Ink box

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an ink box, and relates to the technical field of printing. The ink box comprises a container body and a first acting piece, ink is stored in the container body, the container body is provided with a front surface and an upper surface, the container body is further provided with a supply pipe allowing the ink to flow out, the supply pipe comprises a supply opening, the first acting piece is located at the front end of the ink box and provided with an acting area, and in the height direction of the ink box, the acting area is larger than the supply opening. The acting area is lower than the highest point of the supply port, the acting area is configured to abut against the acted area when the ink box is installed on the box installation part so as to drive the blocking piece to move in the direction away from the moving path of the supply pipe, and the supply pipe moves along the moving path and is matched with the ink supply needle. According to the printer, the first acting piece directly abutting against the blocking piece is arranged on the ink box, the first acting piece directly acts on the blocking piece, acting force does not need to be transmitted through a pressing plate component, the number of middle components is reduced, and the possibility that the internal structure of the printer is damaged can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more particularly to an ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Ink cartridges are removable parts widely used in printing equipment. They contain ink, which the printing equipment then sprays onto paper to create the text or image to be printed.

[0003] The prior art provides an ink cartridge used in corresponding printing equipment. The printing equipment has ink supply needles, and below the ink supply needles is an ink receiving component. The ink receiving component can be pushed by a pressure plate to rotate and move away from the ink supply needles, so that there is space between the ink supply needles and the ink receiving component for the supply tube to enter. The ink cartridge's supply tube can cooperate with the ink supply needles to replenish ink. However, the rotation and movement of the ink receiving component depends on the up and down movement of the pressure plate, which in turn depends on the back and forth movement of the ink cartridge. There are too many intermediate components. If any link fails or a component is damaged, the ink cartridge cannot be installed properly with the printer. Furthermore, since the pressure plate, the ink receiving component, and their mating parts are all located inside the cartridge mounting part, if their functions are damaged, they will be difficult to repair, affecting the normal use of the printer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an ink cartridge to improve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] This application provides an ink cartridge that can be installed into a cartridge mounting portion along an installation direction. The cartridge mounting portion has an ink supply needle and a blocking member. The blocking member restricts the cooperation between the ink supply needle and the supply tube of the ink cartridge. In its initial position, the blocking member has an active area located on the movement path of the supply tube, including:

[0006] A container body containing ink, the container body having a front surface and a top surface;

[0007] The container body also has a supply tube for ink to flow out, the supply tube including a supply port;

[0008] A first actuating element is located at the front end of the ink cartridge. The first actuating element has an actuating area, which is lower than the highest point of the supply port in the height direction of the ink cartridge.

[0009] The active area is configured to abut against the active area when the ink cartridge is installed in the cartridge mounting part, thereby driving the blocking member to move away from the movement path of the supply tube, the supply tube moving along the movement path and engaging with the ink supply needle.

[0010] The first actuating component is located at the front end of the ink cartridge, which can interact with the blocking component of the cartridge mounting part to allow the ink cartridge to be installed smoothly.

[0011] In the height direction of the ink cartridge, the functional area is lower than the highest point of the supply port, so that the first functional component only occupies the position below the supply port, avoiding interference with other structures of the ink cartridge and reducing the volume ratio of the first functional component on the ink cartridge.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the functional area is higher than the lowest point of the supply tube in the height direction of the ink cartridge. With this configuration, when the ink cartridge falls, the supply tube contacts the ground or other impact object first, thus protecting the functional area of ​​the first actuating element.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the functional area constitutes the lower surface of the supply pipe. This arrangement allows the functional area of ​​the first functional member to be integrally formed with the lower surface of the supply pipe, eliminating the need for additional components to form the functional member and simplifying the manufacturing mold structure.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the supply pipe further includes a protective cap fitted around its outer periphery, with the first actuating element located on the protective cap. This arrangement allows for cost-effective replacement of the first actuating element when damaged, and also facilitates replacement of the first actuating element. In other possible implementations, the protective cap may cover the entire supply pipe.

[0015] In one possible implementation, in the height direction of the ink cartridge, the rear end of the function area of ​​the first function member is lower than the front end of the function area of ​​the first function member.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the working area of ​​the first actuating member is an inclined surface.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the action area of ​​the first action member is the side of the frustum.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the protective cover has a groove and an elastic rib that can resiliently retract into the groove, the elastic rib constituting the first actuating element.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the first actuating member is a plate-like member extending forward from the supply pipe.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the cartridge further includes a chip disposed on the upper surface of the cartridge. In the height direction of the cartridge, the functional area is located below the chip and below the highest point of the supply tube. Along the height direction of the cartridge, the chip, the highest point of the supply tube, and the functional area are arranged sequentially.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the upper surface of the ink cartridge has a locking protrusion, and the chip is located in front of the supply port along the length of the ink cartridge, with the chip positioned in front of the locking protrusion.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the first actuating member extends forward from the front surface, and the actuating area is located in front of the supply port.

[0023] This application provides an ink cartridge that, by providing a first abutting member on the ink cartridge to directly abut against the blocking member, allows the first abutting member to act directly against the blocking member without needing to transmit force through a pressure plate member. This reduces the number of intermediate members and can effectively reduce the possibility of damage to the printer's internal structure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a printer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box mounting part provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of the ink supply needle and ink receiving component of the cartridge mounting section provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the box mounting section provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another type of printer box mounting part provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink cartridge from a first angle, as provided in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge from the second angle provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0033] Figure 9This is a structural schematic diagram of the ink cartridge from the third angle provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 9 An enlarged view of point A in the diagram;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ink cartridge installed to the cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge provided in Modification 5 of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure from another angle, provided in Modification 5 of Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0041] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure from another angle, as provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0042] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure from another angle, as provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0043] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure from another angle, as provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0044] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge installed in the cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0045] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ink cartridge installed to the cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0046] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ink cartridge after installation, provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0047] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure from another angle, as provided in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0048] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0049] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure from another angle, as provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0050] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ink cartridge installed in the cartridge mounting part according to Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0051] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0052] 10-Printer; 110-Box mounting section; 101-Box body; 112-Opening; 126-Rear cover; 109-Partition wall; 108A-First mounting slot; 108B-Second mounting slot; 108C-Third mounting slot; 108D-Fourth mounting slot; 161-Guide surface; 172-Upper wall; 113-First groove; 118-First rib; 114-Second groove; 119-Second rib; 117-Protrusion; 115A-Keyway 1; 115B-Keyway 2; 115C-Keyway 3; 115D-Keyway 4; 138A-Keyway 5; 138B-Keyway 6; 138C-Keyway 7; 138D - Keyway 8; 173 - Rear wall; 144 - Third through hole; 140A - First through hole; 140B - Second through hole; 139 - Locking rod; 130 - Blocking element; 131 - Front end part; 132 - Rear end part; 135 - Arc part; 137 - Flat part; 136 - Protruding rib; 133 - Spring; 134 - Pressure plate; 120 - Secondary ink tank; 121 - Rod; 122 - First mating part; 123 - Second mating part; 102 - Ink supply needle; 21 - Printhead; 15 - Paper feed tray; 23 - Paper feed roller; 25 - Conveyor roller; 26 - Pressure plate; 27 - Paper output roller; 16 - Paper output tray;

[0053] 30-Ink cartridge; 71-Guide wall; 78-Locking protrusion; 33-Supply tube; 31-Container body; 32-Lid; 35-Seal; 36-Moving component; 37-First elastic component; 39-Protective cover; 74-Groove; 76-Through hole; 79-Third groove; 38-Gas passage; 60-Chip; 61-Electrical contact; 63-Rear surface; 64-Right-tilted back surface; 65-Left-tilted back surface; 67-Transition surface; 66-Positioning recess; 771-First actuating component; 771A-Actuating area; 771B-Arc surface;

[0054] 171 - Lower wall; 174 - Left wall; 175 - Right wall; 311 - Protrusion; 321 - Groove.

