ink cartridge

Abstract

This invention provides an ink cartridge that can be detachably installed in an imaging device. The ink cartridge includes a cartridge body, a cover, and a venting member. An ink cavity for containing ink is formed between the cartridge body and the cover. The venting member connects the ink cavity to the atmosphere. The ink cartridge also includes an ink outlet and a second seal. The ink outlet and the cartridge body are interconnected. The ink outlet has an ink outlet for supplying ink from the ink cavity to the outside of the ink cartridge. The venting port is adjacent to the ink outlet. The second seal seals both the ink outlet and the venting port. The venting member includes a third seal located in the venting cavity. The third seal is inflatable. When the inflatable seal abuts against the inner wall of the venting cavity, the connection between the ink cavity and the atmosphere is interrupted, and the third seal is in a sealed state. During the process of the ink-absorbing needle passing through the second seal to enter the ink outlet, the inflatable seal can be punctured, and the third seal changes from a sealed state to an unsealed state. This invention can reduce the risk of ink cartridge leakage from the venting port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inkjet imaging technology, and more particularly to an ink cartridge for inkjet imaging devices. Background Technology

[0002] The ink cartridge includes an ink chamber for storing ink and an ink outlet for supplying ink to the outside of the cartridge, the ink outlet being connected to the ink chamber; the ink cartridge also includes a vent, a gas flow channel, a seal, and a sponge, the vent for connecting the gas flow channel to the atmosphere, the gas flow channel for connecting the vent and the ink chamber, the seal for sealing the ink outlet, and the sponge for absorbing ink overflowing from the vent to prevent ink from leaking to the outside of the cartridge.

[0003] There is an ink cartridge with an air vent located on the ink outlet side. Before use, the air vent and the ink outlet are sealed by a seal. When the ink cartridge is installed in an inkjet imaging device, the ink suction needle on the inkjet imaging device pierces the seal and connects with the ink outlet. At the same time, the air vent communicates with the atmosphere through the gap between the pierced seal and the ink suction needle.

[0004] During transportation, even if the vent is not connected to the atmosphere, there is a certain probability that the ink in the ink chamber may improperly seep into the gas flow channel and vent due to capillary action. When the ink cartridge is installed, the ink may easily leak from the vent through the gap between the punctured seal and the ink suction needle, causing contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The ink cartridge provided by this invention can solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, and the specific solution is as follows:

[0006] An ink cartridge is detachably installed into an imaging device equipped with an ink-absorbing needle. The ink cartridge includes a cartridge body, a cover, and a venting component. An ink cavity for containing ink is formed between the cartridge body and the cover. The venting component connects the ink cavity to the atmosphere. The venting component includes a vent, a vent cavity, and a first connecting portion. The vent connects the vent cavity to the atmosphere, the vent cavity forms a flow path for airflow towards the ink cavity, and the first connecting portion connects the ink cavity and the vent cavity. The ink cartridge also includes an ink dispensing section and a second sealing element. The ink dispensing section is interconnected with the cartridge body. The ink dispensing section is equipped with... The ink cartridge has an ink outlet for supplying ink from the ink chamber to the outside of the cartridge. An air vent is located adjacent to the ink outlet, and a second seal simultaneously seals both the ink outlet and the air vent. The air venting component includes a third seal located within the air venting chamber. This third seal is inflatable; when it abuts against the inner wall of the air venting chamber, the communication between the ink chamber and the atmosphere is interrupted, and the third seal is in a sealed state. During the process of the ink-absorbing needle passing through the second seal to enter the ink outlet section, the inflatable seal can be punctured, and the third seal transitions from a sealed state to a de-sealed state. With this configuration, the air venting component of this invention also includes a third seal that can switch between a sealed state and a de-sealed state. Before the cartridge is used, the third seal is always in a sealed state, disconnecting the communication between the ink chamber and the atmosphere. This prevents ink from flowing back to the ink outlet even if the second seal is accidentally opened.

[0007] Furthermore, the cross-section at the contact point between the air guide cavity and the third seal is circular.

