Liquid container and image forming device

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid container and an image forming device, the liquid container is installed in the image forming device, and the liquid container is provided with a containing cavity used for containing liquid, and a liquid inlet channel and a liquid outlet which are communicated with the containing cavity; one end, communicated with the accommodating cavity, of the liquid inlet channel is provided with a liquid inlet, the other end of the liquid inlet channel is provided with a liquid inlet connector, after entering the liquid inlet connector, liquid is guided by the liquid inlet channel to flow into the accommodating cavity from the liquid inlet, and the liquid in the accommodating cavity flows out of the accommodating cavity through the liquid outlet; the liquid inlet channel extends in the direction away from the liquid outlet from the liquid inlet connector. According to the ink supply device, the ink can infiltrate the liquid holding part to a large extent after entering the accommodating cavity, and then flows to the liquid discharge port, so that more ink can be held in the liquid holding part, the accommodating cavity can continuously supply the ink to the ejection head, ink supply interruption is avoided, and printing continuity and the quality of printed images are guaranteed.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510637339.0, filed on May 16, 2025, entitled "Liquid Container and Image Forming Apparatus"; Chinese Patent Application No. 202510637220.3, filed on May 16, 2025, entitled "An Ink Cartridge, Ink Carriage and Liquid Ejection Device"; and Chinese Patent Application No. 202510643253.9, filed on May 16, 2025, entitled "Liquid Ejection Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and more particularly to a liquid container and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Inkjet printers are widely used as one of the important devices for office automation and home printing.

[0004] Inkjet printers feature a horizontally movable carriage and ink cartridges mounted on it. The bottom of each cartridge has a liquid ejector for spraying liquid onto the media. To achieve color printing, the internal space of a single ink cartridge is divided into three or four compartments by partitions to hold three or four colors of ink. Compared to a single-color cartridge, this effectively reduces the number of cartridges, decreases the internal space required for cartridge installation, and thus reduces the overall size of the inkjet printer.

[0005] To maintain stable ink pressure within the cartridge, ensuring a consistent ink supply to the ink nozzle and preventing leakage, the cartridge contains a flexible sponge capable of absorbing ink. However, current designs suffer from insufficient ink saturation of the sponge, resulting in limited ink storage capacity within the cartridge and consequently, an inability to maintain a continuous ink supply, leading to ink supply interruptions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention provides a liquid container and an image forming apparatus to solve the problem in the prior art where the ink-soaked sponge is of low degree and the ink storage capacity of the container cavity is limited, resulting in the inability to continuously supply ink and the occurrence of ink supply interruption.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a liquid container installed in an image forming apparatus. The liquid container has a receiving cavity for containing liquid, and an inlet channel and a outlet communicating with the receiving cavity. One end of the inlet channel communicating with the receiving cavity is provided with an inlet, and the other end is provided with an inlet port. When liquid enters the inlet port, it is guided by the inlet channel to flow from the inlet port into the receiving cavity, and the liquid in the receiving cavity flows out of the receiving cavity through the outlet. The inlet channel extends from the inlet port in a direction away from the outlet.

[0008] In one possible implementation, when viewed along the width of the liquid container, the inlet is closer to the outlet than the outlet.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the diameter of the drain port is larger than the diameter of the inlet port.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the diameter of the liquid inlet interface is larger than the diameter of the liquid inlet port.

[0011] In one possible implementation, a liquid retainer is provided in the receiving cavity, a first pressing rib is provided on the outer periphery of the liquid inlet to press the liquid retainer, and a second pressing rib is provided on the outer periphery of the liquid outlet to press the liquid retainer.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first pressing rib has a notch, which is located on the side of the first pressing rib facing the drain port when viewed along the width of the liquid container.

[0013] In one possible implementation, it further includes a first liquid storage section and a first cover section. The first liquid storage section is a can-shaped structure with an opening at the top. After the first cover section closes onto the opening of the first liquid storage section, it forms the receiving cavity.

[0014] In one possible implementation, a second cover is also included, which is mounted on the side of the first cover opposite to the first liquid storage section. A guide groove is provided on the mounting surface of the first cover or the second cover, and the liquid inlet channel is formed when the first cover and the second cover are installed.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the liquid inlet is disposed on the side of the second cover opposite to the first cover, and the liquid inlet is disposed on the first cover.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the second cover completely covers the surface of the first cover.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a positioning protrusion is provided on the mounting surface of the first cover or the second cover.

[0018] In one possible implementation, a second liquid storage section is further included. The second liquid storage section is disposed on the side of the first liquid storage section opposite to the first cover. The second liquid storage section has a communicating cavity inside, which communicates with the receiving cavity. Liquid in the receiving cavity enters the communicating cavity through the drain port.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the second liquid storage section is provided with a nozzle for spraying liquid onto the printing medium.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the containment cavity includes a first containment cavity for containing black liquid and a plurality of sub-containment cavities for containing colored liquid; the length of the inlet channel communicating with the first containment cavity is shorter than the length of the inlet channel communicating with the sub-containment cavities.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the lengths of the plurality of liquid inlet channels communicating with the plurality of said sub-receptacle cavities are different.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the liquid container has a first centerline L2 extending along its width direction; The liquid container has four inlets, three of which are located on one side of the first centerline L2 and one of which is located on the other side of the first centerline L2.

[0023] The present invention provides an image forming apparatus, including a frame and a slide frame slidably mounted on the frame, and further including the liquid container described above, the liquid container being mounted on the slide frame.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the sliding frame has a movable seat for mounting the liquid container and a cover member hinged to the movable seat. The cover member is provided with a liquid delivery line for delivering liquid to the liquid container. When the cover member is closed on the movable seat, the liquid delivery line engages with the liquid inlet.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: after the ink enters the receiving cavity, it can wet the liquid holding member to a large extent, and then flow to the drain port, so that the liquid holding member can retain more ink. The receiving cavity can continuously supply ink to the nozzle, and there will be no ink supply interruption, ensuring printing continuity and the quality of printed images.