[0055] 741 - Top; 742 - Bottom; 743 - Side; 391 - Receiving groove; 80 - Protruding rib; 77 - Second elastic element; 84A - Forward inclined surface; 85A - Left inclined surface; 85B - Right inclined surface; 87 - Locking surface. Detailed Implementation

[0056] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0057] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0058] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0060] In the above description, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0061] The ink cartridge is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 110 in a horizontal direction (orthogonal to the direction of gravity) and then removed from it. In this embodiment, a system is established as follows: Figure 6 Using the coordinate system shown as a reference, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is defined with X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Specifically, the vertical direction (height of the ink cartridge) is set as the Z-axis, the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis (front-back direction) is the length direction of the ink cartridge, and the mounting direction of the ink cartridge is the X-axis. The direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis and X-axis is the Y-axis, which is the left-right direction (width of the ink cartridge). When using the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "back" to describe the position or relative orientation of the ink cartridge itself or its components, these descriptions are based on the ink cartridge being in use. Use refers to the installation state where the ink cartridge is connected to the cartridge mounting section 110 or the state of the ink cartridge during the installation process when it is about to be inserted into the cartridge mounting section 110.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, printer 10 includes a cartridge mounting section 110, a secondary ink tank 120, ink supply needles 102, a printhead 21, and an ink cartridge 30. Printer 10 is an inkjet recording device that develops images by ejecting ink droplets onto paper through the printhead 21.

[0063] Printer 10 includes a cartridge mounting section 110. The cartridge mounting section 110 accommodates an ink cartridge 30. The ink cartridge 30 is an example of an ink container. The rear end of the cartridge mounting section 110 has an opening 112. The ink cartridge 30 can be inserted into or removed from the cartridge mounting section 110 through the opening 112.

[0064] The box mounting section 110 is provided with a movable back cover 126. When the back cover 126 is closed, the opening 112 is covered by the back cover 126, and when the back cover 126 is opened, the opening 112 is exposed.

[0065] Figure 1 This indicates that the ink cartridge 30 is fully connected to the cartridge mounting section 110. In other words, Figure 1The image shows ink cartridge 30 in the installed state. The ink cartridge 30 is in the usage position when in the installed state. Ink cartridge 30 stores ink that can be used in printer 10. The ink can be a liquid containing coloring materials such as pigments, or it can be a liquid without coloring materials but containing additives that improve the quality of the coloring materials.

[0066] Printer 10 includes a paper tray 15, a paper feed roller 23, a pair of transport rollers 25, a pressure plate 26, a pair of output rollers 27, and an output tray 16. The paper feed roller 23 carries paper from the paper feed tray 15 through a transport path 24 to the pair of transport rollers 25. The pair of transport rollers 25 transport the paper to the pressure plate 26. The printhead 21 selectively sprays ink onto the paper passing through the pressure plate 26, thereby developing an image on the paper. The paper then passes through the pressure plate 26 to the pair of output rollers 27. The pair of output rollers 27 transport the paper to the output tray 16, the final item on the transport path 24.

[0067]

Box Installation Department 110

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the cartridge mounting part 110 includes a cartridge body 101 and an ink supply needle 102.

[0069] The box mounting part 110 is generally square and has an internal space. The internal space has ends in the left-right direction, the up-down direction, and the front direction. The ends have multiple end faces, including a lower wall 171 facing downward, an upper wall 172 facing upward, a rear wall 173 facing backward, a left wall 174 facing left, and a right wall 175 facing right.

[0070] The internal space of the box mounting section 110 has three partitions 109. The three partitions 109 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The three partitions 109 are equally spaced in the left-right direction. The partitions 109 are flat and extend in the up-down and front-back directions.

[0071] The internal space of the box mounting section 110 has four mounting slots arranged in the left-right direction (namely, the first mounting slot 108A, the second mounting slot 108B, the third mounting slot 108C, and the fourth mounting slot 108D), and the mounting slots are separated by partition walls 109.

[0072] The cartridge mounting section 110 has a guide surface 161. The guide surface 161 is arranged below each mounting slot. The guide surface 161 faces upward and is generally a semi-circular surface. When the ink cartridge 30 is connected to or separated from the cartridge body 101, the guide surface 161 guides the ink cartridge 30 in the front-to-back direction. In the connected state where the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the cartridge body 101, the guide surface 161 supports the lower end of the ink cartridge 30.

[0073] like Figure 2As shown, the upper wall 172 is flat and extends in both the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The upper wall 172 extends from the left wall 174 of the box mounting portion 110 to the right wall 175. The rear wall 173 has a flat shape extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The rear wall 173 extends from the left wall 174 of the box mounting portion 110 to the right wall 175. In the rear wall 173, third through holes 144 are evenly spaced in four mounting slots in the left-to-right direction.

[0074] The guide surface 161 is located below the third through hole 144.

[0075] The ink needle 102 passes through the third through hole 144 and protrudes rearward from the rear wall 173. In each of the four mounting slots, the upper wall 172 has a first recess 113 and a second recess 114. The first recess 113 and the second recess 114 have a common shape. The first recess 113 is located at the left end of the mounting slot, and the second recess 114 is located at the right end of the mounting slot 108. Both the first recess 113 and the second recess 114 are recessed downward from the upper wall 172 and extend in the front-rear direction, opening in the rear wall 173. The ink cartridge 30 includes a pair of guide walls 71 that insert into the first recess 113 and the second recess 114.

[0076] In the mounting groove, two protrusions 117 are provided between the first groove 113 and the second groove 114, protruding upward from the upper wall 172 and spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. The upper wall 172 has a first through hole 140A, which communicates with the space between the two protrusions 117. The rear wall 173 has a second through hole 140B. The lower end of the first through hole 140A and the upper end of the second through hole 140B are interconnected.

[0077] A first keyway is provided between the two protrusions 117 in each mounting slot. The four first keyways (keyway one 115A, keyway two 115B, keyway three 115C and keyway four 115D) are positioned differently in the left-right direction relative to the first groove 113 and the second groove 114.

[0078] In each mounting slot, a first rib 118 is located above a first groove 113, and a second rib 119 is located above a second groove 114. The first rib 118 protrudes from the inner surface of the left side of the mounting slot. The second rib 119 protrudes from the inner surface of the right side of the mounting slot, and the first rib 118 and the second rib 119 face each other in the left-right direction.

[0079] The ink supply needle 102 is located within the internal space of each mounting slot. The ink supply needle 102 is located below each first keyway. The ink supply needle 102 is a hollow cylindrical tube. The ink supply needle 102 extends longitudinally within the internal space of each mounting slot. The rear end of the ink supply needle 102 is open. A valve is provided within the internal space of the ink supply needle 102. The valve can open and close the opening of the ink supply needle 102. The ink supply needle 102 can be connected to the supply port of the ink cartridge 30.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the tip of the ink supply needle 102 is connected to the sub-ink tank 120. The sub-ink tank 120 has an internal space for storing ink that enters through the ink supply needle 102. The ink in the sub-ink tank 120 is supplied to the printhead 21 through an ink delivery tube.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, rod 121 is located above the first keyway in cartridge mounting portion 110. Rod 121 can be connected to the through hole 76 of cartridge 30. Two mating parts (first mating part 122 and second mating part 123) are located above each first keyway and below rod 121. The mating part is a plate-shaped protrusion.

[0082] The first mating member 122 protrudes to the right from the inner surface on the left side of the mounting groove. The second mating member 123 protrudes to the left from the inner surface on the right side of the mounting groove. The first mating member 122 and the second mating member 123 face each other in the left-right direction in the mounting groove.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, in the mounting slot, the electrical connection part is located on the upper inner surface of the cartridge 101. The electrical connection part can be electrically connected to the electrical contact plate of the ink cartridge 30. Through the electrical connection part, the control unit of the printer 10 can read the information stored in the electrical contact plate (chip) of the ink cartridge and record the information in the electrical contact plate (chip).