[0008] Furthermore, the air guiding cavity includes a first sub-air guiding cavity and a second sub-air guiding cavity that are interconnected. The first sub-air guiding cavity is connected to the receiving cavity, and the second sub-air guiding cavity is connected to the ink cavity through a first connecting part.

[0009] Furthermore, the diameter of the second sub-air guide chamber is larger than the diameter of the first sub-air guide chamber, and the third sealing element seals at least one of the first and second sub-air guide chambers.

[0010] Furthermore, both the first and second sub-gas guiding chambers have circular cross-sections.

[0011] Furthermore, the third sealing element includes a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the first sealing portion being used to abut against the first sub-air guide cavity to seal the first sub-air guide cavity, and the second sealing portion being used to abut against the second sub-air guide cavity to seal the second sub-air guide cavity.

[0012] Furthermore, both the first sealing part and the second sealing part have circular cross-sections.

[0013] Furthermore, in its natural state, the diameter of the first sealing part is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first sub-air guide chamber, and the diameter of the second sealing part is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second sub-air guide chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, the third seal also includes an action portion, and the axis of the first seal coincides with the action portion in the vertical direction.

[0015] Furthermore, a first partition plate is provided between the ink chamber and the gas guide chamber, and a first connecting part is provided on the first partition plate. The first connecting part is cut along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow path formed with the first connecting part, and there are no bends in the cut surface. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge and ink cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the ink cartridge with the hidden cover according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3B After the ink cartridge concealed cover according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, along... Figure 1 A schematic diagram after being cut along the AA direction.

[0020] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of the first connecting portion of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention being configured as a "U" shape.

[0021] Figure 4A When the third sealing element involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is in a sealed state, the ink cartridge along Figure 1 A schematic diagram after being cut along the AA direction.

[0022] Figure 4B When the third sealing element involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is in the unsealed state, the ink cartridge along Figure 1 A schematic diagram after being cut along the AA direction.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the third sealing and fixing component involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge hidden cover according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 When the third sealing element involved in Embodiment 4 of the present invention is in a sealed state, the ink cartridge along... Figure 1 A schematic diagram after being cut along the AA direction. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The imaging device includes a cartridge mounting section 200, to which a cartridge 100 can be detachably mounted. The cartridge mounting section 200 is provided with an ink-drawing needle 210 for drawing ink from the cartridge 100.

[0028] For ease of understanding and description, in the following text, when the ink cartridge 100 is placed in an installation posture, the direction of gravity of the ink cartridge 100 is downward and the opposite direction is upward; the imaging device also has the same orientation as the ink cartridge 100.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 includes a cartridge body 10, an ink outlet 20, and a cover 50. An ink cavity 11 for storing ink is formed between the cartridge body 10 and the cover 50. The cartridge body 10 and the ink outlet 20 are interconnected. The ink outlet 20 is used to supply ink from the ink cavity 11 to the outside of the ink cartridge 10. The cartridge body 10 and the ink outlet 20 are connected and interconnected.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cartridge 10 is located above the ink outlet 20 in the vertical direction, and the cartridge 10 and the cover 50 are detachably connected in the vertical direction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ink outlet 20 and the cartridge 10 are arranged in a direction that intersects with the vertical direction.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ink outlet 20 and the cartridge 10 are arranged in a direction that intersects with the front-back direction.

[0033] The ink outlet 20 includes an ink outlet 21, a first seal 22, and a receiving cavity 23 formed between the ink outlet 21 and the first seal 22. The ink in the ink cavity 11 is supplied to the outside of the ink cartridge 100 through the ink outlet 21. The first seal 22 is used to prevent the ink in the ink cavity 11 from leaking. The receiving cavity 23 is connected to the atmosphere through the ink outlet 21. The receiving cavity 23 also has a first sidewall 231.

[0034] The ink cartridge 100 also includes a second seal 24, which is used to seal the ink outlet 21 before the ink cartridge 100 is used, so that the receiving cavity 23 is not connected to the atmosphere.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first seal 22 is provided as a sealing silicone.

