An ink cartridge, an ink supply system and a printer

Abstract

The application discloses an ink capsule, an ink supply system and a printer, wherein the ink capsule is provided with at least one ink channel, the ink channel at least comprises an ink input cavity, an ink output cavity, a switch valve and an output connector communicated with the ink output cavity, and the ink channel further comprises at least two ink input connectors communicated with the ink input cavity; the ink supply system comprises an ink storage system and N ink capsules connected in series. The ink capsule is provided with multiple ink input connectors, so that the ink capsule has a structure basis connected in series, the ink supply system is connected in series, the ink supply pipeline layout is more simple, the user can very conveniently operate each printing nozzle from above the ink capsule, the space design of the ink carriage can be greatly reduced, the motion load and the wind resistance are reduced, the length of the ink supply pipeline is greatly reduced, the shaking of the ink supply pipeline is reduced, and the ink supply is more stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, specifically to an ink cartridge, an ink supply system, and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of large-format inkjet printing equipment used in commercial or industrial applications, due to the need for faster printing performance, more printheads are often integrated into a single printing device to form a printhead group that works together. Figure 1 The image shows an ink carriage assembly integrating eight printheads. The eight printheads 1 are mounted on printhead bases 2, which are mounted on the ink carriage base plate 3. Each connector of the printhead 1 is connected to the output end of the printer's ink storage system 5 via an ink sac. The entire ink carriage 4 reciprocates on the printer's crossbeam for scanning printing.

[0003] Conventionally, an ink sac with an automatic switching valve is inserted into the connector of printhead 1 to suppress ink overflow from the printhead end in non-inkjet mode. At the same time, the ink sac automatically opens the switching valve to deliver ink to the printhead when the printhead is actively inkjet.

[0004] An existing ink sac structure is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the ink sac contains an ink input chamber 10 and an ink output chamber 20, with a switching valve 50 between them. An input connector 30 is located at the top of the ink sac, connecting to the output end of the ink storage system 5 via an ink supply line. An ink supply channel 60 connects the input connector 30 to the ink input chamber 10 inside the ink sac. An output connector 40, connected to the ink output chamber 20, is located at the bottom of the ink sac and is connected to the printhead 1. The switching valve 50 is only activated when the printhead is actively ejecting ink; otherwise, it remains closed, regardless of whether the ink input end of the ink sac is under positive, negative, or normal pressure.

[0005] Normally, the input and output terminals of an ink cartridge correspond one-to-one, for example... Figure 2 The ink cartridge shown is a type with only one input and one output end. In the prior art, there is another type of ink cartridge that can use multiple colors of ink, that is, an ink cartridge has multiple ink channels, each ink channel has a corresponding input connector 30, ink input chamber 10, switching valve 50, ink output chamber 20 and output connector 40.

[0006] When the ink cartridges of the above-mentioned existing structure are applied to printers, the ink storage system or tubing connectors are often located on the top of the printhead assembly (commonly known as the printhead carriage). For printhead carriages with multiple printhead arrays, the tubing becomes very complicated. Figure 3The image shows an ink carriage consisting of 32 printheads arranged in four columns (A, B, C, and D). Since each printhead requires four single-channel ink cartridges, there are a total of 16 columns of single-channel ink cartridges. Taking column A1 as an example, the ink cartridges and connectors in column A1 of this ink carriage are as follows... Figure 4 As shown, there are 8 independent connecting pipes that cross from the lower ink sac end to the upper ink storage system interface end. In this way, there are 16 horizontal rows of connecting pipes similar to group A1, with a total of 128 pipes crisscrossing in the air of the printhead. This large number and intricate network of pipes makes it very inconvenient for users to operate the inner printhead. At the same time, the reciprocating motion of the printhead causes the pipes to vibrate back and forth, which can also have some adverse effects on inkjet printing. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the technical defects of the prior art, which is that the structure of the ink sac makes the ink supply system of the printer have a large number of intricate and complex pipelines, which leads to inconvenience for users and the adverse effects of pipeline vibration on inkjet printing.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an ink cartridge, which is provided with at least one ink passage, the ink passage including at least an ink input cavity, an ink output cavity, a switching valve disposed between the ink input cavity and the ink output cavity, and an output connector communicating with the ink output cavity, characterized in that the ink passage further includes at least two ink supply connectors communicating with the ink input cavity.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the ink supply connector is provided in two parts, including a first connector communicating with the top of the ink input cavity and a second connector communicating with the bottom of the ink input cavity.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the second connector is disposed at the top of the ink sac, and a liquid flow channel is provided between the second connector and the bottom of the ink input cavity.