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the second keyway is arranged in the upper surface of the housing mounting portion 110. Specifically, the second keyway is a recess formed at the rear end of the upper surface of the housing mounting portion 110, and the second keyway is recessed upward from the top surface. The lower end of the second keyway communicates with the internal space of the housing mounting portion 110. The rear end of the second keyway opens towards the outside of the housing mounting portion 110. The vertical distance between the rear end opening of the second keyway is greater than the vertical distance between the front end opening of the second keyway. The distance between the lower and upper ends of the opening of the second keyway gradually decreases from the rear end to the front end of the opening.

[0085] The four second keyways are keyway five 138A, keyway six 138B, keyway seven 138C, and keyway eight 138D. Keyway five 138A is located to the left of the center of the first mounting slot 108A, keyway six 138B is located to the left of the center of the second mounting slot 108B, and keyway seven 138C is located to the left of the center of the third mounting slot 108C. Keyway eight 138D is located to the right of the center of the fourth mounting slot 108D along the left-right direction. The locking protrusion 78 of the ink cartridge 30 can enter the second keyway. The locking lever 139 is located within the space defining the opening of each second keyway. The locking lever 139 is a rod-shaped component extending in the left-right direction. When the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the cartridge body 101 in the connected state, the locking lever 139 contacts the locking surface 87 of the ink cartridge 30.

[0086] like Figure 2-4 As shown, each mounting slot has a stop 130. The stop 130 is located in the space below the ink supply needle 102. The stop 130 is connected to the cartridge mounting portion 110 by a spring 133. The stop 130 is rotatable relative to the cartridge mounting portion 110. The stop 130 has a front end portion 131 extending in the left-right direction. The front end portion 131 is fixed to the cartridge mounting portion 110, and the rear end portion 132 of the stop 130 is located near the lower rear end of the ink supply needle 102.

[0087] In a printer, the rear end portion 132 has an arc-shaped portion 135 and a flat portion 137. The shape of the arc-shaped portion 135 is close to the shape of the outer periphery of the ink supply needle 102. The middle portion of the arc-shaped portion 135 has a recessed groove, which is recessed downward relative to the arc-shaped portion 135 to form a small receiving groove for holding ink. The flat portion 137 is disposed at both ends of the arc-shaped portion 135. The flat portion 137 consists of two planes. In the left-right direction, the upper plane of the flat portion 137 is parallel to the horizontal direction or forms a certain angle with it. In the left-right direction, the height difference between the flat portion 137 and the ink supply needle 102 gradually decreases or gradually increases. That is, there is a certain gap between the flat portion 137 of the rear end portion 132 and the ink supply needle 102. Furthermore, in the left-right direction, the further away from the center of the ink supply needle 102, the greater the distance between the flat portion and the lower surface of the ink supply needle 102.

[0088] In another printer, see Figure 5 As shown, the rear end portion 132 has a rib 136 and a flat plate portion 137. In the vertical direction, the rib 136 protrudes upward relative to the flat plate portion 137. In the horizontal direction, the rib 136 is located in the middle of the flat plate portion 137. There is a certain gap between the upper end of the flat plate portion 137, the rib 136, and the rear end of the ink supply needle 102. Furthermore, a portion of the flat plate portion 137 can also be recessed to form a groove through which ink can flow.

[0089] The rear end portion 132 of the spring-loaded blocking member 130 is in a state closest to the lower surface of the ink supply needle 102. At this time, the blocking member 130 is positioned in the first position. In the first position, the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130 has a gap with the ink supply needle 102 in the vertical direction. Because the rear end of the blocking member 130 is higher than the front end, after the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge body 101, the residual ink can move to the lower part of the rear end of the ink supply needle 102 under gravity, and then drip onto the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130. The ink moves along the blocking member 130 from the rear end portion 132 towards the front end. Therefore, the possibility of ink adhering to the lower wall of the cartridge body 101 can be reduced.

[0090] When the blocking member 130 is in the first position, the distance between the blocking member 130 and the ink supply needle 102 is small, so the ink cartridge supply tube 33 cannot enter. That is to say, the blocking member 130 is located on the movement path of the ink cartridge supply tube 33.

[0091] The blocking member 130 restricts the engagement between the ink supply needle 102 and the supply tube 33 of the ink cartridge 30. In the initial position (first position), the blocking member 130 has an active area located on the movement path of the supply tube 33. In the initial position, the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130 can serve as the active area.

[0092] When the blocking member 130 moves downward against the tension of the spiral spring 133, the blocking member 130 is in the second position. When the blocking member 130 rotates about the front end portion 131, the rear end portion 132 can move vertically. In the second position, there is a space between the blocking member 130 and the ink supply needle 102, such that the lower part of the ink supply portion of the ink cartridge 30 can engage with the ink supply needle 102 through this space. At this time, the blocking member 130 does not restrict the forward movement of the ink cartridge 30.

[0093] When the blocking member 130 is in the second position, the distance between the blocking member 130 and the ink supply needle 102 is large, which allows the ink cartridge supply tube 33 to enter. That is to say, the blocking member 130 is not located on the movement path of the ink cartridge supply tube 33.

[0094] like Figure 5 As shown, the pressure plate 134 is located below each mounting slot and in front of the rear wall 173. The pressure plate 134 is supported by the housing mounting portion 110 and is movable vertically. The upper end of the pressure plate 134 is located below the first keyway. The pressure plate 134 is located below the first through hole 140A. The pressure plate 134 is located in front of the second through hole 140B. The lower end of the pressure plate 134 contacts the middle position of the blocking member 130. The pressure plate 134 is held in the raised position by the pushing action of the blocking member 130, i.e., by the action of the spring 133.

[0095] In the prior art, the front surface of the ink cartridge is provided with a component that enters the first mounting groove. When the component on the ink cartridge enters the first mounting groove, the pressure plate 134 can be pressed downward. When the pressure plate 134 is pressed downward, the blocking member 130 can counteract the pulling force of the spring and move from the first position to the second position. However, if the aforementioned components on the ink cartridge are used to push the pressure plate 134 downward, and the pressure plate 134 then pushes the blocking member 130 downward, the blocking member 130 counteracts the tension of the spring 133, and rotates out of the space near the ink supply needle 102, the change of the state of the blocking member 130 requires multiple intermediate components. With too many intermediate components, if a certain link fails or a component is damaged, the ink cartridge cannot be properly installed with the printer. Furthermore, since the pressure plate 134, the blocking member 130, their mutual cooperation positions, the spring 133, the cooperation position between the spring 133 and the cartridge mounting part 110, and the cooperation position between the blocking member 130 and the spring 133 are all located inside the cartridge mounting part 110, if their structure or function is damaged, it will be difficult to repair and affect the normal use of the printer.

[0096]

ink cartridge

[0097] Example 1

[0098] This application provides an ink cartridge 30, which is detachably installed in a cartridge mounting section 110 of a printer. The ink cartridge 30 can be installed in the cartridge mounting section 110 along the mounting direction (X-axis), and the cartridge mounting section 110 has ink supply needles 102 and blocking members 130.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, the ink cartridge 30 is roughly cubic in shape and is composed of multiple walls. The length of the ink cartridge 30 in the left-right direction is smaller than the length in the up-down direction and the length in the front-back direction, respectively. The ink cartridge 30 has an upper surface facing upward, a front surface facing forward, a rear surface facing backward, a lower surface facing downward, a left side facing left, and a right side facing right.

[0100] The ink cartridge 30 includes a container body 31 and a cover 32. In this embodiment, the cover 32 is located in front of the container body 31 to prevent damage to the container body 31.

[0101] The lid 32 and the container body 31 are nested together by a protrusion 311 on the container body 31 and a groove 321 on the lid 32.

