Cartridge module, ink path system for 3D printer and 3D printer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge module for a 3D printer, an ink path system and a 3D printer. The cartridge module comprises a cartridge body having an open end and a chamber in communication with the open end, and an end cap for enclosing the cartridge body. The cartridge body further has a first partition wall separating the chamber into an ink storage region and a safety buffer region which are isolated from each other. The first partition wall is provided with a communication feature configured to fluidly communicate the ink storage region and the safety buffer region, so that the safety buffer region is capable of buffering pressure fluctuation in the ink storage region and preventing printing material in the ink storage region from being sucked back. The cartridge module is beneficial for the miniaturization and compact design of the printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing technology, and more particularly to the field of 3D printing technology. Background Technology

[0002] In 3D printers, the ink delivery system typically employs a two-stage ink cartridge and a safety bottle to achieve stable ink supply pressure control and air bubble separation. The two-stage ink cartridge supplies printing material to the print head, while the safety bottle buffers pressure fluctuations within the two-stage cartridge and prevents ink backflow or leakage.

[0003] Typically, secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles are arranged as independent components, requiring multiple tubing segments for connection. In applications using multiple secondary ink cartridges (such as multi-color or multi-material printing), each secondary ink cartridge needs an independent path to the safety bottle, significantly increasing the number of connecting tubing segments. These tubing segments, connectors, and the two components themselves occupy a considerable amount of structural space within the printer, hindering miniaturization and compact design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes an ink cartridge module, an ink path system, and a 3D printer for 3D printers, thereby facilitating the miniaturization and compact design of printers.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an ink cartridge module for a 3D printer is provided. It may include a cartridge body and an end cap for closing the cartridge body. The cartridge body may have an open end and a chamber communicating with the open end. The cartridge body may also have a first partition wall dividing the chamber into an ink storage area and a safety buffer area isolated from each other. The first partition wall may be provided with a communication feature configured to enable fluid communication between the ink storage area and the safety buffer area, thereby allowing the safety buffer area to buffer pressure fluctuations in the ink storage area and prevent backflow of printing material in the ink storage area.

[0006] Typically, secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles in 3D printers are arranged as independent components, connected by multiple tubing sections. In applications using multiple secondary ink cartridges (such as multi-color or multi-material printing), each secondary ink cartridge needs to establish an independent path to the safety bottle, significantly increasing the number of connecting tubes. These tubes, connectors, and the two components themselves occupy a large structural space inside the printer, hindering miniaturization and compact design.

[0007] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ink cartridge module can effectively avoid the problem of independently set secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles occupying a large space inside the 3D printer by integrally forming an ink storage area for storing ink and a safety buffer area for buffering pressure fluctuations of ink in the ink storage area on the cartridge body. Therefore, it can significantly save the internal space of the 3D printer, which is conducive to the miniaturization and compact design of the 3D printer.

[0008] Meanwhile, by setting up corresponding connecting features between the ink storage area and the safety buffer area, various connecting pipes between the independent secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles can be completely avoided, thereby further saving internal space in the 3D printer and facilitating its miniaturization and compact design. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of connecting pipes also lowers the risk of printer malfunctions caused by pipe detachment, blockage, or deterioration.

[0009] In one embodiment, the housing may also have a plurality of second partition walls, which may be configured to further divide the ink storage area into a plurality of ink storage sub-regions that are isolated from each other. The number of connecting features may be the same as the number of the plurality of ink storage sub-regions and correspond one-to-one with each other. Each connecting feature may be configured to fluidly connect the corresponding ink storage sub-region with the safety buffer area.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ink storage area and the safety buffer area can be arranged sequentially along the width direction of the box, and multiple ink storage sub-areas can be arranged sequentially along the length direction of the box.

[0011] In one implementation, each connecting feature can be configured as a through structure on the first partition wall.

[0012] In one embodiment, the through structure may form an opening on the edge of the first partition wall near the opening end.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing may include an ink storage area structure constituting multiple ink storage sub-regions and a buffer structure constituting a safety buffer area, and in the height direction of the housing, the extension length of the ink storage area structure may be greater than the extension length of the buffer structure.

