Ink path circulation system and printing device

Abstract

The present application relates to printing device technical field, disclose a kind of ink path circulation system and printing equipment, ink path circulation system includes first ink tank, second ink tank, first pipeline, second pipeline and third pipeline.First ink tank is equipped with first liquid storage chamber and second liquid storage chamber, the ink level in second liquid storage chamber is always lower than the maximum ink level of first liquid storage chamber.The liquid inlet end of first pipeline is communicated first liquid storage chamber, and the ink inlet end of print head is communicated with liquid outlet end.The ink return end of print head is communicated with the liquid inlet end of second pipeline, and the ink outlet end is communicated with second ink tank, the ink level in second ink tank is always lower than the position where second pipeline is communicated with second ink tank.The liquid inlet end of third pipeline is communicated with second ink tank, and the liquid outlet end is communicated with first liquid storage chamber.The liquid pressure between first liquid storage chamber and first pipeline is relatively stable, the liquid pressure formed by second pipeline is also relatively stable, and the ink can be stably circulated, so that the print head can stably jet ink, and the printing effect of printing equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and in particular to an ink circulation system and printing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] An inkjet printer is a device that uses nozzles in a printhead to spray liquid ink into tiny particles onto paper for printing.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, in the prior art, inkjet printers mainly include an ink circulation system and a printhead 100'. 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 printhead 100' via a first conduit 3', the bottom of the second ink cartridge 2' is connected to the printhead 100' via a second conduit 4', and the bottom of the second ink cartridge 2' is connected to the first ink cartridge 1' via a third conduit 5'. During printing, the ink in the first ink cartridge 1' flows to the printhead 100' via the first conduit 3', and excess ink in the printhead 100' flows back to the second ink cartridge 2' via the second conduit 4'. The recovered ink in the second ink cartridge 2' is then transported back to the first ink cartridge 1' via the third conduit 5' for ink reuse.

[0004] During printing, as the ink level in the second ink cartridge 2' continuously rises, the liquid pressure between the second ink cartridge 2' and the second conduit 4' constantly changes. This causes the pressure difference between the first ink cartridge 1' and the first conduit 3' and the second ink cartridge 2' and the second conduit 4' to continuously change, resulting in a corresponding change in ink flow velocity. In other words, the ink flow velocity in the ink path system is unstable during printing, leading to unstable ink supply at the print head 100' and affecting print quality.

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

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

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] On the one hand, an ink circulation system is provided for supplying ink to a printhead, the printhead having an ink inlet and an ink return end, the ink circulation system including a first ink cartridge, a second ink cartridge, a first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit;

[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 of the first liquid storage chamber, and the ink in the first liquid storage chamber can overflow to the second liquid storage chamber.

[0010] The liquid inlet end of the first pipeline is communicated with the first liquid storage chamber, and the liquid outlet end of the first pipeline is communicated with the ink inlet end.

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

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

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

[0014] As an optional solution of the ink path circulation system of the application, the first ink cartridge is provided with a liquid storage container, 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, the first ink cartridge is provided with a partition plate, and the partition plate divides the first ink cartridge to form the first liquid storage chamber and the second liquid storage chamber.

[0016] As an optional solution of the ink path circulation system of the application, 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 path circulation system of the application, the ink path circulation system further comprises a gas source device and a fourth pipeline, one end of the fourth pipeline is communicated with the gas outlet end of the gas source device, and the other end is communicated with the inner cavity of the second ink cartridge, and the gas 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 path circulation system of the application, the ink path circulation system further comprises a fifth pipeline, one end of the fifth pipeline is communicated with the gas outlet end of the gas source device, and the other end is communicated with the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge, and the gas 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 path circulation system of the present application, the fourth pipeline is provided with a fourth control valve and / or a first protection device, the fourth control valve is used to control the opening and closing of the fourth pipeline, and the first protection device is used to prevent the ink from flowing to the air source device through the fourth pipeline.

[0020] And / or, the fifth pipeline is provided with a fifth control valve and / or a second protection device, the fifth control valve is used to control the opening and closing of the fifth pipeline, and the second protection device is used to prevent the ink from flowing to the air source device through the fifth pipeline.

[0021] As an optional solution of the ink path circulation system of the present application, the air source device includes one or two, when the air source device is one, the fourth pipeline and the fifth pipeline are both communicated with the air source device; when the air source device is two, the fourth pipeline is communicated with one of the air source devices, and the fifth pipeline is communicated with the other air source device.

