish the ink or replace the ink cartridge in a timely manner.

[0009] Another preferred embodiment is that the chip module is detachably connected to the container; the container has a mating part formed at the junction of its front and bottom walls, the chip module includes a chip and a bracket, the chip is mounted on the bracket, and the bracket is detachably connected to the mating part.

[0010] As can be seen from the above, making the chip module detachable allows for reuse, extending the chip's lifespan and reducing user costs. Furthermore, placing the chip at the junction of the front and bottom walls of the container ensures that the chip can be electrically connected to the electrical connection within the inkjet printer's cartridge mounting cavity, guaranteeing stable and reliable contact between the chip and the electrical connection.

[0011] Another preferred embodiment is that the container is also formed with a receiving groove, which is recessed from the bottom wall into the ink cavity. The receiving groove is isolated from the ink cavity. The receiving groove has a first groove and a second groove, and the ink outlet is located in the second groove. The leak-proof cotton has an integrally formed cotton block and cotton sheet. The cotton block is located in the first groove, and the cotton sheet is located in the second groove. The cotton sheet is arranged around the ink outlet in the circumferential direction.

[0012] As can be seen above, the cotton pads surround the ink outlet so that if ink leaks at any part of the outlet, the cotton pads can absorb the leaked ink in time, thus preventing the ink from leaking into the inkjet printer. The cotton pads can significantly increase the amount of ink absorbed by the leak-proof cotton and extend its service life. The design of the receiving groove can make the overall structure of the ink cartridge more compact and is more conducive to increasing the capacity of the ink chamber.

[0013] A further design involves a guide surface on the bottom wall within the ink cavity. At the ink cartridge assembly position, the guide surface is inclined to the axis of the ink outlet, with the ink outlet located at the lowest point of the guide surface.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, the guide surface is used to guide as much ink as possible from the ink chamber to the ink outlet, so as to minimize the amount of unusable ink in the ink chamber, making the overall design of the ink cartridge more optimized and reasonable, and reducing the user's operating costs.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment is that the container is also formed with an ergonomic grip located at the junction of the top wall and the rear wall of the container.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, the ergonomic grip design helps users to better hold and operate the ink cartridges for installation and removal.

[0017] A further option is to mold the ink inlet onto the ergonomic grip area.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, the location of the ink filling port makes it more convenient for users to add ink to the ink chamber, and allows users to directly add ink to the ink cartridge in the installed state without disassembling the ink cartridge.

[0019] A further improvement is that the ink cartridge also includes a leak-proof membrane, which is installed on the bottom wall and covers the sealing head; the sealing head has an ink outlet hole, and a sealing membrane is installed inside the ink outlet hole.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, the leak-proof membrane and the sealing membrane on the sealing head can protect ink cartridges in an unused state, preventing ink leakage during packaging and transportation.

[0021] A further option is that the leak-proof membrane includes a body and a lifting section, with the body covering the bottom wall and the sealing head, and the lifting section extending from the body.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the design allows users to remove at least part of the leak-proof film by pulling the cartridge to expose the sealing head when it is opened for use, thus facilitating the connection between the ink inlet in the cartridge mounting cavity of the inkjet printer and the sealing head.

[0023] To achieve another objective of the present invention, the present invention provides an inkjet printing device, including a body, the body having an ink cartridge mounting cavity, the ink cartridge mounting cavity having an ink passage interface and an electrical connection part, wherein the inkjet printing device further includes the aforementioned ink cartridge, the ink cartridge being detachably installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity, a sealing head being connected to the ink passage interface, and the electrical connection part being electrically connected to a chip module.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, inkjet printers equipped with the aforementioned ink cartridges can perform printing jobs for longer periods and can replenish ink in the ink chamber of the cartridges at any time, thereby extending the lifespan of the cartridges and reducing the operating costs of the inkjet printers. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 is an exploded view of an existing ink cartridge.

[0026] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention from a first perspective.