[0102] The lid 32 is box-shaped with the opening facing backward. The lid 32 covers the front wall, front left wall, and front right wall of the container body 31. The vertical dimension of the lid 32 is smaller than the vertical dimension of the container body 31, and the front-back dimension of the lid 32 is smaller than the front-back dimension of the container body 31.

[0103] In this embodiment, the container body 31 is semi-transparent, allowing the user to discern the color and remaining amount of ink within the ink cartridge 30 from the outside. Alternatively, one or more surfaces of the container body 31 may be made of a transparent material. Or, a portion of the container body may be made of a light-transmitting material. In other possible implementations, the container body 31 may also be constructed of an opaque material.

[0104] In this design, the container body 31 has a supply tube 33 at its lower front. The supply tube 33 is cylindrical and its outer surface is circular. The supply tube 33 is connected to the ink storage space inside the ink cartridge 30. The front end of the supply tube 33 has a supply port 34, from which ink in the ink cartridge 30 can flow out.

[0105] The supply tube 33 can be used with the ink supply needle 102 on the printer 10 to replenish ink to the printer 10.

[0106] The outer surface of the supply tube 33 forms the lower surface of the ink cartridge 30. The supply tube 33 is lower than the cover 32 in the vertical direction, that is, the supply tube 33 is located on one side of the cover 32 in the -Z axis direction.

[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the supply pipe 33 has a valve component inside, which consists of a seal 35, a moving part 36 and a first elastic part 37.

[0108] The two ends of the first elastic member 37 are connected to the movable member 36 and the fixed protrusion inside the supply pipe 33.

[0109] The seal 35 is a hollow, slightly deformable cylindrical structure made of an elastic material. The outer diameter of the seal 35 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the supply tube 33. The seal 35 can be fixed inside the supply tube 33 by welding or adhesive. The outer surface of the seal 35 also has multiple raised rings to ensure a tight seal with the supply tube 33, preventing ink leakage from the ink cartridge 30 from the connection between the supply tube 33 and the seal 35. The inner diameter of the rear end of the seal 35 is larger than the outer diameter of the moving part 36 to prevent the moving part 36 from falling off and to close the ink flow path of the ink cartridge 30. When the moving part 36 is pushed back by the ink supply needle 102, the rear end of the seal 35 opens, allowing ink to flow out from the supply tube 33.

[0110] In other embodiments, the valve component may be a self-sealing valve that can close or open the ink flow path by its own elasticity. In this case, the moving part 36 and the first elastic part 37 may not be required.

[0111] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the front end of the supply pipe 33 also has a protective cover 39. The protective cover 39 is provided at the front end of the supply pipe 33 to prevent internal components such as the sealing ring from falling off.

[0112] The protective cap 39 can be fixed to the front end of the supply tube 33 by welding or adhesive. Exemplarily, the protective cap 39 is cylindrical, and the outer circumferential surface of the protective cap 39 is adhered to the inner circumferential surface of the supply tube 33. The inner circumferential surface of the protective cap 39 is tapered in the front-rear direction, and its rear diameter is slightly smaller than its front diameter. A plurality of receiving grooves 391 are also provided on the inner circumferential surface of the protective cap 39 to receive ink leaking from the supply port 34 to prevent ink from contaminating the outside.

[0113] In one possible implementation, see Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the side surface of the ink cartridge 30 has two grooves 74, which are disposed on the cover 32.

[0114] The two grooves 74 have the same shape and are positioned in the same vertical direction. The grooves 74 are located above the supply tube 33 and extend from the front surface of the ink cartridge 30 in the front-back direction. The front end and side end of the grooves 74 are open.

[0115] When the ink cartridge 30 is installed into the cartridge mounting portion 110, the two grooves 74 can engage with the first rib 118 and the second rib 119 of the cartridge mounting portion 110 to guide the ink cartridge 30 into installation and fix the position of the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting portion 110. The front surface of the ink cartridge 30 located near the grooves 74 is inclined to guide the first rib 118 and the second rib 119 into the grooves 74.

[0116] In this embodiment, the groove 74 has an upper surface 741 facing upwards, a lower surface 742 facing downwards, and a side surface 743 facing the side. In other possible embodiments, the groove 74 may also have only an upper surface 741 facing upwards and a lower surface 742 facing downwards, that is, the groove 74 may be configured as a through hole extending from left to right. The lower surfaces 742 of the two grooves 74 may be connected or disconnected.

[0117] In this design, the ink cartridge 30 also has two guide walls 71 located at the lower end of the recess 74 and extending downwards. The two guide walls 71 extend downwards and forwards from the cover 32, and the two guide walls 71 have the same shape and are positioned in the same vertical direction.

[0118] When the ink cartridge 30 is installed into the cartridge mounting part 110, the two guide walls 71 enter the first groove 113 and the second groove 114 respectively.

[0119] In this embodiment, the guide wall 71 is connected to the front surface 88 of the ink cartridge 30. In other possible embodiments, the guide wall 71 may not be connected to the front surface 88, that is, there is a certain gap between the rear end of the guide wall 71 and the front surface 88.

[0120] In this design, the front end of the ink cartridge 30 also has two third grooves 79, which are recessed inward from the side wall of the ink cartridge 30. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed into the cartridge mounting part 110, the two third grooves 79 respectively mate with the first mating part 122 and the second mating part 123. The shape of the third groove 79 corresponds to the first mating part 122 and the second mating part 123, and the position of the third groove 79 corresponds to the first mating part 122 and the second mating part 123.

[0121] Two protruding ribs 80 are also provided in each third groove 79. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed into the cartridge mounting part 110, the two protruding ribs 80 are respectively inserted into the groove of the first mating part 122 and the groove of the second mating part 123, which can limit the position of the ink cartridge 30.

[0122] It should be noted that the shape and position of the third groove 79 of different types of ink cartridges 30 may be different. That is, the shape and position of the third groove 79 may be associated with certain features of the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the third groove 79 on different color ink cartridges 30 may be in different positions, or have different shapes, or the shape and position of the third groove 79 may be different in different sales areas.

[0123] In this design, the front surface of the ink cartridge 30 also has a through hole 76, and the through hole 76 may also have an air valve structure. When the ink cartridge 30 moves toward the mounting part, the rod 121 of the cartridge mounting part 110 abuts against the air valve structure, thereby opening the gas passage between the cartridge mounting part 110 and the ink cartridge 30.

[0124] In other possible implementations, the through hole 76 contains a second elastic member 77. The front end hole of the second elastic member 77 is smaller. When the ink cartridge 30 moves toward the mounting part, the rod 121 of the cartridge mounting part 110 abuts against the elastic member through the through hole 76, thereby opening the gas passage of the cartridge mounting part 110.

[0125] In this design, the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 also has a chip 60. In the front-rear direction, the chip 60 is located in front of the supply port 34. The chip has three electrical contacts 61, and the upper surface of the electrical contacts 61 is called the contact surface.

[0126] The chip 60 is located above the supply tube 33 and extends in the forward and left-right directions. The chip 60 is fixed to the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 by adhesive or by a structure such as a fixing hole groove.

[0127] Information from the ink cartridge 30 is readablely stored in the chip 60. This includes information such as batch number, production date, and ink color.

[0128] The electrical contact 61 of the chip 60 is located at a position corresponding to the electrical connection part of the printer 10.

[0129] Two guide members 91 are provided at the front end of the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30. The guide members 91 protrude upward from the left and right sides of the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30. The guide members 91 are located in front of the chip 60. The guide members 91 can abut against the structure on the cartridge mounting part and guide the ink cartridge 30 to be installed so that the chip 60 can be correctly electrically connected to the cartridge mounting part and avoid the chip 60 being worn by the structure on the cartridge mounting part.

[0130] The bottom of the guide slot 911 is lower than the upper surface of the chip 60.

[0131] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 also has a locking protrusion 78, which is roughly conical in shape. The locking protrusion 78 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30. In the vertical direction, the upper end of the locking protrusion 78 is located at the upper end of the chip 60 and the upper end of the supply tube 33. In the front-back direction, the locking protrusion 78 is located behind the chip 60, that is, the chip 60 is located in front of the locking protrusion 78 and the locking protrusion 78 is located at the rear end of the supply tube 33.