[0022] As an optional solution of the ink path circulation system of the present application, the first pipeline is provided with a first control valve and / or a first filter device, the first control valve is used to control the opening and closing of the first pipeline, and the first filter device is used to filter the ink flowing through the first pipeline.

[0023] And / or, the second pipeline is provided with a second control valve and / or a second filter device, the second control valve is used to control the opening and closing 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 member, the third control valve is used to control the opening and closing 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 delivered to the first ink cartridge through the third pipeline under the action of the first power member.

[0025] As an optional solution of the ink path circulation system of the present application, the ink path circulation system further includes an ink supply container and a sixth pipeline, one end of the sixth pipeline is communicated with the ink supply container, and the other end of the sixth pipeline is communicated with the second ink cartridge, and the ink in the ink supply container can be delivered to the second ink cartridge through the sixth pipeline.

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

[0027] As an optional solution of the ink path circulation system of the present application, when the ink path circulation system comprises the sixth pipeline, a sixth control valve, a fourth filtering device and / or a second power member are arranged on the sixth pipeline, the sixth control valve is used for controlling the opening and closing of the sixth pipeline, the fourth filtering device is used for filtering the ink in the sixth pipeline, and the ink in the ink supply container can be delivered to the second ink cartridge via the sixth pipeline under the action of the second power member.

[0028] When the ink path circulation system comprises the seventh pipeline, a seventh control valve and / or a third power member are arranged on the seventh pipeline, the seventh control valve is used for controlling the opening and closing of the seventh pipeline, and the ink in the second liquid storage chamber can be delivered to the second ink cartridge via the seventh pipeline under the action of the third power member.

[0029] As an optional solution of the ink path circulation system of the present application, a first liquid level detection device is arranged in the first ink cartridge, and the first liquid level detection device is used for detecting the liquid level of the ink in the second liquid storage chamber.

[0030] And / or, a second liquid level detection device is arranged in the second ink cartridge, and the second liquid level detection device is used for detecting the liquid level of the ink in the second ink cartridge.

[0031] On the other hand, a printing device is provided, which comprises a printing head and the ink path circulation system as described above, and the ink path circulation system is used for supplying ink to the printing head.

[0032] The present application has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] The ink path circulation system and the printing device provided by the present application are used for the following purposes: when the printing head is printing, the ink in the first liquid storage chamber of the first ink cartridge is circulated to the ink inlet end of the printing head via the first pipeline, and then is circulated to the second ink cartridge from the second pipeline via the ink return end of the printing head, so that the ink can be printed out from the printing head 100, and the ink in the second ink cartridge can be circulated 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 storage chamber through the third pipeline, and the ink in the first storage chamber can overflow into the second storage chamber, the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber is always lower than the highest liquid level of the first storage chamber, so that the ink pressure in the first storage chamber can be kept relatively stable, thereby the liquid pressure formed by the first storage chamber and the first pipeline is relatively constant, and the printing head can be stably supplied with ink. Meanwhile, since the liquid level of the ink in the second ink cartridge is always lower than the position where the second pipeline communicates with the second ink cartridge, that is, the liquid level of the ink in the second ink cartridge will not exceed the communication position of the second pipeline, and the second pipeline always communicates with the space above the ink in the second ink cartridge, therefore, the liquid level of the ink in the second ink cartridge will not change the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline.

[0035] That is, the liquid pressure formed by the first 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 storage chamber and the first pipeline and the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline is almost constant, so that the ink can stably flow from the first storage chamber, the first pipeline, the printing head and the second pipeline into the second ink cartridge, the ink flow stability is improved, thereby the nozzles of the printing head can stably jet ink, and the printing effect of the printing device is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments of the present application will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without any creative effort on the basis of the contents of the embodiments of the present application and the drawings.

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

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

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

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

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

[0042] Figure 6 is a fifth schematic diagram of an ink path circulation system provided by the specific embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 1 In the 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 In the 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 member; 40, second detection member; 50, third detection member; 60, fourth detection member;

[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 member;

[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 member;

[0057] 201, seventh control valve; 202, third power member;

[0058] 100, print head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] 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 with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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 the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0061] 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 fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0062] Example 1

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides an ink circulation system for supplying ink to the printhead 100, enabling a stable ink supply to the printhead 100 and improving the printing effect of the printing device. The ink circulation system includes a first ink cartridge 1, a second ink cartridge 2, a first conduit 3, a second conduit 4, and a third conduit 5.

