Liquid supply container and printer

Abstract

The invention discloses a liquid supply container and a printer, the liquid supply container comprises a container main body, the container main body is provided with a liquid containing cavity, a liquid supply pipeline, a balance cavity and an air inlet channel, and the liquid supply pipeline is communicated with the liquid containing cavity and used for supplying liquid in the liquid containing cavity to a printing unit; the air inlet channel is communicated with the liquid containing cavity and external atmosphere, the external atmosphere enters the liquid containing cavity through the air inlet channel, the balance cavity is located on one side of the liquid containing cavity in the horizontal direction, communicated with the liquid containing cavity and used for containing liquid from the liquid containing cavity, and the highest liquid level in the balance cavity is lower than the highest liquid level in the liquid containing cavity. In the printing process, ink in the liquid containing cavity can flow into the balance cavity, then flows into the liquid supply pipeline through the balance cavity and is supplied to the printing unit, external air can enter the liquid containing cavity through the air inlet channel, the pressure in the liquid supply container is made to be stable, and therefore stable ink supply can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a liquid supply container and a printer using the liquid supply container. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, inkjet printers can generally be divided into two types: cartridge type and ink tank type. Cartridge type inkjet printers generally use individual ink cartridges, while ink tank type inkjet printers generally use large-capacity ink tanks.

[0003] In related technologies, ink tank printers are prone to unstable ink supply during continuous printing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this application is to provide a liquid supply container and printer that can stably supply ink during continuous printing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application specifically adopts the following technical solution: This application provides a liquid supply container for supplying liquid to the printing unit of a printer, the liquid supply container comprising: The container body is provided with a liquid containing chamber, a liquid supply pipe, a balance chamber, and an air inlet channel; The liquid supply pipe is connected to the liquid receiving cavity and is used to supply the liquid in the liquid receiving cavity to the printing unit; The air intake channel is connected to the liquid container and the outside atmosphere, and the outside atmosphere enters the liquid container through the air intake channel; The balancing chamber is located on one side of the liquid receiving chamber in the horizontal direction and is in communication with the liquid receiving chamber. It is used to receive liquid from the liquid receiving chamber, and the highest liquid level in the balancing chamber is lower than the highest liquid level in the liquid receiving chamber.

[0006] In some embodiments, the air intake channel is connected to the balance chamber, and the balance chamber is connected to the outside atmosphere through the air intake channel, so that the atmosphere can enter the liquid containment chamber in sequence through the air intake channel and the balance chamber.

[0007] In some embodiments, the liquid supply pipe is connected to the balance chamber, and the liquid in the liquid receiving chamber flows sequentially through the balance chamber and the liquid supply pipe to the printing unit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the balancing chamber includes a first sidewall, the first sidewall having a first opening and a second opening, the second opening being located above the first opening, and the balancing chamber communicating with the liquid containing chamber through the first opening and the second opening.

[0009] In some embodiments, the container body is further provided with a liquid injection port, which is connected to the liquid receiving cavity and is used to inject liquid into the liquid receiving cavity; A container cap is installed on the container body, and the container cap is movably connected to the container body for opening or sealing the liquid inlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air intake channel is normally open, allowing external air to enter the liquid containment cavity through the air intake channel; when the injection port is closed, the absolute value of the hydraulic difference between the highest hydraulic surface inside the liquid containment cavity and the nozzle of the printing unit is not greater than the absolute value of the sum of the pressures of the negative pressure generating unit between the highest hydraulic surface and the nozzle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the balancing chamber further includes a second sidewall, the air inlet channel is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet is located on the outer surface of the container body, and the air outlet of the air inlet channel is located on the second sidewall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second sidewall is provided with an ink outlet, the balance chamber is connected to the liquid supply pipe through the ink outlet, and the horizontal height of the center of the ink outlet is lower than the horizontal height of the center of the air outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, the distance between the center of the ink outlet and the bottom wall of the balance chamber is less than the distance between the center of the ink outlet and the centerline of the balance chamber.

[0014] In some embodiments, the distance between the center of the air outlet and the top wall of the balance chamber is less than the distance between the center of the air outlet and the centerline of the balance chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the center of the air outlet is at a lower level than the bottom of the printing unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the balancing chamber further includes a top wall, the top wall having an inclined portion that overlaps with the horizontal projection of the air outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid supply container is further provided with a gas-liquid isolation component, which is disposed on the second sidewall and covers the air outlet of the air inlet channel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid isolation assembly includes a gas-liquid isolation membrane, which is fixedly installed on the air outlet of the air inlet channel and covers the air outlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid isolation assembly further includes a fixing plate, the gas-liquid isolation membrane is clamped between the air outlet and the fixing plate, and the fixing plate is provided with a through hole, so that external air can enter the balance chamber from the air inlet channel through the gas-liquid isolation membrane and the through hole in sequence.

[0020] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid isolation assembly is a duckbill valve having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end facing the outside of the liquid-containing cavity, and the outlet end located inside the liquid-containing cavity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the container body further comprises a top, a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being disposed opposite to each other, the liquid injection port being disposed on the top side near the first side, and the balance chamber being located on the side near the second side in the length direction of the container body.

[0022] In some embodiments, the volume of the balancing chamber is smaller than the volume of the liquid containing chamber, and the horizontal height of the top wall of the balancing chamber is lower than the horizontal height of the top wall of the liquid containing chamber.

[0023] Accordingly, this application also provides a printer, which includes a printer body, a printhead, and a liquid supply container as described in any of the above embodiments. The liquid supply container and the printhead are both disposed on the printer body, and the liquid supply container is connected to the printhead. The liquid supply container is used to supply liquid to the printhead.

[0024] In some embodiments, the bottom of the printhead is provided with an ejector outlet, the horizontal height of which is higher than the horizontal height of the connection between the air inlet channel and the liquid containment cavity.

[0025] The liquid supply container of this application includes a container body, which has a liquid receiving cavity, a liquid supply pipe, a balancing cavity, and an air inlet channel. The liquid supply pipe is connected to the liquid receiving cavity and is used to supply liquid from the liquid receiving cavity to the printing unit. The air inlet channel is connected to the liquid receiving cavity and the outside atmosphere, allowing outside atmosphere to enter the liquid receiving cavity through the air inlet channel. The balancing cavity is located on one side of the liquid receiving cavity in the horizontal direction and is connected to the liquid receiving cavity, used to contain liquid from the liquid receiving cavity. The highest liquid level in the balancing cavity is lower than the highest liquid level in the liquid receiving cavity. Compared with related technologies, in this application, during the printing process, the ink in the liquid receiving cavity can flow into the balancing cavity, and then from the balancing cavity into the liquid supply pipe and be supplied to the printing unit. Meanwhile, outside air can enter the liquid receiving cavity through the air inlet channel, stabilizing the pressure inside the liquid supply container and thus achieving stable ink supply. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the printer provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of a liquid supply container provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid supply container with its lid closed, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Sectional view at point BB.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded view of the liquid supply container provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid supply container with its lid in the open state, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a liquid supply container.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the locking member of the liquid supply container provided in the embodiment of this application, which limits the front cover plate.

