Color mixing ink supply system and method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a color mixing ink supply system and method. The system comprises at least one group of color mixing units and printing nozzles, each group of color mixing unit comprises an ink supply unit and an ink storage box; the ink supply unit is configured to provide two different colors of ink to the ink storage box according to a preset proportion; the ink storage box is communicated with the printing nozzle through a first circulating pipeline, and the ink storage box is configured to circularly mix ink through the first circulating pipeline and provide the mixed ink for the printing nozzle. According to the embodiment of the invention, the technical problem of how to broaden the color gamut and avoid the difficulty in ink inventory management is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of shoe material printing, and more particularly to a color mixing ink supply system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing digital printing equipment mainly uses CMYK four-color basic inks for ink supply. Although it can meet most printing needs, the color gamut is narrow and the corresponding image reproduction is limited. In some combined colors and light colors, problems such as sparse ink dot distribution and pinholes are easy to occur.

[0003] To broaden the color gamut, existing digital printing equipment typically employs multi-color printing. However, for digital printing on textiles, due to the unique characteristics of textile fabrics, it's difficult for the fabric to absorb one ink first and then absorb other colors. Therefore, multi-ink layering does not achieve the desired color mixing effect. Some equipment has additional spot color ink channels to achieve a wider color gamut, adding ink types such as RGBO or even more in addition to CMYK. While this results in a wider color gamut, it also creates difficulties in ink inventory management. Spot colors are used less than base colors, meaning spot color inks are only needed infrequently. This can easily lead to ink stagnation and expiration, as ink remaining in the ink path for extended periods lacks flow, causing sedimentation and crystallization that damages printheads and tubing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a color mixing ink supply system and method to solve the technical problem of how to broaden the color gamut and avoid difficulties in ink inventory management.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a color mixing ink supply system, the system comprising at least one set of color mixing units and printheads; Each color mixing unit includes an ink supply unit and an ink reservoir; the ink supply unit is configured to provide two different colors of ink to the ink reservoir at a preset ratio; the ink reservoir is connected to the print head through a first circulation pipeline, and the ink reservoir is configured to circulate and mix the ink through the first circulation pipeline and provide the mixed ink to the print head.

[0006] In at least some embodiments of this application, The color mixing unit also includes a color mixing ink cartridge, which is located on the pipeline between the ink supply unit and the ink storage cartridge; The ink supply unit is also configured to supply two different colors of ink to the color mixing cartridge in a preset ratio; The mixing ink cartridge is configured to mix the ink and then deliver it to the ink storage cartridge; The ink reservoir is also configured to receive ink mixed from the mixing ink cartridge and to supply the mixed ink to the print head.

[0007] In at least some embodiments of this application, The ink supply unit includes two sets of ink supply sub-units; each set of ink supply sub-units is configured to provide one ink to the color mixing ink cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge according to a preset ratio. Each ink supply unit includes an ink reservoir, an ink supply pipeline, and a conventional ink cartridge; the conventional ink cartridge is connected to the print head. The ink reservoir is configured to supply ink to at least one of the mixing ink cartridge, the ink reservoir, and the conventional ink cartridge via the ink supply line; or... The ink reservoir is configured to supply ink to the conventional ink cartridge via a first ink supply line; the conventional ink cartridge is configured to supply ink to the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink reservoir via a second ink supply line.

[0008] In at least some embodiments of this application, The conventional ink cartridge includes a primary conventional ink cartridge and a secondary conventional ink cartridge; the primary conventional ink cartridge, the secondary conventional ink cartridge, and the print head are sequentially and cyclically connected; the pipeline between the primary conventional ink cartridge and the secondary conventional ink cartridge is connected to the color mixing ink cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge through a second ink supply pipeline.

[0009] In at least some embodiments of this application, A flow meter is installed on the ink supply pipeline connected to the color mixing ink cartridge.

