Ink-jet printer and sealing method thereof in transportation process

Abstract

The invention relates to an ink-jet printer and a sealing method thereof in a transportation process. The ink-jet printer comprises a frame body, an ink supply tube; the ink box is communicated with the liquid outlet end of the ink supply pipe through a sealing plug; the transfer bin is installed on the frame body, a liquid inlet of the transfer bin is detachably connected with the ink bottle and used for storing ink flowing out of the ink bottle, and a liquid outlet of the transfer bin is communicated with the liquid inlet end of the ink supply pipe; the device further comprises a first sealing assembly and a second sealing assembly. When the ink box is taken down, the ink outlet of the sealing plug is disconnected from the outside through the first sealing assembly. A liquid inlet of the transfer bin is disconnected from the outside through an ink bottle or a sealing piece; and an air inlet of the transfer bin is disconnected from the outside through a second sealing assembly. The three seals enable the continuous supply system to be completely sealed, and the problem that the interior of the printer is polluted by leaked ink in the transportation and vibration process of the printer is thoroughly solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an inkjet printer, and more specifically to an inkjet printer and its sealing method during transportation. Background Technology

[0002] Current inkjet printers often use a continuous ink supply system (CRS). This system uses an external ink bottle connected to the printer's ink cartridge via an ink supply tube. This allows the ink bottle to continuously supply ink to the ink cartridge. The biggest advantage is that it is affordable, as it is much cheaper than original ink. Secondly, it provides a large ink supply and is easy to refill.

[0003] For example, the Chinese utility model patent "Ink Supply Tube Connection Structure for Inkjet Printer and Inkjet Printer" disclosed in patent application number CN202223510982.8 (publication number CN219154027U) includes an ink supply tube connection structure for use on the cover plate of the printhead carriage. The structure comprises: an ink supply tube adapter with an ink inlet connection end and an ink outlet connection end for connecting to the ink supply tube; and a sealing plug for insertion into the ink supply connection hole of the ink cartridge. The sealing plug has an ink supply channel into which the ink outlet connection end of the ink supply tube adapter is inserted. The cover plate of the printhead carriage has a through mounting hole. The outer peripheral wall of the sealing plug has an annular groove into which the peripheral edge of the mounting hole is engaged. When the ink outlet connection end of the ink supply tube adapter is inserted into the ink supply channel of the sealing plug, a portion of the ink outlet connection end of the ink supply tube adapter is located in the ink supply channel of the sealing plug at a position corresponding to the annular groove.

[0004] However, when the ink cartridge is removed, ink will leak out from the sealing plug because there is ink in the ink supply tube.

[0005] Alternatively, as disclosed in Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No. CN200720047620.6 (Publication No. CN201012558Y), the "Printer Constant Pressure Continuous Ink Supply Device" includes an ink bottle inserted upside down into the ink supply unit (equivalent to the transfer chamber mentioned below). The ink supply unit has an air pressure channel communicating with the atmosphere, and an ink supply pipe connected to the printer is located at the bottom of the ink supply unit. A core tube inserted into the mouth of the ink bottle is located in the center of the bottom of the ink supply unit, and a side-leaking ink inlet channel is located inside the core tube. The air pressure channel is an air inlet hole located on the upper side wall of the ink supply unit. To ensure that the air pressure in the ink supply unit is balanced when the inkjet printer is working normally, the ink supply unit is provided with an air inlet hole communicating with the outside. Air enters through the air inlet hole to balance the air pressure inside the ink supply unit. However, during transportation, the ink in the ink supply unit can easily flow out from the air inlet hole into the printer, contaminating the printer.

[0006] In addition, when the ink bottle is removed, the ink in the cartridge is prone to leaking out from the ink inlet port.

[0007] As can be seen above, the frame is equipped with multiple components for storing or transporting ink. However, if the connections between these components are not properly sealed, or if one of the components is temporarily removed, ink will leak into the printer during transport, contaminating it. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an inkjet printer that prevents ink leakage during transportation, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0009] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sealing method for the above-mentioned inkjet printer during transportation, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: an inkjet printer, comprising...

[0011] Frame;

[0012] The ink supply tube is installed on the frame;

[0013] The ink cartridge is connected to the ink outlet of the ink supply tube via a sealing plug;

[0014] A transfer chamber is installed on the frame. The inlet of the transfer chamber is detachably connected to the ink bottle and is used to store the ink flowing out of the ink bottle. The outlet of the transfer chamber is connected to the inlet of the ink supply tube. The transfer chamber is also provided with an air inlet.