[0014] In one embodiment, the housing may further include multiple ink outlets, which may be disposed on the lower end face of the ink storage area structure and may be configured to correspond one-to-one with and be in fluid communication with multiple ink storage sub-areas.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing may further include multiple ink inlets, which may be disposed on the sidewall of the ink storage area structure and located below the buffer structure. The multiple ink inlets may be configured to correspond one-to-one with multiple ink storage sub-regions and be in fluid communication.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge module may further include multiple liquid level sensors corresponding to multiple ink storage regions, and the end cap may also be provided with multiple through holes corresponding to multiple liquid level sensors. Each liquid level sensor may be configured to pass through the corresponding through hole and enter the corresponding ink storage region.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ink path system for a 3D printer is provided, which may include: The primary ink cartridge module may include multiple primary chambers. The secondary ink cartridge module may include multiple second chambers that correspond one-to-one with multiple first chambers and are capable of receiving printing material from the corresponding first chambers, and The printhead module may include multiple printheads that correspond one-to-one with multiple second chambers and are capable of receiving printing material from the corresponding second chambers. The secondary ink cartridge module may further include a cartridge body and an end cap for sealing the cartridge body. The cartridge body may have an open end and a chamber communicating with the open end. The cartridge body may also have a first partition wall, which may be configured to divide the chamber into an isolated ink storage area and a safety buffer area. The cartridge body may also have multiple second partition walls, which may be configured to further divide the ink storage area into multiple isolated second chambers. The first partition wall may be provided with multiple connecting features, the number of which is the same as the number of the multiple second chambers and they correspond one-to-one. Each connecting feature may be configured to fluidly communicate with the corresponding second chamber and the safety buffer area, thereby enabling the safety buffer area to buffer pressure fluctuations in each second chamber and prevent backflow of printing material.

[0018] Typically, secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles in 3D printers are arranged as independent components, connected by multiple tubing sections. In applications using multiple secondary ink cartridges (such as multi-color or multi-material printing), each secondary ink cartridge needs to establish an independent path to the safety bottle, significantly increasing the number of connecting tubes. These tubes, connectors, and the two components themselves occupy a large structural space inside the printer, hindering miniaturization and compact design.

[0019] The exemplary ink path system provided by the present invention can effectively avoid the problem of independently set secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles occupying a large space inside the 3D printer by integrally forming multiple second chambers for storing different inks and a safety buffer area for buffering pressure fluctuations in the multiple second chambers on the housing of the secondary ink cartridge module. Therefore, it can significantly save the internal space of the 3D printer, which is conducive to the miniaturization and compact design of the 3D printer.

[0020] Meanwhile, by setting corresponding connecting features between multiple secondary chambers and safety buffer areas, various connecting pipes between independent secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles can be completely avoided, thereby further saving internal space in the 3D printer and facilitating its miniaturization and compact design. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of connecting pipes also lowers the risk of printer malfunctions caused by pipe detachment, blockage, or deterioration.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ink storage area and the safety buffer area can be arranged sequentially along the width direction of the cartridge, and the multiple second chambers can be arranged sequentially along the length direction of the cartridge.

[0022] In one embodiment, each connecting feature can be formed as a through structure on the first partition wall.

[0023] In one embodiment, the through structure may form an opening on the edge of the first partition wall near the opening end.

[0024] In one embodiment, the housing may include an ink storage area structure constituting a plurality of second chambers and a buffer structure constituting a safety buffer area, and in the height direction of the housing, the extension length of the ink storage area structure may be greater than the extension length of the buffer structure.

[0025] In one embodiment, the housing may further include multiple ink outlets, which may be disposed on the lower end face of the ink storage area structure and may be configured to correspond one-to-one with and be in fluid communication with multiple second chambers.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cartridge may further include multiple ink inlets, which may be disposed on the sidewall of the ink storage area structure and located below the buffer structure. The multiple ink inlets may be configured to correspond one-to-one with and be in fluid communication with multiple second chambers.

[0027] In one embodiment, the ink path system may further include a plurality of liquid level sensors corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of second chambers, and the end cap may also be provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of liquid level sensors, each liquid level sensor being configured to pass through the corresponding through hole and enter the corresponding second chamber.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ink path system may further include a cleaning device for storing cleaning material and a supply pump for supplying the cleaning material to a second cleanable chamber, wherein the supply pump may be connected between the cleaning device and the second cleanable chamber.

[0029] In one embodiment, the ink path system may further include a recovery pump, which may be connected between the washable second chamber and a corresponding first chamber and configured to recover printing material from the washable second chamber to the corresponding first chamber.

[0030] In one embodiment, the ink path system may further include an ink supply pump that can be connected between the washable second chamber and a corresponding first chamber and is configured to supply printing material from the corresponding first chamber to the washable second chamber.

