Ink path circulating system and printing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and discloses an ink path circulation system and printing equipment, and the ink path circulation system comprises a first ink box, a second ink box, a first pipeline, a second pipeline and a third pipeline. A first liquid storage chamber and a second liquid storage chamber are arranged in the first ink box, and the liquid level of ink in the second liquid storage chamber is always lower than the maximum liquid level of the first liquid storage chamber. The liquid inlet end of the first pipeline communicates with the first liquid storage chamber, and the liquid outlet end communicates with the ink inlet end of the printing head. The liquid inlet end of the second pipeline communicates with the ink return end of the printing head, the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline communicates with the second ink box, and the ink level in the second ink box is always lower than the communicating position of the second pipeline and the second ink box. The liquid inlet end of the third pipeline communicates with the second ink box, and the liquid outlet end communicates with the first liquid storage chamber. The liquid pressure intensity between the first liquid storage chamber and the first pipeline is relatively stable, the liquid pressure intensity formed by the second pipeline is also relatively stable, ink can stably flow, the printing head can stably jet ink, and the printing effect of the printing equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and in particular to an ink circulation system and a printing equipment. Background Art

[0002] An inkjet printer is a device that converts liquid ink into tiny particles through the nozzle of the print head and sprays them onto printing paper for printing.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, in the prior art, an inkjet printer mainly includes an ink circulation system and a print head 100', and the ink circulation system includes a first ink cartridge 1' and a second ink cartridge 2'. The bottom of the first ink cartridge 1' is connected to the print head 100' through a first pipeline 3', the bottom of the second ink cartridge 2' is connected to the print head 100' through a second pipeline 4', and the bottom of the second ink cartridge 2' is connected to the first ink cartridge 1' through a third pipeline 5'. During the printing process, the ink in the first ink cartridge 1' flows to the print head 100' through the first pipeline 3', and the excess ink in the print head 100' flows back to the second ink cartridge 2' through the second pipeline 4', and the ink recovered in the second ink cartridge 2' is then transported to the first ink cartridge 1' through the third pipeline 5' to reuse the ink.

[0004] During the printing process, as the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2' continues to rise, the liquid pressure formed by the second ink cartridge 2' and the second pipeline 4' will continue to change, resulting in the difference between the liquid pressure formed by the first ink cartridge 1' and the first pipeline 3' and the liquid pressure formed by the second ink cartridge 2' and the second pipeline 4' constantly changing, and the ink flow rate will also change accordingly. In other words, during the printing process, the flow rate of the ink in the ink path system is unstable, resulting in unstable ink supply at the print head 100', affecting the printing effect.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an ink circulation system and a printing device to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] Based on the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an ink circulation system and a printing device, which can stably supply ink to the print head and improve the printing effect of the printing device.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] On the one hand, an ink circulation system is provided for providing ink to a print head, the print head having an ink inlet end and an ink return end, the ink circulation system comprising a first ink cartridge, a second ink cartridge, a first pipeline, a second pipeline and a third pipeline;

[0009] The first ink cartridge is provided with a first liquid storage chamber and a second liquid storage chamber, the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber is always lower than the maximum ink level in the first liquid storage chamber, and the ink in the first liquid storage chamber can overflow into the second liquid storage chamber;

[0010] The liquid inlet end of the first pipeline is connected to the first liquid storage chamber, and the liquid outlet end of the first pipeline is connected to the ink inlet end;

[0011] The liquid inlet end of the second pipeline is connected to the ink return end, the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline is connected to the second ink cartridge, and the ink level in the second ink cartridge is always lower than the position where the second pipeline is connected to the second ink cartridge;

[0012] The liquid inlet end of the third pipeline is connected to the second ink cartridge, and the liquid outlet end of the third pipeline is connected to the first liquid storage chamber.

[0013] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, the ink flow rate in the third pipeline is greater than the ink flow rate in the first pipeline.

[0014] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, a liquid storage container is provided in the first ink cartridge, the inner cavity of the liquid storage container is the first liquid storage chamber, and the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge is the second liquid storage chamber;

[0015] Alternatively, a partition is disposed in the first ink cartridge, and the partition separates the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber into the first ink cartridge.

[0016] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, the second ink cartridge has a side wall and a top wall, and the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline is connected to the side wall or the top wall of the second ink cartridge.

[0017] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, the ink circulation system also includes an air source device and a fourth pipeline, one end of the fourth pipeline is connected to the air outlet end of the air source device, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the second ink cartridge, and the air source device is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink cartridge through the fourth pipeline.

[0018] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, the ink circulation system also includes a fifth pipeline, one end of the fifth pipeline is connected to the air outlet end of the air source device, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge, and the air source device is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge through the fifth pipeline.

[0019] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, a fourth control valve and / or a first protection device are provided on the fourth pipeline, the fourth control valve is used to control the on-off of the fourth pipeline, and the first protection device is used to prevent the ink from flowing along the fourth pipeline to the air source device;

[0020] And / or, a fifth control valve and / or a second protection device are provided on the fifth pipeline, the fifth control valve is used to control the on-off of the fifth pipeline, and the second protection device is used to prevent ink from flowing along the fifth pipeline to the air source device.

[0021] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, the air source device includes one or two. When there is one air source device, the fourth pipeline and the fifth pipeline are both connected to it; when there are two air source devices, the fourth pipeline is connected to one of the air source devices, and the fifth pipeline is connected to the other air source device.