[0015] It is characterized in that it further includes a first sealing assembly and a second sealing assembly;

[0016] With the ink cartridge removed, the ink outlet of the sealing plug is disconnected from the outside world through the first sealing component;

[0017] The inlet of the transfer chamber is disconnected from the outside world via an ink bottle or a seal.

[0018] The air inlet of the transfer compartment is disconnected from the outside through a second sealing component.

[0019] The first sealing assembly can have various structural forms. Preferably, the upper part of the sealing plug is provided with an ink inlet connected to the liquid outlet end of the ink supply tube, the bottom of the sealing plug is provided with an ink outlet, a baffle rod that can move up and down is inserted through the ink outlet, the top of the baffle rod is provided with a plug that can block the ink outlet, and the bottom of the baffle rod extends out of the ink outlet.

[0020] The plug tends to move downwards to block the ink outlet under the action of the elastic element. When the ink cartridge bottle mouth is fitted under the sealing plug, the stop rod is pushed upwards by the ink cartridge, causing the plug to open the ink outlet. The stop rod, the plug and the elastic element together constitute the first sealing assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the transfer chamber is provided with an air inlet, and an air inlet pipe connected to the air inlet is connected to the atmosphere. A clamp is installed on the air inlet pipe to compress it and block its exhaust end from the atmosphere. The air inlet pipe and the clamp together constitute the second sealing assembly. When the inkjet printer is working normally, air enters through the air inlet to balance the air pressure inside the transfer chamber. During transportation, the connection between the air inlet and the outside needs to be cut off; otherwise, the ink in the transfer chamber may flow to the outside through the air inlet and air inlet pipe, contaminating the inkjet printer. Therefore, during transportation, the exhaust end of the air inlet pipe is blocked from the atmosphere by the clamp, so that the ink in the transfer chamber will not flow to the outside through the air inlet pipe.

[0022] The tube clamp can have various structural forms, such as the commonly used dovetail clip, or a paperclip if the air intake pipe is thin. Preferably, the tube clamp includes a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm connected in sequence. The air intake pipe is partially located between the first arm and the third arm. The first arm and the third arm can be close to each other in a first position, at which time the air intake pipe is squeezed to the point that its exhaust end is blocked from the atmosphere. The first arm and the third arm can be far apart from each other in a second position, at which time the exhaust end of the air intake pipe is connected to the atmosphere.

[0023] To ensure a tight clamping and closing effect on the intake pipe, the first support arm is provided with a first compression part protruding towards the third support arm, and the third support arm is provided with a second compression part protruding towards the first support arm. The first and second compression parts are opposite to each other, and the intake pipe passes through the gap between the first and second compression parts. The arrangement of the first and second compression parts provides a strong compression force on the intake pipe, ensuring a good compression effect.

[0024] To facilitate pressing the first arm, the first arm is provided with a pressing part that facilitates pressing it so that the first arm and the third arm are close together. The pressing part is located on the wall surface of the first arm that faces away from the third arm.

[0025] Preferably, a positioning structure is provided between the first arm and the third arm to position them relative to each other when they are in the first position, so as to ensure the clamping and closing effect of the first arm and the third arm on the intake pipe.

[0026] The positioning structure can take many forms. For example, magnets can be provided on both the first and third arms so that they magnetically attract each other. Alternatively, the third arm can be provided with a limiting part. Along the movement trajectory of the free end of the first arm from the first position to the second position, the limiting part is located on the movement path of the free end of the first arm. Without the action of external force, the first arm cannot move away from the third arm due to the limiting part.

[0027] To facilitate the movement of the first and third arms away from or towards each other, the second arm has an arc-shaped structure that arches away from the first and third arms. The portion of the third arm adjacent to its free end has an arc-shaped structure that is opposite to the second arm and arches away from the second arm. When the first and third arms are constrained together by the positioning structure, the first, second, and third arms together form a closed ring structure.

[0028] To facilitate the intake pipe being located between the first and third arms and clamped and closed by them, the arc-shaped structure of the third arm is provided with a first through hole, and the second arm is provided with a second through hole. The intake pipe passes through the first through hole and the second through hole in sequence, or the intake pipe passes through the second through hole and the first through hole in sequence.