[0010] In at least some embodiments of this application, The color mixing cartridge includes a primary color mixing cartridge and a secondary color mixing cartridge; the primary color mixing cartridge and the secondary color mixing cartridge are connected through a second circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the ink storage cartridge; The primary mixing cartridge and the secondary mixing cartridge are configured to mix inks via the second circulation line; and / or, The primary mixing ink cartridge, the secondary mixing ink cartridge, and the ink storage cartridge are configured to mix the ink together through the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline.

[0011] In at least some embodiments of this application, The color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge are provided with a color recognition device, which is configured to identify whether the ink in the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge is the target color.

[0012] In a second aspect, this application provides a color mixing ink supply method based on the color mixing ink supply system as described in any one of the first aspects, the method comprising: The ink supply unit is controlled to supply two different colors of ink to the ink storage box at a preset ratio; The ink storage cartridge is controlled to circulate and mix the ink through the first circulation pipeline, and the mixed ink is then stored in the ink storage cartridge; The ink reservoir is controlled to supply the mixed ink to the print head.

[0013] In at least some embodiments of this application, The color mixing unit also includes a color mixing ink cartridge, which is located on the pipeline between the ink supply unit and the ink storage cartridge; The method further includes: The ink supply unit is controlled to supply two different colors of ink to the color mixing cartridge in a preset ratio; The mixing ink cartridge is controlled to mix the ink and then deliver it to the ink storage cartridge; The ink reservoir is controlled to receive ink mixed from the mixing ink cartridge and to supply the mixed ink to the print head.

[0014] In at least some embodiments of this application, The method further includes: when the ink storage cartridge contains a first preset ratio of mixed ink and needs to be adjusted to a second preset ratio of mixed ink, controlling the ink supply unit to provide the same two different colors of ink to the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge according to the difference between the first preset ratio and the second preset ratio, and controlling the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge to remix the ink.

[0015] In at least some embodiments of this application, The method further includes: Obtain the color of the mixed ink in the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge; When the ink color meets the target color, control the ink reservoir to stop the ink mixing action and control the system to enter the printing state; In printing mode, the ink mixing cartridge is selected to mix the ink and the mixed ink is continuously supplied to the print head through the ink storage cartridge.

[0016] In at least some embodiments of this application, The method further includes: pairing and recording each preset ratio with the corresponding color of the mixed ink and storing it in a database.

[0017] The above-described technical solutions of this application have at least one or more of the following beneficial effects: In the technical solution of this application, the ink supply system, through the coordinated arrangement of ink storage cartridges and circulation pipelines, can fully mix the ink, effectively solving the problems of narrow color gamut and pinholes in printing. Each color mixing unit mixes two different colors of ink, making it easier to control the quality of the mixed ink; at the same time, there is no need to empty or clean the pipeline when adjusting the color ratio, reducing the generation of waste ink, and the system can mix the ink into a new color through overall circulation, effectively preventing ink from reacting or crystallizing in the pipeline. In addition, the system of this application does not require inventory management and pipeline maintenance for multiple spot color inks, reducing the complexity of use and maintenance.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The disclosure of this application will become more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, similar numbers in the drawings are used to denote similar components, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a color mixing ink supply system according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a color mixing ink supply system according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of an ink supply unit according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of an ink supply unit according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a color mixing ink supply system according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a basic color mixing scheme according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of light and dark color mixing according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a special ink mixing color combination according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 Software screenshots illustrating exemplary color display effects according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 Software screenshot of another exemplary color display effect according to an embodiment of this application; The markings in the diagram are: 10. Color mixing unit; 11. Ink supply unit; 111. Ink reservoir; 112. Ink supply line; 113. Standard ink cartridge; 114. First ink supply line; 115. Primary standard ink cartridge; 116. Secondary standard ink cartridge; 117. Second ink supply line; 118. Flow meter; 119. Cut-off valve; 12. Color mixing cartridge; 121. Primary color mixing cartridge; 122. Secondary color mixing cartridge; 123. Second circulation line; 13. Ink reservoir; 14. First circulation line; 20. Print head. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Some embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] See appendix Figure 1 An embodiment of this application provides a color mixing ink supply system, the system comprising at least one set of color mixing units 10 and printheads 20; Each color mixing unit 10 includes an ink supply unit 11 and an ink storage cartridge 13; the ink supply unit 11 is configured to supply two different colors of ink to the ink storage cartridge 13 in a preset ratio; the ink storage cartridge 13 is connected to the print head 20 through a first circulation pipe 14, and the ink storage cartridge 13 is configured to circulate and mix the ink through the first circulation pipe 14 and supply the mixed ink to the print head 20.