[0022] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, a first control valve and / or a first filter device is provided on the first pipeline, the first control valve is used to control the on-off of the first pipeline, and the first filter device is used to filter the ink flowing through the first pipeline;

[0023] And / or, a second control valve and / or a second filter device is provided on the second pipeline, the second control valve is used to control the on-off of the second pipeline, and the second filter device is used to filter the ink flowing through the second pipeline;

[0024] And / or, the third pipeline is provided with a third control valve, a third filter device and / or a first power component, the third control valve is used to control the on-off of the third pipeline, the third filter device is used to filter the ink flowing through the third pipeline, and the ink in the second ink cartridge can be transported to the first ink cartridge via the third pipeline under the action of the first power component.

[0025] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, the ink circulation system further includes an ink supply container and a sixth pipe, one end of the sixth pipe is connected to the ink supply container, and the other end is connected to the second ink cartridge, and the ink in the ink supply container can be transported to the second ink cartridge via the sixth pipe;

[0026] And / or, the ink circulation system includes a seventh pipeline, a liquid inlet end of the seventh pipeline is connected to the second liquid storage chamber, and a liquid outlet end of the seventh pipeline is connected to the second ink cartridge.

[0027] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, when the ink circulation system includes the sixth pipeline, a sixth control valve, a fourth filter device and / or a second power member are provided on the sixth pipeline, the sixth control valve is used to control the on-off of the sixth pipeline, the fourth filter device is used to filter the ink in the sixth pipeline, and the ink in the ink supply container can be transported to the second ink cartridge via the sixth pipeline under the action of the second power member;

[0028] When the ink circulation system includes the seventh pipeline, a seventh control valve and / or a third power component is provided on the seventh pipeline, and the seventh control valve is used to control the on-off of the seventh pipeline. The ink in the second liquid storage chamber can be transported to the second ink cartridge via the seventh pipeline under the action of the third power component.

[0029] As an optional solution of the ink circulation system of the present invention, a first liquid level detection device is provided in the first ink cartridge, and the first liquid level detection device is used to detect the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber;

[0030] And / or, a second liquid level detection device is disposed in the second ink cartridge, and the second liquid level detection device is used to detect the ink level in the second ink cartridge.

[0031] On the other hand, a printing device is provided, comprising a print head and the ink circulation system as described above, wherein the ink circulation system is used to provide ink to the print head.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0033] The ink circulation system and printing device provided by the present invention are such that when the print head is printing, the ink in the first liquid storage chamber of the first ink cartridge flows to the ink inlet end of the print head via the first pipeline, and then flows from the second pipeline to the second ink cartridge via the ink return end of the print head. During the circulation of the ink in the print head 100, ink printing can be achieved at the print head, wherein the ink in the second ink cartridge can flow to the first liquid storage chamber via the third pipeline, so that the ink can be recycled.

[0034] Since the ink in the second ink cartridge directly flows into the first liquid storage chamber through the third pipeline, and the ink in the first liquid storage chamber can overflow into the second liquid storage chamber, the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber is always lower than the highest level in the first liquid storage chamber, so that the ink pressure in the first liquid storage chamber can be kept relatively stable, so that the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber and the first pipeline is relatively unchanged, and the ink can be stably supplied to the print head. At the same time, since the ink level in the second ink cartridge is always lower than the position where the second pipeline is connected to the second ink cartridge, that is, the ink level in the second ink cartridge will not exceed the connection point of the second pipeline, and the second pipeline is always connected to the space above the ink in the second ink cartridge, therefore, the rise and fall of the ink level in the second ink cartridge will not change the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline.

[0035] That is to say, the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber and the first pipeline is relatively stable, the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline is also relatively stable, and the difference between the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber and the first pipeline and the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline is almost unchanged. The ink can stably flow from the first liquid storage chamber, the first pipeline, the print head, and the second pipeline into the second ink cartridge, thereby improving the stability of ink circulation, so that the nozzle of the print head can stably spray ink, thereby improving the printing effect of the printing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the contents of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an ink circulation system in the prior art;

[0038] Figure 2 is a first schematic diagram of an ink circulation system provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 is a second schematic diagram of an ink circulation system provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 is a third schematic diagram of an ink circulation system provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 is a fourth schematic diagram of an ink circulation system provided by a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 It is the fifth schematic diagram of the ink circulation system provided by the specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 1 middle:

[0044] 1', first ink cartridge; 2', second ink cartridge; 3', first pipeline; 4', second pipeline; 5', third pipeline; 100', print head.

[0045] Figures 2 to 6 middle:

[0046] 1. First ink cartridge; 2. Second ink cartridge; 3. First pipeline; 4. Second pipeline; 5. Third pipeline;

[0047] 6. Gas source device; 7. Fourth pipeline; 8. Fifth pipeline; 9. Ink supply container; 10. Sixth pipeline;

[0048] 20, seventh pipeline; 30, first detection piece; 40, second detection piece; 50, third detection piece; 60, fourth detection piece;

[0049] 11. First liquid storage chamber; 12. Second liquid storage chamber; 13. Liquid storage container;

[0050] 21. side wall; 22. top wall;

[0051] 31. First control valve; 32. First filter; 33. Second filter;

[0052] 41. Second control valve;

[0053] 51. third control valve; 52. third filter device; 53. first power element;

[0054] 71. Fourth control valve; 72. First protection device;

[0055] 81. fifth control valve; 82. second protection device;

[0056] 101. sixth control valve; 102. fourth filter device; 103. second power element;

[0057] 201. seventh control valve; 202. third power element;

[0058] 100. Print head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Among them, the terms "first position" and "second position" are two different positions.