[0064] The printing head 100 has an ink inlet end and an ink return end, the first ink tank 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 of 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 inlet end of the first pipeline 3 is communicated with the first liquid storage chamber 11, and the outlet end of the first pipeline 3 is communicated with the ink inlet end. The inlet end of the second pipeline 4 is communicated with the ink return end, and the outlet end of the second pipeline 4 is communicated with the second ink tank 2. The ink level in the second ink tank 2 is always lower than the position where the second pipeline 4 is communicated with the second ink tank 2. The inlet end of the third pipeline 5 is communicated with the second ink tank 2, and the outlet end of the third pipeline 5 is communicated with the first liquid storage chamber 11. The ink in the second ink tank 2 can be transported to the first ink tank 1 through the third pipeline 5.

[0065] The ink circulation system provided by the embodiment can realize the ink printing at the printing head 100 when the printing head 100 prints, the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 of the first ink tank 1 flows to the ink inlet end of the printing head 100 through the first pipeline 3, and then flows to the second ink tank 2 from the second pipeline 4 through the ink return end of the printing head 100. The ink can flow through the printing head 100 and realize the ink printing at the printing head 100. The ink in the second ink tank 2 can flow to the first liquid storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5, so that the ink can be recycled.

[0066] The ink in the second ink tank 2 directly flows into the first liquid storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5, 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 liquid level of the first liquid storage chamber 11, so that the pressure of the ink in the first liquid storage chamber 11 can be kept relatively stable, thereby keeping the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 relatively unchanged, and stably supplying the ink to the printing head 100. Meanwhile, the ink level in the second ink tank 2 is always lower than the position where the second pipeline 4 is communicated with the second ink tank 2, that is, the ink level in the second ink tank 2 will not exceed the communication position of the second pipeline 4, and the second pipeline 4 is always communicated with the space above the ink in the second ink tank 2. Therefore, the change of the ink level in the second ink tank 2 will not change the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4.

[0067] That is, the liquid pressure formed by the first liquid storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively stable, the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4 is also relatively stable, and 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 printing head 100, the second pipeline 4 to the second ink tank 2, thereby improving the stability of the ink flow, and stably spraying the ink from the nozzle of the printing head 100, and improving the printing effect of the printing equipment.

[0068] Optionally, the ink flow in the third conduit 5 is greater than the ink flow in the first conduit 3, so as to ensure that the ink level in the first reservoir 11 can gradually rise, and when the ink level rises to the maximum ink level of the first reservoir 11, the ink in the first reservoir 11 will overflow into the second reservoir 12 of the first ink cartridge 1, so as to keep the ink level in the first reservoir 11 relatively stable, and ensure that the liquid pressure formed by the first reservoir 11 and the first conduit 3 is relatively stable.

[0069] Optionally, referring to Figure 2 , the first ink cartridge 1 is provided with a reservoir 13, the inner cavity of the reservoir 13 is the first reservoir 11, and the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge 1 is the second reservoir 12. The reservoir 13 can be a bottle structure or a groove structure, and referring to Figure 2 , the reservoir 13 is fixed at the bottom of the first ink cartridge 1, and the first conduit 3 is connected to the bottom of the reservoir 13, so as to facilitate the smooth entry of the ink in the reservoir 13 into the first conduit 3. The space around the reservoir 13 is the second reservoir 12, and the height of the reservoir 13 is less than the height of the first ink cartridge 1, so that the excess ink delivered by the third conduit 5 to the reservoir 13 can overflow into the second reservoir 12, thereby ensuring the stability of the ink pressure in the reservoir 13. The highest level of the first reservoir 11 is the level at which the reservoir 13 will overflow.

[0070] Since the relative positions among the first ink cartridge 1, the first conduit 3 and the print head 100 are relatively fixed, and the reservoir 13 will overflow when it is full, that is, the height of the ink in the reservoir 13 is also relatively constant, so that the liquid pressure formed by the reservoir 13 and the first conduit 3 is relatively constant.

[0071] In other embodiments, a partition can also be provided in the first ink cartridge 1, which divides the first ink cartridge 1 to form the first reservoir 11 and the second reservoir 12. The height of the partition is lower than the height of the first ink cartridge 1, and when the third conduit 5 flows more ink into the first reservoir 11, the excess ink will overflow from the top of the partition into the second reservoir 12 for storage.