[0027] Figure 3 is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0028] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of the container of the first embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6 is a structural diagram of the sealing head of the first embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0032] First embodiment of ink cartridge

[0033] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the ink cartridge 100 includes a container 1, a sealing head 2, a sealing plug 3, a transparent plate 4, a leak-proof cotton 5, a chip module 6, and a leak-proof membrane 7.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5, container 1 has an ink chamber 11, an ink outlet 12, an ink filling port 13, and a window 14. The ink chamber 11 stores ink; the ink outlet 12 is located on and penetrates the bottom wall 101 of container 1, and is connected to the ink chamber 11. A sealing head 2 is installed inside the ink outlet 12 to seal it and prevent ink from flowing out of the sealing head 2 when not in use. When the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the inkjet printer, the ink outlet 12 connects with the ink passage interface in the ink cartridge mounting cavity, so that ink can flow through the ink passage interface to the print head of the inkjet printer and be ejected by the print head to the imaging medium (such as paper, cloth, etc.) for imaging.

[0035] Preferably, the bottom wall 101 has a guide surface within the ink cavity 11. At the assembly position of the ink cartridge 100 (when the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the inkjet printer), the guide surface is inclined to the axis of the ink outlet 12, and the ink outlet 12 is located at the lowest point of the guide surface. That is, the height difference between the guide surface and the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity becomes smaller as the guide surface gets closer to the ink outlet 12, so that the ink in the ink cavity 11 can flow to the ink outlet 12 as much as possible through the guide surface, and then flow to the print head of the inkjet printer through the sealing head 2 in the ink outlet 12. This minimizes the amount of unusable ink in the ink cavity 11 and makes the overall design of the ink cartridge 100 more optimized and reasonable, reducing the user's operating costs.

[0036] The ink filling port 13 is connected to the ink chamber 11. The ink filling port 13 allows ink to be added to the ink chamber 11 when the ink level is low, enabling the ink cartridge 100 to be reused, extending its service life and reducing user costs. Preferably, the ink filling port 13 is located on the top wall 102 of the container 1 and close to the rear end wall 104 of the container 1, making it more convenient for users to add ink to the ink chamber 11 and allowing users to directly add alloy ink to the ink cartridge 100 in its installed state without disassembling the ink cartridge 100.

[0037] Window 14 is formed on the rear end wall 104 of container 1, and window 14 penetrates the rear end wall 104 and communicates with ink cavity 11. Transparent plate 4 is sealed and installed inside window 14. This design allows the user to directly observe the remaining ink in ink cavity 11 through window 14, so as to replenish ink in ink cavity 11 or replace ink cartridge 100 in a timely manner. It also allows the user to directly observe the change in the remaining ink in ink cavity 11 when replenishing ink, so as to prevent ink from overflowing ink cavity 11.

[0038] Preferably, the container 1 also has an ergonomic grip 16, which is located at the junction of the top wall 102 and the rear wall 104 of the container 1; furthermore, the ergonomic grip 16 extends through the container 1 in the width direction of the main body. By providing the ergonomic grip 16 and its design, users can better hold and operate the ink cartridge 100 for loading and unloading. Furthermore, the container 1 is preferably manufactured using a blow molding process, which simplifies the overall structure of the container 1 and is more conducive to increasing the capacity of the ink chamber 11.

[0039] Referring to Figure 6, the sealing head 2 is installed inside the ink outlet 12, and the sealing head 2 is sealed to the ink outlet 12. The sealing head 2 ensures that when the ink cartridge 100 is installed into the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the inkjet printer, the sealing head 2 can seal against the ink passage interface within the ink cartridge mounting cavity, thereby preventing ink leakage from the ink cartridge 100 through the gap between the sealing head 2 and the ink passage interface. The ink cartridge 100 has an ink outlet hole 21, and a sealing film 22 is installed inside the ink outlet hole 21. The sealing film 22 protects the ink cartridge 100 when it is unused (unopened), preventing ink leakage during packaging and transportation. When the sealing head 2 is connected to the ink passage interface, the ink passage interface is inserted into the ink outlet hole 21 and punctures the sealing film 22, thereby connecting the ink passage interface to the ink cavity 11.

[0040] A sealing plug 3 is detachably installed inside the ink filling port 13. The sealing plug 3 is used to seal the ink filling port 13 to prevent ink in the ink chamber 11 from leaking out of the ink filling port 13. Preferably, the ink filling port 13 is formed on the ergonomic grip portion 16.

[0041] Leak-proof cotton 5 is installed on the bottom wall 101 of container 1, and a part of the leak-proof cotton 5 is arranged around the ink outlet 12 in the circumferential direction. The leak-proof cotton 5 can absorb and clean the leaked ink in time when the ink outlet 12 accidentally leaks, so as to prevent the ink from leaking into the inkjet printing equipment and causing damage to the inkjet printing equipment and / or contaminating the imaging medium (such as paper, cloth, etc.).