[0031] In one embodiment, the recovery pump and the ink supply pump can be connected to a first valve unit, which can be configured to switch between a first position and a second position. When the first valve unit is in the first position, the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber can be in fluid communication via the ink supply pump to form an ink supply path. When the first valve unit is in the second position, the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber can be in fluid communication via the recovery pump to form a recovery path.

[0032] In one embodiment, a washable second chamber, a corresponding first chamber, and a cleaning device can be connected to a second valve unit. The second valve unit can be configured to switch between a first position and a second position. When the second valve unit is in the first position, the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber can be in fluid communication via the second valve unit. When the second valve unit is in the second position, the washable second chamber and the cleaning device can be in fluid communication via the second valve unit.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cleaning device can be integrated with the primary ink cartridge module.

[0034] In one embodiment, the washable second chamber may be provided with a stirring device for stirring the printing material or cleaning substance therein.

[0035] In one embodiment, the washable second chamber may be provided with a heater for heating the printing material or cleaning substance therein.

[0036] In one embodiment, the washable second chamber may be provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the printing material or cleaning substance therein, and the heater may be configured to maintain the temperature of the printing material or cleaning substance at a target temperature based on the detection result of the temperature sensor.

[0037] In one embodiment, the ink path system may include an ink supply pump, which may be configured to push printing material in each first chamber into a corresponding second chamber by applying a slight positive pressure to the interior of each first chamber.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a 3D printer is also provided, which may include the ink cartridge module described in the various embodiments above.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, a 3D printer is also provided, which may include the ink path system described in the various embodiments above. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail in the following description. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote components or elements that perform the same or similar functions.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the ink path system according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the ink path system according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the ink path system according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth embodiment of the ink path system according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5 A perspective view of an ink cartridge module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 6 Another perspective view of an ink cartridge module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 7 A perspective view of a box body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 8 Another perspective view of the box body of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0049] Figure 9 Another perspective view of the box body of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0050] Figure 10 A perspective view of an end cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 11 Another perspective view of an end cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a 3D printer according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To better understand the above and other objects, features, advantages, and functions of the present invention, reference can be made to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that the drawings are intended to schematically illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way; the parts in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0054] It should be understood that the example of a one-to-one correspondence between multiple A's and multiple B's used in this article means that the number of multiple A's and multiple B's are the same, and each A among the multiple A's corresponds to one B among the multiple B's, and different A's correspond to different B's. Conversely, each B among the multiple B's corresponds to one A among the multiple A's, and different B's correspond to different A's.

[0055] It should be understood that the terms “integration” or “integrated setup” used in this document should be interpreted broadly. For example, an integrated setup of A and B can refer to A and B being manufactured as a whole during manufacturing, such as through machining or other suitable physical or chemical processes; or it can refer to A and B being manufactured separately during manufacturing and subsequently formed into a whole through removable or non-removable means, such as mechanical connection, welding, bonding, etc.

[0056] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an ink path system 100 for a 3D printer. For example... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the ink path system 100 may include a primary ink cartridge module 1, a secondary ink cartridge module 2, and a printhead module 3. The secondary ink cartridge module 2 may be disposed between the primary ink cartridge module 1 and the printhead module 3, and is configured to receive printing material from the primary ink cartridge module 1 and supply the printing material to the printhead module 3.

[0057] The primary ink cartridge module 1 may include a plurality of first chambers 11 for storing different printing materials. The secondary ink cartridge module 2 may include a plurality of second chambers 21 corresponding to and communicating with the plurality of first chambers 11. The printhead module 3 may include a plurality of printheads 31 corresponding to and communicating with the plurality of second chambers 21. In this example, each second chamber 21 may be connected between the corresponding first chamber 11 and the printhead 31, and is configured to receive printing material from the first chamber 11 and supply it to the printhead 31.

[0058] Preferably, the printing material can be provided in the form of ink. Further, the printing material can be selected as a liquid photosensitive resin material. It should be understood that although various embodiments are described herein using ink as an example, this document is not intended to limit the specific form of the printing material. Therefore, other forms of printing materials can also be equally applied to these embodiments.

[0059] As an example, each first chamber 11 may store one of the following inks: cyan ink, red (or magenta) ink, yellow ink, black ink, white ink, transparent ink, support ink, and varnish. The transparent ink can be a coloring layer with color properties, and can impart a transparent / semi-transparent base color to the product to be printed and / or adjust light transmittance. The varnish can be used to apply a colorless, transparent protective layer or gloss layer to the surface of the product to be printed, thereby enhancing surface texture and forming physical or chemical protection.