[0034] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a liquid supply container provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 10 Another perspective cross-sectional view of the liquid supply container provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid supply container and printhead provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid supply container for use when the ink volume is large, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid supply container for use when the amount of ink is small, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 14 A perspective view of a liquid supply container provided for another embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 15 A perspective view of a liquid supply container provided in yet another embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 16 A pipe switching mechanism is provided as another embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 17 for Figure 16 The outline of the solenoid valve in the diagram.

[0043] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the solenoid valve in the image.

[0044] Figure 19 This is an installation diagram of another gas-liquid isolation component of this application.

[0045] Attached image labels: 1. Container body; 10a. Liquid chamber; 11. Shell; 111. Protrusion; 12. Plastic sealing film; 13. First connecting post; 14. Second connecting post; 101. Liquid receiving cavity; 102. Liquid supply pipe; 102a. Ink inlet; 103. Liquid filling port; 104. Installation channel; 105. Air inlet channel; 105a. Air inlet; 105b. Air outlet; 105c. Air inlet chamber; 105d. Connecting hole; 105e. Row positioning cavity; 105f. Guide groove; 106. Balance chamber; 106a, first sidewall; 106b, second sidewall; 106c, first opening; 106d, second opening; 106e, ink outlet; 106f, top wall; 106g, inclined portion; 100a, top; 100b, bottom; 100c, first side; 100d, second side; 100e, third side; 100f, fourth side; 100g, inclined surface; 2, container lid; 21, sealing gasket; 22, second engaging portion; 3, pipe blocking component; 3 1. Sealing ring; 32. Piston; 4. Connecting component; 41. First connecting rod; 411. Limiting groove; 42. Second connecting rod; 421. Limiting post; 5. First elastic element; 6. Locking assembly; 61. Locking element; 611. Moving part; 612. Locking part; 612a. First engaging part; 613. Connecting part; 614. Limiting part; 62. Second elastic element; 7. Gas-liquid isolation assembly; 71. Gas-liquid isolation membrane; 72. Fixing plate; 721. Through hole; 73. Duckbill valve; 731 732. Installation section; 733. Air inlet; 734. Air outlet; 8. Solenoid valve; 85. Valve body; 86. Valve core; 87. Valve connecting pipe; 9. Drive unit; 100. Liquid supply container; 200. Printer body; 201. Front cover; 202. Print head; 202a. Negative pressure generation unit; 202b. Spray nozzle; 203. Liquid delivery pipeline; 204. Fixed bracket; 205. Sliding frame; 301. Paper feed roller; 302. Media storage tray; 303. Paper discharge tray. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0047] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more; the terms "connected," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0048] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" used in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0049] It should be noted that, in the following description, the first direction is defined as the direction in which the liquid supply container extends vertically. Figure 2 In the Z direction, the second direction is defined as the length extension direction of the liquid supply container. Figure 2 In the X direction, the third direction is defined as the width extension direction of the liquid supply container. Figure 2 in the Y direction.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application discloses a printer, which can be an ink tank inkjet printer. The printer includes a printer body 200, a front cover 201, a printhead 202, a liquid supply container 100, and an ink cartridge. The printer body 200 is provided with a fixed bracket 204 and a sliding bracket 205. The fixed bracket 204 is provided with a container mounting part, and the liquid supply container 100 is mounted on the container mounting part. The front cover 201 is movably connected to the printer body 200 and can rotate between an open state and a closed state to cover or expose the liquid filling port of the liquid supply container 100. When the front cover 201 is in the closed state, the front cover 201 can prevent the container cap of the liquid supply container 100 from moving in the opening direction.

[0051] The ink cartridge is mounted on a sliding frame 205, and the print head 202 is connected to the ink cartridge. The sliding frame 205 can slide along the width direction of the printer to move the print head 202 along the width direction of the printer. The ink cartridge and the liquid supply container 100 can be connected through a liquid delivery line 203, allowing the ink in the liquid supply container 100 to flow to the print head 202 to supply ink to the print head 202, enabling the print head 202 to eject ink to the recording medium P through the ejection nozzle 202b at its bottom. The ink cartridge and print head constitute the printing unit of the printer.

[0052] To transport the recording medium P to the printing position of the printhead 202, the printer body 200 has a paper feed roller 301 and a media storage tray 302 on its rear side, and a paper output tray 303 on its front side. The paper feed roller 301 can remove the recording medium P placed on the media storage tray 302 and transport the recording medium P to the front of the printer onto the paper output tray 303 via the transport roller. When the recording medium P passes the position of the printhead 202, the slide carriage 205 drives the printhead 202 to slide back and forth in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the recording medium. At the same time, the printhead 202 sprays ink onto the recording medium P, forming the desired image on the recording medium P.

[0053] The liquid supply container 100 can continuously supply ink to the print head 202. When the ink in the liquid supply container 100 is used up, the user can open the front cover 201 to expose the liquid supply container 100 installed inside the printer body 200, then open the container cover 2 of the liquid supply container 100, fill the liquid supply container 100 with ink, close the container cover 2, and then close the front cover 201. The printer can then continue to work normally.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the liquid supply container 100 includes a container body 1, which has a bottom 100b, a top 100a, a first side 100c, a second side 100d, a third side 100e, and a fourth side 100f. The bottom 100b and the top 100a are arranged opposite to each other, the first side 100c and the second side 100d are arranged opposite to each other, and the third side 100e and the fourth side 100f are arranged opposite to each other.

[0055] Simultaneously refer to Figures 2 to 4As shown, the liquid supply container 100 also includes a container cap 2, a connecting component 4, and a pipe blocking component 3. The container body 1 is provided with a liquid chamber 10a, a liquid supply pipe 102, a liquid injection port 103, an installation channel 104, and an air inlet channel 105. The liquid chamber 10a includes a liquid receiving chamber 101 and a balance chamber 106 that are interconnected. The liquid injection port 103 is located on the side of the top 100a near the first side portion 100c, and the liquid injection port 103 is connected to the liquid receiving chamber 101, so that ink can be filled into the liquid receiving chamber 101 from the liquid injection port 103. The liquid supply pipe 102 is connected to the liquid receiving chamber 101 via the mounting channel 104 and the balancing chamber 106. One end of the liquid delivery pipe 203 is installed at the port of the liquid supply pipe 102, and the other end of the liquid delivery pipe 203 is installed on the printing unit. This allows the ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 to flow sequentially through the balancing chamber 106, the mounting channel 104, and the liquid supply pipe 102, and then be supplied to the print head 202 via the liquid delivery pipe 203. The air intake channel 105 is connected to the balancing chamber 106, allowing the balancing chamber 106 to communicate with the outside environment. Outside air can flow into the balancing chamber 106 and the liquid receiving chamber 101 through the air intake channel 105.