[0022] In this embodiment, one possible working process of a color mixing ink supply system is as follows: the ink supply unit 11 injects two fixed-color inks, such as ink A and ink B, into the ink storage box 13 in a preset ratio. The ink storage box 13 circulates the two inks sequentially through the first circulation pipe 14, the print head 20, and finally back to the ink storage box 13 for mixing. The number of cycles is determined according to the target color. After mixing to the target color, the mixed ink is injected into the ink storage box 13, which continuously supplies ink to the print head 20 during the printing process. Furthermore, the "circulation" in this application is not limited to the circulation path of the first circulation pipe 14, the print head 20, and the ink storage box 13. Circulation structures such as pumps, valves, air pressure devices, stirring devices, and ultrasonic vibration components can also be installed in local components such as the ink storage box 13, the first circulation pipe 14, and the print head 20 to enable local circulation of ink in a local area and achieve dynamic mixing of the ink.

[0023] In this embodiment, when a certain ratio of two inks already exists in the ink reservoir 13 and a new ratio of mixed ink is required, another possible working process of the color mixing ink supply system is as follows: the ink supply unit 11 injects the two inks into the ink reservoir 13 according to the difference between the new ratio and the ratio of the mixed ink in the current ink reservoir 13; the ink reservoir 13 circulates the ink between the print head 20 and itself through the first circulation pipe 14, thereby completing the mixing until the target color is achieved, and then the mixed ink is retained in the ink reservoir 13 for printing use. For example, ink cartridge 13 contains 10 units of mixed ink, which is a mixture of ink A and ink B, and the initial ratio of ink A to ink B is 5:5. Now, a mixed ink with a ratio of ink A to ink B of 3:7 is needed as the new target color. Then, ink supply unit 11 injects 1 unit of ink A and 9 units of ink B into ink cartridge 13, or injects only 20 / 3 units of ink B (the specific choice of the ratio mixing scheme is mainly determined by the accuracy of ink quantitative injection). After injection, ink cartridge 13 and print head 20 will circulate and mix the ink until the target color is reached, and then the new color matching process is completed.

[0024] Each mixing unit consists of 10 inks that are fixed to mix two colors of ink, such as C+M, M+Y, or C+Y as the base inks. The proportions of these inks can be adjusted, ensuring a consistent type of ink is produced. This effectively avoids problems such as ink reactions or crystallization in the pipeline and eliminates the need to drain the original ink mixture, reducing waste ink. Furthermore, by combining base inks in pairs but mixing them in different proportions, tens of thousands of other colors can be generated, effectively expanding the color gamut without the need for additional spot color channels, thus avoiding the difficulties of ink inventory management.

[0025] The printhead 20 can be a single printhead or a group of printheads, and each ink cartridge 13 corresponds to one printhead or a group of printheads.

[0026] In the embodiments of this application, the ink supply unit 11, through the cooperation of the ink storage box 13 and the first circulation pipeline 14, can fully mix the ink, effectively solving the problems of narrow color gamut and pinholes in printing. Each color mixing unit 10 mixes two different colors of ink, making it easier to control the quality of the mixed ink; at the same time, there is no need to empty or clean the pipeline when adjusting the color ratio, reducing the generation of waste ink, and the system can mix the ink into a new color through overall circulation, effectively preventing the ink from reacting or crystallizing in the pipeline. In addition, the system of this application does not require inventory management and pipeline maintenance for multiple spot color inks, reducing the complexity of use and maintenance.