[0072] Optionally, referring to Figure 2 , the second ink cartridge 2 has a side wall 21 and a top wall 22, and the second conduit 4 is connected to the side wall 21 or the top wall 22 of the second ink cartridge 2. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 , the second conduit 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 reaching the outlet end of the second conduit 4, thereby ensuring the stability of the liquid pressure in the second conduit 4.

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

[0074] Optionally, referring to Figure 2 , the first pipeline 3 is provided with a first control valve 31 and / or a first filter device, the first control valve 31 is used to control the on-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 turned off, so as to control whether to supply ink to the print head 100. Specifically, when the print head 100 needs to eject ink, the first control valve 31 is opened, and the ink can flow smoothly from the first liquid chamber 11, the first pipeline 3 to the print head 100 for ink ejection. When the print head 100 does not need to eject ink, the first control valve 31 is closed to prevent the ink from flowing, thereby ensuring the normal work of the print head 100. Exemplarily, the first control valve 31 can be an electromagnetic valve, which is convenient for electric control.

[0075] By filtering impurities in the ink through the first filter device, the clogging of the print head 100 can be prevented, thereby protecting the print head 100 and prolonging the service life of the print head 100. In the present embodiment, the first filter device includes a first filter 32 and a second filter 33 which are 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 filters can filter the ink flowing through the first pipeline 3 twice, thereby ensuring 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 filter device can also include only one filter, that is, only one filter is arranged on the first pipeline 3, which can also filter the ink flowing through the first pipeline 3.

[0077] Referring to Figure 2 , the second pipeline 4 is provided with a second control valve 41, 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 in time to recover the excess ink. 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 an electromagnetic valve.

[0078] Optionally, a second filter device can also be arranged 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 recycled ink, so as to reduce the filtering pressure when the ink is reused. Exemplarily, the second filter device can be a filter.

[0079] Referring to 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 opening and closing of the third pipeline 5, the third filter 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 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 the third control valve 51, the third filter device 52 and the first power member 53 at the same time, 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 opposite to the first liquid storage chamber 11. When the third control valve 51 is opened and the first power member 53 is started, the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 can be transported to the first liquid storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5, so as to recycle the recycled ink in the second ink cartridge 2. The third filter device 52 can preliminarily filter the ink entering the first liquid storage chamber 11, reduce the impurities carried in the ink, reduce the filtering burden of the first filter device on the first pipeline 3, and further prevent the printing head 100 from being blocked.

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

[0082] In other embodiments, only the third control valve 51 and the first power member 53 can be arranged on the third pipeline 5.

[0083] Embodiment Two

[0084] This embodiment provides an ink path circulation system, which is further improved on the basis of embodiment one, and the main difference lies in that:

[0085] Referring to Figure 3, the ink path circulation system further comprises a gas source device 6 and a fourth pipeline 7, one end of the fourth pipeline 7 is communicated with an air outlet of the gas source device 6, and the other end is communicated with the inner cavity of the second ink box 2, and the gas source device 6 is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink box 2 through the fourth pipeline 7. When the liquid pressure formed by the first 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 box 2 through the gas source device 6, so that the pressure on one side of the second ink box 2 is less than the pressure on one side of the first ink box 1, and the ink can flow from the first storage chamber 11, the first pipeline 3, the print head 100 and the second pipeline 4 into the second ink box 2, so as to ensure the stable circulation of the ink in the ink path circulation system and improve the printing quality of the print head 100.

[0086] In addition, by controlling the pressure output by the gas source device 6, the pressure difference between the second ink box 2 and the first ink box 1 can be adjusted, and then the ink flow rate in the first pipeline 3 and / or the second pipeline 4 can be adjusted, the ink jet mode of the print head 100 can be adjusted, and thus the level and saturation of the printed product can be changed, so as to meet the printing needs of different products.

[0087] Since bubbles may be generated when the ink enters the second ink box 2, at this time, the gas source device 6 applies negative pressure to the second ink box 2 through the fourth pipeline 7, and under the action of the negative pressure, the bubbles in the ink will be broken, that is, the gas source device 6 can also play a role of defoaming for the ink, so as to improve the uniformity and stability of the ink, and thus the printing quality of the print head 100 is ensured.