[0042] Preferably, the leak-proof cotton 5 comprises a cotton block 51 and a cotton sheet 52, which are integrally formed. A receiving groove 17 is also formed on the main body, the receiving groove 17 being recessed into the ink storage cavity 11 from the bottom wall 101 of the main body, and the receiving groove 17 is isolated from the ink storage cavity 11. The receiving groove 17 has a first groove portion 171 and a second groove portion 172, which are connected and distributed along the length direction of the container 1 (i.e., the distribution direction of the front end wall 103 and the rear end wall 104 of the container 1). The ink outlet 12 is located within the second groove portion 172. Furthermore, the cotton block 51 of the leak-proof cotton 5 is located within the first groove portion 171, and the cotton sheet 52 is located within the second groove portion 172, with the cotton sheet 52 arranged circumferentially around the ink outlet 12. It is evident that the arrangement of the receiving slot 17 makes the overall structure of the ink cartridge 100 more compact and is more conducive to increasing the capacity of the ink storage chamber 11; while the cotton pad 52 is arranged around the ink outlet 12 in the circumferential direction, so that when ink leaks at any part of the ink outlet 12, the cotton pad 52 can absorb the leaked ink in time to prevent ink from leaking into the inkjet printer; the arrangement of the cotton block 51 can greatly increase the amount of leaked ink absorbed by the leak-proof cotton 5, thereby extending the service life of the leak-proof cotton 5.

[0043] Chip module 6 is mounted on container 1 so that when ink cartridge 100 is installed into ink cartridge mounting cavity, chip module 6 is electrically connected to the electrical connection part in ink cartridge mounting cavity, thereby establishing communication between chip 61 and the control system of inkjet printer, allowing inkjet printer to know the current status of ink cartridge 100 through chip module 6. Preferably, chip module 6 is detachably connected to container 1; preferably, container 1 has a mating part 15 formed at the junction of its front wall 103 and bottom wall 101, chip module 6 includes chip 61 and bracket 62, chip 61 is mounted on bracket 62, and bracket 62 is detachably connected to mating part 15. By making the chip module 6 detachable, it can be reused, thereby extending the lifespan of the chip 61 and reducing user costs. Furthermore, placing the chip 61 at the junction of the front wall 103 and the bottom wall 101 of the container 1 allows the chip 61 mounted on the ink cartridge 100 to be electrically connected to the electrical connection within the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the inkjet printer, ensuring stable and reliable contact between the chip 61 and the electrical connection. In addition, the detachable connection of the chip 61 to the container 1 via the bracket 62 effectively solves the problem of easy damage during direct loading and unloading of the chip 61 and the container 1.

[0044] A leak-proof film 7 is disposed on the bottom wall 101 of the container 1 and covers the sealing head 2. The leak-proof film 7 protects the ink cartridge 100 when it is unused (unopened) to prevent ink leakage during packaging and transportation. Preferably, the leak-proof film 7 has a body 71 and a pull-out portion 72. The body 71 covers the bottom wall 101 of the body, and the pull-out portion 72 preferably extends along the width direction of the body and extends beyond the body 71. In addition, the body 71 preferably has easy-tear lines 711 formed in the extending direction of the pull-out portion 72, and the ink outlet 12 is located between the two easy-tear lines 711. This allows the user to tear off a portion of the body 71 of the leak-proof film 7 through the pull-out portion 72 when using the ink cartridge 100, thereby exposing the ink outlet 12. This makes it more convenient and less labor-intensive to connect the ink inlet in the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the inkjet printer with the sealing head 2, and better prevents damage to the ink inlet.