[0029] To facilitate the passage and positioning of the intake pipe through the first and second perforations, both perforations include a large hole and a small hole that are connected. The diameter of the large hole is larger than that of the small hole, and the diameter of the small hole is matched to the outer diameter of the intake pipe. Because of the large diameter, the intake pipe passes easily through the large hole first, and then through the small hole. Since the diameter of the small hole matches the outer diameter of the intake pipe, it helps to position the intake pipe.

[0030] To facilitate pressing the third arm and move it away from the first arm, the free end of the third arm is bent in a direction away from the first arm to form a pressing rod.

[0031] To prevent ink leakage at the inlet of the transfer chamber, one method is as follows: the inlet of the transfer chamber is provided with a tube connected to it, the tube has an inlet connected to its interior, and a sleeve is detachably fitted on the tube. In this state, the sleeve covers the inlet, and the sleeve is the sealing element. The sleeve plays a sealing role to prevent ink from flowing out through the inlet and the inlet.

[0032] When it is not necessary to seal the liquid inlet of the transfer chamber, the sleeve needs to be removed. Therefore, the frame is provided with a mounting plate with a mounting opening. The mounting opening passes through the edge of the mounting plate to form a notch. The sleeve passes through the notch of the mounting opening and is inserted into the mounting opening or removed from the mounting opening. In this way, the removed sleeve is directly installed on the mounting plate to prevent loss and make it easy to use.

[0033] The sleeve can be tightly fitted into the mounting opening, but this would make disassembly and assembly inconvenient. Therefore, a groove is provided around the circumference of the sleeve. The part of the mounting plate located around the mounting opening is embedded in the groove. The fit between the groove and the circumference of the mounting plate provides vertical positioning for the sleeve. When it is necessary to remove or place the sleeve, it can be inserted into or removed from the mounting opening through the notch.

[0034] To facilitate gripping the sleeve, the head of the sleeve is partially recessed to form a gripping part that is easy for the hand to hold.

[0035] To prevent ink leakage at the ink inlet of the transfer chamber, another method is to have a tube connected to the ink inlet of the transfer chamber. This tube has an inlet that connects to its interior, and the tube can be inserted into an ink bottle with its inlet connected to the ink bottle. In this way, the ink in the transfer chamber flows sequentially into the ink bottle through the ink inlet and inlet, without flowing into the printer and contaminating it.

[0036] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a sealing method for the inkjet printer during transportation, characterized in that, when the printer needs to be transported, the following operations are performed:

[0037] (1) Remove the ink bottle and seal the ink outlet of the sealing plug with the first sealing component;

[0038] (2) The air inlet of the transfer compartment is sealed by the second sealing assembly;

[0039] (3) The liquid inlet of the transfer chamber is sealed by an ink bottle or a sealing device;

[0040] The steps (1), (2), and (3) above are not in any particular order.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The ink bottle, transfer chamber, ink supply tube, sealing plug, and ink bottle of the present invention together constitute a continuous ink supply system. The present invention seals three parts that may leak ink during transportation: the first is the ink outlet of the sealing plug, the second is the liquid inlet of the transfer chamber, and the third is the air inlet of the transfer chamber. These three seals make the continuous ink supply system completely sealed, thus completely solving the problem of ink leakage and contamination of the printer's internal parts during transportation and vibration. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention (the ink bottle is installed on the transfer chamber, and the tube clamp is open);

[0043] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0044] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the pipe clamp structure;

[0045] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe clamp closure structure;

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Sectional view at point A;

[0049] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the decomposition process;

[0050] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of one of the transfer compartments and ink bottles in conjunction;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention (the ink bottle is not installed on the transfer chamber, and the sleeve is installed on the tube body);

[0052] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a partial structure;

[0053] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A sectional view;

[0054] Figure 13 for Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of the sleeve being removed from the tube body;

[0055] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A cross-sectional view from another direction. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. 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.