[0088] Referring to 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 opening and closing 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 gas source device 6. When it is needed to provide positive pressure or negative pressure for the second ink box 2, the fourth control valve 71 is opened, so that the gas source device 6 can ventilate or exhaust the second ink box 2 through the fourth pipeline 7. When the gas source device 6 is not in action, the fourth control valve 71 is closed, so as to ensure the stability of the pressure in the second ink box 2. 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 gas source device 6 in abnormal conditions, and ensure the normal work of the gas source device 6.

[0089] Exemplarily, the fourth control valve 71 can be an electromagnetic valve. The first protection device 72 can be a safety bottle, when the equipment is abnormal, the ink flows into the safety bottle and can be detected by a detection piece in the safety bottle, at this time, the printing equipment is stopped in time, so as to avoid a greater failure. In other embodiments, the first protection device 72 can also be a check valve or the like.

[0090] Optionally, referring to Figure 4The ink path circulation system comprises a gas source device 6 and a fifth pipeline 8. One end of the fifth pipeline 8 is connected to the gas outlet of the gas source device 6, and the other end is connected to the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge 1. The gas 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 pipeline 3 and the first storage chamber 11 is equal to or less than the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4, the gas source device 6 applies positive pressure to the first ink cartridge 1, so that the pressure on one side of the first ink cartridge 1 is greater than the pressure on one side of the second ink cartridge 2. The ink can flow smoothly from the first storage chamber 11, the first pipeline 3, the print head 100, the second pipeline 4 into the second ink cartridge 2, ensuring that the ink flows stably in the ink path circulation system and improving the printing quality of the print head 100.

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

[0093] Referring to 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 gas source device 6. When it is necessary to provide positive pressure or negative pressure for the first ink cartridge 1, the fifth control valve 81 is opened, so that the gas source device 6 can ventilate or exhaust the first ink cartridge 1 through the fifth pipeline 8. When the gas source device 6 is not in action, the fifth control valve 81 is closed, ensuring the stability of the pressure in the first ink cartridge 1. The second protection device 82 can make the gas or liquid in the fifth pipeline 8 flow in a specific direction, avoiding the backflow of the ink into the gas source device 6 under abnormal conditions, and ensuring the normal operation of the gas source device 6.

[0094] Exemplarily, the fifth control valve 81 can be an electromagnetic valve. The second protection device 82 can be a safety bottle. When the equipment is abnormal, the ink flows into the safety bottle and can be detected by a detection member in the safety bottle. At this time, the printing equipment is stopped in time, which can avoid greater failure. In other embodiments, the second protection device 82 can also be a check valve, etc.

[0095] In addition, when the nozzles of the print head 100 are blocked, the gas source device 6 can be used to apply positive pressure to the first ink cartridge 1 to flush away the blockage of the nozzles 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, the fifth control valve 81 on the fifth pipeline 8 is opened, and then the gas source device 6 applies positive pressure to the first ink cartridge 1 through the fifth pipeline 8, i.e. to the first liquid storage chamber 11, so that the blockage of the nozzles of the print head 100 is flushed away under the pressure. That is, the gas source device 6 can be used to unblock the nozzles of the print head 100, thereby ensuring the stability of the print head 100.

[0096] Optionally, the gas source device 6 includes one or two, when the gas source device 6 is one, the fourth pipeline 7 and the fifth pipeline 8 are both connected to the gas source device 6; when the gas source device 6 is two, 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.

[0097] Referring to Figure 5 In an optional embodiment, the gas source device 6 can be provided with one, which has two output ends, and the fourth pipeline 7 and the fifth pipeline 8 are connected to the two output ends of the gas source device 6 one by one, so that the gas source device 6 can be used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge 1 and / or the second ink cartridge 2.

[0098] Referring to Figure 6 In another optional embodiment, the gas source device 6 can also be provided with two, one of which is connected to the second ink cartridge 2 through the fourth pipeline 7, and is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink cartridge 2. The other gas source device 6 is connected to the first ink cartridge 1 through the fifth pipeline 8, and is used to apply positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge 1. The output pressure of the two gas source devices 6 can be controlled respectively to adjust the pressure difference between the second ink cartridge 2 and the first ink cartridge 1, change the ink flow rate in the first pipeline 3 and / or the second pipeline 4, and thus adjust the ink ejection mode of the print head 100 to meet the printing requirements of different products.