[0027] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2In the color mixing unit 10, a color mixing ink cartridge 12 is added between the ink supply unit 11 and the ink storage cartridge 13. The ink supplied by the ink supply unit 11 first passes through the color mixing ink cartridge 12 and then enters the ink storage cartridge 13. In this embodiment, the ink can be directly mixed through the color mixing ink cartridge 12, and after being mixed to the target color, it is then delivered to the ink storage cartridge 13 without having to go through the first circulation pipeline 14 for circulation mixing.

[0028] In this embodiment, one possible working process of a color mixing ink supply system is as follows: In the initial state of the system (there is no ink in the color mixing ink cartridge 12 and the ink storage cartridge 13), the ink supply unit 11 injects two fixed-color inks A and B into the color mixing ink cartridge 12 in a preset ratio; the color mixing ink cartridge 12 mixes the inks through its own mixing device (such as a stirring device), and after mixing to the target color, injects the mixed ink into the ink storage cartridge 13, which continuously supplies ink to the print head 20 during the printing process.

[0029] In this embodiment, by adding a color mixing cartridge 12, the system can perform color mixing or adjustment in any state, including the initial state or the system printing state (when mixing ink via the ink storage cartridge 13 in a cyclical manner, the system needs to pause printing because the first circulation pipeline 14 is occupied). Furthermore, mixing directly via the color mixing cartridge 12 results in a faster mixing rate and more uniform mixing effect. Moreover, due to the color mixing design, this application, through the setting of the color mixing cartridge 12 and the ink storage cartridge 13, allows for color mixing via the color mixing cartridge 12 first during printing (i.e., when no new color mixing ratio is needed, and the same ratio of ink as the previous mixing is continuously mixed) in printing mode. After mixing, the newly mixed ink in the color mixing cartridge 12 can be compared with the existing mixed ink in the ink storage cartridge 13. If they match, printing can proceed, improving the uniformity of ink mixing and avoiding problems such as uneven mixing, inconsistent colors, and the need to re-clean the pipeline.

[0030] In one embodiment, reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The ink supply unit 11 includes two sets of ink supply sub-units; each set of ink supply sub-units is configured to provide ink to the mixing ink cartridge 12 and / or the ink storage cartridge 13 according to a preset ratio; each set of ink supply sub-units includes an ink storage tank 111, an ink supply pipeline 112, and a conventional ink cartridge 113; the conventional ink cartridge 113 is connected to the print head 20; in this embodiment, the ink supply unit 11 can provide ink to the mixing ink cartridge 12 and / or the ink storage cartridge 13 in two ways: one is to directly provide ink from the ink storage tank 111 to at least one of the mixing ink cartridge 12, the ink storage cartridge 13, or the conventional ink cartridge 113 through the ink supply pipeline 112; the other is to first inject ink from the ink storage tank 111 into the conventional ink cartridge 113, and then the conventional ink cartridge 113 provides ink to the mixing ink cartridge 12 and / or the ink storage cartridge 13.

[0031] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 The ink reservoir 111 is directly connected to the ink supply line 112 and can directly supply ink to the mixed ink cartridge 12. At the same time, the ink reservoir 111 can also supply ink to the regular ink cartridge 113 through the branch line.

[0032] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 The ink reservoir 111 supplies ink to the primary conventional ink cartridge 115 via the first ink supply line 114. The primary conventional ink cartridge 115, the secondary conventional ink cartridge 116, and the print head 20 are sequentially circulated. The line between the primary conventional ink cartridge 115 and the secondary conventional ink cartridge 116 is connected to the mixing ink cartridge 12 via the second ink supply line 117. That is, the ink in the ink reservoir 111 is injected into the mixing ink cartridge 12 after passing through the primary conventional ink cartridge 115 (and possibly through the secondary conventional ink cartridge 116 and the print head 20). The circulation setting of the primary conventional ink cartridge 115 and the secondary conventional ink cartridge 116 allows the ink in the line and the print head to circulate, avoiding ink sedimentation.