[0060] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the primary ink cartridge module 1 includes seven first chambers 11. The seven first chambers 11 respectively store cyan ink, red (or magenta) ink, yellow ink, black ink, white ink, transparent ink, and a support ink. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the primary cartridge module 1 includes eight first chambers 11. Besides including... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to the seven colors of ink in the embodiment, the eighth second chamber 11 may also store varnish.

[0061] It should be understood that Figures 1 to 4 The number of first chambers 11 shown is merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, the primary ink cartridge module 1 may also include other numbers of first chambers 11. Furthermore, in addition to the various inks described above, the first chambers 11 may also store inks of other colors or materials.

[0062] Each first chamber 11 of the primary ink cartridge module 1 may be equipped with a low level sensor to indicate that the ink therein is at a low level.

[0063] The ink path system 100 may also include a safety buffer structure 4 for buffering pressure fluctuations in each second chamber 21 and preventing ink backflow or leakage. The safety buffer structure 4 may be connected to a suction unit 5. The suction unit 5 may be configured to create positive or negative pressure inside the safety buffer structure 4. For example, when positive pressure is created inside the safety buffer structure 4, the positive pressure can be transmitted via the safety buffer structure 4 to the second chamber 21 of the secondary ink cartridge module 2, thereby forcing the ink in the second chamber 21 into the corresponding printhead 31. The ink pressing time can be set according to the actual printing settings. Conversely, when negative pressure is created inside the safety buffer structure 4, the negative pressure can be transmitted via the safety buffer structure 4 and the second chamber 21 to the printhead 31, so that the ink forced into the printhead 31 is just held at the nozzle without dripping from the nozzle, and is not sucked back into the second chamber 21. The negative pressure can be set and adjusted according to actual needs.

[0064] The safety buffer structure 4 can communicate with each of the second chambers 21, and can also control the opening and closing of each second chamber 21 through a plurality of first isolation valves 41 corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of second chambers 21. For example, when it is necessary to print a certain ink through the printhead 31, the first isolation valve 41 corresponding to the second chamber 21 storing the ink can be opened, while keeping the other first isolation valves 41 closed.

[0065] The safety buffer structure 4 may also include a pressure sensor 42 and a high-level sensor 43, both at least partially disposed therein. The pressure sensor 42 can be used to detect the internal pressure of the safety buffer structure 4. The high-level sensor 43 can be used to detect the level of waste ink in the safety buffer structure 4.

[0066] The ink path system 100 may further include a waste ink collection device 12. The waste ink collection device 12 may be connected to the safety buffer structure 4 and configured to collect waste ink from the safety buffer structure 4. The waste ink collection device 12 may be disposed independently of other modules or devices in the ink path system 100. Alternatively, the waste ink collection device 12 may be integrated with the primary ink cartridge module 1. For example, the waste ink collection device 12 may be formed as at least one chamber in the primary ink cartridge module 1. The waste ink collection device 12 may be equipped with a high-level sensor for detecting the level of waste ink therein.

[0067] An ink discharge pump 121 and an ink discharge valve 122 may also be provided between the waste ink collection device 12 and the safety buffer structure 4. For example, the ink discharge pump 121 and the ink discharge valve 122 may be configured to start when the high liquid level sensor 43 of the safety buffer structure 4 indicates that the liquid level is too high, thereby discharging the waste ink in the safety buffer structure 4 into the waste ink collection device 12.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the waste ink collection device 12 can also be used to recycle waste ink from the printer's cleaning tank or roller tray. An isolation valve can be installed between the waste ink collection device 12 and the cleaning tank or roller tray to control the opening and closing of the recycling path.

[0069] An ink supply pump 13 for supplying ink from the primary ink cartridge module 1 to the secondary ink cartridge module 2 and a first filter 14 for filtering the ink can be provided between the primary ink cartridge module 1 and the secondary ink cartridge module 2. For example, each first chamber 11 can be provided with a separate ink supply pump 13 and a first filter 14.

[0070] Each second chamber 21 of the secondary ink cartridge module 2 may be equipped with a low-level sensor 22 for detecting the ink level therein. The ink supply pump 13 may be configured to activate when the low-level sensor 22 in the second chamber 21 indicates that the ink level is too low, thereby supplying ink from the corresponding first chamber 11 to that second chamber 21. The ink supply pump 13 may also be configured to stop supplying ink after the corresponding low-level signal disappears.

[0071] Preferably, the ink pump 13 can be configured to push ink into a plurality of second chambers 22 by applying a slight positive pressure to a plurality of first chambers 11. Figure 4 The embodiment shown employs a scheme where a single ink supply pump 13 supplies ink to multiple first chambers 11. Alternatively, multiple ink supply pumps 13 may be provided, each corresponding to one of the multiple first chambers 11. In this example, each ink supply pump 13 is responsible for supplying ink to its corresponding first chamber 11.