[0099] Optionally, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The ink circulation system further comprises an ink supply container 9 and a sixth pipeline 10, one end of the sixth pipeline 10 is communicated with the ink supply container 9, and the other end of the sixth pipeline 10 is communicated with the second ink cartridge 2, and the ink in the ink supply container 9 can be delivered to the second ink cartridge 2 through the sixth pipeline 10. That is, the 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 the first storage chamber 11 can be continuously supplied with ink through the third pipeline 5 and the first power member 53, so as to ensure that the liquid pressure formed by the first storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively stable.

[0100] Referring to 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 for controlling the opening and closing of the sixth pipeline 10, the fourth filter device 102 is used for filtering the ink flowing through the sixth pipeline 10, and the ink in the ink supply container 9 can be delivered 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 the sixth control valve 101, the fourth filter device 102 and the second power member 103 at the same time, 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 end of the sixth pipeline 10 is connected to the top wall 22 of the second ink cartridge 2, the sixth control valve 101 is opened, and the second power member 103 is started, so that the ink in the ink supply container 9 can be delivered to the second ink cartridge 2 through 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 can be an electromagnetic valve, the fourth filter device 102 can be a filter, and the second power member 103 can be a pump.

[0103] In other embodiments, only the sixth control valve 101 and the second power member 103 can be arranged on the sixth pipeline 10.

[0104] Optionally, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The ink circulation system comprises a seventh pipeline 20, a liquid inlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is communicated with the second storage chamber 12, and a liquid outlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is communicated with the second ink box 2. The ink in the second storage chamber 12 can be delivered to the second ink box 2 through the seventh pipeline 20, so that the ink is further recycled, waste is prevented, and printing cost is reduced.

[0105] Referring to Figure 3 The seventh pipeline 20 is provided with a seventh control valve 201 and / or a third power member 202. The seventh control valve 201 is used for controlling the opening and closing of the seventh pipeline 20. The ink in the first ink box 1 can be delivered to the second ink box 2 through the seventh pipeline 20 under the action of the third power member 202. In the embodiment, the liquid inlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is connected to the bottom of the second storage chamber 12, and the liquid outlet end of the seventh pipeline 20 is connected to the bottom of the second ink box 2. When the seventh control valve 201 is opened and the third power member 202 is started, the ink in the second storage chamber 12 can be delivered to the second ink box 2 through the seventh pipeline 20. Exemplarily, the seventh control valve 201 can be an electromagnetic valve, and the third power member 202 can be a pump.

[0106] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first ink box 1 is provided with a first liquid level detection device. The first liquid level detection device is used for detecting the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 12 of the first ink box 1. Through the first liquid level detection device, the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 12 can be known, so that the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 12 is always lower than the maximum liquid level of the ink in the first storage chamber 11. Specifically, when the liquid level of the ink detected by the first liquid level detection device reaches a first high liquid level threshold (the first high liquid level threshold is lower than the maximum liquid level of the ink in the first storage chamber 11), the seventh control valve 201 is controlled to be opened, and the third power member 202 is controlled to be started, so that the ink in the second storage chamber 12 is delivered to the second ink box 2 through the seventh pipeline 20 in time, and the ink in the second storage chamber 12 is ensured not to be too much. When the liquid level of the ink detected by the first liquid level detection device reaches a first low liquid level threshold, the third power member 202 and the seventh control valve 201 are controlled to be closed, so that the third power member 202 is prevented from being invalidly worked.

[0107] Optionally, the first liquid level detecting device comprises a first detecting member 30 and a second detecting member 40. The first detecting member 30 is arranged at a position corresponding to the first low liquid level threshold, and the second detecting member 40 is arranged at a position corresponding to the first high liquid level threshold. The position of the detecting end of the second detecting member 40 is lower than the maximum ink liquid level of the first ink chamber 11. Exemplarily, the first and second detecting members 30 and 40 can be float or liquid level sensor.

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

[0109] Optionally, referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the second ink cartridge 2 is provided with a second liquid level detecting device for detecting the ink liquid level in the second ink cartridge 2. The second liquid level detecting device can be used to know the ink liquid level in the second ink cartridge 2, so as to determine whether to replenish ink to the second ink cartridge 2 and ensure that the ink liquid level in the second ink cartridge 2 is always lower than the communication position of the second pipeline 4 and the second ink cartridge 2.