[0026] Other features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the embodiments of the invention. The objects and other advantages of embodiments of the invention are realized and obtained in accordance with the structures particularly pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the installation of the second container and the sliding frame; Figure 3 This is an overall outline view of the second container in a specific embodiment; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural cross-sectional view of the second container in the diagram; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the structure of the second container in the diagram; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Internal structure diagram of the first liquid storage section; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation and positioning of the first cover and the second cover; Figure 8 A general outline view of the second container in another specific embodiment; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A partial structural exploded view of the second container in the diagram; Figure 10 A structural cross-sectional view of the second container in yet another specific embodiment; Figure 11 A structural cross-sectional view of the second container in yet another specific embodiment; Figure 12 for Figure 8 A structural cross-sectional view of the second container in the diagram; Figure 13 for Figure 8 Exploded view of the structure of the second container in the diagram; Figure 14 for Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the structure of the third cover Figure 15 This is an internal structural diagram of the first liquid storage section of the second container in yet another specific embodiment; Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the second container in yet another specific embodiment; Figure 17 A schematic diagram of the structure of the second cover of the second container in yet another specific embodiment; Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first cover of the second container in yet another specific embodiment; Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second container in yet another specific embodiment; Figure 20 for Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the second container in the diagram; Figure 21 for Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the structure of the third cover part; Figure 22 for Figure 19 Internal structure diagram of the first liquid storage section; Figure 23 for Figure 19 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first cover part; Figure 24 for Figure 19 Cross-sectional view of the second liquid storage section and the third cover section; Figure 25 for Figure 19 A partial structural cross-sectional view of the second container in the diagram; Figure 26 for Figure 19 Another structural cross-sectional view of the second container in the diagram; Figure 27 for Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of another part of the structure of the second container; Figure 28 for Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of another part of the structure of the second container.

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0034] It should be noted that the directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" described in the embodiments of the present invention are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, in the context, it should 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.

[0035] The following describes the structure of an image forming apparatus (e.g., an inkjet printer) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and its specific embodiments will be described.

[0036] like Figure 1 The internal structure of an inkjet printer 1 shown includes a frame 10, a media transport assembly 20, a liquid transport pipeline 30, a first container 40, a sliding frame 50, and a second container 60. The media transport assembly 20 includes a media transport path 21 extending through the frame 10 in the X direction, and also includes a media storage tray 22, a transport roller assembly, and a paper discharge tray 24. The transport roller assembly includes a paper feed roller 231, a paper delivery roller 232, and a discharge roller 233. The paper feed roller 231 picks up the paper stored on the media storage tray 22 and feeds it into the media transport path 21. After receiving the media P pushed by the paper feed roller 231, the paper delivery roller 232 transports the media P along the media transport path 21, passes under the sliding frame 50, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 24 via the discharge roller 233.

[0037] For ease of description, the following explanation will use a Cartesian coordinate system of X, Y, and Z as needed. In this case, the X direction is aligned with the transport direction of the recorded medium P (e.g., paper). The Y direction is aligned with the sliding direction of the slide 50 (horizontal). The Z direction represents the height direction (gravity direction) orthogonal to both the X and Y directions. In the following explanation, among the X, Y, and Z directions, the direction of the arrow in the diagram will be described as the positive (+) direction, and the direction opposite to the arrow will be described as the negative (-) direction. The +X and -X directions are collectively referred to as the first direction, the +Y and -Y directions as the second direction, and the +Z and -Z directions as the third direction. For example, the +Z direction corresponds to above the gravity direction, and the -Z direction corresponds to below the gravity direction.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the sliding frame 50 includes a support 51 and a movable seat 52 slidably disposed on the support 51. A second container 60 with a liquid ejector head 672 is mounted on the movable seat 52. A flexible plate 70 disposed on the second container 60 is electrically connected to a second electrical contact (not shown) disposed on the movable seat 52. The movable seat 52 moves along the Y direction on the support 51, thereby the second container 60 also moves along the Y direction under the carrying of the movable seat 52. When the medium P moves along the X direction on the medium transport path 21, the second container 60 moves along the Y direction, and during the lateral movement, the ejector head 672 ejects liquid (e.g., ink) onto the medium P to form an image on the medium P.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, a first container 40 is provided on the frame 10 for supplying liquid for imaging to the second container 60. The first container 40 includes a liquid storage chamber 41 for storing liquid and a liquid inlet 42 connected to the liquid storage chamber 41. The user can replenish liquid into the liquid storage chamber 41 through the liquid inlet 42.

[0040] A liquid delivery pipeline 30 is provided between the first container 40 and the second container 60. The liquid delivery pipeline 30 has a first connecting end 31 that can connect to the first container 40 and a second connecting end 32 that can connect to the second container 60. The liquid delivery pipeline 30 includes a fixed end 33 and a movable end 34. The fixed end 33 is fixed to the frame 10 via a structure such as the frame 10 or the first container 40. The movable end 34 is made of a flexible material and can be flexibly bent. Since the second connecting end 32 is connected to the second container 60, when the second container 60 moves with the movable seat 52, the movable end 34 forms a deformable bend to adapt to the movement of the movable seat 52.

[0041] The first container 40 comprises at least four containers, each with a corresponding liquid storage chamber 41 storing black (B), cyan (C), red (M), and yellow (Y) liquids, respectively. The second container 60 can be four single-color containers storing the four colors of liquid respectively, or a multi-color container with multiple independent receiving chambers for storing different colors of liquid. The nozzle 672 of the second container 60 has nozzles 671 corresponding to different colors. The liquid delivery pipeline 30 includes four supply pipes for delivering different colors. Black (B), cyan (C), red (M), and yellow (Y) liquids are supplied to the second container 60 by their respective supply pipes, and the corresponding colored liquids received by the second container 60 are sprayed out from different nozzles 671.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the movable seat 52 includes a seat body 521 and a cover member 522 connected to the seat body 521. The seat body 521 has a container storage part, and the second container 60 is fixed in the container storage part. The cover member 522 is connected to the second connection end 32 of the liquid delivery pipeline 30 and has a liquid valve 523. When the cover member 522 is closed on the seat body 521, the liquid valve 523 is opened, so that liquid enters the second container 60 from the second connection end 32 through the liquid valve 523.