[0057] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, and the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0058] In the description of this invention patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an adhesive connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention patent based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] like Figures 1-14 As shown, the inkjet printer of this preferred embodiment includes a frame 1, an ink supply pipe 2, an ink cartridge (not shown in the figure), a transfer chamber 3, an air inlet pipe 31, a pipe clamp 4, etc. The frame 1 is also provided with a print head connected to the ink cartridge, which can print the ink in the ink cartridge onto paper. This is the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] Both the ink supply tube 2 and the transfer chamber 3 are installed on the frame 1. The inlet 32 ​​of the transfer chamber 3 is detachably connected to the ink bottle 5 and is used to store the ink flowing out of the ink bottle 5. The outlet 33 of the transfer chamber 3 is connected to the inlet end of the ink supply tube 2. The ink cartridge is connected to the outlet end of the ink supply tube 2 through a sealing plug 6.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper part of the sealing plug 6 is provided with an ink inlet 61 connected to the liquid outlet end of the ink supply tube 2, and the bottom of the sealing plug 6 is provided with an ink outlet 62. A baffle 7 that can move up and down is inserted through the ink outlet 62. The top of the baffle 7 is provided with a plug 71 that can block the ink outlet 62, and the bottom of the baffle 7 extends out of the ink outlet 62.

[0062] Under the action of the elastic element 72, the plug 71 continues to move downward to block the ink outlet 62. With the ink cartridge bottle mouth fitted under the sealing plug 6, the stop rod 7 is pushed upward by the ink cartridge, causing the plug 71 to open the ink outlet 62.

[0063] In this embodiment, the elastic element 72 is a spring, the inner wall of the sealing plug 6 is provided with an upper limit surface 63, the peripheral wall of the plug 71 is provided with a lower limit surface 73, and the two ends of the spring abut against the upper limit surface 63 and the lower limit surface 73 respectively.

[0064] A sealing ring 64 is provided between the plug 71 and the ink outlet 62 of the sealing plug 6 to ensure the sealing effect of both. Preferably, the sealing plug 6 is a flexible part to ensure the sealing of its connection with the ink cartridge and prevent ink leakage.

[0065] By setting a stop bar 7 and a plug 71 in the sealing plug 6, when the ink cartridge is not fitted on the sealing plug 6, the plug 71 blocks the ink outlet 62 under the action of the elastic element 72. At this time, the ink in the ink supply tube 2 will not flow out from the ink outlet 62 of the sealing plug 6, and will not pollute the internal environment of the printer.

[0066] When the ink cartridge is fitted onto the sealing plug 6, the ink cartridge will push the stop bar 7 upward, and the plug 71 will move upward simultaneously to open the ink outlet 62. At this time, the ink in the ink supply tube 2 can flow into the ink cartridge through the sealing plug 6 for printing.

[0067] Therefore, the stop bar 7, the plug 71 and the elastic element 72 together constitute the first sealing assembly, which is used to seal the ink outlet 62 of the sealing plug 6 when the ink cartridge is removed, to prevent the ink outlet 62 from being directly connected to the outside and ink from dripping onto the printer.

[0068] like Figures 2-6 As shown, the transfer chamber 3 is equipped with an air inlet 34. During normal operation of the inkjet printer, air enters through the air inlet 34 to balance the internal air pressure of the transfer chamber 3. During transportation, the connection between the air inlet 34 and the outside environment needs to be cut off; otherwise, the ink in the transfer chamber 3 may flow through the air inlet 34 to the outside, contaminating the inkjet printer. Therefore, in this embodiment, an air inlet pipe 31 connected to the atmosphere is provided at the air inlet 34. A clamp 4 is installed on the air inlet pipe 31 to compress it and block its exhaust end from the atmosphere. During transportation, the clamp 4 blocks the exhaust end of the air inlet pipe 31 from the atmosphere, preventing the ink in the transfer chamber 3 from flowing to the outside environment through the air inlet pipe 31. Thus, the air inlet pipe 31 and the clamp 4 together constitute a second sealing assembly that disconnects the air inlet 34 from the outside environment.

[0069] In this embodiment, the pipe clamp 4 includes a first arm 41, a second arm 42, and a third arm 43 connected in sequence. The intake pipe 31 is partially located between the first arm 41 and the third arm 43. The first arm 41 and the third arm 43 can approach each other and be in a first position, at which time the intake pipe 31 is squeezed to the point that its exhaust end is blocked from the atmosphere. The first arm 41 and the third arm 43 can move away from each other and be in a second position, at which time the exhaust end of the intake pipe 31 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0070] The first arm 41 is provided with a first extrusion part 411 protruding toward the third arm 43, and the third arm 43 is provided with a second extrusion part 431 protruding toward the first arm 41. The first extrusion part 411 and the second extrusion part 431 are opposite to each other, and the air intake pipe 31 passes through the gap between the first extrusion part 411 and the second extrusion part 431. The arrangement of the first extrusion part 411 and the second extrusion part 431 makes the extrusion force on the air intake pipe 31 strong, ensuring the extrusion effect.