[0036] During the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 into the ink cartridge mounting section 200, the ink suction needle 210 passes through the first seal 22 and the second seal 24 and engages with the ink outlet section 20, so that ink can be supplied to the imaging device through the ink suction needle 210.

[0037] [Example 1]

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a venting component 30, which connects the ink chamber 11 to the atmosphere. The venting component 30 includes a vent 31, a venting cavity 32, and a first connecting portion 33. The vent 31 connects the venting cavity 32 and the receiving cavity 23. The vent 31 is adjacent to the ink outlet 21. Specifically, the vent 31 is located on the first sidewall 231. The second seal 24 simultaneously seals the vent 31 and the ink outlet 21. When the second seal 24 is punctured by the ink-absorbing needle 210, the receiving cavity 23 and the vent 31 simultaneously connect to the atmosphere. The venting cavity 32 forms a flow path for the airflow towards the ink chamber, allowing the atmosphere to enter the ink chamber 11. Figure 3B As shown in the figure, the atmosphere reaches the ink chamber 11 via the gas flow path indicated by the arrow in the figure; the first connecting part 33 is used to connect the ink chamber 11 and the air guiding chamber 32.

[0039] A first partition plate 40 is provided between the air guide cavity 32 and the ink cavity 11. A first connecting part 33 is provided on the first partition plate 40. The first connecting part 33 is cut in the direction perpendicular to the gas flow path formed by the first connecting part 33, and there are no bends in the cut surface. In the vertical direction, the first connecting part 33 is not exposed through the upper surface of the first partition plate 40, and the first connecting part 33 does not come into contact with the cover 50. The first connecting part 33 is designed in this way to effectively suppress the capillary phenomenon generated on the first connecting part 33, thereby reducing the possibility of ink overflowing from the ink cavity 11 to the air guide cavity 32.

[0040] The ink cartridge 100 also includes a negative pressure generating element 60 disposed in the air guide cavity 32. The negative pressure generating element 60 is used to control the flow rate of the atmosphere so that the ink cavity 11 is kept under negative pressure.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 33 is configured as a circular hole.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 33 is disposed at the upper end of the first partition plate 40 in the vertical direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, the negative pressure generating element 60 is configured as a sponge.

[0044] In some implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3AAs shown, the air guiding chamber 32 can be configured as multiple interconnected chambers. In this case, the negative pressure generating element 60 is disposed in the chamber closest to the ink chamber 11, so as to more effectively generate negative pressure in the ink chamber 11 and more effectively absorb the ink flowing from the ink chamber 11 into the air guiding chamber 32. For example, the air guiding chamber 32 may include a first chamber 321, a second chamber 322 and a third chamber 323. The first chamber 321 is connected to the receiving chamber 23 through the air guiding port 31. The second chamber 322 is used to connect the first chamber 321 and the third chamber 323. The third chamber 323 is connected to the ink chamber 11 through the first connecting part 33. The negative pressure generating element 60 is disposed in the third chamber 323.

[0045] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown, a second partition plate 324 is provided between the first cavity 321 and the second cavity 322, and a second connecting portion 326 is provided on the second partition plate 324 for connecting the first cavity 321 and the second cavity 322; a third partition plate 325 is provided between the second cavity 322 and the third cavity 323, and a third connecting portion 327 is provided on the third partition plate 325 for connecting the second cavity 322 and the third cavity 323.

[0046] In the first connecting portion 33, the second connecting portion 326, and the third connecting portion 327, the corresponding connecting portion is cut along the vertical direction of the gas flow path formed by each connecting portion, and there are no bends in the cut surface. In the vertical direction, at least the first connecting portion 33 is not exposed through the upper surface of the first partition plate 40.

[0047] In some embodiments, at least one of the first connecting portion 33, the second connecting portion 326, and the third connecting portion 327 may also be configured as an ellipse or a "U" shape, and the connection between adjacent sidewalls forming the respective connecting portions is configured as a curved surface. This can reduce the risk of capillary action on the corresponding connecting portions, for example: Figure 3C As shown, the first connecting part 33 is set as a "U" shape, and the connection M between adjacent sidewalls is a curved surface.