[0043] This application provides a liquid container as a second container 60, such as... Figures 3-5 As shown, the second container 60 includes a first liquid storage section 61 and a second liquid storage section 62 communicating with the first liquid storage section 61. The first liquid storage section 61 has a receiving cavity 611, and the second liquid storage section 62 has a communicating cavity 621 communicating with the receiving cavity 611. Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the first liquid storage section 61 has a tank-like structure with side walls and a bottom. The top is an opening 612, and the bottom is provided with a drain port 613 that communicates with the second liquid storage section 62. The drain port 613 can be set into a rectangle, a square, or a circle depending on the volume of the receiving cavity.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, an inclined buffer surface 614 is provided below the drain port 613 to reduce the speed and impact force when liquid is injected into the connecting cavity 621. A first cover 63 is provided above the opening 612 to cover the opening 612. The first cover 63 can be fixed to the side wall of the first liquid storage part 61 by means of adhesive or welding, and completely covers the opening 612. The first cover 63 is provided with a liquid inlet 631 for injecting ink into the receiving cavity 611. The ink then enters the connecting cavity 621 from the drain port 613.

[0045] A second cover 64 is also provided above the first cover 63. The second cover 64 can also be fixed to the first cover 63 by adhesive or welding, such as... Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a first guide groove 632 and a second guide groove 641 are respectively provided on the corresponding planes of the first cover portion 63 and the second cover portion 64. The first guide groove 632 and the second guide groove 641 are formed by downward indentation from the planes of the first cover portion 63 and the second cover portion 64, and their lengths, widths and extension directions are corresponding, thereby cooperating to form a liquid inlet channel 642 for guiding the flow of ink. A liquid inlet 631 is provided at one end of the liquid inlet channel 642, and a liquid inlet interface 643 is provided at the other end of the liquid inlet channel 642 for connecting with the liquid delivery pipeline 30, thereby injecting ink into the second container 60.

[0046] Furthermore, in order to reduce resistance during ink injection, the gas inside the second container 60 can be expelled simultaneously with ink injection, such as... Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, an exhaust port 633 is provided in the first cover 63. When ink enters the second container 60 from the liquid inlet channel 642, air enters the liquid inlet channel 642 through the exhaust port 633 and is discharged from the liquid delivery pipeline 30. Furthermore, the exhaust port 633 can be located within the liquid inlet channel 642. By providing the first cover 63 and the second cover 64, and by providing the liquid inlet channel 642 and the exhaust port 633 between the first cover 63 and the second cover 64, the smoothness of ink injection can be effectively improved, enhancing the user experience.

[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, in this invention, the diameter of the drain port 613 is larger than the diameter of the inlet port 643, and the diameter of the inlet port 643 is larger than the diameter of the inlet port 631, forming ink inlet and outlet channels that are wider at both ends, thus making ink injection and ejection smoother. In some other embodiments, the diameter of the drain port 613 may be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the inlet port 643, and the diameter of the inlet port 643 may be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the inlet port 631. It is understood that this application does not limit the relationship between the diameters of the inlet port 631, the drain port 613, and the inlet port 643.

[0048] As described above, the installation accuracy requirements for the first cover 63 and the second cover 64 are high. It is necessary to avoid misalignment or reverse installation of the first guide groove 632 and the second guide groove 641 to prevent ink or exhaust leakage, which could contaminate the printer's internal components. Therefore, positioning structures are provided on the opposing surfaces of the first cover 63 and the second cover 64 to cooperate with each other, such as... Figure 3 , Figure 5As shown, one embodiment is provided, in which two first positioning protrusions 634 and two second positioning protrusions 635 are respectively provided on the upper surface of the first cover 63 at two different sides. The distance between the two first positioning protrusions 634 is different from the distance between the two second positioning protrusions 635. A third positioning protrusion 644 and a fourth positioning protrusion 645 are provided on the second cover 64, corresponding to the positions of the first positioning protrusions 634 and the second positioning protrusions 635 respectively. The third positioning protrusion 644 and the fourth positioning protrusion 645 have different widths, which correspond to the distance between the two first positioning protrusions 634 and the distance between the two second positioning protrusions 635 respectively, thereby serving a positioning function and preventing incorrect installation.

[0049] Besides using positioning protrusions, the first cover 63 and the second cover 64 can also be installed through hole-shaft mating or snap-fit ​​mating. For example... Figure 7 As shown, positioning holes 636 and positioning pins 646 are respectively provided on the opposite surfaces of the first cover 63 and the second cover 64 to cooperate with each other.

[0050] After the first cover 63 and the second cover 64 are closed, they can be fixed together by welding. Weld grooves and welding rods are respectively provided on the opposite surfaces of the first cover 63 and the second cover 64, and the weld grooves and welding rods are arranged along the circumference of the first guide groove 632 and the second guide groove 641. After welding, the sealing of the liquid inlet channel 642 can be effectively guaranteed. At the same time, the weld grooves and welding rods cooperate with each other to also serve to position the first cover 63 and the second cover 64.

[0051] Furthermore, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first cover 63 and the second cover 64 can be configured to have the same length and the same width, which can also prevent the second cover 64 from being installed in the wrong direction. In order to facilitate the user to remove and take the second container 60 from the movable base 52, a holding part 647 is provided on the upper surface of the second cover 64. The holding part 647 is located on the rear side of the second container 60, away from the flexible plate 70, and can protrude in the +Z direction or in the -X direction.

[0052] like Figure 4As shown, in order to maintain stable ink pressure inside the first liquid storage section 61 and ensure a stable ink supply from the first liquid storage section 61 to the second liquid storage section 62, preventing ink leakage from the nozzle 672, a liquid retainer 65 is provided inside the first liquid storage section 61. This liquid retainer has a certain degree of elasticity and liquid absorption capacity, similar to a sponge. The volume of the liquid retainer 65 can be slightly larger than the volume of the first liquid storage section 61. Thus, when the liquid retainer 65 is installed in the first liquid storage section 61 and the first cover 63 is closed, the first cover 63 applies pressure to the liquid retainer 65, squeezing out the ink absorbed by the liquid retainer 65, thereby stably supplying ink to the second liquid storage section 62.

[0053] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, this invention provides an embodiment in which pressing ribs are provided on the outer periphery of the liquid inlet 631 and / or the outer periphery of the liquid outlet 613, facing the liquid holding member 65. The pressing ribs can contact the liquid holding member 65 and apply pressure to the liquid holding member 65, thereby squeezing out the ink adsorbed by the liquid holding member 65. Specifically, the pressing rib 637 is provided on the outer periphery of the liquid inlet 631, and the pressing rib 615 is provided on the outer periphery of the liquid outlet 613.