[0061] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0062] Embodiment 1

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an ink circulation system for providing ink to a print head 100, which can stably supply ink to the print head 100 and improve the printing effect of the printing device. The ink circulation system includes a first ink cartridge 1, a second ink cartridge 2, a first pipeline 3, a second pipeline 4 and a third pipeline 5.

[0064] The print head 100 has an ink inlet end and an ink return end, and the first ink cartridge 1 is provided with a first liquid storage chamber 11 and a second liquid storage chamber 12. The ink level in the second liquid storage chamber 12 is always lower than the maximum ink level in the first liquid storage chamber 11, and the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 can overflow to the second liquid storage chamber 12. The liquid inlet end of the first pipeline 3 is connected to the first liquid storage chamber 11, and the liquid outlet end of the first pipeline 3 is connected to the ink inlet end. The liquid inlet end of the second pipeline 4 is connected to the ink return end, and the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline 4 is connected to the second ink cartridge 2. The ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 is always lower than the position where the second pipeline 4 is connected to the second ink cartridge 2. The liquid inlet end of the third pipeline 5 is connected to the second ink cartridge 2, and the liquid outlet end of the third pipeline 5 is connected to the first liquid storage chamber 11. The ink in the second ink cartridge 2 can be transported to the first ink cartridge 1 via the third pipeline 5.

[0065] The ink circulation system provided in this embodiment is such that when the print head 100 is printing, the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 of the first ink cartridge 1 flows to the ink inlet end of the print head 100 via the first pipeline 3, and then flows from the second pipeline 4 to the second ink cartridge 2 via the ink return end of the print head 100. During the circulation of the ink in the print head 100, ink printing can be achieved at the print head 100, wherein the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 can flow to the first liquid storage chamber 11 via the third pipeline 5, so that the ink can be recycled.

[0066] Since the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 is directly passed into the first liquid storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5, and the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 can overflow into the second liquid storage chamber 12, the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber 12 is always lower than the highest level of the first liquid storage chamber 11, so that the ink pressure in the first liquid storage chamber 11 can be kept relatively stable, so that the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively unchanged, and the ink can be stably supplied to the print head 100. At the same time, since the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 is always lower than the position where the second pipeline 4 is connected to the second ink cartridge 2, that is, the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 will not exceed the connection point of the second pipeline 4, and the second pipeline 4 is always connected to the space above the ink in the second ink cartridge 2, therefore, the change in the liquid level of the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 will not change the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4.

[0067] That is to say, the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively stable, and the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4 is also relatively stable. The difference between the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 and the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4 is almost unchanged. The ink can stably flow from the first liquid storage chamber 11, the first pipeline 3, the print head 100, and the second pipeline 4 into the second ink cartridge 2, thereby improving the ink circulation stability, so that the nozzle of the print head 100 can stably spray ink, thereby improving the printing effect of the printing device.

[0068] Optionally, the ink flow in the third pipeline 5 is greater than the ink flow in the first pipeline 3 to ensure that the ink level in the first liquid storage chamber 11 can gradually increase. When the ink level increases to the maximum ink level of the first liquid storage chamber 11, the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 will overflow into the second liquid storage chamber 12 of the first ink cartridge 1, so that the ink level in the first liquid storage chamber 11 is relatively stable, thereby ensuring that the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively stable.

[0069] Optionally, see Figure 2 The first ink cartridge 1 is provided with a liquid storage container 13, the inner cavity of the liquid storage container 13 is the first liquid storage chamber 11, and the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge 1 is the second liquid storage chamber 12. The liquid storage container 13 can be a bottle structure or a tank structure, refer to Figure 2 The liquid storage container 13 is fixed at the bottom of the first ink cartridge 1, and the first pipeline 3 is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage container 13, so that the ink in the liquid storage container 13 can smoothly enter the first pipeline 3. The space outside the liquid storage container 13 is the second liquid storage chamber 12. The height of the liquid storage container 13 is less than the height of the first ink cartridge 1, so that the excess ink transported to the liquid storage container 13 by the third pipeline 5 can overflow into the second liquid storage chamber 12, ensuring the stability of the ink pressure in the liquid storage container 13. The highest liquid level of the first liquid storage chamber 11 is the liquid level when the liquid storage container 13 is about to overflow.

[0070] Since the relative positions among the first ink cartridge 1, the first pipeline 3 and the print head 100 are relatively fixed, and the liquid storage container 13 overflows when full, that is, the ink height in the liquid storage container 13 is also relatively unchanged, thus, the liquid pressure formed by the liquid storage container 13 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively unchanged.

[0071] In other embodiments, a partition may be provided in the first ink cartridge 1 to separate the first ink storage chamber 11 and the second ink storage chamber 12. The height of the partition is lower than that of the first ink cartridge 1. When more ink flows from the third pipeline 5 to the first ink storage chamber 11, the excess ink overflows from the top of the partition to be stored in the second ink storage chamber 12.