[0132] The locking protrusion 78 includes a guide rib 781 and a locking rib 782. The locking rib 782 is connected to the rear of the guide rib 781. The guide rib 781 is used to guide the installation of the ink cartridge 30, and the locking rib 782 is used to lock the ink cartridge 30.

[0133] The shape and position of the locking protrusion 78 can also be associated with features of the ink cartridge 30, such as the composition of the ink, like dyes and pigments, or the ink and cleaning fluid. Other features of the ink cartridge 30, such as color, sales region, printer type, etc., are not limited here.

[0134] In this embodiment, the locking protrusions 78 of the ink cartridges 30 storing different colors of ink are located in different positions, such as near the right side surface of the ink cartridge 30 or near the left side surface of the ink cartridge 30. The position of the second keyway of the cartridge mounting part 110 corresponds to the position of the locking protrusion 78 on the corresponding ink cartridge 30. If an incorrect ink cartridge 30 is installed into the mounting slot 108, the position of the locking protrusion 78 of the incorrect ink cartridge 30 is different from the position of the second keyway of the mounting slot 108. Therefore, the installation of the incorrect ink cartridge 30 is hindered, and the incorrect ink cartridge 30 cannot be installed into the cartridge mounting part 110.

[0135] When the lid 32 covers a portion of the upper surface of the container body 31, the locking protrusion 78 is provided on the lid 32.

[0136] The upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 also has an operating surface 68. The rear end of the operating surface 68 is slightly lower than the front end. That is, the operating surface 68 has a certain tilt angle with the horizontal line, so that the user can press the ink cartridge 30 more easily.

[0137] The operating surface 68 also has multiple protrusions 69 to increase friction when the user presses.

[0138] See Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the rear surface of the ink cartridge 30 has a front rear surface 63 and a right-tilted back surface 64 and a left-tilted back surface 65. The front rear surface 63 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The right-tilted back surface 64 and the left-tilted back surface 65 tilt backward and inward into the ink cartridge 30. That is, in the rearward direction, the distance between the right-tilted back surface 64 and the left-tilted back surface 65 becomes smaller and smaller. The width of the right-tilted back surface 64 and the left-tilted back surface 65 in their tilting direction is smaller than the width of the front rear surface 63 in the horizontal direction.

[0139] See Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the second lower surface 72 and the rear surface of the ink cartridge 30 are connected by a transition surface 67 that is inclined in the front-back direction and the up-down direction. By setting the inclined transition surface 67, when the ink cartridge 30 is accidentally dropped, the transition surface 67 contacts the impacting object. Compared with the case where the lower surface and the rear surface are directly connected, the ink cartridge 30 in this solution is not easily damaged.

[0140] The upper part of the rear surface of the ink cartridge 30 also has two positioning recesses 66, which are recessed from the rear surface, such as... Figure 1 As shown, when the back cover 126 is closed, the protrusion of the back cover 126 engages with the positioning recess 66 for positioning. Therefore, the ink cartridge 30 installed in the cartridge mounting part 110 is not easily detached from the cartridge mounting part 110.

[0141] In one possible implementation, see Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the ink cartridge 30 also has a first actuating member 771. The first actuating member 771 is located at the front end of the ink cartridge 30, specifically, the first actuating member 771 is located below the front end of the ink cartridge 30. This arrangement allows the first actuating member 771 to interact with the blocking member 130 of the cartridge mounting portion 110, enabling the ink cartridge 30 to be installed smoothly.

[0142] The first actuating member 771 has an actuating area. The actuating area is configured to abut against the actuated area of ​​the blocking member 130 when the ink cartridge 30 is installed into the cartridge mounting portion 110, so as to drive the blocking member 130 to move away from the moving path of the supply tube 33, which moves along the moving path and cooperates with the ink supply needle 102.

[0143] The blocking member 130 is a component that interferes with the ink cartridge 30 during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting part 110 along the installation direction. In other words, the blocking member 130 restricts the ink cartridge 30 from entering the cartridge mounting part 110.

[0144] When the blocking member 130 is in the first position, it is closest to the lower surface of the ink supply needle 102. When the blocking member 130 is in the second position, it is further away from the ink supply needle 102. When the blocking member 130 is in the first position, there is a notch 138 between it and the ink supply needle 102.

[0145] During the process of installing the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting part 110 along the installation direction, the first actuating member 771 enters the notch 138. The first actuating member 771 drives the blocking member 130 away from the moving path of the supply tube 33, so that the blocking member 130 moves from the first position to the second position, and the ink cartridge 30 can be installed into the cartridge mounting part 110.

[0146] When the ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the blocking member 130 is located in front of the functional area of ​​the first actuating member 771. When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 110, the blocking member 130 is located behind and below the functional area of ​​the first actuating member 771.

[0147] It should be noted that the pressure plate 134 of the cartridge mounting part 110 does not obstruct the movement of the cartridge 30 in the mounting direction during the installation of the cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting part 110, nor does it restrict the installation of the cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting part 110. Specifically, during the installation of the cartridge 30 to the cartridge mounting part 110, the structure on the cartridge 30 will cause the pressure plate 134 to shift, and the pressure plate 134 will not restrict the installation of the cartridge 30.

[0148] In this embodiment, the area of ​​action of the blocking member 130 is the protruding rib 136 of the rear end portion 132.

[0149] During the process of installing the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting section 110 along the installation direction, the path traversed by the supply pipe 33 is the moving path.

[0150] The working area of ​​the first action member 771 is an inclined surface with the front end higher than the rear end, and the first action member 771 extends inclinedly in the front-rear direction.

[0151] In one possible embodiment, the first actuating element 771 is disposed on the supply pipe 33.

[0152] In some examples, the first actuating member 771 is located at the front end of the supply tube 33. With this configuration, during the installation of the ink cartridge 30, since the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the front-rear direction, the front surface of the ink cartridge 30 first approaches the internal structure of the cartridge mounting part 110. The first actuating member 771 needs to act on the blocking member 130 before the supply tube 33 is interfered with and blocked by the cartridge mounting part 110 to remove obstacles in the movement path of the ink cartridge 30. By placing the first actuating member 771 at the front end of the supply tube 33, the volume of the ink cartridge 30 is reduced, which is conducive to the trend of ink cartridge miniaturization.

[0153] See Figure 11 As shown, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting part 110, the action area of ​​the first action member 771 abuts against the action area of ​​the blocking member 130 to press the action area, that is, to press the rear end part 132, so that the rear end part 132 of the blocking member 130 rotates downward around the front end part 131, so that the blocking member 130 moves to the second position, which can realize that the blocking member 130 moves away from the moving path of the supply tube 33, so that there is a certain gap between the blocking member 130 and the ink supply needle 102, which allows the entire supply tube 33 to enter, so that the supply tube 33 can be combined with the ink supply needle 102, and the ink inside the ink cartridge 30 can be replenished to the printer.

[0154] By setting a first action member 771 on the ink cartridge 30 that directly abuts against the blocking member 130, the first action member 771 acts directly with the blocking member 130, eliminating the need to transmit force through the pressure plate member, thus reducing the number of intermediate members and effectively reducing the possibility of damage to the internal structure of the printer.

[0155] As the first actuating member 771 moves forward, its actuating area simultaneously acts as a guide, forming a guiding surface. The rear end of the guiding surface is lower than the front end. The first actuating member 771 is located at the lower end of the supply port 34, and its front end intersects with the lower end of the supply port 34. That is, the first actuating member 771 extends backward at an angle from the lower end of the supply port 34 of the ink cartridge 30.