[0056] The air intake passage 105 remains normally open, allowing external air to enter the liquid containment chamber 101 through the air intake passage 105. When the injection port 103 is closed, the absolute value of the hydraulic difference between the highest hydraulic surface inside the liquid containment chamber 101 and the nozzle 202b of the printhead 202 is not greater than the negative pressure generating unit 202a between the highest hydraulic surface and the nozzle 202b. Figure 11 The absolute values ​​of the pressure (shown in the figure) are used to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the nozzle 202b, thus avoiding ink leakage from the nozzle 202b. The highest hydraulic surface inside the liquid reservoir 101 refers to the position of the highest liquid level when a hydraulic difference is generated with the printhead 202, including the highest liquid level when the liquid reservoir 101 is full of liquid. This highest liquid level can decrease as the liquid in the liquid reservoir 101 decreases, or it can be described as the liquid level when the liquid reservoir 101 is filled with ink. The height of the liquid level varies depending on the amount of ink in the liquid reservoir 101.

[0057] The negative pressure generating unit 202a includes, but is not limited to, porous materials, such as sponges. The negative pressure generating unit 202a is installed inside the printing unit and applies negative pressure caused by capillary force to the nozzle 202b. The negative pressure generating unit 202a can also be composed of a pressure valve or a pouch component with adjustable pressure. Taking a porous material as an example, the negative pressure is determined by the compressibility of the porous material (e.g., a sponge) and the ink volume. If the compressibility is high, the negative pressure is high; if the compressibility is low, the negative pressure is low. Furthermore, if the ink volume is high, the negative pressure is low, and vice versa. Figure 11 As shown.

[0058] In some embodiments, the printing unit may include an ink cartridge and a printhead. The ink cartridge and printhead may be integrated or separate. The interiors of the ink cartridge and printhead may be respectively housed in the negative pressure generation unit, or one of them may be housed in the negative pressure generation unit.

[0059] The container cap 2 can be movably connected to the container body 1 to open or close the liquid inlet 103. As one type of pipe switching mechanism, the pipe blocking member 3 is movably disposed within the mounting channel 104 and can move within the mounting channel 104 to switch between a connected state and a blocked state. This controls the connection or blockage between the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the liquid supply pipe 102, thereby controlling the flow rate of liquid from the liquid receiving chamber 101 to the printing unit. When the pipe blocking member 3 is in the connected state, the liquid receiving chamber 101 is simultaneously connected to both the liquid supply pipe 102 and the air inlet channel 105, allowing ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 to enter the liquid supply pipe 102. When the pipe blocking member 3 is in the blocked state, the connection between the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the liquid supply pipe 102 is blocked, preventing ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 from entering the liquid supply pipe 102, while maintaining connection between the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the air inlet channel 105. The connecting component 4 is located on the top 100a and is movably connected to the container body 1. Both ends of the connecting component 4 are connected to the container cover 2 and the pipe blocking component 3, respectively.

[0060] When the container cap 2 is opened, the container cap 2 can move the pipe blocking member 3 downward in the first direction through the connecting member 4, thereby blocking the passage between the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the liquid supply pipe 102. The ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 cannot enter the liquid supply pipe 102, but the liquid receiving chamber 101 remains connected to the air inlet channel 105. When the container cap 2 is closed, the container cap 2 can move the pipe blocking member 3 upward in the first direction through the connecting member 4, thereby opening the passage between the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the liquid supply pipe 102. The ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 can enter the liquid supply pipe 102 and further flow to the print head 202 through the liquid delivery pipe 203. At this time, the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the air inlet channel 105 still remain connected. In this embodiment, when the container cap 2 is opened to add ink, the liquid supply pipe 102 is cut off by the pipe blocking member 3, thereby avoiding ink pressure directly acting on the print head 202 and causing ink leakage, print head blockage, etc. Of course, the pipe blocking component 3 may not be linked to the container lid 2, and can be moved directly by the user by hand or by other driving mechanisms. In other embodiments, the pipe blocking component 3 can be set to be tilted in the first direction, and the container lid 2 can also drive the pipe blocking component 3 to move, allowing the pipe blocking component 3 to switch between a connected state and a blocked state. (Refer to...) Figure 5As shown, the container body 1 includes a shell 11 and a plastic sealing film 12. The shell 11 has an open first receiving portion and a second receiving portion. The plastic sealing film 12 is connected to the shell 11, forming a generally cuboid container body 1 with two cavities: a liquid receiving cavity 101 and a balancing cavity 106. The balancing cavity 106 is located on one side of the liquid receiving cavity 101 in the horizontal direction, and the balancing cavity 106 is interconnected with the liquid receiving cavity 101. The highest ink level in the balancing cavity 106 is lower than the highest ink level in the liquid receiving cavity 101. The highest ink level in the balancing cavity 106 refers to the maximum height that the ink can reach in the balancing cavity, that is, the ink level position when the balancing cavity 106 contains the maximum allowable amount of ink. The highest ink level in the liquid receiving cavity 101 refers to the maximum height that the ink can reach in the liquid receiving cavity, that is, the ink level position when the liquid receiving cavity 101 contains the maximum allowable amount of ink.

[0061] Continue to refer to Figure 4 As shown, the mounting channel 104 extends along the height of the container body 1 and penetrates to the top 100a, and the mounting channel 104 is connected to the liquid receiving chamber 101 via the balancing chamber 106. The ink inlet 102a of the liquid supply pipe 102 is located on the side wall of the mounting channel 104, and the extension direction of the liquid supply pipe 102 intersects the extension direction of the mounting channel 104. The pipe blocking member 3 is inserted into the mounting channel 104 and can move along the extension direction of the mounting channel 104 to open or close the ink inlet 102a of the liquid supply pipe 102, thereby controlling the connection or disconnection between the mounting channel 104 and the liquid supply pipe 102.

[0062] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the mounting channel 104 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the liquid supply pipe 102.

[0063] To prevent ink from flowing out of the liquid supply container 100 from the mounting channel 104, the liquid supply container 100 also includes a sealing ring 31. The sealing ring 31 is fitted onto the outer surface of the pipe blocking member 3 near the end of the liquid supply pipe 102, and the outer surface of the sealing ring 31 is in close contact with the inner wall of the mounting channel 104. Furthermore, along the moving direction of the pipe blocking member 3, the sealing ring 31 is provided in two layers, spaced apart. When the pipe blocking member 3 is in the blocked state, the liquid supply pipe 102 is located between the two layers of sealing rings 31 in the vertical direction. When the pipe blocking member 3 is in the open state, the liquid supply pipe 102 is located outside the two layers of sealing rings 31. Figure 4 As shown.

[0064] In some embodiments, the mounting channel 104 may be a circular hole, the pipe blocking member 3 may be rod-shaped or cylindrical, and the size of the pipe blocking member 3 is adapted to the diameter of the mounting channel 104, so that the pipe blocking member 3 can move smoothly within the mounting channel 104.

[0065] Reference Figure 6 As shown, the connecting component 4 includes a first connecting rod 41 and a second connecting rod 42. Both the first connecting rod 41 and the second connecting rod 42 are rotatably connected to the container body 1. The two ends of the first connecting rod 41 are respectively movably connected to the container cover 2 and one end of the second connecting rod 42. The other end of the second connecting rod 42 is movably connected to one end of the pipe blocking component 3. The other end of the pipe blocking component 3 is a free end.