[0071] A positioning structure is also provided between the first arm 41 and the third arm 43 to position them relative to each other when they are in the first position, ensuring the clamping and closing effect of the first arm 41 and the third arm 43 on the intake pipe 31. The third arm 43 is provided with a limiting part 432. Along the movement trajectory of the free end of the first arm 41 from the first position to the second position, the limiting part 432 is located on the movement path of the free end of the first arm 41. The limiting part 432 and the free end of the first arm 41 together form a positioning structure. Under the action of no external force, due to the limiting part 432, the first arm 41 cannot move away from the third arm 43, so that the two are in the first position to squeeze the intake pipe 31.

[0072] To facilitate the movement of the first arm 41 and the third arm 43 away from or towards each other, the second arm 42 has an arc-shaped structure that arches away from the first arm 41 and the third arm 43. The portion of the third arm 43 adjacent to its free end has an arc-shaped structure that is opposite to the second arm 42 and arches away from the second arm 42. When the first arm 41 and the third arm 43 are constrained together by the positioning structure, the first arm 41, the second arm 42 and the third arm 43 together form a closed ring structure.

[0073] The third arm 43 has a first through hole 433 on its arc-shaped structure, and the second arm 42 has a second through hole 421. The air intake pipe 31 passes through the first through hole 433 and the second through hole 421 in sequence, or the air intake pipe 31 passes through the second through hole 421 and the first through hole 433 in sequence, so that the air intake pipe 31 is located between the first arm 41 and the third arm 43 and is clamped and closed by the two.

[0074] To facilitate the passage of the intake pipe 31 through the first perforation 433 and the second perforation 421 and to enable its positioning relative to these perforations, both the first perforation 433 and the second perforation 421 include a large hole 4331 and a small hole 4332 that are connected. The diameter of the large hole 4331 is larger than the diameter of the small hole 4332, and the diameter of the small hole 4332 is matched with the outer diameter of the intake pipe 31. Because the diameter of the large hole 4331 is large, the intake pipe 31 easily passes through the large hole 4331 first, and then passes through the small hole 4332. Since the diameter of the small hole 4332 is matched with the outer diameter of the intake pipe 31, it plays a role in positioning the intake pipe 31.

[0075] In this embodiment, multiple first perforations 433 and second perforations 421 are provided so that multiple air intake pipes 31 can be clamped and closed by a single pipe clamp 4.

[0076] To facilitate pressing the first arm 41, the first arm 41 is provided with a pressing part 412 to facilitate pressing it so that the first arm 41 and the third arm 43 are close together. The pressing part 412 is located on the wall surface of the first arm 41 that is away from the third arm 43. To facilitate pressing the third arm 43 so that the third arm 43 is away from the first arm 41, the free end of the third arm 43 is bent in a direction away from the first arm 41 to form a pressing rod 44.

[0077] The third arm 43 has a screw hole 434. A screw passes through the screw hole 434 and is fixedly connected to the frame 1. The screw is threaded into the screw hole 434. Of course, the screw hole 434 can also be located on the first arm 41 or the second arm 42. This allows the pipe clamp 4 to be installed on the frame 1, preventing the pipe clamp 4 from being lost.

[0078] To prevent ink leakage at the ink inlet 32 ​​of the transfer chamber 3, one method is as follows: Figures 10-14 As shown, the inlet 32 ​​of the transfer chamber 3 is connected to a tube 35, which has an inlet 351 communicating with its interior. A sleeve 8 is detachably fitted onto the tube 35. In this state, the sleeve 8 covers the inlet 351, thus acting as a seal to prevent ink from flowing out through the inlet 32 ​​and inlet 351. In other words, the sleeve 8 is a sealing element that cuts off the connection between the inlet 32 ​​and the outside. The sleeve 8 is preferably made of a flexible material, such as silicone, to ensure its sealing effect on the inlet 351.

[0079] If it is not necessary to seal the liquid inlet 32 ​​of the transfer chamber 3, the sleeve 8 needs to be removed. Therefore, the frame 1 is provided with a mounting plate 11. Figure 14 As shown, the mounting plate 11 is provided with a mounting opening 12. The mounting opening 12 passes through the edge of the mounting plate 11 to form a notch. The sleeve 8 passes through the notch of the mounting opening 12 and is inserted into the mounting opening 12 or is removed from the mounting opening 12. In this way, the removed sleeve 8 is directly installed on the mounting plate 11 to prevent loss and to make it convenient to use.