[0072] Typically, the volume of each second chamber 21 in the secondary ink cartridge module 2 is relatively small. Using a method where ink is directly drawn from the corresponding first chamber 11 by the ink pump may cause significant pressure fluctuations within the second chamber 21. The aforementioned ink supply method employing micro-positive pressure to push ink can effectively eliminate or reduce pressure fluctuations generated in the second chamber 21 during ink supply, thereby achieving stable ink supply to the secondary ink cartridge module 2, particularly ensuring stable ink supply during its operation.

[0073] The secondary ink cartridge module 2 may also be provided with heaters 23 for heating the ink in the plurality of second chambers 21. For example, the secondary ink cartridge module 2 may include heaters 23 capable of simultaneously heating at least one second chamber 21. Alternatively, the secondary ink cartridge module 2 may also include a plurality of heaters 23 corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of second chambers 21. In addition, the secondary ink cartridge module 2 may also include a plurality of temperature sensors 24. The plurality of temperature sensors 24 may correspond one-to-one with the plurality of second chambers 21 and may be at least partially disposed in the corresponding second chamber 21 for detecting the temperature of the ink in the second chamber 21. Furthermore, the heaters 23 and the temperature sensors 24 may be linked by a controller. For example, the heater 23 may begin heating when the ink enters the second chamber 21, and when the corresponding temperature sensor 24 indicates that the ink temperature has reached the target temperature, the heater 23 may stop heating or reduce power and maintain the target temperature.

[0074] By setting the heater 23 and the temperature sensor 24, the ink temperature in the second chamber 21 can be maintained at a suitable temperature, such as a preset target temperature, which allows the ink in the second chamber 21 to have better fluidity, thus facilitating the printing operation.

[0075] A second filter 25 may also be provided in the connecting pipe between each second chamber 21 and the corresponding printhead 31 for filtering the ink supplied to the printhead 31.

[0076] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The suction unit 5 may include a positive pressure pump 51 and a negative pressure pump 52. The positive pressure pump 51 and negative pressure pump 52 can be connected to the safety buffer structure 4 via a positive / negative pressure switching valve 53. The positive / negative pressure switching valve 53 can be configured to switch between a first position and a second position. For example, in the first position, the positive / negative pressure switching valve 53 can connect the positive pressure pump 51 to the safety buffer structure 4 while keeping the negative pressure pump 52 disconnected from the safety buffer structure 4; in the second position, the positive / negative pressure switching valve 53 can connect the negative pressure pump 52 to the safety buffer structure 4 while keeping the positive pressure pump 51 disconnected from the safety buffer structure 4. A third filter 511 may be provided at the air inlet of the positive pressure pump 51 to filter the air entering the positive pressure pump 51, thereby preventing impurities in the air from entering the secondary cartridge module 2 via the positive pressure pump 51 and the safety buffer structure 4.

[0077] The safety buffer structure 4 can also be connected to a vacuum breaking valve 44. The vacuum breaking valve 44 can be configured to allow the safety buffer structure 4 to communicate with or be isolated from the atmospheric environment through a switching operation. The vacuum breaking valve 44 can also be further connected to a regulating valve 45 for regulating the flow rate of air entering the safety buffer structure 4 via the vacuum breaking valve 44. The vacuum breaking valve 44 can be further configured to open when the safety buffer structure 4 is connected to the negative pressure pump 52, thereby allowing air to enter the safety buffer structure 4 sequentially via the regulating valve 45 and the vacuum breaking valve 44. The negative pressure pump 52 can have a PID control function, thereby adjusting its own speed in real time according to the negative pressure in the safety buffer structure 4 and the target pressure when the safety buffer structure 4 is connected to the atmospheric environment, thus maintaining the negative pressure in the safety buffer structure 4 at a constant value.

[0078] Preferably, a filter can also be provided at the air inlet of the vacuum breaking valve 44 or the regulating valve 45 to filter the air entering the safety buffer structure 4, thereby preventing impurities in the air from entering the secondary ink cartridge module 2.

[0079] Alternatively, the suction unit 5 may also include a bidirectional pump 54. (See reference) Figure 2 The suction unit 5 connected to the safety buffer structure 4 can be a bidirectional pump 54. The bidirectional pump 54 can be configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions. A second isolation valve 55 can be provided between the bidirectional pump 54 and the safety buffer structure 4 to control the on / off connection between the safety buffer structure 4 and the bidirectional pump 54.