[0066] When container lid 2 is opened, it drives the end of the first connecting rod 41 connected to it to move downwards, causing the other end of the first connecting rod 41 to move upwards. This upward movement of the other end of the first connecting rod 41 causes the end of the second connecting rod 42 connected to it to move upwards, and the end of the second connecting rod 42 connected to the pipe blocking component 3 to move downwards, thus causing the pipe blocking component 3 to move downwards and close the liquid supply pipe 102. When container lid 2 is closed, it drives the end of the first connecting rod 41 connected to it to move upwards, causing the other end of the first connecting rod 41 to move downwards. This downward movement of the other end of the first connecting rod 41 causes the end of the second connecting rod 42 connected to it to move downwards, and the end of the second connecting rod 42 connected to the pipe blocking component 3 to move upwards, thus causing the pipe blocking component 3 to move upwards and open the liquid supply pipe 102.

[0067] Exemplarily, the container body 1 further includes a first connecting post 13 and a second connecting post 14. Both the first connecting post 13 and the second connecting post 14 are connected to the shell 11. The first connecting rod 41 has a first connecting hole, and the second connecting rod 42 has a second connecting hole. The first connecting rod 41 can be rotatably connected to the first connecting post 13 through the first connecting hole, and the second connecting rod 42 can be rotatably connected to the second connecting post 14 through the second connecting hole. One end of the first connecting rod 41 is hinged to the container lid 2, so that the container lid 2 can drive the first connecting rod 41 to rotate when it is rotated open or closed. The other end of the first connecting rod 41 is provided with a limiting groove 411, and one end of the second connecting rod 42 is provided with a limiting post 421. The limiting post 421 is located in the limiting groove 411, so that the first connecting rod 41 can drive the second connecting rod 42 to rotate when it rotates. The pipe blocking member 3 is hinged to the second connecting rod 42, so that the second connecting rod 42 can drive the pipe blocking member 3 to move along the first direction when it rotates.

[0068] Continue to refer to Figure 6As shown, the liquid supply container 100 also includes a force-applying component, which is disposed on the container body 1 and is used to provide a force to the connecting component 4 to keep the container lid 2 in the open state. In this embodiment, the force-applying component is a first elastic element 5. One end of the first elastic element 5 is connected to the end of the first connecting rod 41 near the container lid 2, and the other end of the first elastic element 5 is connected to the container body 1. The first elastic element 5 is in a stretched state when the container lid 2 is in the closed state. The first elastic element 5 can be a tension spring to provide elastic force and keep the container lid 2 in the open state. However, to keep the container lid 2 in the open state, a snap-fit ​​structure can also be used. When the user opens the container lid 2 to its maximum position, the snap-fit ​​can lock the container lid 2 in place, fixing its state. The snap-fit ​​can be disposed on the container lid 2 or on the connecting rod.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the force-applying component is positioned closer to the container cap 2 than the pipe-blocking component 3. This allows the connecting rod to quickly block the liquid supply pipe 102 as the container cap 2 is opened, causing the pipe-blocking component 3 to do so. Figures 6-9 As shown, when the container lid 2 is opened, the end of the first connecting rod 41 near the container lid 2 moves downward under the elastic contraction force of the first elastic element 5. This downward movement of the end of the first connecting rod 41 near the container lid 2 will cause the container lid 2 to move along... Figure 6 When container lid 2 is rotated in direction A to open (to a set angle), the first connecting rod 41 rotates counterclockwise, causing the second connecting rod 42 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the second connecting rod 42 causes the pipe blocking element 3 to move downwards along the first direction, thus blocking the liquid supply pipe 102. When container lid 2 is closed, it rotates in the opposite direction to direction A to close the liquid inlet 103. At this time, the first connecting rod 41 rotates clockwise under the influence of container lid 2, causing the first elastic element 5 to be in a stretched state. The second connecting rod 42 rotates counterclockwise under the influence of the first connecting rod 41. This counterclockwise rotation of the second connecting rod 42 causes the pipe blocking element 3 to move upwards along the first direction, thus opening the liquid supply pipe 102.

[0070] To ensure the container cap 2 can securely close to the liquid inlet 103, the liquid supply container 100 also includes a locking assembly 6. The locking assembly 6 is disposed on the container body 1 and is used to lock the container cap 2 onto the container body 1, and can move between locked and unlocked positions. When the container cap 2 needs to be closed, it is closed onto the liquid inlet 103, and then locked by the locking assembly 6. At this time, the locking assembly 6 is in the locked position, ensuring the container cap 2 securely covers the liquid inlet 103, preventing ink from flowing out of the liquid inlet 103 or impurities from entering the container body 1 from the liquid inlet 103. When the container cap 2 needs to be opened, the locking assembly 6 is first released from its locking position, and then the container cap 2 is opened. At this time, the locking assembly 6 is in the unlocked position. The locking assembly 6 can be configured as a button; pressing the locking assembly 6 releases the locking of the container cap 2.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the container body 1 also has an inclined surface 100g, which is inclined towards the front of the printer body 200 and simultaneously connects to the top 100a, the first side 100c, the third side 100e, and the fourth side 100f. The inclined surface 100g is inclinedly connected to the top 100a and the first side 100c, and perpendicularly connected to the third side 100e and the fourth side 100f. The liquid inlet 103 is located on the inclined surface 100g.

[0072] Reference Figure 7 As shown, the container body 1 also includes a columnar protrusion 111, which is located on the inclined surface 100g and tilted towards the front of the printer body 200. A liquid inlet 103 is provided at the top of the protrusion 111, thus the liquid inlet 103 is tilted relative to the ink surface inside the container body 1. This tilted arrangement of the liquid inlet 103 facilitates user observation and ink filling operations, even when the user is sitting at a desk. The container lid 2 is hinged to the protrusion 111, allowing the container lid 2 to rotate relative to the protrusion 111 to close or open the liquid inlet 103. The locking assembly 6 includes a locking member 61 and a second elastic member 62. The locking member 61 is movably connected to the side of the protrusion 111, allowing the locking member 61 to rotate relative to the protrusion 111 to switch between a locked container lid 2 state and an unlocked state. The locking member 61 can also cooperate with the front cover plate 201 for positioning. One end of the second elastic member 62 is connected to the container body 1, and the other end is connected to the locking member 61, ensuring that the locking member 61 always maintains a tendency to move towards locking the container lid 2. The inner side of the front cover plate 201 has a boss that can cooperate with the locking assembly 6 for positioning.

[0073] Exemplarily, when the locking member 61 is in the state of locking the container lid 2, the locking member 61 does not exert a force on the front cover plate 201, and the front cover plate 201 can be closed in place. When the locking member 61 is not in the state of locking the container lid 2, the locking member 61 can exert a force on the front cover plate 201, causing the front cover plate 201 not to be closed in place, thereby preventing the situation where the front cover plate 201 is closed while the container lid 2 is not closed, avoiding impurities from entering the liquid supply container 100, and further causing ink contamination and affecting the printing quality.