[0054] The first pressing rib 637 can push open the liquid retainer 65 at the liquid inlet 631, forming a space below the liquid inlet 631 that is not filled by the liquid retainer 65, thereby improving the fluidity of the liquid flowing into the receiving cavity 611, reducing the difficulty of injecting the liquid into the receiving cavity 611, and allowing the liquid to flow smoothly into the receiving cavity 611.

[0055] The second pressing rib 615 can push open the liquid holding member 65 at the drain port 613, forming a space above the drain port 613 that is not filled by the liquid holding member 65. This improves the fluidity of the liquid flowing out of the receiving cavity 611, reduces the resistance of the liquid flowing to the nozzle 672, and ensures the liquid supply to the nozzle 672. At the same time, the second pressing rib 615 can also squeeze out the ink adsorbed in the liquid holding member 65, resulting in a larger amount of ink flowing to the nozzle 672.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, a first pressing rib 637 is disposed on the side of the first cover 63 facing the receiving cavity 611, and a second pressing rib 615 is disposed on the bottom wall of the first liquid storage section 61 near the second liquid storage section 62. The first pressing rib 637 and the second pressing rib 615 compress the liquid retainer 65, forming a compression zone 617 within the receiving cavity 611. The water absorption of the compression zone 617 is lower than that of the non-compression zone, allowing ink to flow more quickly and smoothly directly from the inlet 631 to the outlet 613. Ink from the non-compression zone is replenished into the compression zone 617 due to ink loss from the compression zone 617.

[0057] In some other implementations, such as Figure 10 As shown, the liquid inlet channel 642 extends from the liquid inlet interface 643 in a direction away from the liquid outlet 613. That is, when viewed along the Y direction, the ink flows away from the liquid outlet 613 in the liquid inlet channel 642. After entering the receiving cavity 611, the ink can wet the liquid holding member 65 to a large extent, and then flow to the liquid outlet 613, so that the liquid holding member 65 can hold more ink. The receiving cavity 611 can continuously supply ink to the ejector head 672 without ink interruption, ensuring printing continuity and the quality of printed images.

[0058] Specifically, when viewed along the Z direction, the inlet 631 and the outlet 613 do not overlap at least partially. That is, there is a certain distance between the inlet 631 and the outlet 613 in the Z direction, so as to ensure the degree of wetting of the liquid holding member 65 by the ink entering the receiving cavity 611, and to prevent a part of the liquid holding member 65 from being unwetted by the ink, thus failing to play its role in holding the ink.

[0059] Specifically, to ensure that the inlet 631 and outlet 613 do not at least partially overlap when viewed along the Z-direction, the inlet 631 needs to be located close to the edge of the first cover 63. Therefore, when viewed along the Y-direction, the inlet port 643 is closer to the outlet 613 than the inlet 631, which reduces the design complexity of the inlet port 643 and the inlet channel 642. Simultaneously, positioning the inlet port 643 and the inlet channel 642 close to the center of the first cover 63 and the second cover 64 improves the mechanical strength of the first cover 63 and the second cover 64, preventing them from breaking at the center.

[0060] When ink flows through the liquid retainer 65, the liquid retainer 65 can filter the ink and remove some impurities. However, since the liquid retainer 65 cannot be too tight, it will affect the ink flow. Therefore, in order to further filter ink impurities, this embodiment of the invention provides a filter 66 on the drain port 613, such as... Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, the filter 66 has a sheet-like structure and is fixed to the bottom of the first liquid storage section 61 by means of adhesive or snap-fit, and completely covers the drain port 613.

[0061] like Figure 10 As shown, to facilitate the installation of the filter 66, the filter 66 can be installed on the second pressing rib 615. Specifically, the second pressing rib 615 is arranged around the drain port 613, forming a closed shape, so that the filter 66 can completely cover the space enclosed by the second pressing rib 615 in the height direction of the second container 60, thereby ensuring the filtering effect of the filter on the ink. Optionally, the second pressing rib 615 is circular or rectangular.

[0062] More specifically, when viewed along the Z direction, the first pressing rib 637 and the second pressing rib 615 at least partially overlap, so that a squeezing zone for the liquid holding member 65 can be formed between the liquid inlet 631 and the liquid outlet 613, so that the first pressing rib 637 and the second pressing rib 615 can effectively squeeze out the ink adsorbed by the liquid holding member 65.

[0063] Since the inlet 631 and the outlet 613 do not overlap, the size of the shape formed by the second pressing rib 615 needs to be larger, so that a larger filter 66 can be installed on the second pressing rib 615, so that the speed at which the filter 66 filters ink can meet the ink supply requirements.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first pressing rib 637 has a notch 638. A space not filled by the liquid retainer 65 is formed at the notch 638 and below the liquid inlet 631, which further reduces the difficulty of injecting liquid into the receiving cavity 611, so that the liquid can flow into the receiving cavity 611 more smoothly.

[0065] The notch 638 is located on the side of the first pressing rib 637 facing the drain port 613, thereby guiding the ink injected into the receiving cavity 611 to flow to the drain port 613 to ensure the ink supply to the ejector head 672.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 The outer periphery of the second pressing rib 615 shown is provided with multiple positioning ribs 616. The positioning ribs 616 can position the filter 66, ensure the accuracy of the filter 66 installation position, and prevent the filter 66 from shifting and failing to completely cover the drain port 613, thus affecting the filter's filtration effect on ink.

[0067] like Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, the second liquid storage section 62 is located below the first liquid storage section 61 and has a smaller volume than the first liquid storage section 61. The main structure of the second liquid storage section 62 is integrally formed with the first liquid storage section 61, including four side walls 622 disposed at the bottom of the first liquid storage section 61. The four side walls 622 enclose a communicating cavity 621, and a third cover 67 covers the side walls 622, thereby forming a closed space in the communicating cavity 621. An outlet 671 communicating with the communicating cavity 621 is provided on the third cover 67. The outlet 671 is used to discharge ink in the communicating cavity 621 to the print head 672, and then spray it onto the printing medium P through the print head 672. To match the structure of the print head 672, the outlet 671 is designed as a long and thin strip, with its length direction aligned with the X direction. To ensure the installation accuracy of the third cover 67 and avoid ink leakage, the third cover 67 and the connecting cavity 621 can also be fitted together by positioning holes and positioning posts. After the third cover 67 is positioned, it is fixed to the connecting cavity 621 by welding or pasting.