[0045] In summary, compared to existing ink cartridges 100 that include a container 1 and a converter, the ink cartridge 100 provided by this invention directly mounts the chip module 6 onto the container 1, thereby eliminating the need for a converter. Furthermore, by combining the container 1 with a blow molding process, the ink cavity 11 has a larger capacity, and the structure of the ink cartridge 100 is simpler, which is more conducive to reducing the production cost and assembly difficulty of the ink cartridge 100. In addition, through the design of the ink cartridge 100, the ink in the ink cavity 11 can flow as much as possible through the ink outlet 12 at the bottom to the sealing head 2, and then through the sealing head 2 to the inkjet printing device, minimizing the amount of unusable ink remaining in the ink cavity 11. Simultaneously, when the ink level in the ink cavity 11 is insufficient, ink can be refilled. Ink is added to the ink chamber 11 through the inlet 13, allowing the ink cartridge 100 to be reused, extending its service life and reducing operating costs. After the ink chamber 11 is replenished, the inlet 13 is sealed with a sealing plug 3 to prevent ink leakage. Furthermore, the user can directly observe the remaining ink level in the ink chamber 11 of the ink cartridge 100 through the observation window and transparent plate 4, so as to replenish the ink chamber 11 or replace the ink cartridge 100 in a timely manner. In addition, if ink leakage occurs accidentally at the ink outlet 12, the leak-proof cotton 5 can absorb and clean the leaked ink in time to prevent ink from flowing into the inkjet printer and causing damage to the inkjet printer and / or contamination of the imaging medium (such as paper, cloth, etc.).

[0046] Second embodiment of ink cartridge

[0047] The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment of the ink cartridge is that in this embodiment, the window and transparent plate on the container are removed, and the container is made of transparent material.

[0048] Preferably, the container is provided with scale lines so that the remaining ink level in the ink chamber can be visually observed in real time after the ink cartridge is installed into the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the inkjet printer.

[0049] Inkjet printing equipment examples

[0050] An inkjet printer includes a body and an ink cartridge; wherein the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge described in either the first or second embodiment of the above-mentioned ink cartridge. The body has an ink cartridge mounting cavity, which has an ink inlet and an electrical connection. The ink cartridge is detachably mounted in the ink cartridge mounting cavity, a sealing head is connected to the ink inlet, and the electrical connection is electrically connected to the chip of the chip module. Therefore, an inkjet printer equipped with the above-mentioned ink cartridge can perform longer printing operations and can replenish ink in the ink storage cavity of the cartridge at any time, thereby extending the lifespan of the ink cartridge and reducing the operating cost of the inkjet printer.

[0051] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, comprising a container having an ink chamber and an ink outlet, characterized in that: The container is manufactured using a blow molding process. The ink outlet is formed on the bottom wall of the container, and an ink filling port is also formed on the container. Both the ink filling port and the ink outlet are connected to the ink cavity. The ink cartridge also includes a sealing head, a sealing plug, a leak-proof cotton, and a chip module. The sealing head is installed inside the ink outlet and can communicate with the ink cavity. The sealing plug is detachably installed inside the ink filling port. The leak-proof cotton is installed on the bottom wall, and a portion of the leak-proof cotton is arranged around the circumference of the ink outlet. The chip module is installed on the container. The container also has a receiving groove formed, which is recessed from the bottom wall into the ink cavity. The receiving groove is isolated from the ink cavity. The receiving groove has a first groove portion and a second groove portion, and the ink outlet is located in the second groove portion. The leak-proof cotton has an integrally formed cotton block and cotton sheet. The cotton block is located in the first groove portion, and the cotton sheet is located in the second groove portion. The cotton sheet is arranged around the circumference of the ink outlet.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container has a window on its rear end wall, the window penetrating the rear end wall and communicating with the ink chamber, and the ink cartridge also includes a transparent plate, which is sealed and installed inside the window; or the container is made of a transparent material.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chip module is detachably connected to the container; the container has a mating part formed at the junction of its front wall and bottom wall; the chip module includes a chip and a bracket; the chip is mounted on the bracket; and the bracket is detachably connected to the mating part.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom wall has a guide surface inside the ink cavity. At the assembly position of the ink cartridge, the guide surface is inclined to the axis of the ink outlet, and the ink outlet is located at the lowest point of the guide surface.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container is also formed with an ergonomic grip, which is located at the junction of the top wall and the rear wall of the container.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ink inlet is formed on the ergonomic grip.

7. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The ink cartridge also includes a leak-proof membrane disposed on the bottom wall and covering the sealing head; the sealing head has an ink outlet hole and a sealing membrane is disposed inside the ink outlet hole.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The leak-proof membrane includes a body and a lifting portion. The body covers the bottom wall and the sealing head, and the lifting portion extends from the body.

9. An inkjet printing device, comprising a body, the body having an ink cartridge mounting cavity, the ink cartridge mounting cavity having an ink inlet and an electrical connection, characterized in that: The inkjet printing device further includes an ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the ink cartridge being detachably installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity, the sealing head being connected to the ink inlet, and the electrical connection being electrically connected to the chip module.

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