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 7 As shown, the locking member 61 includes a movable portion 611, a locking portion 612, a connecting portion 613, and a limiting portion 614. The movable portion 611 is movably connected to the side portion of the protruding portion 111. The locking portion 612 and the limiting portion 614 are both connected to the movable portion 611 and are located on both sides of the movable portion 611. The locking portion 612 is used to lock the container lid 2 when the container lid 2 is in the closed state, and the limiting portion 614 is used to cooperate with the front cover plate 201 to limit the front cover plate 201. The connecting portion 613 is connected to the movable portion 611 and is located between the limiting portion 614 and the movable portion 611, and the connecting portion 613 is connected to the second elastic member 62.

[0075] Refer to Figure 8 As shown, in order to facilitate comparing the positional relationship of the locking assembly in the locked state and the unlocked state, Figure 8 the positions of the locking assembly in the locked state and the unlocked state are shown simultaneously, and the closed state and the open state of the container lid are also shown simultaneously. In Figure 8 , 6′ indicates the locking assembly when the container lid is not locked, 6″ indicates the locking assembly when the container lid is locked, 2′ indicates the container lid in the open state, and 2″ indicates the container lid in the closed state. It can be seen from Figure 8 that the distance between the locking portion 612 and the second side portion 100d is less than the distance between the limiting portion 614 and the second side portion 100d, and the distance between the limiting portion 614 and the second side portion 100d when the locking portion 612 is in the state of locking the container lid 2 is less than the distance between the limiting portion 614 and the second side portion 100d when the locking portion 612 is not in the state of locking the container lid 2. Exemplarily, when the locking portion 612 is in the state of locking the container lid 2, the distance between the limiting portion 614 and the second side portion 100d is L1, and when the locking portion 612 is not in the state of locking the container lid 2, the distance between the limiting portion 614 and the second side is L2, then L1 < L2, so that the front cover plate 201 can be limited by the limiting portion 614. In this embodiment, by making the limiting portion 614 resist on the closing path of the front cover plate 201 and blocking the front cover plate 201 from being completely closed onto the printer body 200, the printer cannot detect that the front cover plate 201 is closed, and thus will not perform a printing operation, avoiding printing operation when the container lid 2 is not closed.

[0076] In some embodiments, the connecting portion 613 may be configured as a columnar protrusion, and the second elastic member 62 is sleeved on the protrusion, thereby guiding the second elastic member 62 through the columnar protrusion.

[0077] In order to facilitate the locking part 612 to engage with the container lid 2, the locking part 612 is provided with a first engaging part 612a, and the container lid 2 is provided with a second engaging part 22. The second engaging part 22 can engage with the first engaging part 612a, so that the locking part 612 can stably lock the container lid 2.

[0078] In order to achieve a sealed connection between the container cap 2 and the liquid inlet 103 when the container cap 2 is in the closed state, the liquid supply container 100 also includes a sealing gasket 21, which is disposed on the inner side of the container cap 2 and is used to seal the connection between the container cap 2 and the liquid inlet 103.

[0079] In practical applications, when ink refilling is required, the user can press the locking component 6. At this time, under the pulling force of the first elastic element 5, the connecting component 4 drives the container lid 2 to open automatically. Simultaneously, the connecting component 4 drives the pipe blocking element 3 to swing downward in the first direction, blocking the ink flow in the liquid supply pipe 102 and preventing the ink refilling pressure from impacting the print head. However, the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the air inlet channel 105 remain connected. When the ink refilling is completed and the container lid 2 is closed, the connecting component 4 drives the pipe blocking element 3 to swing upward in the first direction to reset, restoring the connection of the liquid supply pipe 102. At this time, the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the air inlet channel 105 still remain connected. Compared with the existing manual lid opening, which is inconvenient and inefficient, or the partially automatic lid opening, which is complex and costly, this embodiment can automatically open the container lid 2 after pressing the locking component 6. The operation is simple and convenient, and the locking component 6 has a simple structure and low cost. At the same time, this embodiment can achieve the synchronous operation of opening the liquid supply container and cutting off the ink path through the linkage of the connecting component 4, preventing the ink refilling pressure from impacting the print head.

[0080] Reference Figure 9As shown, the balancing chamber 106 is located on the side near the second side 100d in the length extension direction of the container body 1, and the balancing chamber 106 is connected to the liquid receiving chamber 101. The liquid supply pipe 102 is connected to the balancing chamber 106 via the installation channel 104, so that the liquid supply pipe 102 is connected to the liquid receiving chamber 101 via the installation channel 104 and the balancing chamber 106. The ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 can flow into the balancing chamber 106, and then flow from the balancing chamber 106 into the installation channel 104 and the liquid supply pipe 102, and then flow to the print head 202. The air intake channel 105 is connected to the balance chamber 106, allowing the balance chamber 106 to communicate with the outside world through the air intake channel 105. The air intake channel 105 is provided with an air inlet 105a and an air outlet 105b. The air inlet 105a is located on the outer surface of the container body 1 and is connected to the atmosphere. In the vertical direction, the height of the air inlet 105a is higher than the height of the highest liquid level of the ink in the liquid container chamber 101. The air outlet 105b is located on the inner wall of the balance chamber 106, so that outside air can flow into the balance chamber 106 through the air intake channel 105 and then into the liquid container chamber 101. When the container lid 2 is closed, the ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 is continuously supplied to the print head 202 during the printing operation of the print head 202. The ink capacity decreases, generating negative pressure. External air enters the balance chamber 106 and the liquid receiving chamber 101 from the air inlet channel 105, thereby maintaining the pressure balance inside the chamber. In this embodiment, the setting of the balance chamber 106 can play the role of stabilizing pressure and flow, so as to ensure that the liquid supply container 100 can stably supply ink to the print head during the continuous printing process of the printer.

[0081] In some embodiments, the volume of the balancing cavity 106 is smaller than the volume of the liquid containing cavity 101, and the horizontal height of the top wall of the balancing cavity 106 is lower than the horizontal height of the top surface of the liquid containing cavity 101.

[0082] To prevent ink from flowing into the air inlet channel 105, the liquid supply container 100 also includes a gas-liquid isolation component 7. The gas-liquid isolation component 7 is located at the communication point between the liquid receiving cavity 101 and the air inlet channel 105. The gas-liquid isolation component 7 is configured to allow bidirectional gas passage between the liquid receiving cavity 101 and the air inlet channel 105, while preventing liquid from entering the air inlet channel 105 from the liquid receiving cavity 101 through the gas-liquid isolation component 7. When the injection port 103 is closed, the absolute value of the hydraulic pressure difference between the gas-liquid interface E2 in the liquid supply container 100 and the nozzle of the printing unit is not greater than the absolute value of the pressure generated by the negative pressure generating unit between the gas-liquid interface and the nozzle in the liquid supply container 100, and the horizontal height of the gas-liquid interface is lower than the horizontal height of the nozzle.