[0068] like Figure 9 The diagram illustrates another embodiment of the second liquid storage unit 62. In this embodiment, the main structure of the second liquid storage unit 62 is integrally formed with the first liquid storage unit 61. It includes three side walls 622 disposed at the bottom of the first liquid storage unit 61, and a bottom wall 623 connected to the three side walls 622. The three side walls and the bottom wall 623 form a mounting cavity, and an insertion port 624 is formed on the side of the second liquid storage unit 62 away from the flexible plate 70. The third cover 67 is inserted into the mounting cavity from the side through the insertion port 624. An outlet 671 communicating with the connecting cavity 621 is provided on the third cover 67. The outlet 671 discharges ink from the connecting cavity 621 onto the print head 672, and then sprays it onto the printing medium P through the print head 672. By providing a removable third cover 67, the user can easily clean the ink channels of the liquid container, preventing clogging.

[0069] Specifically, the insertion direction of the third cover 67 into the mounting cavity is perpendicular to the third direction, allowing the user to install or remove the third cover 67 by pushing or pulling it left or right or back and forth.

[0070] More specifically, the insertion port 624 is located on the side of the mounting cavity away from the flexible plate 70, thereby avoiding interference from the flexible plate 70 with the disassembly and assembly of the third cover 67.

[0071] Furthermore, to improve the connection reliability between the third cover 67 and the second liquid storage unit 62, the third cover 67 can be snapped into the second liquid storage unit 62. To improve the strength of the third cover 67 and prevent ink leakage due to damage to the third cover 67, a reinforcing recess structure can be provided on the third cover 67.

[0072] When installing the second container 60, first insert the liquid holding member 65 into the first liquid storage section 61, then install the first cover 63, the second cover 64, and the third cover 67 respectively, and weld them to the second container 60. Finally, install the flexible plate 70 onto the second container 60. One end of the flexible plate 70 is installed on the side wall of the first liquid storage section 61, and the other end extends downward and bends, and is installed on the bottom wall 623 of the second liquid storage section 62. The end of the flexible plate 70 located on the side wall of the first liquid storage section 61 is provided with a first electrical contact 71, which is electrically connected to a second electrical contact (not shown) provided on the movable base 52. The end located on the bottom wall 623 of the second liquid storage section 62 is provided with a nozzle 672, which communicates with the communicating cavity 621 through the nozzle outlet 671 for spraying ink onto the printing medium P. When the second container 60 is installed on the movable base 52, the first electrical contact 71 of the flexible plate 70 is electrically connected to the second electrical contact of the movable base 52 and receives a signal from the printer to control the ejector head 672 to eject ink onto the printing medium P.

[0073] The first liquid storage unit 61 has a plurality of receiving cavities 611 for storing liquids of different colors, and also includes a plurality of nozzles 672. The plurality of receiving cavities 611 are respectively connected to the plurality of nozzles 672, and the liquid in the receiving cavity 611 flows out from the nozzle 672.

[0074] The following explanation uses four cavities as an example.

[0075] like Figures 12-18 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides another structure for the first liquid storage unit 61 and the second liquid storage unit 62, which are respectively provided with four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) and four communicating cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d) for storing black (B), cyan (C), red (M), and yellow (Y) liquids, respectively. The XY cross-sections of the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) can be arranged in a grid pattern, a side-by-side pattern, or a crisscross pattern. Depending on the user's needs, the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) can be set to the same volume or different volumes. When the printing demand for one color is particularly high, the receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) for that color can be set to a larger volume to avoid frequent ink replenishment by the user.

[0076] Specifically, the four accommodating cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) include a first accommodating cavity 611d for storing black (B) liquid and three sub-accommodating cavities (611a, 611b, 611c) for storing cyan (C), red (M), and yellow (Y) liquids, respectively, namely the first sub-accommodating cavity 611a, the second sub-accommodating cavity 611b, and the third sub-accommodating cavity 611c. The four communicating cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d) include a first communicating cavity 621d connected to the first accommodating cavity 611d and a first sub-communicating cavity 621a, a second sub-communicating cavity 621b, and a third sub-communicating cavity 621c connected to the sub-accommodating cavities (611a, 611b, 611c), respectively. Among them, the first sub-connecting cavity 621a is connected to the first sub-accommodating cavity 611a, the second sub-connecting cavity 621b is connected to the second sub-accommodating cavity 611b, and the third sub-connecting cavity 621c is connected to the third sub-accommodating cavity 611c.

[0077] like Figure 20 As shown, the second liquid storage section 62 is provided with four nozzles (672a, 672b1, 672b2, 672b3), including a first nozzle 672a that communicates with the first communicating cavity 621d, and three sub-nozzles (672b1, 672b2, 672b3) that communicate with the first sub-communicating cavity 621a, the second sub-communicating cavity 621b, and the third sub-communicating cavity 621c, respectively. The four nozzles (672a, 672b1, 672b2, 672b3) can be molded individually or as a single piece. In this embodiment, considering factors such as the frequency of use of various colors, printing efficiency, and manufacturing costs, the first nozzle 672a is molded individually, while the three sub-nozzles (672b1, 672b2, 672b3) are molded as a single piece and serve as the second nozzle 672b. That is, the first nozzle 672a can spray out black liquid, and the second nozzle 672b can spray out cyan (C), red (M), and yellow (Y) liquids.

[0078] Figures 24-28 This is a cross-sectional view of the second container, showing the mounting and mating relationship between the third cover 67 and the second liquid storage section 62. (As shown...) Figure 21 , Figure 24 As shown, the third cover portion 67 has a connecting portion 674 and a plurality of insertion portions (673a, 673b, 673c) all connected to the connecting portion 674, as... Figure 9 , Figure 24As shown, the second liquid storage unit 62 has multiple mounting cavities (625a, 625b, 625c), and multiple insertion parts (673a, 673b, 673c) can be inserted into the multiple mounting cavities (625a, 625b, 625c) respectively. The number of insertion parts is the same as the number of mounting cavities, so that the insertion parts correspond one-to-one with the mounting cavities. After installation, the multiple insertion parts (673a, 673b, 673c) and the multiple mounting cavities (625a, 625b, 625c) respectively form multiple independent and closed communicating cavities, namely the first communicating cavity 621d, the second sub-communicating cavity 621b, and the third sub-communicating cavity 621c. In this embodiment, the first sub-communicating cavity 621a is integrally formed with the second liquid storage unit 62, and does not need to be formed by combining the insertion parts with the mounting cavities. Of course, those skilled in the art can also design the first sub-communicating cavity 621a by combining the insertion parts with the mounting cavities based on the internal flow path structure of the second liquid storage unit 62. By setting multiple mounting cavities, the contact area between the third cover 67 and the second liquid storage section 62 can be increased, reducing the probability of the third cover 67 falling off from the mounting cavity. At the same time, the positioning accuracy of the assembly of the two can be improved, while reducing the design complexity of the internal flow path of the second liquid storage section 62.