[0080] In addition, a groove 81 is provided around the circumference of the sleeve 8. The part of the mounting plate 11 located around the mounting opening 12 is embedded in the groove 81. The fit between the groove 81 and the circumference of the mounting plate 11 plays a role in positioning the sleeve 8 in the vertical direction. When it is necessary to remove or put it in, the sleeve 8 can be inserted into or removed from the mounting opening 12 through the notch.

[0081] Furthermore, the head of the sleeve 8 is partially recessed to form a gripping part 82 that is easy to hold, so as to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the sleeve 8.

[0082] To prevent ink leakage at the ink inlet 32 ​​of the transfer chamber 3, another method is: Figure 9 As shown, the transfer chamber 3 has a pipe 35 connected to its inlet 32, and an inlet 351 connected to its interior. The pipe 35 can be inserted into the ink bottle 5, and the inlet 351 is connected to the ink bottle 5. In this way, the ink in the transfer chamber 3 flows into the ink bottle 5 sequentially through the inlet 32 ​​and the inlet 351, without flowing into the printer and contaminating it.

[0083] When printing is required, the ink in ink bottle 5 enters the transfer chamber 3 through inlet 351 of tube 35, then flows into ink cartridge 2 through tube 2. If a sleeve 8 is fitted on tube 35, remove the sleeve 8 and then install ink bottle 5 to start printing.

[0084] The ink bottle 5 in this embodiment is installed using the Chinese utility model patent disclosed in patent application number CN202120028451.1 (publication number CN215096444U), entitled "A Fixing Device for Ink Bottle 5 for Inkjet Printer". The fixing seat in this patent can be installed on the frame 1, or the fixing seat can be a partial structure of the frame 1.

[0085] As can be seen from the above, the ink bottle 5, transfer chamber 3, ink supply tube 2, sealing plug 6, and ink bottle together constitute a continuous ink supply system. In this embodiment, three points are sealed: the first point is the ink outlet 62 of the sealing plug 6, the second point is the liquid inlet 32 ​​of the transfer chamber 3, and the third point is the air inlet 34 of the transfer chamber 3. These three seals make the continuous ink supply system completely sealed, thus completely solving the problem of ink leakage and contamination of the printer's internal parts during transportation and vibration.

[0086] When the printer needs to be transported, the sealing method for the inkjet printer during transportation in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0087] (1) Remove the ink bottle and seal the ink outlet 62 of the sealing plug 6 with the first sealing component; specifically in this embodiment, when the ink bottle is removed, the stop bar 7 moves downward under the action of the elastic member 72 until the plug 71 blocks the ink outlet 62.

[0088] (2) The air inlet 34 of the transfer chamber 3 is sealed by the second sealing component. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pressing part 412 on the first support arm 41 is pressed, and the free end of the first support arm 41 abuts against the limiting part 432 on the third support arm 43. At this time, the air inlet pipe 31 is squeezed and closed by the first squeezing part 411 on the first support arm 41 and the second squeezing part 431 on the third support arm 43, so that the air inlet 43 is disconnected from the outside and the ink will not drip from the air inlet 34 into the printer.

[0089] (3) The inlet 32 ​​of the transfer chamber 3 can be sealed by the ink bottle 5 or the sleeve 8. Specifically, in this embodiment, the ink bottle 5 and the transfer chamber 3 can be kept assembled. If the ink in the transfer chamber 3 flows out, it will flow into the ink bottle 5 instead of into the printer. Alternatively, the ink bottle 5 can be removed and the sleeve 8 can be installed on the tube 35 to block the inlet 351 of the tube 35. In this way, the ink in the transfer chamber 3 cannot flow out from the inlet 32.

[0090] The steps (1), (2), and (3) above are not in any particular order.

[0091] In this embodiment, there are four sets of continuous ink supply systems. Of course, the number is not limited to this. The ink color in the ink bottle 5 of each set of continuous ink supply systems can be different.