[0033] The ink reservoir 111 contains a single base ink, such as C (Cyan) ink. Each ink supply unit's ink reservoir 111 provides a single ink for the color mixing cartridge 12, and also provides ink for the regular monochrome printing channel.

[0034] Both the ink supply line 112 and the second ink supply line 117 are equipped with a flow meter 118 and a shut-off valve 119. The flow meter 118 is used to measure the ink injected into the mixing ink cartridge 12, and works with the shut-off valve 119 to ensure that the ink supply unit 11 can inject an appropriate amount of ink into the mixing ink cartridge 12 as instructed. It should be noted that the shut-off valve 119 described in this embodiment is only an example, and its specific implementation is not limited to the valve body structure. Any functional device that can control the on / off state of the pipeline or regulate the flow can be used to achieve precise quantitative ink supply.

[0035] Among them, related devices can also be installed on the pipelines between ink supply pipeline 112, first ink supply pipeline 114, and primary conventional ink cartridge 115 and secondary conventional ink cartridge 116 to ensure normal system operation. These devices include pumps, check valves, filters, and directional valves, which can be installed according to the actual pipeline conditions.

[0036] In one embodiment, the mixing ink cartridge 12, the ink reservoir 13, and the print head 20 can be further combined to ensure that the ink is fully mixed to the target color. In a specific embodiment, when there is only one mixing ink cartridge 12, a stirring device, such as a stirring roller that works with a motor, can be provided inside the mixing ink cartridge 12 to ensure that the ink is fully mixed.

[0037] In another specific implementation, refer to Figure 5Alternatively, the mixing effect can be achieved through the circulation between ink cartridges. Specifically, the mixing ink cartridge 12 includes a primary mixing ink cartridge 121 and a secondary mixing ink cartridge 122; the primary mixing ink cartridge 121 and the secondary mixing ink cartridge 122 are connected through a second circulation pipe 123 and are respectively connected to the ink storage cartridge 13. A flow-stopping valve 1 is installed on the second circulation pipe 123 between the secondary mixing ink cartridge 122 and the primary mixing ink cartridge 121; a flow-stopping valve 2 is installed on the pipe between the secondary mixing ink cartridge 122 and the ink storage cartridge 13; a flow-stopping valve 3 is installed on the pipe between the ink storage cartridge 13 and the primary mixing ink cartridge 121; and a flow-stopping valve 4 is installed on the first circulation pipe 14 between the ink storage cartridge 13 and the print head 20. This configuration allows for ink mixing through two circulation methods. The first method involves mixing inks via a second circulation line 123 between the primary mixing ink cartridge 121 and the secondary mixing ink cartridge 122. Specifically, two colors of ink are injected into the primary mixing ink cartridge 121, with shut-off valves 2 and 3 closed and shut-off valve 1 open. The inks circulate and mix between the two mixing cartridges. Once the desired mixing effect is achieved, shut-off valve 1 closes and shut-off valve 2 opens, allowing the ink to flow into the ink reservoir. After injection, shut-off valve 2 closes, and the mixing cartridges continue the ink refill and mixing cycle. During normal printing, shut-off valve 4 opens, and the ink reservoir 13, as a whole, supplies ink to the printhead 20, ensuring ink flow between the printhead 20 and the ink reservoir 13 to prevent ink sedimentation and clumping. The second method involves the primary mixing ink cartridge 121, the secondary mixing ink cartridge 122, and the ink storage cartridge 13 mixing the inks together through the first circulation pipe 14 and the second circulation pipe 123. Specifically, the shut-off valves 1 and 4 are closed, while the shut-off valves 2 and 3 are opened, forming a large circulation loop for all the mixing ink paths. After injecting the new ink to be mixed, the new ink is fully mixed with the old ink in the large circulation loop. Then, the shut-off valve settings are adjusted, and the printing state is entered.

[0038] Pumps, filters, and other devices can be installed on each circulation pipeline to ensure that the ink can flow through the pipeline.