[0079] First Embodiment like Figures 13-16 As shown, one embodiment of the first liquid storage unit 61 has four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) arranged in a grid pattern. The four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) are separated by a first partition 618a. They have the same volume, or they can be set to have different volumes. Each receiving cavity (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) is equipped with a liquid retainer 65. The first cover 63 is installed on the first liquid storage unit 61, which can cover the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) at the same time and press the liquid retainer 65.

[0080] Each receiving cavity (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) has a drain port (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) at its bottom for connecting with the corresponding communicating cavity 621. The first cover 63 has four inlets (631a, 631b, 631c, 631d) corresponding to the four drain ports (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d). Since the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) in the grid layout have the same cross-sectional area and are relatively narrow, the space for liquid flow is limited. When observing the second container 60 in the Z direction, the distance between each inlet (631a, 631b, 631c, 631d) and the corresponding drain port (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) can be as close as possible.

[0081] The second liquid storage section 62 has four communicating cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d) that correspond to and communicate with four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d). The four communicating cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d) are separated by a second partition 618b and can be configured to have the same or different volumes. A third cover 67 is installed on the second liquid storage section 62 and can simultaneously cover the four communicating cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d). To make the structure of the second liquid storage section 62 more compact, in the YZ direction cross-section, the four communicating cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d) overlap each other, as shown below. Figure 16 As shown by the dashed line L1, the dashed line L1 simultaneously passes through four connected cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d).

[0082] like Figure 14 As shown, the third cover 67 is provided with four nozzles (671a, 671b, 671c, 671d), which are connected to four communicating cavities (621a, 621b, 621c, 621d) respectively. The four nozzles (671a, 671b, 671c, 671d) are all long and thin strip structures, and their length direction is consistent with the X direction. Specifically, the first nozzle 671a is connected to the first sub-connecting cavity 621a and the sub-nozzle head 672b1; the second nozzle 671b is connected to the second sub-connecting cavity 621b and the sub-nozzle head 672b2; and the third nozzle 671c is connected to the third sub-connecting cavity 621c and the sub-nozzle head 672b3. The three sub-nozzles (672b1, 672b2, 672b3) are integrated into the second nozzle 672b, allowing cyan (C), red (M), and yellow (Y) liquids to be ejected through the second nozzle 672b. The fourth nozzle 671d is connected to the first connecting cavity 621d and the first nozzle 672a, allowing black liquid to be ejected through the first nozzle 672a.

[0083] Specifically, all four ink outlets (671a, 671b, 671c, 671d) are elongated structures, allowing for different widths and lengths to be set according to the actual usage of each color ink. For example, the fourth ink outlet (671d), corresponding to the black ink with the highest printing volume, can be set to be longer and wider than the other three ink outlets (671a, 671b, 671c) to meet the user's printing speed requirements and prevent insufficient black ink supply, which could affect the quality of the printed image. In the Y direction, the four ink outlets (671a, 671b, 671c, 671d) overlap, and the dashed line L1 passes through all four ink outlets (671a, 671b, 671c, 671d).

[0084] Furthermore, to optimize the volume of the second liquid storage unit 62, the positional relationship of the four drain ports (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) is set. For example... Figure 15 In one embodiment shown, the drain outlet 613 includes a first drain outlet 613a located at the bottom of the first sub-receiving cavity 611a, a second drain outlet 613b located at the bottom of the second sub-receiving cavity 611b, a third drain outlet 613c located at the bottom of the third sub-receiving cavity 611c, and a fourth drain outlet 613d located at the bottom of the first receiving cavity 611d. In the X direction, the four drain outlets (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) are all positioned towards the side closer to the flexible plate 70 within the receiving cavity 611, i.e., in the -X direction. Therefore, the two drain outlets, the second drain outlet 613b and the third drain outlet 613c, which are farther away from the flexible plate 70, are positioned as close as possible to the center of symmetry of the receiving cavity 611, thereby being as close as possible to the flexible plate 70. When the drain outlet 613 is set to be rectangular, since the length and width of the drain outlet 613 are different, the long side of the first drain outlet 613a and the second drain outlet 613d, which are closer to the flexible plate 70, is set closer to the flexible plate 70, while the second drain outlet 613b and the third drain outlet 613c, which are farther from the flexible plate 70, can be set with the long side or the short side closer to the flexible plate 70.

[0085] Each of the four drain ports (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) is provided with an inclined buffer surface 614, namely, the first drain port 613a is provided with a first buffer surface 614a, the second drain port 613b is provided with a second buffer surface 614b, the third drain port 613c is provided with a third buffer surface 614c, and the fourth drain port 613d is provided with a fourth buffer surface 614d. The inclined direction of the buffer surfaces 614 is towards the center of symmetry of the second liquid storage section 62, namely the first partition 618a. The four drain ports (613a, 613b, 613c, 613d) can also be arranged close to the center of symmetry of the second liquid storage section 62, so that the volume of the connecting cavity 621 can be made more compact.

[0086] In order to simultaneously fill the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) with ink, since the inks are different colors and cannot share a single inlet channel 642, four different inlet channels 642 need to be provided on the first cover 63 and the second cover 64, namely the first inlet channel 642a, the second inlet channel 642b, the third inlet channel 642c and the fourth inlet channel 642d.