Claims

1. An inkjet printer, comprising: Frame (1); Ink supply tube (2) is installed on frame (1); The ink cartridge is connected to the ink outlet of the ink supply tube (2) via a sealing plug (6); The transfer chamber (3) is installed on the frame (1). The liquid inlet (32) of the transfer chamber (3) is detachably connected to the ink bottle (5) and is used to store the ink flowing out of the ink bottle (5). The liquid outlet (33) of the transfer chamber (3) is connected to the liquid inlet of the ink supply pipe (2). The transfer chamber (3) is also provided with an air inlet (34). Its features are, It also includes a first sealing assembly and a second sealing assembly; With the ink cartridge removed, the ink outlet (62) of the sealing plug (6) is disconnected from the outside through the first sealing component; The liquid inlet (32) of the transfer chamber (3) is disconnected from the outside world through an ink bottle (5) or a seal; The air inlet (34) of the transfer compartment (3) is disconnected from the outside through the second sealing assembly.

2. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper part of the sealing plug (6) is provided with an ink inlet (61) connected to the liquid outlet end of the ink supply tube (2), and the bottom of the sealing plug (6) is provided with an ink outlet (62). A baffle (7) that can move up and down is provided in the ink outlet (62). The top of the baffle (7) is provided with a plug (71) that can block the ink outlet (62), and the bottom of the baffle (7) extends out of the ink outlet (62). The plug (71) tends to move downward to block the ink outlet (62) under the action of the elastic member (72). When the bottle mouth of the ink cartridge is fitted under the sealing plug (6), the stop rod (7) is pushed upward by the ink cartridge, so that the plug (71) opens the ink outlet (62). The stop rod (7), the plug (71) and the elastic member (72) together constitute the first sealing assembly.

3. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet (34) is connected to an air inlet pipe (31) that communicates with the atmosphere. The air inlet pipe (31) is equipped with a pipe clamp (4) that can compress it to block its exhaust end from the atmosphere. The air inlet pipe (31) and the pipe clamp (4) together constitute the second sealing assembly.

4. The inkjet printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pipe clamp (4) includes a first arm (41), a second arm (42) and a third arm (43) connected in sequence. The intake pipe (31) is partially located between the first arm (41) and the third arm (43). The first arm (41) and the third arm (43) can approach each other and be in a first position. At this time, the intake pipe (31) is squeezed to the point that its exhaust end is blocked from the atmosphere. The first arm (41) and the third arm (43) can move away from each other and be in a second position. At this time, the exhaust end of the intake pipe (31) is connected to the atmosphere.

5. The inkjet printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: A positioning structure is provided between the first arm (41) and the third arm (43) to position them relative to each other when they are in the first position. The third arm (43) is provided with a limiting part (432). Along the movement trajectory of the free end of the first arm (41) from the first position to the second position, the limiting part (432) is located on the movement path of the free end of the first arm (41). The limiting part (432) and the free end of the first arm (41) together constitute the positioning structure.

6. The inkjet printer according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second arm (42) has an arc-shaped structure that arches away from the first arm (41) and the third arm (43). The portion of the third arm (43) near its free end has an arc-shaped structure that is opposite to the second arm (42) and arches away from the second arm (42). When the first arm (41) and the third arm (43) are constrained together by the positioning structure, the first arm (41), the second arm (42) and the third arm (43) together form a closed ring structure.

7. The inkjet printer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third arm (43) has a first through hole (433) on its arc-shaped structure, and the second arm (42) has a second through hole (421). The air intake pipe (31) passes through the first through hole (433) and the second through hole (421) in sequence, or the air intake pipe (31) passes through the second through hole (421) and the first through hole (433) in sequence.

8. The inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The transfer chamber (3) has a liquid inlet (32) connected to a pipe (35), and the pipe (35) has an inlet (351) connected to its interior. A sleeve (8) is detachably fitted onto the pipe (35). In this state, the sleeve (8) covers the inlet (351), and the sleeve (8) is the sealing element.

9. The inkjet printer according to claim 8, characterized in that: The frame (1) is provided with a mounting plate (11), and the mounting plate (11) is provided with a mounting opening (12). The mounting opening (12) passes through the edge of the mounting plate (11) to form a notch. The sleeve (8) passes through the notch of the mounting opening (12) and is inserted into the mounting opening (12) or is removed from the mounting opening (12).

10. A sealing method for an inkjet printer as described in claims 1 to 9 during transportation, characterized in that, When it is necessary to transport the printer, the following steps should be taken: (1) Remove the ink bottle and seal the ink outlet (62) of the sealing plug (6) with the first sealing component; (2) The air inlet (34) of the transfer chamber (3) is sealed by the second sealing assembly; (3) The liquid inlet (32) of the transfer chamber (3) is sealed by an ink bottle (5) or a sealing element; The steps (1), (2), and (3) above are not in any particular order.

Images