[0039] To ensure the stability of mixed colors, the print head 20 will perform ink spraying and wiping before the system enters the printing state from the color mixing state, so as to avoid residual ink remaining on the nozzle and print head surface from affecting the color effect.

[0040] In one specific embodiment, the mixing ink cartridge 12 and / or the ink reservoir 13 are equipped with a color recognition device. This device identifies whether the ink in the mixing ink cartridge 12 and / or the ink reservoir 13 is the target color. For example, the color mixing process may involve multiple rounds; that is, after the first round of color mixing, if the ink color identified by the color recognition device is inconsistent with the target color, the color mixing ink will be injected again for a new round of color mixing. The color recognition device can be a vision inspection system or device.

[0041] Based on one or more of the above embodiments, another possible operating process of a color mixing ink supply system of this application is as follows: During actual sample printing, the user can select whether to use a color mixing mode and which color mixing channel to update based on actual customer color matching requirements, sample spot color area size, order quantity, etc. If no color mixing mode update is required, during proofing, the user can choose to print only in the CMYK standard mode or select existing inks in the color mixing channel to participate in color matching to achieve a better color effect. (Refer to...) Figures 5-7 Different devices can have one or more of the following three color mixing configuration modes: Basic blending modes: Reference Figure 6 Since CMY are the three primary colors of pigments, they use a subtractive color mixing mode; most color mixing only requires two colors to achieve a suitable color. When CMY are used in color mixing simultaneously, a darkening effect is observed. In this case, a similar color can be obtained by mixing the two colors and then matching with K ink. Here, an image processing program is used to simulate an example for further illustration, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, Figure 9 The effect of the color C50M50Y10 of the rectangle and Figure 9 The color effect of the rectangular color C40Y40K20 is very close. In this mode, this application can complete the printing task through a total of 7 ink channels: CMYK, C+M, C+Y, and M+Y (the basic color has a separate ink channel, and the two colors are mixed into one ink channel). This is no more than the 8 or even 12 ink channels in the existing spot color scheme, and is even better. Light and dark blending modes: Reference Figure 7 To lighten the ink, you can dilute it with white ink or transparent ink W that does not contain pigment; to darken the ink, you can use +K ink as described above. C in the diagram is an example, and MY ink can also be used in this combination. Special ink mixing modes: Reference Figure 8 Existing digital inkjet technology includes fluorescent inks, as well as special powder-spraying printheads and high-viscosity printheads, which can be used for printing various types of materials. In this application, two types of materials can also be mixed for printing.

[0042] Based on the above implementation methods, this application effectively solves the problem of a narrow CMYK base ink gamut and pinholes in printing by setting up two-to-one color mixing pipelines. Each color mixing unit in the system mixes only two fixed colors, reducing the problems of inventory management and pipeline maintenance for multiple spot color ink configurations. In some samples with specific color schemes, the number of printheads involved in printing can even be reduced, increasing printing speed and printhead lifespan. For example, for spot color printing with C:M=1:3, both C and M channel printheads were previously required, but now only one set of mixing channel printheads is needed. At the same time, since each color mixing unit mixes only two fixed colors, it reduces the additional waste ink discharge problem caused by the need to drain old ink in 4-color mixing configurations and makes color management easier, because one of the inks may no longer be involved in the new ratio, leaving old ink residue that is difficult to drain. Compared with existing 4-color mixing configurations, it proposes more combination possibilities, and it is easier to control the quality of mixed inks by mixing only two fixed base inks in proportion.

[0043] Furthermore, refer to Figure 1 This application provides a color mixing ink supply method based on the color mixing ink supply system described above. The method includes: The ink supply unit 11 supplies two different colors of ink to the ink storage box 13 according to a preset ratio; The ink storage cartridge 13 is controlled to circulate and mix the ink through the first circulation pipeline 14, and the mixed ink is stored in the ink storage cartridge 13; The ink reservoir 13 supplies mixed ink to the print head 20.