[0087] Specifically, such as Figure 17 , Figure 18 As shown, the first cover 63 is provided with four liquid inlets (first liquid inlet 631a, second liquid inlet 631b, third liquid inlet 631c, fourth liquid inlet 631d) and four first guide channels (first sub-guide channel 632a, second sub-guide channel 632b, third sub-guide channel 632c, fourth sub-guide channel 632d), which correspond to the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) respectively. The second cover 64 is provided with four liquid inlets 643 (first liquid inlet 643a, second liquid inlet 643b, third liquid inlet 643c, fourth liquid inlet 643d) and four second guide channels 641 (fifth sub-guide channel 641a, sixth sub-guide channel 641b, seventh sub-guide channel 641c, eighth sub-guide channel 641d), which correspond to the four first guide channels 632 respectively.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, after the second container 60 is installed on the movable base 52, the user needs to rotate the cover member 522 hinged to the base body 521 to connect the liquid delivery line 30 installed on the cover member 522 to the liquid inlet port 643. Figure 12 As shown, in order to facilitate the connection between the liquid inlet 643 and the external liquid delivery pipeline 30, the height of the liquid inlet 643 is higher than the height of the liquid inlet channel 642, and the diameter of the liquid inlet 643 is larger than the diameter of the liquid inlet 631.

[0089] Furthermore, the distances between the four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) should be as close as possible, such as... Figure 17 In the embodiment shown, at least two of the four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) are located on the side of the second container 60 away from the flexible plate 70. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, all four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) are located on the side of the second container 60 away from the flexible plate 70.

[0090] Specifically, the second container 60 is bisected along the central axis in the Y direction, i.e., the central line L2. The four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) are all located on the side of the central line L2 away from the flexible plate 70. In this way, the distances between the four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) and the four liquid inlets (631a, 631b, 631c, 631d) are different, and the lengths of the four liquid inlet channels (642a, 642b, 642c, 642d) are also different.

[0091] Furthermore, to facilitate the rotation of the cover component 522, the liquid delivery pipeline 30 is connected to the liquid inlet 643, and the positions of the four liquid inlets (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) are more compact, reducing the volume of the second container 60. When viewed from the vertical direction of the second container 60, the four liquid inlets (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) are arranged in an arc shape.

[0092] like Figure 17 As shown, the second liquid inlet 643b and the third liquid inlet 643c in the middle are farther away from the flexible plate 70 than the first liquid inlet 643a and the fourth liquid inlet 643d on both sides. Furthermore, the four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the X-axis L3 of the second container 60.

[0093] Based on the above structure, since the four liquid inlet channels (642a, 642b, 642c, 642d) have different lengths and the four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) are arranged in an arc shape, the outermost first liquid inlet port 643a and fourth liquid inlet port 643d are connected to the first liquid inlet port 631a and fourth liquid inlet port 632d closest to the flexible plate 70, and the innermost second liquid inlet port 643b and third liquid inlet port 643c are connected to the second liquid inlet port 631b and third liquid inlet port 631c farthest from the flexible plate 70, thereby shortening the length of ink transported by the liquid inlet channel 642.

[0094] Furthermore, the four liquid inlet channels (642a, 642b, 642c, 642d) extend towards the axis of symmetry L3 of the second container 60, forming a fan-shaped arrangement, making the structure of the second container 60 more compact. Furthermore, the axis connecting the outermost first liquid inlet port 643a and the fourth liquid inlet port 643d is parallel to the Y-direction, and the axis connecting the innermost second liquid inlet port 643b and the third liquid inlet port 643c is also parallel to the Y-direction.

[0095] Second Embodiment This embodiment provides a first liquid storage unit 61 with other implementations. The structure similar to the first embodiment (grid layout) will not be described again.

[0096] The arrangement employs a crisscross pattern, in which at least one cavity extends along the X direction and the remaining cavities extend along the Y direction.

[0097] like Figure 22 As shown, the volume of the first receiving cavity 611d is greater than the volume of the sub-receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c), that is, the volume of the first receiving cavity 611d is greater than the volume of the first sub-receiving cavity 611a, the volume of the first receiving cavity 611d is greater than the volume of the second sub-receiving cavity 611b, and the volume of the first receiving cavity 611d is greater than the volume of the third sub-receiving cavity 611c. The volumes of the three sub-receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c) can be the same, partially different, or all different.

[0098] By maximizing the volume of the first receiving cavity 611d used to store black ink, the first receiving cavity 611d can supply sufficient black ink to the first ejector head 672a to meet the demand for more black printing.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the three sub-cavities (611a, 611b, 611c) have the same volume, and the ratio of the volume of the first cavity 611d to the volume of the sub-cavities (611a, 611b, 611c) is 3:2, that is, the volume of the first cavity 611d : the volume of the first sub-cavity 611a : the volume of the second sub-cavity 611b : the volume of the third sub-cavity 611c = 3:2:2:2. In other possible implementations, the ratio of the volume of the first cavity 611d to the volume of the sub-cavities (611a, 611b, 611c) can also satisfy other suitable ratio relationships.

[0100] Specifically, such as Figure 22As shown, the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) are separated by a first partition 618a, wherein the length 'a' of the long side of the first receiving cavity 611d is equal to the side length of the first liquid storage section 61. This layout facilitates the setting of a larger first receiving cavity 611d to accommodate ink with a large usage volume.

[0101] More specifically, the length 'a' of the long side of the first receiving cavity 611d is equal to the sum of the long and short sides of the sub-receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c). The long side of each sub-receiving cavity (611a, 611b, 611c) is twice the length of its short side. The length 'a' of the long side of the first receiving cavity 611d is equal to the sum of the short side of the first receiving cavity 611d and the long side of each sub-receiving cavity (611a, 611b, 611c). This allows the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) to function according to... Figure 22 The distribution pattern in the data.

[0102] The second sub-receiving cavity 611b and the third sub-receiving cavity 611c are distributed along the second direction, and the first sub-receiving cavity 611a is located on one side of the second sub-receiving cavity 611b and the third sub-receiving cavity 611c in the first direction. The first receiving cavity 611d is located on one side of the three sub-receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c) in the second direction. That is, the first receiving cavity 611d is adjacent to the first sub-receiving cavity 611a and the second sub-receiving cavity 611b; the first sub-receiving cavity 611a is adjacent to the first receiving cavity 611d, the second sub-receiving cavity 611b, and the third sub-receiving cavity 611c; the second sub-receiving cavity 611b is adjacent to the first receiving cavity 611d, the first sub-receiving cavity 611a, and the third sub-receiving cavity 611c; and the third sub-receiving cavity 611c is adjacent to the first sub-receiving cavity 611a and the second sub-receiving cavity 611b.

[0103] like Figure 19 As shown, since the layout of the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) has changed, the positions of the four liquid inlets (631a, 631b, 631c, 631d) of the first cover 63 need to be adjusted to be in a position that communicates with the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d).