[0156] like Figure 11 As shown, when the ink cartridge 30 enters the cartridge mounting section 110, the front end portion 131 of the first actuating member 771 is slightly higher than the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130. When the ink cartridge 30 moves forward, the actuating area of ​​the first actuating member 771 abuts against the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130. Since the first actuating member 771 is inclined, when the first actuating member 771 moves forward, the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130 moves downward under the action of the inclined first actuating member 771, so that there is a space between the blocking member 130 and the ink supply needle 102 that can accommodate the supply tube 33. The ink cartridge 30 continues to move in the mounting direction, and the supply tube 33 is smoothly combined with the ink supply needle 102.

[0157] In this embodiment, in the vertical direction, that is, in the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the functional area of ​​the first actuating member 771 is lower than the supply port 34. Specifically, in the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the functional area is lower than the highest point of the supply port 34. In the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the point of the supply port 34 closest to the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 is the highest point of the supply port 34. With this configuration, the first actuating member 771 only occupies the space below the supply port 34, avoiding interference with other structures of the ink cartridge 30 and reducing the volume ratio of the first actuating member 771 on the ink cartridge 30.

[0158] The first actuating element 771 is disposed at the lower end of the supply tube 33. When viewed from below, the first actuating element 771 constitutes the lower surface or a part of the lower surface of the ink cartridge 30. Specifically, the actuating area of ​​the first actuating element 771 constitutes the lower surface or a part of the lower surface of the supply tube 33. With this arrangement, the actuating area of ​​the first actuating element 771 is integrally formed with the lower surface of the supply tube 33, eliminating the need for additional components to form the actuating element and simplifying the manufacturing mold structure.

[0159] In the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the functional area of ​​the first actuating member 771 is higher than the lowest point of the supply tube 33. In the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the point of the supply tube 33 farthest from the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 is the lowest point of the supply tube 33. With this configuration, when the ink cartridge falls, the supply tube 33 contacts the ground or other impact objects first, thus protecting the functional area of ​​the first actuating member 771.

[0160] In the vertical direction, the first actuating element 771 is located below the supply port 34, below the uppermost end of the supply tube 33, below the guide wall 71, below the third groove 79, below the chip 60, and below the locking protrusion 78.

[0161] It should be noted that the ink cartridge 30 includes a mating structure, which includes a supply port 34, a supply tube 33, a guide wall 71, a third groove 79, a chip 60, and a locking protrusion 78. In the vertical direction, that is, in the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the first actuating member 771 is partially located below the mating structure.

[0162] In the front-rear direction, the first actuating member 771 is located behind the guide wall 71, behind the groove 74, and in front of the locking protrusion 78.

[0163] In the vertical direction, that is, in the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the functional area of ​​the first functional member 771 is located below the chip 60, and the functional area of ​​the first functional member 771 is located below the highest point of the supply tube 33.

[0164] Along the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the highest point of the chip 60, the supply tube 33, and the functional area of ​​the first functional element 771 are arranged in sequence.

[0165] The first action member 771 is composed of a protective cover 39 and a slope on the supply pipe 33. The protective cover 39 is partially cut off from its constricted cylindrical shape so that its lower end is inclined. At the same time, the inclined part is continuous with the inclined part at the lower end of the supply pipe 33 to form an inclined surface that can act with the blocking member 130.

[0166] In this embodiment, since the protective cover 39 is fixed to the supply pipe 33 by welding or adhesive, even if the lower part is exposed, the protective cover 39 will not detach from the supply pipe 33.

[0167] Example 1, Variation 1

[0168] In this modified embodiment, the protective cover 39 is fitted around the outer periphery of the supply pipe 33, covering the front end of the supply pipe 33, and is cylindrical in shape. In this case, the first actuating element 771 is disposed on the protective cover 39. This arrangement allows for easy replacement of the first actuating element 771 when it is damaged, as it is cost-effective. In other possible embodiments, the protective cover 39 may also cover the entire supply pipe 33.

[0169] Apart from this structure, the other features of Embodiment 1 Modification 1 are the same as those of Embodiment 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] Example 1, Variation 2

[0171] In this variation, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first actuating element 771 is only provided on the protective cover 39, and a portion of the protective cover 39 is located at the front end of the supply pipe 33. The outer periphery of the first actuating element 771 is frustum-shaped, that is, the diameter of the front end of the outer periphery of the first actuating element 771 is smaller than the diameter of the rear end of the outer periphery of the protective cover 39, and the diameter of the frustum gradually increases from front to back. The side of the frustum is the actuating area of ​​the first actuating element 771.

[0172] Apart from this structure, the other features of the variation 2 of Example 1 are the same as those of Example 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0173] Example 1, Variation 3

[0174] In this modified example, the first actuating element 771 is only provided on the supply pipe 33, such as Figure 13As shown, the front end of the supply pipe 33 is frustum-shaped, and a portion of the frustum-shaped part abuts against the blocking member 130 to form the first action member 771.

[0175] In this case, the protective cap 39 at the front end of the supply tube 33 can be omitted. Instead, like most ink bottle outlets, a self-sealing valve can be installed inside the supply tube 33 to prevent ink leakage. Multiple protruding ribs can also be provided around the self-sealing valve to ensure a tight fit between the self-sealing valve and the supply tube 33.

[0176] Apart from this structure, the other features of the variation 3 of Example 1 are the same as those of Example 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0177] Example 1, Variation 4

[0178] In this modified example, the first actuating member 771 can be composed of multiple inclined surfaces. That is, based on the above embodiment 1, the first actuating member 771 is provided with a recessed groove. When the first actuating member 771 acts with the blocking member 130, the recessed groove abuts against the protruding rib 136 on the rear end portion 132, and the inclined surface lower than the recessed groove abuts against the flat plate portion 137 of the rear end portion 132. In this modified example, by providing a recessed groove in the first actuating member 771 that can cooperate with the protruding rib 136, the shape of the first actuating member 771 is more compatible with the shape of the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130, thereby avoiding the difficulty of adaptation caused by the difference in shape when the first actuating member 771 and the blocking member 130 are engaged. Therefore, the ink cartridge can be more stably inserted into the cartridge mounting part.

[0179] In modifications 1 to 4, the first actuating member 771 can be positioned anywhere in the left-right direction, as long as it is within the width of the rear end portion 132 of the blocking member 130 when the ink cartridge 30 enters the cartridge mounting cavity 110. It should be specifically noted that within the width of the rear end portion 132, the first actuating member 771 is located at the lowest point of the front end of the supply tube 33, and the front end of the supply tube 33 does not have any other structures lower than the first actuating member 771; otherwise, other structures may interfere with the blocking member 130, affecting the entry of the ink cartridge. In modifications 1 to 4, the first actuating member 771 preferably engages with the protruding rib 136 on the rear end portion 132.

[0180] Apart from this structure, the other features of variation 4 of embodiment 1 are the same as those of embodiment 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0181] Example 1, Variation 5

[0182] like Figure 14 and 15As shown, there are two elastic ribs 391 at the front end of the protective cover 39. The two elastic ribs 391 are spaced apart in the width direction of the ink cartridge. The elastic ribs 391 extend forward and upward from the front end of the protective cover 39. There is a groove 392 on the protective cover 39 at the position corresponding to the elastic ribs 391 to accommodate the elastic ribs 391. When the elastic ribs 391 receive a backward force or a large upward force, the elastic ribs 391 will retract backward into the protective cover 39. The elastic ribs 391 constitute the first action member 771. The lower end face of the elastic ribs 391 constitutes the action area. The positions of the two elastic ribs 391 correspond to the positions of the flat plate portion of the blocking member 130.

[0183] When the ink cartridge 30 enters the cartridge mounting section 110, the first actuating member 771 abuts against the flat plate section 137 and presses the blocking member 130 so that the ink cartridge 30 can be smoothly installed into the cartridge mounting section 110.

[0184] When the ink cartridge 30 moves to its final position, the first actuating member 771 abuts against the rear end face of the cartridge mounting portion 110 to retract into the groove portion 392.