[0080] In this example, when ink needs to be pressed into the printhead module 3, the second isolation valve 55 can be opened, and the bidirectional pump 54 can rotate forward, thereby generating positive pressure inside the safety buffer structure 4. The positive pressure can be transmitted through the safety buffer structure 4 to the second chamber 21 of the secondary ink cartridge module 2, thereby forcing the ink stored in the second chamber 21 into its corresponding printhead 31.

[0081] After ink is forced into printhead 31, bidirectional pump 54 can switch to reverse mode, thereby generating negative pressure inside safety buffer structure 4. The negative pressure can be transmitted through safety buffer structure 4 to the second chamber 21 of secondary ink cartridge module 2, so that the ink forced into printhead 31 is just suspended at the nozzle of printhead 31 without dripping from the nozzle, and is not sucked back into the second chamber 21.

[0082] Furthermore, to ensure that the negative pressure inside the safety buffer structure 4 remains within the permissible negative pressure range, the bidirectional pump 54 can be configured such that: when the negative pressure inside the safety buffer structure 4 exceeds a preset lower limit, the bidirectional pump 54 can stop reversing or switch to forward rotation, thereby reducing the negative pressure to the permissible range; when the negative pressure inside the safety buffer structure 4 exceeds a preset upper limit, the bidirectional pump 54 can switch back to reverse rotation, thereby reducing the negative pressure inside the safety buffer structure 4 to the permissible range. Thus, by switching between forward and reverse rotation of the bidirectional pump 54, the negative pressure inside the safety buffer structure 4 can always remain within a stable range, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the secondary ink cartridge module 2 and the printhead module 3, and improving the stability of ink supply, ink pressure, and ink suspension operations.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the primary ink cartridge module 1 may further include multiple third isolation valves 15 corresponding one-to-one with the multiple first chambers 11. Each third isolation valve 15 may be connected between the corresponding first chamber 11 and the second chamber 21, and may be configured to open when ink is supplied to the second chamber 21 and close when ink supply stops. Compared with a scheme that uses a single multi-position isolation valve to simultaneously control the on / off state of multiple first chambers, Figure 2 The scheme of using multiple third isolation valves 15 can effectively avoid cross-contamination of inks of different colors or materials at the isolation valves or in the pipeline by setting independent third isolation valves 15 for each first chamber 11.

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, each second chamber 21 of the secondary ink cartridge module 2 can also be connected to the safety buffer structure 4 by a manually operated first isolation valve 41. Each second chamber 21 can also be connected to the corresponding printhead 31 by a fourth isolation valve 26, for example, a manually operated isolation valve.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the ink path system 100 may further include a cleaning device 16. The cleaning device 16 can be used to clean the interior of at least one of a plurality of second chambers 21. The cleaning device 16 can be disposed independently of other modules or devices in the ink path system 100. Alternatively, the cleaning device 16 can also be integrated with the primary ink cartridge module 1. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning device 16 can be formed as at least one chamber in the primary cartridge module 1.

[0086] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The cleaning device 16 can be a container for storing the cleaning substance. The cleaning substance can be a solid, liquid, suspension, powder, or other similar substance. Preferably, the cleaning substance can be a cleaning liquid. The following description uses a liquid cleaning agent as an example. It should be understood that this description is merely exemplary and illustrative, and this document is not intended to limit the cleaning substance to liquid cleaning agents.

[0087] The cleaning device 16 may be equipped with a cleaning agent supply pump 161 for supplying cleaning agent from the cleaning device 16 to the cleanable second chamber. It should be understood that, although... Figure 3 The eighth second chamber 21 from the left or the first second chamber 21 from the right in this document is designated as a washable chamber. However, other second chambers 21 or multiple other second chambers 21 are also applicable to the embodiments described herein, and these schemes should be understood to be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0088] A washable second chamber may be equipped with a recovery pump 17. The recovery pump 17 may be connected between the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber 11 to recover ink from the washable second chamber back into the first chamber 11 before cleaning. The recovery pump 17 and the corresponding ink supply pump 13 may be connected between the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber 11 via a first valve unit 18. For example, the first valve unit 18 may switch between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the first valve unit 18 fluidly connects the ink supply pump 13 between the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber 11, thereby forming an ink supply path between them. When in the second position, the first valve unit 18 fluidly connects the recovery pump 17 between the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber 11, thereby forming a recovery path between them.