[0083] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid isolation component 7 is disposed on the inner wall of the balance chamber 106 and covers the air outlet 105b of the air inlet channel 105. In this embodiment, by providing an air inlet channel 105 that communicates with the balance chamber 106, the balance chamber 106 is connected to the outside atmosphere, thereby enabling the air pressure inside the container body 1 to be balanced and ensuring smooth ink supply. At the same time, by providing the gas-liquid isolation component 7 on the inner wall of the balance chamber 106 and covering the air outlet 105b of the air inlet channel 105, ink leakage and contamination of the printer interior can be prevented.

[0084] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid isolation assembly 7 includes a gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 and a fixing plate 72. The gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 is disposed on the inner wall of the balance chamber 106 and seals the air outlet 105b. The fixing plate 72 is disposed on the side of the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 facing away from the inner wall of the balance chamber 106 and is connected to the inner wall of the balance chamber 106. The fixing plate 72 has a through hole 721, the position of which corresponds to the position of the air outlet 105b. Exemplarily, the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 with adhesive backing can be pasted onto the fixing plate 72, and then the fixing plate 72 can be placed over the air outlet 105b on the inner wall of the balance chamber 106. The fixing plate 72 can then be fixed to the inner wall of the balance chamber 106 by ultrasonic heat fusion.

[0085] In this embodiment, a gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 is provided at the air outlet 105b. Since the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 allows gas to pass through freely, the liquid receiving cavity 101 is connected to the atmosphere, which balances the internal air pressure of the container body 1 and ensures that the ink can flow smoothly to the print head. At the same time, the surface tension characteristics of the ink are used to prevent the ink from leaking out of the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 through the micropores, thus ensuring the cleanliness and stable operation of the printer.

[0086] Continue to refer to Figure 9 As shown, the air inlet 105a is located at the top 100a of the container body 1, and the air outlet 105b is located on the side wall of the balance chamber 106. The air intake channel 105 is also provided with an air intake chamber 105c, a connecting hole 105d, a flow position cavity 105e, and a guide groove 105f. The air inlet 105a, guide groove 105f, flow position cavity 105e, connecting hole 105d, air intake chamber 105c, and air outlet 105b are connected in sequence and point from the top 100a of the container body 1 to the bottom 100b of the container body 1. The air inlet 105a, guide groove 105f, flow position cavity 105e, connecting hole 105d, and air intake chamber 105c are arranged in sequence. The guide groove 105f is designed as a pipe structure with a curved path, so that external dust will accumulate in the guide groove 105f, thereby preventing external dust from entering the air intake chamber 105c through the air inlet 105a and adhering to the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71, thus affecting the air permeability.

[0087] Reference Figure 10As shown, the balancing chamber 106 includes a first sidewall 106a, a second sidewall 106b, and a top wall 106f. The first sidewall 106a has an opening, and the second sidewall 106b has an ink outlet 106e and the aforementioned air outlet 105b. The air outlet 105b is closer to the top wall than the bottom wall of the balancing chamber 106. The balancing chamber 106 communicates with the liquid receiving chamber 101 through the opening, and the balancing chamber 106 also communicates with the installation channel 104 through the ink outlet 106e. This allows the liquid receiving chamber 101 to communicate with the liquid supply pipe 102 via the balancing chamber 106 and the installation channel 104. The center horizontal height of the ink outlet 106e is lower than the center horizontal height of the air outlet 105b and the ink inlet 102a. For example, the distance between the center of the ink outlet 106e and the bottom wall of the balance cavity 106 is less than the distance between the center of the ink outlet 106e and the center line D of the balance cavity 106, and the distance between the center of the air outlet 105b and the top wall 106f of the balance cavity 106 is less than the distance between the center of the air outlet 105b and the center line D of the balance cavity 106.

[0088] In another embodiment, the top wall 106f includes an inclined portion 106g, which has the same inclination direction as the liquid inlet 103, tilting towards the front of the printer body 200 and the liquid supply container 100, or towards the front cover 201, i.e., in the direction from the first side 100c to the second side 100d. The distance between the inclined portion 106g and the bottom wall of the balance chamber 106 gradually increases. The horizontal projections of the air outlet 105b and the inclined portion 106g overlap, such that the horizontal height of the center of the air outlet 105b is higher than the horizontal height of the center of the opening, the ink outlet 106e, and the ink inlet 102a, but lower than the top 100a of the liquid receiving chamber 101. When gas enters the balance chamber 106 from the outlet 105b, it stays in the space B between the top wall 106f and the inclined portion 106g, forming an air cavity. A portion of the outlet 105b is located within space B. Since there is no ink in space B, the resistance to air entering the balance chamber 106 from the outlet 105b is reduced. As the amount of gas inside space B increases, the gas will enter the liquid container chamber 101 through the opening.

[0089] In some embodiments, the opening includes a first opening 106c and a second opening 106d, with the second opening 106d located above the first opening 106c. That is, along the height extension direction of the container body 1, the first opening 106c and the second opening 106d are arranged vertically. The balancing chamber 106 communicates with the liquid containing chamber 101 through the first opening 106c and the second opening 106d. This embodiment provides two openings to facilitate the exchange of gas and liquid between the liquid containing chamber 101 and the balancing chamber 106 when the ink inside the liquid containing chamber 101 decreases.

[0090] Reference Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, when the injection port 103 is closed, the highest hydraulic surface inside the liquid receiving cavity 101 is completely isolated from the external atmosphere, forming a sealed space A. Since it is not connected to the external atmosphere, the sealed space A is in pressure balance with the external atmospheric pressure. The balance chamber 106 is provided with an air outlet 105b that communicates with the external atmosphere. Therefore, when the liquid supply container 100 is installed in the printer, the horizontal height of the center of the air outlet 105b is lower than or equal to the horizontal height of the nozzle 202b at the bottom of the print head 202 of the printer. Preferably, the horizontal height of the center of the air outlet 105b is lower than the horizontal height of the nozzle 202b at the bottom of the print head 202 of the printer, and the horizontal height of the nozzle 202b is lower than the height of the air inlet 105a. This ensures that the absolute value of the hydraulic difference between the highest hydraulic surface E2 inside the balance chamber 106 and the nozzle 202b is not greater than the absolute value of the pressure of the negative pressure generating unit 202a between the highest hydraulic surface E2 and the nozzle 202b, preventing ink inside the balance chamber 106 from leaking from the nozzle 202b.

[0091] During the ink supply process, the replenished ink can enter the liquid receiving chamber 101 through the injection port 103, and then flow into the balance chamber 106 through the first opening 106c and the second opening 106d. Since the air outlet 105b at the top of the balance chamber 106 is equipped with an air-liquid isolation component 7, the ink will not enter the cavity above the balance chamber 106. At the same time, during the printing process, the ink in the liquid receiving chamber 101 can flow into the balance chamber 106, and then flow into the liquid supply pipe 102 through the ink outlet 106e on the side wall of the balance chamber 106 and be supplied to the print head. Meanwhile, outside air enters the balance chamber 106 through the air inlet channel 105, so that the pressure in the liquid supply container 100 is stable.