[0072] Optionally, see Figure 2 The second ink cartridge 2 has a side wall 21 and a top wall 22, and the second pipeline 4 is connected to the side wall 21 or the top wall 22 of the second ink cartridge 2. Figure 2 As shown, the second pipeline 4 is connected to the top wall 22 of the second ink cartridge 2, which can effectively prevent the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 from submerging the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline 4, thereby ensuring that the liquid pressure in the second pipeline 4 is stable.

[0073] In other embodiments, the second pipe 4 can also be connected to the side wall 21 of the second ink cartridge 2. For example, the liquid outlet of the second pipe 4 is connected to the upper area of ​​the side wall 21, as long as the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 is always lower than the liquid outlet of the second pipe 4.

[0074] Optionally, see Figure 2 , a first control valve 31 and / or a first filter device are provided on the first pipeline 3, the first control valve 31 is used to control the on and off of the first pipeline 3, and the first filter device is used to filter the ink flowing through the first pipeline 3. By controlling the opening and closing of the first control valve 31, the first pipeline 3 can be turned on or off, thereby controlling whether ink is supplied to the print head 100. Specifically, when the print head 100 needs to spray ink, the first control valve 31 is opened, and the ink can smoothly flow from the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 into the print head 100 for ink spraying. When the print head 100 does not need to spray ink, the first control valve 31 is closed to prevent the flow of ink and ensure the normal operation of the print head 100. Exemplarily, the first control valve 31 can be a solenoid valve to facilitate electronic control.

[0075] By filtering impurities in the ink through the first filter device, the print head 100 can be prevented from being blocked, which plays a protective role in protecting the print head 100 and prolongs the service life of the print head 100. In this embodiment, the first filter device includes a first filter 32 and a second filter 33 arranged at intervals on the first pipeline 3, the first control valve 31 is located between the first filter 32 and the second filter 33, and the first filter 32 is located upstream of the second filter 33. The two can filter the ink flowing through the first pipeline 3 twice to ensure that the ink reaching the print head 100 is free of impurities, so that the print head 100 can work normally.

[0076] In other embodiments, the first filtering device may also include only one filter, that is, only one filter is provided on the first pipeline 3 , and the ink flowing through the first pipeline 3 can also be filtered.

[0077] See also Figure 2 , a second control valve 41 is provided on the second pipeline 4, and the second control valve 41 is used to control the on-off of the second pipeline 4. During the printing process of the print head 100, the second control valve 41 is opened, so that the excess ink in the print head 100 can flow to the second ink cartridge 2 through the second pipeline 4, and the excess ink is recovered in time. After the print head 100 finishes printing, the second control valve 41 is closed to ensure that the pressure in the second ink cartridge 2 is stable. Exemplarily, the second control valve 41 can be a solenoid valve.

[0078] Optionally, a second filter device may be provided on the second pipeline 4, and the second filter device is used to filter the ink flowing through the second pipeline 4 to remove impurities in the recovered ink, thereby reducing the filtering pressure when the ink is reused. Exemplarily, the second filter device may be a filter.

[0079] See also Figure 2 The third pipeline 5 is provided with a third control valve 51, a third filter device 52 and / or a first power member 53. The third control valve 51 is used to control the on-off of the third pipeline 5. The third filter device 52 is used to filter the ink flowing through the third pipeline 5. The ink in the second ink cartridge 2 can be transported to the first ink cartridge 1 through the third pipeline 5 under the action of the first power member 53.

[0080] In this embodiment, the third pipeline 5 is provided with a third control valve 51, a third filter device 52 and a first power member 53. The third control valve 51 is located upstream of the first power member 53, and the third filter device 52 is located downstream of the first power member 53. The liquid inlet end of the third pipeline 5 is connected to the bottom of the second ink cartridge 2, and the liquid outlet end of the third pipeline 5 is directly opposite to the first liquid storage chamber 11. By opening the third control valve 51 and starting the first power member 53, the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 can be transported to the first liquid storage chamber 11 via the third pipeline 5 to recycle the ink recovered in the second ink cartridge 2. The third filter device 52 can perform preliminary filtration on the ink entering the first liquid storage chamber 11, reduce impurities carried in the ink, reduce the filtration burden of the first filter device on the first pipeline 3, and further prevent the print head 100 from being blocked.

[0081] Exemplarily, the third control valve 51 may be a solenoid valve, the third filter device 52 may be a filter, and the first power member 53 may be a pump.

[0082] In other embodiments, only the third control valve 51 and the first power component 53 may be provided on the third pipeline 5 .

[0083] Embodiment 2

[0084] This embodiment provides an ink circulation system, which is further improved on the basis of the first embodiment, and the main differences are:

[0085] See also Figure 3The ink circulation system further includes an air source device 6 and a fourth pipeline 7. One end of the fourth pipeline 7 is connected to the air outlet end of the air source device 6, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the second ink cartridge 2. The air source device 6 is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink cartridge 2 through the fourth pipeline 7. When the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is equal to or less than the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4, negative pressure is applied to the second ink cartridge 2 through the air source device 6, so that the pressure on one side of the second ink cartridge 2 is less than the pressure on one side of the first ink cartridge 1, and the ink can smoothly flow from the first liquid storage chamber 11, the first pipeline 3, the print head 100, and the second pipeline 4 into the second ink cartridge 2, ensuring that the ink circulates stably in the ink circulation system and improving the printing quality of the print head 100.