[0110] Specifically, when the ink liquid level detected by the second liquid level detecting device reaches the second low liquid level threshold, the sixth control valve 101 is controlled to be opened, and the second power member 103 is controlled to be started, so as to ensure that the ink in the ink supply container 9 is transported to the second ink cartridge 2 through the sixth pipeline 10, and enough ink in the second ink cartridge 2 is transported to the first ink chamber 11. When the ink liquid level detected by the second liquid level detecting device reaches the second high liquid level threshold, the second power member 103 and the sixth control valve 101 are controlled to be closed, so as to prevent the ink liquid level in the second ink cartridge 2 from being too high, and ensure that the ink in the second ink cartridge 2 does not overflow the communication position of the second pipeline 4 and the second ink cartridge 2.

[0111] Optionally, the second liquid level detecting device comprises a third detecting member 50 and a fourth detecting member 60. The third detecting member 50 is arranged at a position corresponding to the second high liquid level threshold, and the position of the detecting end of the third detecting member 50 is lower than the communication position of the second pipeline 4 and the second ink cartridge 2. The fourth detecting member 60 is arranged at a position corresponding to the second low liquid level threshold. Exemplarily, the third and fourth detecting members 50 and 60 can be float or liquid level sensor.

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

[0113] Embodiment Three

[0114] The embodiment provides a printing device, which comprises a printing head 100 and an ink path circulation system as described in any of the above embodiments, and the ink path circulation system is used for providing ink for the printing head 100. When the printing head 100 is printing, the ink in the first storage chamber 11 of the first ink box 1 is circulated to the ink inlet end of the printing head 100 through the first pipeline 3, and then is circulated to the second ink box 2 from the second pipeline 4 through the ink return end of the printing head 100. In the process of circulation of the ink in the printing head 100, the ink can be printed out from the printing head 100, and the ink in the second ink box 2 can be circulated to the first storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5, so that the ink can be recycled.

[0115] Since the ink in the second ink box 2 is directly introduced into the first storage chamber 11 through the third pipeline 5, and the ink in the first storage chamber 11 can overflow into the second storage chamber 12, the liquid level of the ink in the second storage chamber 12 is always lower than the highest liquid level of the first storage chamber 11, so that the pressure of the ink in the first storage chamber 11 can be kept relatively stable, thereby keeping the liquid pressure formed by the first storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 relatively unchanged, and the printing head 100 can be stably supplied with ink. Meanwhile, since the liquid level of the ink in the second ink box 2 is always lower than the position where the second pipeline 4 is communicated with the second ink box 2, that is, the liquid level of the ink in the second ink box 2 does not exceed the communication position of the second pipeline 4, and the second pipeline 4 is always communicated with the space above the ink in the second ink box 2, therefore, the change of the liquid level of the ink in the second ink box 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 storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 is relatively stable, the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4 is also relatively stable, and the difference between the liquid pressure formed by the first storage chamber 11 and the first pipeline 3 and the liquid pressure formed by the second pipeline 4 is almost unchanged, so that the ink can be stably circulated from the first storage chamber 11, the first pipeline 3, the printing head 100, the second pipeline 4 to the second ink box 2, the stability of the ink circulation is improved, thereby the nozzles of the printing head 100 can stably jet ink, and the printing effect of the printing device is improved.

[0117] In addition, by arranging the air source device 6, positive pressure or negative pressure can be applied to the first ink box 1 and the second ink box 2, so as to adjust the pressure between the first ink box 1 and the second ink box 2, and keep the ink circulation in a stable state. Moreover, the air source device 6 can be used to adjust the pressure, control the flow rate of the ink, adjust the ink jetting mode of the printing head 100, and meet the printing requirements of different products. When the nozzles of the printing head 100 are blocked, the air source device 6 can be used to apply positive pressure to the first ink box 1, so as to flush away the blockage of the nozzles of the printing head 100, dredge the nozzles of the printing head 100, and ensure the working stability of the printing head 100.