[0092] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, Figure 12 , Figure 13E1, E2, E1′, and E2′ represent the highest hydraulic pressure levels of the ink in the liquid receiving cavity 101 and the balance cavity 106, respectively. When there is a lot of ink in the liquid supply container 100, the liquid levels E1 and E2 in the liquid receiving cavity 101 are high, and the hydraulic pressure is also high. During printing, the liquid receiving cavity 101 replenishes ink to the balance cavity 106 through the first opening 106c and the second opening 106d. When there is a little ink in the liquid supply container 100, the hydraulic pressure in the liquid supply container 100 is low, and the highest hydraulic surfaces E1′ and E2′ between the liquid receiving cavity 101 and the balance cavity 106 are equal. The ink in the liquid receiving cavity 101 flows with the balance cavity 106 through the first opening 106c and the second opening 106d. Outside air can enter the balance cavity 106 through the air inlet channel 105 and the gas-liquid isolation component 7, and then enter the liquid receiving cavity 101 through the first opening 106c and the second opening 106d, so that the pressure in the entire liquid supply container 100 is relatively balanced, thereby enabling stable ink supply.

[0093] Based on the above embodiments, this application also discloses another specific implementation method. The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that, referring to... Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid supply container does not have a first elastic element 5, but instead includes a driving element 9. One end of the driving element 9 is connected to the container body 1, and the other end is connected to the connecting component 4. When the container lid 2 is in the closed state, the driving element 9 is stretched by the connecting component 4, exhibiting a tendency to contract, thereby generating a damping force that causes the container lid 2 to tend to open. After the container lid 2 is released from its locking position, under the action of the damping force released by the driving element 9, the connecting component 4 can drive the container lid 2 to open, thereby driving the pipe blocking element 3 to move downward in the first direction, so that the passage between the liquid receiving cavity 101 and the liquid supply pipe 102 is blocked. When the container lid 2 is closed, the connecting component 4 can drive the pipe blocking element 3 to move upward in the first direction, so that the passage between the liquid receiving cavity 101 and the liquid supply pipe 102 is opened, and the driving element 9 is stretched again, thereby generating a damping force with a contraction tendency.

[0094] In some embodiments, the driving component 9 can be a cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. One end of the driving component 9 is mounted on the container body 1, and the other end is provided with a telescopic rod connected to the connecting component 4. When the telescopic rod of the driving component 9 is in the retracted state (first state), the connecting component 4 drives the container cover 2 to open, and the connecting component 4 also drives the pipe blocking component 3 to move downward in a first direction. When the telescopic rod of the driving component 9 is in the extended state (second state), the connecting component 4 drives the container cover 2 to close, and the connecting component 4 also drives the pipe blocking component 3 to move upward in the first direction. The cylinder can be a vacuum negative pressure cylinder.

[0095] For example, the connecting component 4 includes a first connecting rod 41 and a second connecting rod 42. Both the first connecting rod 41 and the second connecting rod 42 are rotatably connected to the container body 1. The two ends of the first connecting rod 41 are respectively movably connected to the container cap 2 and one end of the second connecting rod 42. The other end of the second connecting rod 42 is movably connected to the pipe blocking component 3. The telescopic rod of the driving component 9 is connected to the first connecting rod 41.

[0096] After the locking component 6 is pressed, the connecting component 4, under the negative pressure of the vacuum cylinder, automatically opens the container cover 2. At the same time, it moves the pipe blocking component 3 downward in the first direction, blocking the ink flow in the liquid supply pipe 102 and preventing the ink filling pressure from impacting the print head. When the ink filling is completed and the container cover 2 is closed, the pipe blocking component 3 moves upward in the first direction to reset, restoring the ink flow in the liquid supply pipe 102.

[0097] In other embodiments, reference is made to Figure 15 As shown, the drive component 9 is installed within the installation channel 104, and the pipe blocking component 3 passes through the drive component 9. A piston 32 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the pipe blocking component 3. After the pipe blocking component 3 and the drive component 9 are installed, a sealed space is formed inside the drive component 9. Specifically, its sealing can be ensured by installing components such as rubber plugs between the pipe blocking component 3 and the drive component 9. The piston 32 slides within this sealed space, compressing the internal gas and generating a damping force. Specifically, when the container lid 2 is in the closed state, the connecting component 4 drives the pipe blocking component 3 to move upward, compressing the air inside the drive component 9 and generating a damping force. When the locked state of the container lid 2 is unlocked, the damping force is released, and the pipe blocking component 3 moves downward, further keeping the container lid 2 in the open state through the connecting component 4. The drive component 9 can be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, and it stores hydraulic oil inside.

[0098] In this embodiment, the liquid supply pipe 102 can be automatically cut off during ink filling, isolating the ink filling pressure, thereby isolating the liquid pressure from the print head 202, protecting the print head 202. It is also easy to operate, with one-button triggering of cover opening and ink cut-off, without the need for complicated manual operation. In addition, the structure is simplified, based on a mature linkage and vacuum negative pressure cylinder mechanical structure, which is low in cost and highly reliable.

[0099] Based on the above embodiments, this application also discloses another specific implementation method. The difference between this embodiment and the above embodiments is that, as shown in the appendix... Figures 16-18 As shown, in this embodiment, the pipeline switching mechanism adopts a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is controlled by the printer to block or open the liquid delivery pipeline, so as to control the flow rate of liquid in the liquid receiving cavity 101 to the printing unit.

[0100] Specifically, the solenoid valve 8 includes a valve body 81, a valve core 82, and a valve connecting pipe 83. The valve body 81 is mounted on the printer's mounting bracket 204, or it can be mounted on the liquid supply container 100. Valve connecting pipes 83, which connect to the liquid delivery pipeline 203, are located on both sides of the valve body 81. The liquid delivery pipeline 203 is a flexible hose, and its port can be inserted into the valve connecting pipe 83. The valve core 82 is a rod-shaped structure that can move within the valve body 81. Its end has a rubber stopper. When the valve core 82 moves, the stopper can selectively block or open the valve connecting pipe 83, thereby blocking or connecting the liquid delivery pipeline 203 and controlling the flow rate of ink supplied from the liquid supply container 100 to the print head 202. The solenoid valve 8 can be used to receive instructions from the printer to block or open the liquid delivery pipeline 203. For example, when the printer issues a print job command, the solenoid valve 8 opens the liquid delivery pipeline 203; when there is no print job, it blocks the liquid delivery pipeline 203. For example, when the user closes the front cover 201 or the container cover 2, the printer detects the signal that the front cover 201 or the container cover 2 is closed and controls the solenoid valve 8 to open; conversely, when the front cover 201 or the container cover 2 is open, the solenoid valve 8 is controlled to close.