[0086] In addition, by controlling the pressure output by the air source device 6, the pressure difference between the second ink cartridge 2 and the first ink cartridge 1 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the ink flow rate in the first pipeline 3 and / or the second pipeline 4, adjusting the inkjet mode of the print head 100, thereby changing the layering and saturation of the printed product to meet the printing requirements of different products.

[0087] Since bubbles may be generated when the ink enters the second ink cartridge 2, the air source device 6 applies negative pressure to the second ink cartridge 2 through the fourth pipeline 7. Under the action of the negative pressure, the bubbles in the ink will burst. That is, the setting of the air source device 6 can also degas the ink, improve the uniformity and stability of the ink, thereby ensuring the printing quality of the print head 100.

[0088] See also Figure 3 The fourth pipeline 7 is provided with a fourth control valve 71 and / or a first protection device 72. The fourth control valve 71 is used to control the on-off of the fourth pipeline 7, and the first protection device 72 is used to prevent the ink from flowing along the fourth pipeline 7 to the air source device 6. When it is necessary to provide positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink cartridge 2, the fourth control valve 71 is opened so that the air source device 6 can ventilate or exhaust air to the second ink cartridge 2 through the fourth pipeline 7. When the air source device 6 is not in operation, the fourth control valve 71 is closed to ensure that the pressure in the second ink cartridge 2 is stable. The setting of the first protection device 72 can make the gas or liquid in the fourth pipeline 7 flow in a specific direction, avoid the ink from flowing back into the air source device 6 under abnormal circumstances, and ensure that the air source device 6 can work normally.

[0089] Exemplarily, the fourth control valve 71 may be a solenoid valve. The first protection device 72 may be a safety bottle. When the device is abnormal, ink flows into the safety bottle, which may be detected by the detection element in the safety bottle. At this time, the printing device is promptly controlled to stop to avoid a greater failure. In other embodiments, the first protection device 72 may also be a check valve, etc.

[0090] Optionally, see Figure 4The ink circulation system includes an air source device 6 and a fifth pipeline 8. One end of the fifth pipeline 8 is connected to the air outlet end of the air source device 6, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge 1. The air source device 6 is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge 1 through the fifth pipeline 8.

[0091] When the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is equal to or less than the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4, positive pressure is applied to the first ink cartridge 1 through the air source device 6, so that the pressure on one side of the first ink cartridge 1 can be greater than the pressure on the side of the second ink cartridge 2, and the ink can flow smoothly from the first liquid storage chamber 11, the first pipeline 3, the print head 100, and the second pipeline 4 into the second ink cartridge 2, ensuring that the ink circulates stably in the ink circulation system and improving the printing quality of the print head 100.

[0092] When there are bubbles in the ink in the first ink cartridge 1, the air source device 6 applies negative pressure to the first ink cartridge 1 through the fifth pipeline 8. Under the action of the negative pressure, the bubbles in the ink burst, achieving the purpose of degassing the ink and improving the uniformity and stability of the ink.

[0093] See also Figure 4 The fifth pipeline 8 is provided with a fifth control valve 81 and / or a second protection device 82. The fifth control valve 81 is used to control the opening and closing of the fifth pipeline 8, and the second protection device 82 is used to prevent the ink from flowing along the fifth pipeline 8 to the air source device 6. When it is necessary to provide positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge 1, the fifth control valve 81 is opened so that the air source device 6 can ventilate or exhaust air to the first ink cartridge 1 through the fifth pipeline 8. When the air source device 6 is not in operation, the fifth control valve 81 is closed to ensure that the pressure in the first ink cartridge 1 is stable. The setting of the second protection device 82 can make the gas or liquid in the fifth pipeline 8 flow in a specific direction, avoid the ink from flowing back into the air source device 6 under abnormal circumstances, and ensure that the air source device 6 can work normally.

[0094] Exemplarily, the fifth control valve 81 may be a solenoid valve. The second protection device 82 may be a safety bottle. When the device is abnormal, ink flows into the safety bottle, which can be detected by the detection element in the safety bottle. At this time, the printing device is promptly controlled to stop, which can avoid a greater failure. In other embodiments, the second protection device 82 may also be a check valve, etc.

[0095] In addition, when the nozzle of the print head 100 is clogged with ink, positive pressure can be applied to the first ink cartridge 1 through the air source device 6 to flush the blockage of the nozzle of the print head 100. Specifically, the first control valve 31 on the first pipeline 3 is opened, the second control valve 41 on the second pipeline 4 is closed, the third control valve 51 on the third pipeline 5 is closed, and the fifth control valve 81 on the fifth pipeline 8 is opened. Then, the air source device 6 applies positive pressure to the first ink cartridge 1 through the fifth pipeline 8, that is, applies positive pressure to the first liquid storage chamber 11. Under the action of pressure, the blockage at the nozzle of the print head 100 is flushed. That is, the setting of the air source device 6 can play a role in clearing the nozzle of the print head 100 and ensure the working stability of the print head 100.

[0096] Optionally, the air source device 6 includes one or two. When there is one air source device 6, the fourth pipeline 7 and the fifth pipeline 8 are both connected thereto; when there are two air source devices 6, the fourth pipeline 7 is connected to one of the air source devices 6, and the fifth pipeline 8 is connected to the other air source device 6.