[0011] The present invention also provides an ink supply system, including an ink storage system and N ink bladders as described in any one of claims 1-3, where N≥2; the N ink bladders are connected in series, the ink storage system is connected to the ink supply connector of the first ink bladder through a main ink supply pipe, and the ink supply connectors of two adjacent ink bladders are connected through connecting ink supply pipes.

[0012] The present invention also provides a printer, including at least the ink supply system described above, wherein the output connector of each ink cartridge is connected to the print head.

[0013] The ink cartridge of the present invention has at least two ink inlet connectors in each ink inlet cavity, which has the following advantages compared with the traditional ink cartridge having only one ink inlet connector:

[0014] The ink sac is equipped with multiple ink supply connectors, which allows the ink input cavity to not only serve as the ink storage cavity for the corresponding printhead, but also as an ink transfer cavity to supply ink to other structures that require ink. This changes the traditional application of the ink sac's ink input cavity, which is only used as the ink storage cavity for the corresponding printhead, and expands the application range of the ink sac.

[0015] The ink supply system and printer of the present invention are based on a structure in which the ink input cavity of the ink bladder has at least two ink supply connectors. N ink bladders are connected in series, and the ink storage system only needs to be connected to the first ink bladder via a main ink supply tube. Adjacent ink bladders are connected by shorter connecting ink supply tubes. Compared to the traditional method where each ink bladder is connected to the ink storage system via a main ink supply tube, this series ink supply system has the following advantages:

[0016] (1) The ink supply pipeline layout is simpler, and users can easily operate each printhead from above the ink cartridge.

[0017] (2) It greatly reduces the length of the ink supply pipeline, reduces the vibration of the ink supply pipeline, and makes the ink supply more stable.

[0018] (3) When the print head has multiple color channels, especially the ink sacs in each column (group) of printheads, or the ink sacs in different columns of the print head but with the same color channel, a certain number of them are connected in series. The layout is clear, the pipeline is short, and the problem of pipeline crossover on the print head is completely solved.

[0019] (4) The pipeline layout becomes simple and clear, which allows the space design of the ink carriage to be greatly reduced, thus reducing the motion load and wind resistance.

[0020] The ink sac of this invention employs an ink sac with a switching valve structure between the ink input chamber and the ink output chamber. This switching valve structure effectively divides the ink sac into an ink input chamber and an ink output chamber. The switching valve closes automatically when the print head is not actively ejecting ink, allowing the mutual flow regulation of ink between adjacent series-connected ink sacs to avoid fluctuations or disruptions in the ink pressure balance of the ink output chamber of any ink sac and the print head cavity, thereby greatly improving the stability of ink ejection at the print head end connected to the ink output chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ink carriage assembly that integrates eight printheads in the prior art;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink sac in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 3The existing technology has a printhead assembly consisting of 32 printheads arranged in four columns ABCD;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the connection points for the ink cartridges and ink storage system in column A1 of the ink carriage shown.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ink sac structure in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ink supply system in this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a preferred ink cartridge series connection method in the ink supply system shown;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another preferred ink cartridge series connection method in the ink supply system is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are 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.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; they can refer to the internal connection of two components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] One ink cartridge of this embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, an ink path is provided, which includes an ink input chamber 10, an ink output chamber 20, a switching valve 50 located between the ink input chamber 10 and the ink output chamber 20, and an output connector 40 communicating with the ink output chamber 20. As a special feature of this embodiment, the ink path also includes two ink supply connectors communicating with the ink input chamber 10.