[0044] For the coordination and effects of various devices under control in a specific system, please refer to the specific implementation method of the above-mentioned color mixing and ink supply system. Repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0045] In one embodiment, the method further includes: The ink supply unit 11 controls the supply of two different colors of ink to the color mixing cartridge 12 according to a preset ratio; The ink mixing cartridge 12 mixes the ink and then delivers it to the ink storage cartridge 13; The control ink reservoir 13 receives the mixed ink from the mixing ink cartridge 12 and supplies the mixed ink to the print head 20.

[0046] In this embodiment, the ink is first mixed by the mixing ink cartridge 12 before being delivered to the ink storage cartridge 13. The ink mixing via the mixing ink cartridge 12 is not limited by the system state; the specific combination and effect are described in the specific implementation of the color mixing ink supply system described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] In one specific embodiment, if recoloring is required, the method further includes: when the ink reservoir 13 contains a first preset ratio of mixed ink and needs to be adjusted to a second preset ratio of mixed ink, controlling the ink supply unit 11 to supply the same two different colors of ink to the mixing ink cartridge 12 and / or the ink reservoir 13 according to the difference between the first and second preset ratios, and controlling the mixing ink cartridge 12 and / or the ink reservoir 13 to remix the ink. Specifically, the ink supply unit 11 injects the two inks into the ink reservoir 13 according to the difference between the new ratio and the ratio of mixed ink in the current ink reservoir 13 (either through the mixing ink cartridge 12 or directly into the ink reservoir 13); the ink reservoir 13 circulates the ink between the print head 20 and itself through the first circulation pipe 14, thereby completing the mixing until the target color is achieved, and then retaining the mixed ink in the ink reservoir 13 for printing use.

[0048] In one specific implementation, the method further includes: Obtain the color of the mixed ink in the color mixing cartridge 12 and / or the ink reservoir 13; When the ink color meets the target color, control the ink reservoir 13 to stop the ink mixing action and control the system to enter the printing state; In printing mode, the ink mixing cartridge 12 is selected to mix the ink and the mixed ink is continuously supplied to the print head 20 through the ink storage cartridge 13.

[0049] In other words, the color mixing effect is precisely controlled by identifying the color of the ink in the mixing cartridge 12 or the ink reservoir 13, thereby improving the printing effect. Specifically, the color of the ink in the mixing cartridge 12 or the ink reservoir 13 can be obtained through a color recognition device. When the system is already in printing mode, since the first circulation pipeline 14 needs to continuously supply ink to the print head 20 for printing, the ink can only be mixed through the mixing cartridge 12 in this state. After mixing, the ink is continuously supplied to the ink reservoir 13, ensuring that the system can continuously supply ink during printing. Due to efficiency and ink capacity limitations in the mixing ink path, when the target color cannot be achieved, the system will directly enter printing mode, and the proportion of ink injected for color mixing during printing will be based on the final target color proportion achieved during color mixing.

[0050] In one specific implementation, the method further includes: pairing and recording each preset ratio and the corresponding mixed ink color and storing them in a database. There is a database record for each color ratio, recording the two ink ratios and color codes. For the mixed ink colors, the database records can be used for quick color adjustment to ensure the rapid matching of ink ratios and the accuracy of color mixing.

[0051] It should be noted that although the steps in the above embodiments are described in a specific order, those skilled in the art will understand that in order to achieve the effect of this application, different steps do not necessarily have to be executed in such an order. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in other orders, and these variations are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0052] It should be understood that various parts of this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented using software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0053] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0054] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0055] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A color mixing ink supply system, characterized in that, The system includes at least one set of color mixing units and printheads; Each color mixing unit includes an ink supply unit and an ink reservoir; the ink supply unit is configured to provide two different colors of ink to the ink reservoir at a preset ratio; the ink reservoir is connected to the print head through a first circulation pipeline, and the ink reservoir is configured to circulate and mix the ink through the first circulation pipeline and provide the mixed ink to the print head.