[0097] See also Figure 5 In an optional embodiment, an air source device 6 can be provided, and the air source device 6 has two output ends, and the fourth pipeline 7 and the fifth pipeline 8 are connected to the two output ends of the air source device 6 one by one, and positive pressure or negative pressure can be applied to the first ink cartridge 1 and / or the second ink cartridge 2 through the air source device 6.

[0098] See also Figure 6 In another optional embodiment, two air source devices 6 may be provided, wherein one of the air source devices 6 is connected to the second ink cartridge 2 via the fourth pipeline 7, and is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink cartridge 2. The other air source device 6 is connected to the first ink cartridge 1 via the fifth pipeline 8, and is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge 1. The output pressures of the two air source devices 6 may be controlled separately to adjust the pressure difference between the second ink cartridge 2 and the first ink cartridge 1, and to change the ink flow rate in the first pipeline 3 and / or the second pipeline 4, thereby adjusting the inkjet mode of the print head 100 to meet the printing requirements of different products.

[0099] Optionally, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The ink circulation system further includes an ink supply container 9 and a sixth pipeline 10. One end of the sixth pipeline 10 is connected to the ink supply container 9, and the other end is connected to the second ink cartridge 2. The ink in the ink supply container 9 can be transported to the second ink cartridge 2 via the sixth pipeline 10. That is, ink is supplied to the second ink cartridge 2 through the ink supply container 9 and the sixth pipeline 10, so that there is enough ink in the second ink cartridge 2, and then ink can be continuously supplied to the first liquid storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5 and the first power member 53, ensuring that the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively stable.

[0100] See also Figure 3 The sixth pipeline 10 is provided with a sixth control valve 101, a fourth filter device 102 and / or a second power member 103. The sixth control valve 101 is used to control the on-off of the sixth pipeline 10. The fourth filter device 102 is used to filter the ink flowing through the sixth pipeline 10. The ink in the ink supply container 9 can be transported to the first ink cartridge 1 through the sixth pipeline 10 under the action of the second power member 103.

[0101] In this embodiment, the sixth pipeline 10 is provided with a sixth control valve 101, a fourth filter device 102 and a second power member 103. The sixth control valve 101 is located downstream of the second power member 103, and the fourth filter device 102 is located downstream of the sixth control valve 101. The liquid outlet of the sixth pipeline 10 is connected to the top wall 22 of the second ink cartridge 2. By opening the sixth control valve 101 and starting the second power member 103, the ink in the ink supply container 9 can be transported to the second ink cartridge 2 via the sixth pipeline 10. The fourth filter device 102 can filter the ink entering the second ink cartridge 2, reduce the impurities carried in the ink, and reduce the filtering burden of the third filter device 52 on the third pipeline 5 and the first filter device on the first pipeline 3.

[0102] Exemplarily, the sixth control valve 101 may be a solenoid valve, the fourth filter device 102 may be a filter, and the second power member 103 may be a pump.

[0103] In other embodiments, the sixth control valve 101 and the second power component 103 may be provided only on the sixth pipeline 10 .

[0104] Optionally, see Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The ink circulation system includes a seventh pipeline 20, the liquid inlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is connected to the second liquid storage chamber 12, and the liquid outlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is connected to the second ink cartridge 2. The ink in the second liquid storage chamber 12 can be transported to the second ink cartridge 2 via the seventh pipeline 20. Since the ink overflowing from the first liquid storage chamber 11 is collected in the second liquid storage chamber 12, the ink in the second liquid storage chamber 12 can be transported to the second ink cartridge 2 through the seventh pipeline 20, so as to further recycle the ink, prevent waste, and reduce printing costs.

[0105] See also Figure 3 , the seventh pipeline 20 is provided with a seventh control valve 201 and / or a third power piece 202. The seventh control valve 201 is used to control the on-off of the seventh pipeline 20. The ink in the first ink cartridge 1 can be transported to the second ink cartridge 2 via the seventh pipeline 20 under the action of the third power piece 202. In this embodiment, the liquid inlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is connected to the bottom of the second liquid storage chamber 12, and the liquid outlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is connected to the bottom of the second ink cartridge 2. By opening the seventh control valve 201 and starting the third power piece 202, the ink in the second liquid storage chamber 12 can be transported from the seventh pipeline 20 to the second ink cartridge 2. Exemplarily, the seventh control valve 201 can be a solenoid valve, and the third power piece 202 can be a pump.

[0106] See also Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a first liquid level detection device is provided in the first ink cartridge 1, and the first liquid level detection device is used to detect the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber 12 of the first ink cartridge 1. The ink level in the second liquid storage chamber 12 can be known through the first liquid level detection device, ensuring that the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber 12 is always lower than the maximum ink level in the first liquid storage chamber 11. Specifically, when the ink level detected by the first liquid level detection device reaches the first high liquid level threshold (the first high liquid level threshold is less than the maximum ink level in the first liquid storage chamber 11), the seventh control valve 201 is controlled to open, and the third power member 202 is controlled to start, so as to timely transport the ink in the second liquid storage chamber 12 to the second ink cartridge 2 via the seventh pipeline 20, ensuring that there is not too much ink in the second liquid storage chamber 12. When the ink level detected by the first liquid level detection device reaches the first low liquid level threshold, the third power member 202 and the seventh control valve 201 are controlled to close to avoid the invalid operation of the third power member 202.