[0185] This arrangement preserves the complete structure of the supply tube 33, providing sufficient space for installing components such as seals. It also prevents gaps between components caused by the compression of the space within the supply tube 33 due to the first action member 771, which could lead to ink leakage.

[0186] Apart from this structure, the other features of variation 5 of embodiment 1 are the same as those of embodiment 1 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] Example 2

[0188] See Figures 16 to 19 As shown, the difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that: the first actuating member 771 consists of two plate-like structures extending forward from the supply tube 33. The first actuating member 771 is approximately triangular in shape, extends in the front-to-back direction, has thickness in the left-to-right direction, and has an inclined actuating area 771A at its lower end. In the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the rear end of the actuating area 771A is lower than the front end, meaning that the dimension of the first actuating member 771 increases in the rear direction in the vertical direction. The first actuating member 771 is located at the front end of the supply port 34, and the actuating area 771A and the upper end of the first actuating member 771 intersect at the front end.

[0189] See Figures 20 to 22As shown, when the ink cartridge 30 enters the cartridge mounting section 110, the front end of the first actuating member 771 is positioned above the flat plate section 137. The actuating area 771A of the first actuating member 771 abuts against the flat plate section 137. The ink cartridge 30 moves forward, and the flat plate section 137 and the ink supply needle 102 move backward relative to the first actuating member 771. The actuated area of ​​the blocking member 130 moves downward under the action of the inclined actuating area 771A, so that there is a space between the blocking member 130 and the ink supply needle 102 for the supply tube 33 to enter. That is, in the vertical direction, there is no interference area between the blocking member 130 and the supply tube 33. The ink cartridge 30 continues to move in the mounting direction, and the supply tube 33 and the ink supply needle 102 smoothly engage.

[0190] In this embodiment, the area affected by the blocking member 130 is the flat plate portion 137 of the rear end portion 132.

[0191] In another possible scenario, the first actuating element 771 is located at the lower end of the ink cartridge 30. The first actuating element 771 extends from other locations within the ink cartridge, such as extending downwards from the lower surface of the cover component, or forming an actuating area by first extending downwards and then forwards from the lower end of the supply tube 33. A certain gap exists between the first actuating element 771 and the lower surface of the supply tube 33. The lower end of the first actuating element 771 is continuous with the lower end of the supply tube 33 to ensure that the supply tube 33 can follow the first actuating element 771 into the space between the blocking member 130 and the ink supply needle 102.

[0192] In other possible implementations, the lower end height of the first actuating member 771 may be lower than the lower end height of the supply pipe 33.

[0193] In this embodiment, the front end of the first action member 771 is curved to enhance the strength of the first action member 771. In other possible embodiments, the front end of the first action member 771 may also be set as a sharp corner or a transition plane, as long as it can enter between the flat plate portion 137 and the ink supply needle 102.

[0194] In this embodiment, the supply tube 33 has a protective cap 39, which is cylindrical and hollow at both ends to allow the ink supply needle 102 to enter the interior of the supply tube 33. The protective cap 39 can be fitted onto the outer periphery of the supply tube 33. The protective cap 39 is welded to the main body of the supply tube 33 or connected by a locking structure such as a snap-fit, and the protective cap 39 can prevent the seal 35 from falling off the supply tube 33. In other embodiments, the outer surface of the supply tube 33 can also be polygonal, such as octagonal, hexagonal, or quadrilateral.

[0195] In this embodiment, the first actuating element 771 is disposed on the protective cover 39, and can be replaced at a low cost when the first actuating element 771 is damaged. In other possible embodiments, the protective cover 39 may also cover the entire supply pipe 33.

[0196] In this embodiment, the upper side of the first action member 771 also has an arc surface 771B. The shape of the arc surface 771B is consistent with the outer surface of the ink supply needle 102. By setting the arc surface 771B, interference between the first action member 771 and the ink supply needle 102 can be prevented during the installation of the ink cartridge 30.

[0197] In this embodiment, in the front-back direction, there is no interference area where the first action member 771 and the supply port 34 intersect in projection, and the supply port 34 has space for the ink needle 102 to enter.

[0198] In other possible implementations, the two plate-like members of the first actuating member 771 may also be continuous in the middle to form a continuous component in the left-right direction, thereby enhancing the strength of the first actuating member 771 and preventing it from being damaged by external forces. In this case, the upper end face of the middle section of the first actuating member 771 is arc-shaped, and the lower end face of the ink supply needle 102 can enter the supply port 34 along the upper arc-shaped surface of the first actuating member 771.

[0199] In the left-right direction, the distance between the two plate-shaped members of the first actuating member 771 is greater than or equal to the width of the arc portion 135 in the left-right direction, and the maximum width of the two plate-shaped members of the first actuating member 771 is less than or equal to the maximum width of the two flat portions 137.

[0200] In the left-right direction, the first actuating member 771 is located between the left and right side surfaces of the ink cartridge 30, and the first actuating member 771 is located between the left and right widths of the supply tube 33.

[0201] In other possible implementations, the first actuating member 771 may also be cylindrical, that is, the front end of the protective cover 39 extends forward and the lower end of the protective cover 39 extends obliquely to form a guide surface that abuts against the flat plate portion 137.

[0202] In other possible implementations, the width of the first actuating member 771 may also be greater than the width of the supply pipe 33.

[0203] In other possible implementations, the first actuating member 771 may also be in other shapes, and the width of the first actuating member 771 may also be greater than the width of the left and right side surfaces of the ink cartridge 30.

[0204] In the vertical direction, the first actuating element 771 is located below the supply port 34, below the upper end of the supply tube 33, below the guide wall 71, below the third groove 79, below the chip 60, and below the locking protrusion 78.

[0205] In the front-rear direction, the front end of the first actuating member 771 is located in front of the supply port 34, the front end of the first actuating member 771 is located behind the guide wall 71, the front end of the first actuating member 771 is located behind the groove 74, and the front end of the first actuating member 771 is located in front of the locking protrusion 78.

[0206] It should be noted that the supply port 34 is the port through which ink flows out after the supply tube 33 of the ink cartridge 30 is combined with the ink supply needle 102. That is, it is the port of the supply tube 33 at the position where the moving part 36 and the sealing part 35 abut.

[0207] In one possible implementation, the first actuating member 771 may be increased in size in the front-back direction based on this embodiment. That is, the front end of the first actuating member 771 may extend to the front of the front surface of the ink cartridge 30, the front of the chip 60, and the front of the guide wall 71.

[0208] In one possible implementation, the first actuating member 771 may also abut against other visible portions of the blocking member 130 to push the ink receiving member downward.

[0209] In one possible implementation, the lid 32 is mounted on the side of the container body 31, and the lid 32 is located on the left side of the container body 31. The container body 31 has a space for containing ink. The lid 32 covers the container body 31 to form a sealed chamber. A membrane component may also be present between the container body 31 and the lid 32 to prevent ink leakage from the container body 31. The membrane is connected to the container body 31 by a sealing method such as welding or pasting.

[0210] The front, rear, right, upper, and lower surfaces of the container body 31 constitute the front, rear, right, upper, and lower surfaces of the ink cartridge 30. The front, rear, left, and upper surfaces of the lid 32 constitute the front, rear, left, and upper surfaces of the ink cartridge 30.

[0211] In other possible implementations, the upper and / or rear surfaces of the ink cartridge 30 may be formed solely by the outer surface of the container body 31, i.e., the upper and / or rear surfaces of the container body 31 are exposed. Alternatively, the upper and / or rear surfaces of the ink cartridge 30 may be formed solely by the outer surface of the cover 32, i.e., the cover 32 covers the outer surface of the container body 31.

[0212] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 may also not have the groove 74. In this case, the outer surface of the ink cartridge 30 is recessed from this position and extends to the lower end. That is, at this position, there is only the upper surface and the inner surface, and the front end, lower end and outer end are open. This can prevent the ink cartridge 30 from being in the wrong position in the vertical direction when the user installs it, so that the ink cartridge 30 cannot be installed. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed, under the action of gravity, the upper surface of the ink cartridge 30 abuts against the upper surface of the first rib 118 and the second rib 119, and the ink cartridge 30 can be used normally.