[0033] It should be noted that the ink cartridge shown in this embodiment has only one ink path. Those skilled in the art should understand that the ink cartridge can also be configured with multiple ink paths as needed.

[0034] Preferably, in this embodiment, the ink supply connector includes a first connector 31 communicating with the top of the ink input cavity 10 and a second connector 32 communicating with the bottom of the ink input cavity 10. The second connector 32 is located at the top of the ink sac, and in this case, a liquid flow channel 11 is provided between the second connector 32 and the bottom of the ink input cavity 10.

[0035] It should be noted that the number and position of the ink supply connectors described above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and not the only limitation thereof. Those skilled in the art should understand that the number of ink supply connectors can also be more than two, and the position of the ink supply connectors can be adjusted as needed. For example, the ink supply connectors can also be located on the side or bottom of the ink cartridge.

[0036] Preferably, in this embodiment, the switching valve 50 includes a valve port 51 disposed between the ink input chamber 10 and the ink output chamber 20, a valve body 52 located on one side of the ink input chamber 10 and used to control the opening and closing of the valve port 51, a first elastic member 53 located on the side of the valve body 52 away from the valve port, a valve stem 54 located on one side of the ink output chamber 20 and passing through the valve port 51 to abut against the valve body 52, and a second elastic member 55 located between the valve stem 54 and the valve port 51. The first elastic member 53 and the second elastic member 55 are preferably springs.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cavity wall of the ink output cavity 20 opposite to the valve port 51 is a deformable wall 21. The deformable wall 21 is preset to bulge and deform towards the side away from the valve port. The end of the valve stem 54 away from the valve port abuts against the deformable wall 21 through the support plate 22.

[0038] In this embodiment, the ink sac maintains a suitable negative pressure within the ink output chamber 20 by the deformation of the support plate 22, driven by the second elastic element 55, in conjunction with the deformable wall 21, to prevent ink dripping from the printhead. When the control system controls the printhead to eject ink, the ink in the ink output chamber 20 replenishes the printhead, creating a greater negative pressure within the ink output chamber 20. Under atmospheric pressure, the deformable wall 21 pushes the valve stem 54 to open the valve body 52. ​​This connects the ink input chamber 10 and the ink output chamber 20 through the valve port. The ink in the ink input chamber 10 replenishes the ink output chamber 20 under the pressure difference. As the amount of ink in the ink output chamber 20 increases, the pressure difference is somewhat alleviated, and the deformable wall 21 bulges outward again under the action of the second elastic element. The valve body closes the valve port under the action of the first elastic element. This structural design of the ink sac allows the switching valve 50 to open and close the valve port as needed according to the printhead's active ink ejection requirements, thus completing the ink replenishment and pressure balance of the printhead.

[0039] It should be noted that the above-mentioned switching valve is a conventional switching valve used in this field. Those skilled in the art should understand that other switching valves that can supply ink between the ink input chamber and the ink output chamber can also be used.

[0040] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge has at least two ink inlet connectors in the ink input chamber, providing a structural basis for the series connection of multiple ink cartridges. A printer product can also be designed to integrate two or more independent color channels according to the connection requirements of the print head, so that multiple color channels can be connected independently.

[0041] The following example illustrates this embodiment. Figure 5 Taking the ink sac structure shown as an example, the serial ink supply system of the printer in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0042] The ink supply system in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the system includes an ink storage system 5 and eight ink bladders connected in series. The ink storage system 5 is connected to one of the ink supply connectors of the first ink bladder via a main ink supply pipe 6. Adjacent ink bladders have their ink supply connectors connected via connecting ink supply pipes. The ink supply connector in the last ink bladder that is not connected to any other ink bladder is sealed with a plug 8. It should be noted that, if necessary, the ink supply connector in this last ink bladder that is not connected to any other ink bladder can also be connected to other ink supply lines or components, such as an ink return circulation line or a one-way shut-off valve.