[0101] In this embodiment, the liquid supply pipe 102 can be automatically cut off during ink filling, isolating the ink filling pressure, thereby isolating the liquid pressure from the print head 202, protecting the print head 202. It is also easy to operate, with one-button triggering of cover opening and ink cut-off, without the need for complicated manual operation. In addition, the structure is simplified, based on a mature linkage and vacuum negative pressure cylinder mechanical structure, which is low in cost and highly reliable.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 is one embodiment of the gas-liquid isolation component 7, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0103] like Figure 19 As shown, a duckbill valve can also be used as a gas-liquid isolation component. The duckbill valve is a flexible check valve made of rubber, possessing good strength, toughness, and sealing properties. It utilizes the internal and external pressure difference to achieve opening and closing functions. The duckbill valve 73 has a mounting portion 731, and an inlet end 732 and an outlet end 733 located on both sides of the mounting portion. The inlet end 732 and the outlet end 733 are each provided with through holes. The mounting portion 731 is mounted on the housing 11. The inlet end 732 is located outside the liquid receiving cavity 101, and the outlet end 733 is located inside the liquid receiving cavity 101. Since the inlet end 732 and the outlet end 733 are connected, gas can enter the liquid receiving cavity 101 from the outside. Based on the characteristics of the duckbill valve 73, the inlet end 732 has a larger diameter than the outlet end 733, and the outlet end 733 is flat and closed in its natural state.

[0104] As liquid is continuously supplied to the printhead 202 from the liquid reservoir 101, the internal pressure gradually decreases. When the pressure is lower than the external pressure, and the external atmospheric pressure exceeds the threshold for opening the duckbill valve 73, external gas enters the liquid reservoir 101 from the inlet 732 and outlet 733. When the internal pressure of the liquid reservoir 101 is greater than the external pressure, the liquid attempts to flow backward from the outlet 733 to the inlet 732. The pressure of the liquid acts on the outside of the outlet 733, making it close more tightly and preventing liquid leakage.

[0105] The duckbill valve 73 can be installed inside the liquid receiving chamber 101 or the balancing chamber 106. Alternatively, the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 and the duckbill valve 73 can be used independently. To improve the pressure regulation between the inside of the liquid receiving chamber 101 and the external atmosphere, the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 and the duckbill valve 73 can also be installed simultaneously on the liquid supply container 100, such as... Figure 18 As shown, a gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 and a duckbill valve 73 are respectively installed on two opposite sidewalls of the balance chamber 106. Horizontally, the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 and the duckbill valve 73 are located at almost the same position, as described in the previous embodiment, above the ink outlet 106e and the ink inlet 102a, and below the air inlet 105a and the liquid inlet 103. Furthermore, a portion of the air outlet 733 of the gas-liquid isolation membrane 71 and the duckbill valve 73 can be located within space B of the balance chamber 106. Since there is no ink liquid in space B, the resistance to air entering the balance chamber 106 is reduced.

[0106] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid supply container for supplying liquid to the printing unit of a printer, characterized in that, The liquid supply container includes: The container body is provided with a liquid containing chamber, a liquid supply pipe, a balance chamber, and an air inlet channel; The liquid supply pipe is connected to the liquid receiving cavity and is used to supply the liquid in the liquid receiving cavity to the printing unit; The air intake channel is connected to the liquid container and the outside atmosphere, and the outside atmosphere enters the liquid container through the air intake channel; The balancing chamber is located on one side of the liquid receiving chamber in the horizontal direction and is in communication with the liquid receiving chamber. It is used to receive liquid from the liquid receiving chamber, and the highest liquid level in the balancing chamber is lower than the highest liquid level in the liquid receiving chamber.

2. The liquid supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air intake channel is connected to the balance chamber, and the balance chamber is connected to the outside atmosphere through the air intake channel. The atmosphere can enter the liquid containment chamber by passing through the air intake channel and the balance chamber in sequence.

3. The liquid supply container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid supply pipe is connected to the balance chamber, and the liquid in the liquid receiving chamber flows sequentially through the balance chamber and the liquid supply pipe to the printing unit.

4. The liquid supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The balancing chamber includes a first sidewall, which has a first opening and a second opening. The second opening is located above the first opening, and the balancing chamber communicates with the liquid containing chamber through the first opening and the second opening.

5. The liquid supply container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container body is also provided with a liquid injection port, which is connected to the liquid receiving cavity and is used to inject liquid into the liquid receiving cavity; A container cap is installed on the container body, and the container cap is movably connected to the container body for opening or sealing the liquid inlet.

6. The liquid supply container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air intake channel is normally open, allowing external air to enter the liquid containment chamber through the air intake channel; when the liquid injection port is closed, the absolute value of the hydraulic difference between the highest hydraulic surface inside the liquid containment chamber and the nozzle of the printing unit is not greater than the absolute value of the pressure of the negative pressure generating unit between the highest hydraulic surface and the nozzle.

7. The liquid supply container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The balance chamber also includes a second sidewall. The air inlet channel has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is located on the outer surface of the container body, and the air outlet of the air inlet channel is located on the second sidewall.

8. The liquid supply container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second sidewall is provided with an ink outlet, and the balance chamber is connected to the liquid supply pipe through the ink outlet. The horizontal height of the center of the ink outlet is lower than the horizontal height of the center of the air outlet.

9. The liquid supply container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distance between the center of the ink outlet and the bottom wall of the balance chamber is less than the distance between the center of the ink outlet and the center line of the balance chamber.

10. The liquid supply container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distance between the center of the air outlet and the top wall of the balance chamber is less than the distance between the center of the air outlet and the center line of the balance chamber.

11. The liquid supply container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The center of the air outlet is at a lower level than the bottom of the printing unit.

12. The liquid supply container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The balancing chamber also includes a top wall, which has an inclined portion that overlaps with the horizontal projection of the air outlet.

13. The liquid supply container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The liquid supply container is also provided with a gas-liquid isolation component, which is disposed on the second side wall and covers the air outlet of the air inlet channel.

14. The liquid supply container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The gas-liquid isolation assembly includes a gas-liquid isolation membrane, which is fixedly installed on the air outlet of the air inlet channel and covers the air outlet.

15. The liquid supply container according to claim 14, characterized in that, The gas-liquid isolation assembly also includes a fixing plate, and the gas-liquid isolation membrane is clamped between the air outlet and the fixing plate. The fixing plate is provided with a through hole, so that external air can enter the balance chamber from the air inlet channel, through the gas-liquid isolation membrane and the through hole in sequence.

16. The liquid supply container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The gas-liquid isolation component is a duckbill valve, which has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet faces the outside of the liquid-containing cavity, and the air outlet is located inside the liquid-containing cavity.

17. The liquid supply container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The container body also has a top, a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side are arranged opposite to each other, the liquid injection port is located on the top near the first side, and the balance chamber is located on the side of the container body near the second side in the length direction.

18. The liquid supply container according to claim 12, characterized in that, The volume of the balancing chamber is smaller than the volume of the liquid containing chamber, and the horizontal height of the top wall of the balancing chamber is lower than the horizontal height of the top wall of the liquid containing chamber.

19. A printer, characterized in that, The printer includes a printer body, a printhead, and a liquid supply container as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the liquid supply container and the printhead are both disposed on the printer body, and the liquid supply container is connected to the printhead, and the liquid supply container is used to supply liquid to the printhead.

20. The printer according to claim 19, characterized in that, The bottom of the printhead is provided with an ejector outlet, and the horizontal height of the ejector outlet is higher than the horizontal height of the connection between the air inlet channel and the liquid containment cavity.

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