[0048] When the negative pressure generating element 60 is configured as a sponge, if the negative pressure generating element 60 directly covers / abuts the third connecting portion 327, the third connecting portion 327 will exert a capillary force on the ink adsorbed on the negative pressure generating element 60, causing the ink on the negative pressure generating element 60 to tend to flow towards the third connecting portion 327. Therefore, in some embodiments, the negative pressure generating element 60 may not completely fill the internal space of the third cavity 323. In this case, the third connecting portion 327 is no longer covered / abutted by the negative pressure generating element 60, and a receiving space can be formed between the lowermost end of the negative pressure generating element 60 and the bottom wall of the third cavity 323 in the vertical direction.

[0049] Firstly, the ink on the negative pressure generating element 60 does not directly contact the third connecting part 327, which can prevent the third connecting part 327 from generating capillary force on the negative pressure generating element 60.

[0050] Secondly, even if the negative pressure generating element 60 absorbs ink to saturation, some ink can slowly flow away from the negative pressure generating element 60 towards the air inlet 31. However, the accommodating space can accommodate this part of the ink, so that the ink will not flow into the air inlet 31.

[0051] Thirdly, a portion of air can usually be present in the containment space, and the air can isolate the liquid connection between the ink on the negative pressure generating component 60 and the third connecting part 327, thereby weakening the capillary force.

[0052] [Example 2]

[0053] This embodiment only describes the differences from Embodiment 1, but the gas flow path of the atmosphere entering the ink chamber 11 is the same.

[0054] In this example, the ink cartridge 100 is also provided with a third seal 70, which is movably disposed in the air guide cavity 32, such as... Figure 4A and 4B As shown, the third seal 70 can switch between a sealed state and a desealed state. In the sealed state, the flow path in the air guide cavity 32 is disconnected by the third seal 70, and the ink cavity 11 cannot communicate with the atmosphere. In the desealed state, the flow path in the air guide cavity 32 is not disconnected by the third seal 70, but is in a connected state, and the ink cavity 11 can communicate with the atmosphere.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the air guiding member 30 is also provided with a driven part 35, which is located in the air guiding cavity 32. The third seal 70 can move relative to the driven part 35. The driven part 35 is provided with a second through hole 351 with a minimum inner diameter of W5. The second through hole 351 extends in the vertical direction. Through the second through hole 351, the third seal 70 can move in the vertical direction. When the third seal 70 is in a sealed state, the third seal abuts against the inner wall of the second through hole 351. When the third seal 70 is in a desealed state, the third seal 70 disengages from the inner wall of the second through hole 351.

[0056] In some embodiments, the applied member 35 is fixedly disposed in the air guide cavity 32. The applied member 35 is fixed in the air guide cavity 32 by interference fit with the inner wall of the air guide cavity 32, or the applied member 35 is fixed in the air guide cavity 32 by snap-fit / fitting with the inner wall of the air guide cavity 32.

[0057] In some embodiments, the actuated member 35 is configured as a rubber ring.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the third seal 70 includes an action part 71 and a sealing part 72 connected to each other. The action part 71 is used to cooperate with the ink-absorbing needle 210. During the process of the ink-absorbing needle 210 passing through the second seal 24 and entering the ink outlet 20 / receiving cavity 23, the action part 71 moves upward relative to the cartridge 10 under the action of the ink-absorbing needle 210. The sealing part 72 is driven upward by the action part 71, and the third seal 70 changes from the sealed state to the unsealed state.

[0059] Specifically, the active part 71 includes a main body 711 and a mating part 712. The main body 711 is used to connect with the sealing part 72, and the mating part 712 is used to mate with the ink-absorbing needle 210. The mating part 712 extends from the main body 723 toward the receiving cavity 23. After the third seal 70 is installed into the housing 10, at least a portion of the mating part 712 enters the receiving cavity 23. In the vertical direction, the mating part 712 is located above the ink outlet 21.