[0043] It should be noted that, Figure 6The diagram shown is only for this embodiment, which uses two ink supply connectors for each ink path. If more than three ink supply connectors are used for each ink path, a more flexible series connection can be achieved. Any ink supply connector in an ink sac that is not connected to other ink sacs or other ink supply lines or components can be closed.

[0044] Figure 7 The image shows N items. Figure 5 The ink sacs shown are connected in series Figure 6 A preferred connection method for the ink supply system is shown, where N ≥ 2. In this embodiment, the ink storage system 5 is connected to the first connector 31 of the first ink sac via the main ink supply pipe 6, and the first connector 31 of the Mth ink sac is connected to the second connector 32 of the (M-1)th ink sac via the connecting ink supply pipe 7, where 2 ≤ M ≤ N. In this connection method, during the initial connection, ink can fill the ink input chambers of all ink sacs except the Nth ink sac, or... Figure 7 As shown, an air cavity 12 is pre-set above the ink level in the ink input cavity 10.

[0045] In this embodiment, the advantage of the pre-set air cavity 12 is that the ink supplied to the next ink cartridge is taken from the bottom of the ink input cavity 10 of the previous ink cartridge by the first connector 31. Therefore, the air in this air cavity 12 tends to remain in this ink cartridge during printer operation and will not automatically transfer and be discharged to other ink cartridges, nor will it change the air ratio in other ink input cavities 10. This structure can use a certain proportion of air to buffer the pressure changes in the ink input cavity 10.

[0046] Figure 8 The image shows N items. Figure 5 The ink sacs shown are connected in series Figure 6 Another preferred connection method for the ink supply system is shown, where N≥2. In this embodiment, the ink storage system 5 is connected to the second connector 32 of the first ink sac via the main ink supply pipe 6, and the second connector 32 of the Mth ink sac is connected to the first connector 31 of the (M-1)th ink sac via a connecting ink supply pipe 7, where 2≤M≤N. In this connection method, since the first connector 31 is at the top, air will automatically be discharged and compressed to the next level ink sac. Therefore, the ink input chamber 10 of each ink sac will be full of ink, and the air will collect in the ink input chamber 10 of the last ink sac. This connection method facilitates user maintenance and air discharge from the ink input chamber 10; it also reduces the miscibility of ink and air, which is beneficial to improving the stability of ink properties.

[0047] In summary, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements 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 at least one ink passage, said ink passage including at least an ink input chamber, an ink output chamber, a switching valve disposed between the ink input chamber and the ink output chamber, and an output connector communicating with said ink output chamber, characterized in that, The ink passage further includes at least two ink supply connectors communicating with the ink input cavity; the at least two ink supply connectors include a first connector and a second connector located at the top of the ink sac and communicating with the top and bottom of the ink input cavity respectively, and a liquid flow channel is provided between the second connector and the bottom of the ink input cavity.

2. An ink supply system, characterized in that, It includes an ink storage system and N ink bladders as described in any one of claims 1, where N ≥ 2; the N ink bladders are connected in series, the ink storage system is connected to the ink supply connector of the first ink bladder through a main ink supply pipe, and the ink supply connectors of two adjacent ink bladders are connected through a connecting ink supply pipe; The connection methods of the ink supply system include: The ink storage system is connected to the first connector of the first ink sac via the main ink supply pipe, and the first connector of the Mth ink sac is connected to the second connector of the (M-1)th ink sac via a connecting ink supply pipe, where 2≤M≤N; Alternatively, the ink storage system is connected to the second connector of the first ink sac via the main ink supply pipe, and the second connector of the Mth ink sac is connected to the first connector of the (M-1)th ink sac via a connecting ink supply pipe, where 2≤M≤N.

3. A printer, characterized in that, It includes at least the ink supply system of claim 2, wherein the output connector of each ink sac is connected to the printhead.

Images