[0107] Optionally, the first liquid level detection device includes a first detection member 30 and a second detection member 40, the detection end of the first detection member 30 is located at a height corresponding to the first low liquid level threshold, the detection end of the second detection member 40 is located at a height corresponding to the first high liquid level threshold, and the detection end of the second detection member 40 is located at a position lower than the maximum ink level of the first liquid storage chamber 11. Exemplarily, the first detection member 30 and the second detection member 40 may be floats or liquid level sensors.

[0108] In other embodiments, the first liquid level detection device may also be a photoelectric liquid level sensor, etc., which can detect the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber 12 of the first ink cartridge 1 in real time.

[0109] Optionally, see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second ink cartridge 2 is provided with a second liquid level detection device, which is used to detect the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2. The ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 can be known through the second liquid level detection device to determine whether to add ink to the second ink cartridge 2, and ensure that the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 is always lower than the connection position between the second pipeline 4 and the second ink cartridge 2.

[0110] Specifically, when the ink level detected by the second liquid level detection device reaches the second low liquid level threshold, the sixth control valve 101 is controlled to open, and the second power member 103 is controlled to start, so that the ink in the ink supply container 9 is transported to the second ink cartridge 2 via the sixth pipeline 10, ensuring that there is enough ink in the second ink cartridge 2 to be transported to the first liquid storage chamber 11. When the ink level detected by the second liquid level detection device reaches the second high liquid level threshold, the second power member 103 and the sixth control valve 101 are controlled to close to prevent the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 from being too high, ensuring that the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 does not exceed the connection position between the second pipeline 4 and the second ink cartridge 2.

[0111] Optionally, the second liquid level detection device includes a third detection member 50 and a fourth detection member 60, the detection end of the third detection member 50 is located at a height corresponding to the second high liquid level threshold, and the detection end of the third detection member 50 is located at a position lower than the connection position between the second pipeline 4 and the second ink cartridge 2, and the detection end of the fourth detection member 60 is located at a height corresponding to the second low liquid level threshold. Exemplarily, the third detection member 50 and the fourth detection member 60 can be floats or liquid level sensors.

[0112] In other embodiments, the second liquid level detection device may also be a photoelectric liquid level sensor, etc., which can detect the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 in real time.

[0113] Embodiment 3

[0114] This embodiment provides a printing device, including a print head 100 and an ink circulation system as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the ink circulation system is used to provide ink for the print head 100. When the print head 100 is printing, the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 of the first ink cartridge 1 flows to the ink inlet end of the print head 100 via the first pipeline 3, and then flows from the second pipeline 4 to the second ink cartridge 2 via the ink return end of the print head 100. During the ink circulation process of the print head 100, ink output printing can be realized at the print head 100, wherein the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 can flow to the first liquid storage chamber 11 via the third pipeline 5, so that the ink can be recycled.

[0115] Since the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 is directly passed into the first liquid storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5, and the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 can overflow into the second liquid storage chamber 12, the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber 12 is always lower than the highest level of the first liquid storage chamber 11, so that the ink pressure in the first liquid storage chamber 11 can be kept relatively stable, so that the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively unchanged, and the ink can be stably supplied to the print head 100. At the same time, since the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 is always lower than the position where the second pipeline 4 is connected to the second ink cartridge 2, that is, the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2 will not exceed the connection point of the second pipeline 4, and the second pipeline 4 is always connected to the space above the ink in the second ink cartridge 2, therefore, the change in the liquid level of the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 will not change the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4.

[0116] That is to say, the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively stable, and the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4 is also relatively stable. The difference between the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 and the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4 is almost unchanged. The ink can stably flow from the first liquid storage chamber 11, the first pipeline 3, the print head 100, and the second pipeline 4 into the second ink cartridge 2, thereby improving the ink circulation stability, so that the nozzle of the print head 100 can stably spray ink, thereby improving the printing effect of the printing device.

[0117] In addition, by providing the air source device 6, positive pressure or negative pressure can be applied to the first ink cartridge 1 and the second ink cartridge 2, thereby adjusting the pressure between the first ink cartridge 1 and the second ink cartridge 2, so that the ink flow is always in a stable state. Moreover, the pressure can be adjusted by the air source device 6, the flow rate of the ink can be controlled, and the inkjet mode of the print head 100 can be adjusted to meet the printing requirements of different products. When the nozzle of the print head 100 is blocked by ink, positive pressure can be applied to the first ink cartridge 1 through the air source device 6 to flush the blockage of the nozzle of the print head 100, which can clear the nozzle of the print head 100 and ensure the working stability of the print head 100.

[0118] Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments herein, and that various obvious changes, readjustments and substitutions can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in more detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Ink circulation system, characterized in that: Used to provide ink for a print head (100), the print head (100) having an ink inlet end and an ink return end, the ink circulation system comprising a first ink cartridge (1), a second ink cartridge (2), a first pipeline (3), a second pipeline (4) and a third pipeline (5); The first ink cartridge (1) is provided with a first liquid storage chamber (11) and a second liquid storage chamber (12), the ink level in the second liquid storage chamber (12) is always lower than the maximum ink level in the first liquid storage chamber (11), and the ink in the first liquid storage chamber (11) can overflow into the second liquid storage chamber (12); The liquid inlet end of the first pipeline (3) is connected to the first liquid storage chamber (11), and the liquid outlet end of the first pipeline (3) is connected to the ink inlet end; The liquid inlet end of the second pipeline (4) is connected to the ink return end, and the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline (4) is connected to the second ink cartridge (2), and the ink level in the second ink cartridge (2) is always lower than the position where the second pipeline (4) is connected to the second ink cartridge (2); The liquid inlet end of the third pipeline (5) is connected to the second ink cartridge (2), and the liquid outlet end of the third pipeline (5) is connected to the first liquid storage chamber (11).