2. The color mixing ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The color mixing unit also includes a color mixing ink cartridge, which is located on the pipeline between the ink supply unit and the ink storage cartridge; The ink supply unit is also configured to supply two different colors of ink to the color mixing cartridge in a preset ratio; The mixing ink cartridge is configured to mix the ink and then deliver it to the ink storage cartridge; The ink reservoir is also configured to receive ink mixed from the mixing ink cartridge and to supply the mixed ink to the print head.

3. The color mixing ink supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ink supply unit includes two sets of ink supply sub-units; each set of ink supply sub-units is configured to provide one ink to the color mixing ink cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge according to a preset ratio. Each ink supply unit includes an ink reservoir, an ink supply pipeline, and a conventional ink cartridge; the conventional ink cartridge is connected to the print head. The ink reservoir is configured to supply ink to at least one of the mixing ink cartridge, the ink reservoir, or the conventional ink cartridge via the ink supply line; or... The ink reservoir is configured to supply ink to the conventional ink cartridge via a first ink supply line; the conventional ink cartridge is configured to supply ink to the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink reservoir via a second ink supply line.

4. The color mixing ink supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conventional ink cartridge includes a primary conventional ink cartridge and a secondary conventional ink cartridge; the primary conventional ink cartridge, the secondary conventional ink cartridge, and the print head are sequentially and cyclically connected; the pipeline between the primary conventional ink cartridge and the secondary conventional ink cartridge is connected to the color mixing ink cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge through a second ink supply pipeline.

5. The color mixing ink supply system according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, A flow meter is installed on the ink supply pipeline connected to the color mixing ink cartridge.

6. The color mixing ink supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The color mixing cartridge includes a primary color mixing cartridge and a secondary color mixing cartridge; the primary color mixing cartridge and the secondary color mixing cartridge are connected through a second circulation pipeline and are respectively connected to the ink storage cartridge; The primary mixing cartridge and the secondary mixing cartridge are configured to mix inks via the second circulation line; and / or, The primary mixing ink cartridge, the secondary mixing ink cartridge, and the ink storage cartridge are configured to mix the ink together through the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline.

7. The color mixing ink supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge are provided with a color recognition device, which is configured to identify whether the ink in the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge is the target color.

8. A method for mixing colors and supplying ink, characterized in that, Based on the color mixing ink supply system as described in any one of claims 1-7, the method includes: The ink supply unit is controlled to supply two different colors of ink to the ink storage box at a preset ratio; The ink storage cartridge is controlled to circulate and mix the ink through the first circulation pipeline, and the mixed ink is then stored in the ink storage cartridge; The ink reservoir is controlled to supply the mixed ink to the print head.

9. The color mixing and ink supply method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The color mixing unit also includes a color mixing ink cartridge, which is located on the pipeline between the ink supply unit and the ink storage cartridge; The method further includes: The ink supply unit is controlled to supply two different colors of ink to the color mixing cartridge in a preset ratio; The mixing ink cartridge is controlled to mix the ink and then deliver it to the ink storage cartridge; The ink reservoir is controlled to receive ink mixed from the mixing ink cartridge and to supply the mixed ink to the print head.

10. The color mixing and ink supply method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the ink storage cartridge contains a first preset ratio of mixed ink and needs to be adjusted to a second preset ratio of mixed ink, controlling the ink supply unit to provide the same two different colors of ink to the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge according to the difference between the first preset ratio and the second preset ratio, and controlling the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge to remix the ink.

11. The color mixing and ink supply method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the color of the mixed ink in the color mixing cartridge and / or the ink storage cartridge; When the ink color meets the target color, control the ink reservoir to stop the ink mixing action and control the system to enter the printing state; In printing mode, the ink mixing cartridge is selected to mix the ink and the mixed ink is continuously supplied to the print head through the ink storage cartridge.

12. The color mixing ink supply method according to any one of claims 8-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: pairing and recording each preset ratio with the corresponding color of the mixed ink and storing it in a database.

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