[0089] As shown in the figure, a second valve unit 162 may be provided between the washable second chamber and the cleaning device 16 and the corresponding first chamber 11. The second valve unit 162 may be configured to switch between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the second valve unit 162 is in fluid communication with the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber 11, thereby forming an ink supply path or a recovery path. When in the second position, the second valve unit 162 is in fluid communication with the washable second chamber and the cleaning device 16, thereby forming a cleaning agent supply path.

[0090] When the printer is in a non-operational state, such as after a print job is completed, in standby mode, or during a long period of inactivity, the second valve unit 162 can switch to the first position, i.e., switch to a position where the second chamber 21 can be fluidly connected to the corresponding first chamber 11. At this time, the recovery pump 17 can be activated to recover the ink in the second chamber 21 back into the corresponding first chamber 11. Subsequently, the second valve unit 162 can switch to the second position, i.e., switch to a position where the second chamber can be fluidly connected to the cleaning device 16. At this time, the cleaning agent supply pump 161 can be activated to supply the cleaning agent stored in the cleaning device 16 to the second chamber 21 for cleaning.

[0091] Preferably, the waste liquid after cleaning can be discharged through the nozzle 31 in the nozzle module 3 corresponding to the cleanable second chamber.

[0092] In practical use, 3D printers often face discontinuous operation scenarios, such as when a printing job is completed, the machine is in standby mode, or there is a prolonged downtime. In these situations, ink may deposit or adhere to the inner surface of the ink cartridge, and may also partially dry, thicken, or even completely solidify into lumps. These deposits or lumps adhering to the inner wall may flow into the delivery pipes or inside the printhead when the printer restarts, causing narrowing of the flow channels, partial blockage, or complete blockage of the printhead orifice.

[0093] The above phenomena not only cause poor and unstable ink output during the printing process, but may also cause abnormally high internal pressure of the printhead, damage the printhead structure, or lead to quality defects such as missing printing layers and broken lines. In severe cases, it may even be necessary to disassemble, clean or replace the printhead, which increases the maintenance cost and downtime of the equipment.

[0094] The exemplary ink path system 100 provided by this invention can utilize a recovery pump 17 to recover ink from the washable second chamber back to the first chamber 11, thereby preventing ink deposition, adhesion, or solidification in the second chamber 21. Furthermore, the ink path system 100 can also supply cleaning agent to the washable second chamber via a cleaning agent supply pump 161 through switching of the second valve unit 162, thereby thoroughly cleaning residual ink, and even ink that has already deposited, adhered, or solidified. Therefore, the aforementioned exemplary ink path system 100 can effectively prevent ink deposition or adhesion to the inner wall of the second chamber 21, or the formation of clumps, thereby preventing these deposits or clumps from entering the delivery pipes or printhead during subsequent printing processes, causing narrowing of the flow path, partial blockage, or complete blockage of the printhead orifice.

[0095] Furthermore, in the exemplary ink path system 100, the recovery of ink in the washable second chamber and the supply of cleaning agent to the second chamber 21 are handled by separate pump units, namely the recovery pump 17 and the cleaning agent supply pump 161. This avoids cross-contamination between the cleaning agent and the ink in the pump units. Moreover, this independent configuration of the pump units allows for the independent selection and configuration of the pump units based on the different characteristics of the ink and cleaning agent (e.g., chemical properties, viscosity, particle content, temperature, or corrosiveness) and suction requirements (e.g., pumping speed), thereby achieving an optimal configuration.

[0096] Furthermore, during the cleaning operation of the second chamber 21, when the corresponding second valve unit 162 is switched to the first position, the recovery pump 17 can be started to recover the ink in the second chamber 21 until the corresponding low level sensor 22 issues a low level signal or issues a low level signal and delays for a preset time, at which point the recovery operation of the recovery pump 17 is stopped. When the second valve unit 162 is switched to the second position, the corresponding cleaning agent supply pump 161 can be started to supply cleaning agent to the second chamber 21 until the low level signal from the low level sensor 22 disappears or the low level signal disappears and delays for a preset time, at which point the supply operation of the cleaning agent supply pump 161 is stopped.

[0097] By utilizing the low liquid level signal of the low liquid level sensor 22, the ink in the washable second chamber can be emptied as much as possible, and when supplying cleaning agent, it can be ensured that a sufficient amount of cleaning agent is supplied to the second chamber 21, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first chamber 11 may be provided with a first stirring device 19 for stirring the ink therein. Each of the plurality of first chambers 11 may be provided with a first stirring device 19.

[0099] Additionally, the second chamber 21 may also be equipped with a second stirring device 27 for stirring the ink therein. Multiple second chambers 21 may each be equipped with a second stirring device 27. Preferably, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, the washable second chamber may be equipped with a second stirring device 27.