[0213] In this plan, see Figure 23 As shown, the right side wall of the ink cartridge 30 has a gas vent 38, which communicates with the liquid chamber through a labyrinth channel. The labyrinth channel has a multi-bend structure, preventing ink from easily leaking through the labyrinth channel when the ink cartridge 30 is in use. This structure prevents ink from leaking out of the cartridge through the gas vent.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the gas vent 38 can be sealed with a plastic film. The user can remove the plastic film before using the ink cartridge 30.

[0215] In one possible implementation, a pressure valve structure can be provided on the gas through-hole 38. When the pressure in the liquid chamber is less than the air pressure, the pressure valve opens, and external gas enters the liquid chamber through the pressure valve to balance the pressure in the box, allowing the ink to flow out smoothly.

[0216] In this design, the width of the locking protrusion 78 gradually increases from top to bottom, and the maximum width of the locking protrusion 78 is greater than its height. Because the locking protrusion 78 is composed of multiple sloped surfaces and its height is less than its maximum width, it is less prone to damage when it falls. In this design, the maximum width of the locking protrusion 78 is approximately half the width of the ink cartridge 30.

[0217] In this embodiment, the right-sloping back surface 64 is formed by the outer surface of the container body 31, and the left-sloping back surface 65 is formed by the outer surface of the lid 32. In other possible embodiments, the right-sloping back surface 64 and the left-sloping back surface 65 may be simultaneously provided on the container body 31 by the lid 32.

[0218] In this embodiment, the rear surface of the ink cartridge 30 is jointly formed by the outer surface of the container body 31 and the outer surface of the cover 32. That is, the transition surface 67, the rear surface, and the positioning recess 66 are disposed on the left side of the cover, and the transition surface 67, the rear surface, and the positioning recess 66 are disposed on the right side of the container body 31.

[0219] In this embodiment, the operating surface 68 is also formed by the outer surfaces of the container body 31 and the lid 32.

[0220] Apart from this structure, the other features of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of Embodiment 1. The modified implementations in Embodiment 1 can also be extended to Embodiment 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0221] Example 3

[0222] like Figures 24 to 26 As shown, Embodiment 3 provides a different structure for the first action member 771, which is a triangular pyramid extending forward from the protective cover 39. In this embodiment, the lower end of the first action member 771 has an inclined second guide surface 772A that abuts against the arc portion of the rear end portion 132. During the movement of the ink cartridge 30 in the installation direction, the guide inclined surface 772A presses against the arc portion, causing the rear end portion 132 of the ink receiving component 130 to move downward, so that the supply tube 33 can be connected to the ink supply needle 102 without obstruction.

[0223] In this embodiment, the first actuating member 771 is continuous in the left-right direction, the front end of the second guide surface 772A at the lower end of the first actuating member 771 is higher than the rear end, and the cross-sectional shape of the second guide surface 772A in the left-right direction is close to the shape of the arc portion, so that the contact between the first actuating member 771 and the arc portion is stable.

[0224] In this embodiment, the upper end of the first actuating member 771 is arc-shaped. During the process of the ink cartridge 30 extending along the installation direction, the ink needle 102 extends the arc-shaped structure into the supply port 34.

[0225] In this embodiment, the left and right width of the first functional member 771 is smaller than the width of the arc portion 135 in the left and right direction. In other possible embodiments, the left and right sides of the first functional member 771 can also continue to extend to the left and right sides based on the shape of this embodiment, that is, to form a portion that abuts against the flat plate portion 137.

[0226] Apart from this structure, the other features of Embodiment 3 are the same as those of Embodiment 2. The modified implementations in Embodiment 2 can also be extended to Embodiment 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] In summary, the effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0228] By setting a first action member 771 on the ink cartridge 30 that directly abuts against the blocking member 130, the first action member 771 acts directly with the blocking member 130, eliminating the need to transmit force through the pressure plate member, thus reducing the number of intermediate members and effectively reducing the possibility of damage to the internal structure of the printer.

[0229] The first actuating member 771 is located at the front end of the ink cartridge 30, and can interact with the blocking member 130 of the cartridge mounting part 110, so that the ink cartridge 30 can be installed smoothly.

[0230] In the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the functional area is lower than the highest point of the supply port 34, so that the first functional member 771 only occupies the position below the supply port 34, avoiding interference with other structures of the ink cartridge 30 and reducing the volume ratio of the first functional member 771 on the ink cartridge 30.

[0231] In the height direction of the ink cartridge 30, the functional area of ​​the first action member 771 is higher than the lowest point of the supply tube 33. When the ink cartridge falls, the supply tube 33 will contact the ground or other impact objects first, which can protect the functional area of ​​the first action member 771.

[0232] The functional area of ​​the first functional member 771 constitutes the lower surface or part of the lower surface of the supply pipe 33, so that the functional area of ​​the first functional member 771 is integrally formed with the lower surface of the supply pipe 33, without the need to specially set other components to form the functional member, which can simplify the manufacturing mold structure.

[0233] A protective cover 39 is fitted around the outer periphery of the supply pipe 33, and a first actuating element 771 is disposed on the protective cover 39. When the first actuating element 771 is damaged, it can be replaced at a low cost and is also easy to replace. In other possible embodiments, the protective cover 39 may also cover the entire supply pipe 33.

[0234] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge mountable to a cartridge mounting portion in a mounting direction, the cartridge mounting portion having an ink supply needle and a blocking member that restricts engagement of the ink supply needle with a supply tube of the ink cartridge, the blocking member having an acted-upon region in an initial position that is located on a movement path of the supply tube, characterized in that, The ink cartridge comprises: a container body storing ink, the container body having a front surface and an upper surface; the container body further has a supply pipe for the ink to flow out, the supply pipe comprising a supply port; a first acting member located at the front end of the ink cartridge, the first acting member having an acting area, the acting area being lower than the highest point of the supply port in the height direction of the ink cartridge; the acting area is configured to abut against the acted area when the ink cartridge is installed to the cartridge mounting portion, so as to drive the blocking member to move in the direction away from the moving path of the supply pipe, the supply pipe moving along the moving path and cooperating with the ink supply needle.

2. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein In the height direction of the ink cartridge, the acting area is higher than the lowest point of the supply pipe.

3. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein The acting area constitutes the lower surface of the supply pipe.

4. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein The supply pipe further comprises a protective cover sleeved on the outer periphery of the supply pipe, and the first acting member is located on the protective cover.

5. The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein In the height direction of the ink cartridge, the rear end of the acting area of the first acting member is lower than the front end of the acting area of the first acting member.

6. The ink cartridge of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The acting area of the first acting member is an inclined surface.

7. The ink cartridge of any one of claims 1-4, wherein The acting area of the first acting member is the lateral surface of a circular truncated cone.

8. The ink cartridge of claim 4, wherein The protective cover has a groove portion and an elastic rib elastically contractible to the groove portion, and the elastic rib constitutes the first acting member.

9. The ink cartridge of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The first acting member is a plate-shaped member extending forward from the supply pipe.

10. The ink cartridge of any of claims 1-5, 8, wherein, The ink cartridge further comprises a chip arranged on the upper surface of the ink cartridge, the acting area is located below the chip in the height direction of the ink cartridge, the acting area is located below the highest point of the supply pipe, and the chip, the highest point of the supply pipe and the acting area are arranged in sequence in the height direction of the ink cartridge.

11. The ink cartridge of claim 10, wherein, The upper surface of the ink cartridge has a locking protrusion, the chip is located in front of the supply port in the length direction of the ink cartridge, and the chip is located in front of the locking protrusion.

12. The ink cartridge of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The first acting member extends forward from the front surface, and the acting area is located in front of the supply port.

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