[0060] The sealing part 72 is used to cooperate with the applied member 35 and moves relative to the applied member 35 under the drive of the actuating part 71, so that the third sealing member 70 switches between a sealing state and a desealing state. The sealing part 72 is provided with a first part 721 and a second part 722 with different outer diameters, whose outer diameters are W1 and W2 respectively, W1>W2. In the vertical direction, the first part 721 and the second part 722 are arranged in sequence. The outer diameter W1 of the first part 721 is equal to or slightly smaller than the minimum inner diameter W5 of the second through hole 351, and the outer diameter W2 of the second part 722 is smaller than the minimum inner diameter W5 of the second through hole 351.

[0061] In the direction intersecting with the movement direction of the actuating part 71, when the first part 721 abuts against the inner wall of the second through hole 351, the third seal 70 can be in a sealing state, and when the second part 722 is opposite to the inner wall of the second through hole 351, the third seal 70 can be in a de-sealing state.

[0062] Before the ink cartridge 100 is used, the third seal 70 is in a sealed state. As the ink cartridge 100 is installed toward the imaging device along the installation direction, the ink suction needle 210 passes through the second seal 24 and enters the receiving cavity 23. The third seal 70 moves upward under the action of the ink suction needle 210. The third seal 70 moves from the sealed state to the unsealed state. The atmosphere passes through the gap between the second part 722 and the acted part 35, and the ink cavity 11 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0063] In some embodiments, the housing 10 is further provided with a support portion 34, which is used to support the applied member 35. The support portion 34 is fixedly disposed on the inner wall of the air guide cavity 32. The support portion 34 is provided with a first through hole 341 with an inner diameter of W4. When viewed in the vertical direction, a part of the first through hole 341 and a part of the second through hole 351 overlap. The third sealing member 34 can move in the vertical direction through the first through hole 341 and the second through hole 351.

[0064] In some embodiments, the support portion 34 extends from the inner wall of the air guide cavity 32 toward the center of the air guide cavity 32.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 33 may also be configured as in Embodiment 1.

[0066] In this embodiment, during the movement of the ink-absorbing needle 210, the third seal 70 transitions from a sealed state to a desealed state and remains in the desealed state until the ink cartridge 100 is removed from the ink cartridge mounting part 200. At this point, the third seal 70 can transition from the desealed state to the sealed state. In some embodiments, the third seal 70 is configured as a one-way valve, which can also move relative to the cartridge body 10. During the use of the ink cartridge 100, the third seal 70 can switch between the desealed state and the sealed state according to the pressure changes within the ink chamber 11. Thus, in the two methods, the first method can more stably ensure that the ink chamber 11 is connected to the atmosphere and will not be affected by the environment, causing the flow path of the air guide chamber 32 to close. In existing ink cartridges, the second seal 24 may be accidentally opened, causing ink to flow back to the ink outlet 41 and overflow. However, the ink cartridge 100 involved in this embodiment is provided with a third seal 70 in the air guide cavity 32, which can switch between a sealed state and a desealed state. Before the ink cartridge 100 is installed in the imaging device, the third seal 70 is always in a sealed state, so even if the second seal 24 is accidentally opened, it can prevent ink from flowing back to the ink outlet 41.

[0067] [Example 3]

[0068] This embodiment only describes the differences from Embodiment 1, but the gas flow path of the atmosphere entering the ink chamber 11 is the same.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the air guiding component 30 also includes an intermediate component 80. The intermediate component 80 is located on the flow path of the airflow to the ink chamber 11, and the intermediate component 80 is in contact with the inner wall of the air guiding chamber 32. In this way, the ink flowing back from the ink chamber 11 to the air guiding chamber 32 via the first connecting part 33 will be blocked by the intermediate component 80 and will not enter the negative pressure generating component 60.

[0070] The intermediate component 80 is provided with a fourth connecting portion 81, which is configured as a through hole extending in the vertical direction to allow air and ink to pass through. Air can reach the ink chamber 11 through the negative pressure generating component 60 and the fourth connecting portion 81. Some ink flowing back from the ink chamber 11 can be absorbed by the negative pressure generating component 60 through the fourth connecting portion 81. In this embodiment, the intermediate component 80 can slow down the speed at which the negative pressure generating component 60 adsorbs ink, thereby reducing the possibility of ink flowing back from the ink chamber 11 to the air chamber 32.