[0104] Specifically, three liquid inlets 631 are located on one side of the first center line L2, and one liquid inlet 631 is located on the other side of the first center line L2.

[0105] More specifically, the first liquid inlet 631a is located on the side of the first centerline L2 closer to the flexible plate 70, and the second liquid inlet 631b, the third liquid inlet 631c, and the fourth liquid inlet 631d are located on the side of the first centerline L2 away from the flexible plate 70.

[0106] like Figure 23 As shown, because the four liquid inlets (631a, 631b, 631c, 631d) have been adjusted, but the positions of the four liquid inlet ports (643a, 643b, 643c, 643d) remain consistent with the first embodiment and are still arranged in an arc-shaped symmetrical pattern, it is necessary to adjust the length and direction of the liquid inlet channel 642. Simultaneously, the size of the liquid retainer 65 is adjusted according to the volume of the receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d) and is installed into the four receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c, 611d).

[0107] like Figure 19 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the length of the liquid inlet channel 642 connected to the first receiving cavity 611d is shorter than the length of the liquid inlet channel 642 connected to the sub-receiving cavities (611a, 611b, 611c). That is, the length of the fourth liquid inlet channel 642d is shorter than the lengths of the first liquid inlet channel 642a, the second liquid inlet channel 642b, and the third liquid inlet channel 642c. This makes the supply speed of black ink to the second container 60 faster than the supply speed of other color inks, so as to meet the needs of printing more black ink.

[0108] Specifically, the length of the fourth sub-guide channel 632d is shorter than the lengths of the first sub-guide channel 632a, the second sub-guide channel 632b, and the third sub-guide channel 632c, and the length of the eighth sub-guide channel 641d is shorter than the lengths of the fifth sub-guide channel 641a, the sixth sub-guide channel 641b, and the seventh sub-guide channel 641c, so as to minimize the length of the fourth liquid inlet channel 642d.

[0109] Furthermore, the lengths of the multiple liquid inlet channels 642 that communicate with the multiple sub-cavities (611a, 611b, 611c) are different, wherein the length of the first liquid inlet channel 642a is longer than the length of the second liquid inlet channel 642b and the length of the third liquid inlet channel 642c, and the length of the second liquid inlet channel 642b is longer than the length of the third liquid inlet channel 642c.

[0110] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 20As shown, the first printhead 672a is longer than the second printhead 672b, making the first printhead 672a more efficient at ejecting black ink than the second printhead 672b at ejecting color ink. This satisfies the higher demand for black printing compared to color printing. Meanwhile, the other three color printheads (672b1, 672b2, 672b3) are shorter than the first printhead 672a and are integrally molded onto the second printhead 672b, without increasing the material cost of the printhead 672. If the three color printheads were the same length as the first black printhead 672a, although printing efficiency would increase, the cost would also increase accordingly, and the color printheads would be used less frequently, resulting in waste.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the length of the first printhead 672a is 1 / 2 inch, and the length of the second printhead 672b is 1 / 3 inch. In other possible implementations, the lengths of the first printhead 672a and the second printhead 672b can be other suitable values ​​to meet the printing needs of different users.

[0112] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A liquid container, installed in an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The liquid container has a receiving cavity for containing liquid, and an inlet channel and a outlet communicating with the receiving cavity; one end of the inlet channel communicating with the receiving cavity is provided with an inlet, and the other end is provided with an inlet interface. When liquid enters the inlet interface, it is guided by the inlet channel to flow from the inlet into the receiving cavity, and the liquid in the receiving cavity flows out of the receiving cavity through the outlet; the inlet channel extends from the inlet interface in a direction away from the outlet.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, Viewed along the width of the liquid container, the liquid inlet is closer to the liquid outlet than the liquid inlet.

3. The liquid container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diameter of the drain port is larger than the diameter of the inlet port.

4. The liquid container according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The diameter of the liquid inlet is larger than the diameter of the liquid inlet port.

5. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with a liquid retainer, the outer periphery of the liquid inlet is provided with a first pressing rib that presses the liquid retainer, and the outer periphery of the liquid outlet is provided with a second pressing rib that presses the liquid retainer.

6. The liquid container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first pressing rib has a notch, and when viewed along the width of the liquid container, the notch is located on the side of the first pressing rib facing the drain port.

7. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first liquid storage section and a first cover section. The first liquid storage section is a can-shaped structure with an opening at the top. After the first cover section closes onto the opening of the first liquid storage section, it forms the receiving cavity.

8. The liquid container according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a second cover, which is installed on the side of the first cover opposite to the first liquid storage part. The mounting surface of the first cover or the second cover is provided with a guide groove, which forms the liquid inlet channel after the first cover and the second cover are installed.

9. The liquid container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid inlet is located on the side of the second cover opposite to the first cover, and the liquid outlet is located on the first cover.

10. The liquid container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second cover completely covers the surface of the first cover.

11. The liquid container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting surface of the first or second cover is provided with a positioning protrusion.

12. The liquid container according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a second liquid storage section, which is disposed on the side opposite to the first cover on the first liquid storage section. The second liquid storage section has a communicating cavity inside, which communicates with the receiving cavity. Liquid in the receiving cavity enters the communicating cavity through the drain port.

13. The liquid container according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second liquid storage section is provided with a nozzle for spraying liquid onto the printing medium.

14. The liquid container according to claim 13, characterized in that, The containment cavity includes a first containment cavity for containing black liquid and multiple sub-containment cavities for containing colored liquid; The length of the inlet channel communicating with the first receiving cavity is shorter than the length of the inlet channel communicating with the sub-receiving cavity.

15. The liquid container according to claim 14, characterized in that, The lengths of the multiple liquid inlet channels that communicate with the multiple sub-receptacle cavities are different.

16. The liquid container according to claim 15, characterized in that, The liquid container has a first centerline L2 extending along its width direction; The liquid container has four inlets, three of which are located on one side of the first centerline L2 and one of which is located on the other side of the first centerline L2.

17. An image forming apparatus, comprising a frame and a slide mount slidably mounted on the frame, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid container as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, the liquid container being mounted on the sliding frame.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The sliding frame has a movable seat for mounting the liquid container and a cover member hinged to the movable seat. The cover member is provided with a liquid delivery pipeline for delivering liquid to the liquid container. When the cover member is closed on the movable seat, the liquid delivery pipeline is engaged with the liquid inlet.

Images