2. The ink circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink flow rate in the third pipeline (5) is greater than the ink flow rate in the first pipeline (3).

3. The ink circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A liquid storage container (13) is arranged inside the first ink cartridge (1), the inner cavity of the liquid storage container (13) is the first liquid storage chamber (11), and the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge (1) is the second liquid storage chamber (12); Alternatively, a partition is provided in the first ink cartridge (1), and the partition separates the first liquid storage chamber (11) and the second liquid storage chamber (12) in the first ink cartridge (1).

4. The ink circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second ink cartridge (2) has a side wall (21) and a top wall (22), and the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline (4) is connected to the side wall (21) or the top wall (22) of the second ink cartridge (2).

5. The ink circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink circulation system also includes an air source device (6) and a fourth pipeline (7), one end of the fourth pipeline (7) is connected to the air outlet end of the air source device (6), and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the second ink cartridge (2), and the air source device (6) is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink cartridge (2) through the fourth pipeline (7).

6. The ink circulation system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ink circulation system also includes a fifth pipeline (8), one end of which is connected to the air outlet end of the air source device (6), and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge (1). The air source device (6) is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge (1) through the fifth pipeline (8).

7. The ink circulation system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fourth pipeline (7) is provided with a fourth control valve (71) and / or a first protection device (72), the fourth control valve (71) is used to control the on-off of the fourth pipeline (7), and the first protection device (72) is used to prevent ink from flowing along the fourth pipeline (7) to the air source device (6); And / or, a fifth control valve (81) and / or a second protection device (82) are provided on the fifth pipeline (8), the fifth control valve (81) is used to control the on-off of the fifth pipeline (8), and the second protection device (82) is used to prevent ink from flowing along the fifth pipeline (8) to the air source device (6).

8. The ink circulation system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gas source device (6) comprises one or two. When there is one gas source device (6), the fourth pipeline (7) and the fifth pipeline (8) are both connected to it; when there are two gas source devices (6), the fourth pipeline (7) is connected to one of the gas source devices (6), and the fifth pipeline (8) is connected to the other gas source device (6).

9. The ink circulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first pipeline (3) is provided with a first control valve (31) and / or a first filtering device, the first control valve (31) is used to control the on-off of the first pipeline (3), and the first filtering device is used to filter the ink flowing through the first pipeline (3); and / or, a second control valve (41) and / or a second filtering device are provided on the second pipeline (4), the second control valve (41) is used to control the on-off of the second pipeline (4), and the second filtering device is used to filter the ink flowing through the second pipeline (4); And / or, the third pipeline (5) is provided with a third control valve (51), a third filtering device (52) and / or a first power member (53); the third control valve (51) is used to control the on-off of the third pipeline (5); the third filtering device (52) is used to filter the ink flowing through the third pipeline (5); and the ink in the second ink cartridge (2) can be transported to the first ink cartridge (1) via the third pipeline (5) under the action of the first power member (53).

10. The ink circulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The ink circulation system further comprises an ink supply container (9) and a sixth pipeline (10), one end of the sixth pipeline (10) is connected to the ink supply container (9), and the other end is connected to the second ink cartridge (2), and the ink in the ink supply container (9) can be transported to the second ink cartridge (2) via the sixth pipeline (10); And / or, the ink circulation system comprises a seventh pipeline (20), the liquid inlet end of the seventh pipeline (20) is connected to the second liquid storage chamber (12), and the liquid outlet end of the seventh pipeline (20) is connected to the second ink cartridge (2).

11. The ink circulation system according to claim 10, characterized in that: When the ink circulation system includes the sixth pipeline (10), the sixth pipeline (10) is provided with a sixth control valve (101), a fourth filter device (102) and / or a second power member (103); the sixth control valve (101) is used to control the on-off of the sixth pipeline (10); the fourth filter device (102) is used to filter the ink flowing through the sixth pipeline (10); and the ink in the ink supply container (9) can be transported to the second ink cartridge (2) via the sixth pipeline (10) under the action of the second power member (103); When the ink circulation system includes the seventh pipeline (20), the seventh pipeline (20) is provided with a seventh control valve (201) and / or a third power member (202), and the seventh control valve (201) is used to control the on-off of the seventh pipeline (20). Under the action of the third power member (202), the ink in the second liquid storage chamber (12) can be transported to the second ink cartridge (2) via the seventh pipeline (20).

12. The ink circulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: A first liquid level detection device is arranged in the first ink cartridge (1), and the first liquid level detection device is used to detect the ink liquid level in the second liquid storage chamber (12); And / or, a second liquid level detection device is arranged in the second ink cartridge (2), and the second liquid level detection device is used to detect the ink liquid level in the second ink cartridge (2).

13. A printing device, characterized in that It comprises a print head (100) and an ink circulation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ink circulation system is used to provide ink for the print head (100).

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