[0071] In some embodiments, the intermediate member 80 is fixedly positioned above the negative pressure generating member 60 in the vertical direction.

[0072] In some embodiments, the intermediate component 80 is made of silicone.

[0073] In some embodiments, the intermediate component 80 can be fixed in the air guide cavity 32 by mutual compression between the intermediate component 80 and the air guide cavity 32, in which case the atmosphere and ink can only pass through the fourth connecting part 81.

[0074] In some embodiments, the air guide cavity 32 is configured as a cylinder, and the intermediate component 80 is configured as an annular shape.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 33 may also be configured as in Embodiment 1.

[0076] [Example 4]

[0077] This embodiment only describes the differences from Embodiment 2, but the gas flow path of the atmosphere entering the ink cavity 11 is the same.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the third seal 70 can also switch from a sealed state to a desealed state. In the sealed state, the flow path in the air guide cavity 32 is disconnected by the third seal 70, and the ink cavity 11 cannot communicate with the atmosphere. In the desealed state, the flow path in the air guide cavity 32 is not disconnected by the third seal 70, but is in a connected state, and the ink cavity 11 can communicate with the atmosphere.

[0079] like Figure 7As shown, the third seal 70 is fixedly disposed in the air guide cavity 32 and is configured to be inflatable. When the inflatable component abuts against the inner wall of the air guide cavity 32, the communication between the ink cavity 11 and the atmosphere is cut off, and the flow path in the air guide cavity 32 is interrupted by the third seal 70. At this time, the third seal 70 is in a sealed state. In the vertical direction, a part of the inflatable component is located on the movement path of the ink suction needle 210. Thus, during the process of the ink suction needle 210 passing through the second seal 24 and entering the ink outlet 20, the inflatable component can be punctured, thereby changing the third seal 70 from a sealed state to an unsealed state.

[0080] As described above, the third seal 70 in this embodiment is configured as an inflatable component. Before the ink cartridge 100 is used, the third seal 70 can isolate the ink chamber 11 from the atmosphere. During the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the third seal 70 does not need to move in the air guide chamber 32 and can also switch from a sealed state to an unsealed state, which makes it easier to connect the air guide chamber 32 with the atmosphere.

[0081] Furthermore, the cross-section of the contact point between the air guide cavity 32 and the third sealing member 70 is circular; for example, when the third sealing member 70 and the air guide cavity 32 abut in the front-back direction / left-right direction, the cross-section of the air guide cavity 32 in the front-back direction / left-right direction is the center of the circle; as another example, when the third sealing member 70 and the air guide cavity 32 abut in the vertical direction, the cross-section of the air guide cavity 32 in the vertical direction is the center of the circle. This arrangement can improve the airtightness between the third sealing member 70 and the air guide cavity 32.

[0082] Furthermore, the air guiding cavity 32 includes a first sub-air guiding cavity 3201 and a second sub-air guiding cavity 3202 that are interconnected. The first sub-air guiding cavity 3201 is connected to the receiving cavity 23, and the second sub-air guiding cavity 3202 is connected to the ink cavity 11 through the first connecting part 33. The diameter of the second sub-air guiding cavity 3202 is larger than the diameter of the first sub-air guiding cavity 3202. A third sealing member seals at least one of the first sub-air guiding cavity 3201 and the second sub-air guiding cavity 3202.

[0083] Preferably, the cross-sections of the first sub-air guide cavity 3201 and the second sub-air guide cavity 3202 are both circular.

[0084] Furthermore, the third sealing element 70 includes a first sealing portion 7001 and a second sealing portion 7002. The first sealing portion 7001 is used to abut against the first sub-air guide cavity 3201 to seal the first sub-air guide cavity, and the second sealing portion 7002 is used to abut against the second sub-air guide cavity 3202 to seal the second sub-air guide cavity. Specifically, in its natural state, the cross-sections of the first sealing portion 7001 and the second sealing portion 7002 are both circular. More specifically, in its natural state, the diameter of the first sealing portion 7001 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first sub-air guide cavity 3201, and the diameter of the second sealing portion 7002 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second sub-air guide cavity 3202.