[0118] Note that the above merely describes preferred embodiments of the present application and the principles of the technology applied. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and that various obvious changes, modifications and substitutions can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present application. Therefore, although the present application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present application is not limited to the above embodiments, and can include more other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present application, and the scope of the present application is determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An ink path circulation system characterized by, The application relates to an ink path circulation system for providing ink for a print head (100), the print head (100) having an ink inlet end and an ink return end, the ink path circulation system comprising a first ink tank (1), a second ink tank (2), a first pipeline (3), a second pipeline (4) and a third pipeline (5). The first ink tank (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 of 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 communicated with the first liquid storage chamber (11), and the liquid outlet end of the first pipeline (3) is communicated with the ink inlet end. The liquid inlet end of the second pipeline (4) is communicated with the ink return end, the liquid outlet end of the second pipeline (4) is communicated with the second ink tank (2), and the ink level in the second ink tank (2) is always lower than the position where the second pipeline (4) is communicated with the second ink tank (2). The liquid inlet end of the third pipeline (5) is communicated with the second ink tank (2), and the liquid outlet end of the third pipeline (5) is communicated with the first liquid storage chamber (11). The ink path circulation system comprises a seventh pipeline (20), the liquid inlet end of the seventh pipeline (20) is communicated with the second liquid storage chamber (12), and the liquid outlet end of the seventh pipeline (20) is communicated with the second ink tank (2). The seventh pipeline (20) is provided with a seventh control valve (201) and / or a third power member (202), the seventh control valve (201) is used for controlling the opening and closing of the seventh pipeline (20), and the ink in the second liquid storage chamber (12) can be transported to the second ink tank (2) through the seventh pipeline (20) under the action of the third power member (202).

2. The ink path recirculation system of claim 1, wherein, The ink flow in the third pipeline (5) is greater than the ink flow in the first pipeline (3).

3. The ink path recirculation system of claim 1, wherein, The first ink tank (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 tank (1) is the second liquid storage chamber (12). Alternatively, the first ink tank (1) is provided with a partition plate, the partition plate divides the first ink tank (1) into the first liquid storage chamber (11) and the second liquid storage chamber (12).

4. The ink path recirculation system of claim 1, wherein, The second ink tank (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 tank (2).

5. The ink path recirculation system of claim 1, wherein, The ink path circulation system further comprises a gas source device (6) and a fourth pipeline (7), one end of the fourth pipeline (7) is communicated with the gas outlet end of the gas source device (6), the other end of the fourth pipeline (7) is communicated with the inner cavity of the second ink tank (2), and the gas source device (6) is used for applying positive pressure or negative pressure to the second ink tank (2) through the fourth pipeline (7).

6. The ink path recirculation system of claim 5, wherein, The ink path circulation system further comprises a fifth pipeline (8), one end of the fifth pipeline (8) being communicated with the gas outlet end of the gas source device (6), and the other end being communicated with the inner cavity of the first ink cartridge (1), and the gas source device (6) is used for applying positive pressure or negative pressure to the first ink cartridge (1) through the fifth pipeline (8).

7. The ink path recirculation system of claim 6, wherein, 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 for controlling the on-off of the fourth pipeline (7), and the first protection device (72) is used for preventing the ink from flowing to the gas source device (6) along the fourth pipeline (7). And / or, 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 for controlling the on-off of the fifth pipeline (8), and the second protection device (82) is used for preventing the ink from flowing to the gas source device (6) along the fifth pipeline (8).

8. The ink path recirculation system of claim 6, wherein, The gas source device (6) comprises one or two, when the gas source device (6) is one, the fourth pipeline (7) and the fifth pipeline (8) are both communicated with the gas source device (6); when the gas source device (6) is two, the fourth pipeline (7) is communicated with one of the gas source devices (6), and the fifth pipeline (8) is communicated with the other gas source device (6).

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

10. The ink recirculation system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The ink path circulation system further comprises an ink supply container (9) and a sixth pipeline (10), one end of the sixth pipeline (10) being communicated with the ink supply container (9), and the other end being communicated with the second ink cartridge (2), and the ink in the ink supply container (9) can be delivered to the second ink cartridge (2) through the sixth pipeline (10).

11. The ink path recirculation system of claim 10, wherein, When the ink path circulation system comprises the sixth pipeline (10), a sixth control valve (101), a fourth filtering device (102) and / or a second power element (103) are arranged on the sixth pipeline (10), the sixth control valve (101) is used for controlling the on-off of the sixth pipeline (10), the fourth filtering device (102) is used for filtering the ink flowing through the sixth pipeline (10), and the ink in the ink supply container (9) can be delivered to the second ink cartridge (2) through the sixth pipeline (10) under the action of the second power element (103).

12. The ink recirculation system of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first ink cartridge (1) is provided with a first liquid level detection device, and the first liquid level detection device is used for detecting the ink liquid level in the second liquid storage chamber (12). And / or, the second ink cartridge (2) is provided with a second liquid level detection device, and the second liquid level detection device is used for detecting the ink liquid level in the second ink cartridge (2).

13. A printing apparatus characterized by comprising: The ink path circulation system as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 is used for providing ink for a print head (100).

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