[0085] Furthermore, the third seal 70 also includes an action part 71, and the axis of the first seal 22 coincides with the action part 71 in the vertical direction; with this configuration, when the ink cartridge is installed, the ink-absorbing needle 210 can more reliably pierce the third seal 70.

[0086] [Beneficial Effects]

[0087] The ink cartridge 100 provided by the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0088] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a first connecting portion 33 on a first partition plate 40 located between the ink cavity 11 and the air guiding cavity 32. The first connecting portion 33 is cut along a direction perpendicular to the gas flow path formed with the first connecting portion 33, and there are no bends in the cut surface. This can reduce the risk of capillary phenomena on the first connecting portion 33, thereby reducing the possibility of ink overflowing from the ink cavity 11 to the air guiding cavity 32.

[0089] Secondly, the air guiding component 30 in this invention is also provided with a third sealing element 70 that can switch between a sealed state and a desealed state. Before the ink cartridge 100 is used, the third sealing element 70 is always in a sealed state, disconnecting the ink chamber 11 from the atmosphere. In this way, even if the second sealing element 24 is accidentally opened, ink can be prevented from flowing back to the ink outlet 41.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, detachably installable into an imaging device equipped with an ink-absorbing needle, the ink cartridge comprising a cartridge body, a cover and an air guide component, wherein an ink cavity for containing ink is formed between the cartridge body and the cover, and the air guide component is used to connect the ink cavity to the atmosphere; The air guiding component includes an air guiding port, an air guiding cavity, and a first connecting part. The air guiding port is used to connect the air guiding cavity and the atmosphere, the air guiding cavity is used to form a flow path for the atmosphere to flow towards the ink cavity, and the first connecting part is used to connect the ink cavity and the air guiding cavity. The ink cartridge also includes an ink dispensing section and a second sealing element. The ink dispensing section includes an ink outlet, a first sealing element, and a receiving cavity formed between the ink outlet and the first sealing element. The ink dispensing section and the cartridge body are interconnected. The ink dispensing section is provided with an ink outlet for supplying ink from the ink cavity to the outside of the ink cartridge. An air vent is provided adjacent to the ink outlet. The second sealing element seals both the ink outlet and the air vent. Its features are, The air guiding component includes a third sealing element located in the air guiding cavity. The third sealing element also includes an active part. Along the vertical direction, the axis of the first sealing element coincides with the active part. The third sealing element is configured to be inflatable. When the inflatable element abuts against the inner wall of the air guiding cavity, the communication between the ink cavity and the atmosphere is cut off, and the third sealing element is in a sealed state. During the process of the ink-absorbing needle passing through the second sealing element and entering the ink outlet, the inflatable element can be punctured by the ink-absorbing needle, and the third sealing element changes from a sealed state to an unsealed state. A first partition plate is provided between the ink cavity and the air guiding cavity. A first connecting part is provided on the first partition plate. The first connecting part is cut along the direction perpendicular to the gas flow path formed with the first connecting part, and there are no bends in the cut surface.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section at the contact point between the air guide cavity and the third seal is circular.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guiding cavity includes a first sub-air guiding cavity and a second sub-air guiding cavity that are interconnected. The first sub-air guiding cavity is connected to the receiving cavity, and the second sub-air guiding cavity is connected to the ink cavity through a first connecting part.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the second sub-air guide chamber is larger than the diameter of the first sub-air guide chamber, and the third sealing element seals at least one of the first and second sub-air guide chambers.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first and second sub-gas guiding chambers have circular cross-sections.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third sealing element includes a first sealing part and a second sealing part. The first sealing part is used to abut against the first sub-air guide cavity to seal the first sub-air guide cavity, and the second sealing part is used to abut against the second sub-air guide cavity to seal the second sub-air guide cavity.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both the first and second sealing parts have circular cross-sections.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, In its natural state, the diameter of the first sealing part is greater than or equal to the diameter of the first sub-air guide chamber, and the diameter of the second sealing part is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second sub-air guide chamber.

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