[0100] A stirring device is provided in the first chamber 11 or the second chamber 21 to effectively prevent the ink stored therein from depositing or settling. This improves ink uniformity and print quality. Furthermore, it prevents narrowing of the flow channel, partial blockage, or complete blockage of the printhead orifice due to ink deposition or settling inside the delivery pipe or printhead.

[0101] Preferably, during the cleaning operation in the second chamber 21, the second stirring device 27 installed in the second chamber 21 can also be activated to stir the cleaning agent supplied thereto, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0102] The aforementioned stirring device can be implemented by a motor driving an impeller to rotate. It should be understood that this document does not intend to limit the specific implementation of the stirring device, and other structures capable of achieving the stirring function can also be applied to the ink system 100.

[0103] In addition, the heater 23 of the secondary ink cartridge module 2 can also be configured to heat the cleaning agent in the washable second chamber during the cleaning operation, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning agent.

[0104] The suction unit or various pumps described herein can be selected from one of the following: diaphragm pump, gear pump, peristaltic pump, piston pump, screw pump, or injection pump. A diaphragm pump is preferred.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in addition to being set independently of the secondary ink cartridge module 2, the safety buffer structure 4 can also be set integrally with the secondary ink cartridge module 2.

[0106] The secondary ink cartridge module 2 can roughly have a cuboid shape. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the secondary ink cartridge module 2 may include a cartridge body 28 and an end cap 29 for closing the cartridge body 28.

[0107] refer to Figures 5 to 9 The box body 28 may be generally rectangular in shape. The box body 28 has an upward-facing open end 281 and a cavity communicating with the open end 281. The cavity may extend at least partially along the length of the box body 28. Preferably, the cavity may extend substantially along the entire length of the box body 28, thereby forming a large internal space in the box body 28.

[0108] A first partition wall 282 extending along the length of the housing 28 can be provided in the chamber. The first partition wall 282 can be configured to divide the entire chamber into two isolated regions in the width direction perpendicular to the length direction of the housing 28. For example, the first partition wall 282 can extend from one side of the opening end 281 to the other side of the opening end 281 along the length direction of the housing 28, and extend from the bottom of the chamber to the opening end 281 along the height direction of the housing 28. As shown, the two isolated regions are an ink storage region 283 and a safety buffer region 284. The ink storage region 283 can be used to store printing material. The safety buffer region 284 can be used as a safety buffer structure 4. The depths of the ink storage region 283 and the safety buffer region 284 in the housing 28 (i.e., the lengths extending along the height direction of the housing) can be the same or different.

[0109] The ink storage area 283 can be further divided into multiple ink storage sub-areas for storing different inks. These multiple ink storage sub-areas can serve as multiple second chambers 21 of the secondary ink cartridge module 2. For example, the cartridge body 28 can also include multiple second partition walls 285 for dividing the ink storage area 283 into multiple second chambers 21. Preferably, the multiple second partition walls 285 can equally spaced the ink storage area 283 into multiple second chambers 21 along its length. Each second partition wall 285 can extend from the opening end 281 to the bottom of the ink storage area 283 along the height direction of the cartridge body 28.

[0110] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the ink storage region 283 is further divided into eight equally spaced second chambers 21 by a plurality of second partition walls 285. It should be understood that... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The eight second chambers 21 described herein are merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, the ink storage region 283 can also be divided into multiple second chambers 21 with other numbers as needed, and these division methods should be understood to apply equally to the various embodiments herein and be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0111] Each of the multiple second chambers 21 may also have a communication feature that communicates with the safety buffer region 284. Each communication feature can fluidly connect the corresponding second chamber 21 to the safety buffer region 284, thereby buffering pressure fluctuations in each second chamber 21 through the safety buffer region 284.

[0112] As shown in the figure, the connecting feature can be formed as a plurality of groove structures 286 located on the first partition wall 282. For example, the ink storage region 283 may also have a plurality of groove structures 286 that correspond one-to-one with and communicate with the plurality of second chambers 21. Each groove structure 286 can extend from the side of the first partition wall 282 near the safety buffer region 284 to the side of the first partition wall 282 near the ink storage region 283, thereby communicating the corresponding second chamber 21 with the safety buffer region 284. Furthermore, each groove structure 286 may also have an opening 287 formed at the upper edge of the first partition wall 282.

[0113] Alternatively, each connecting feature can be formed into other suitable structures or shapes. For example, each connecting feature can also be formed into a through hole perpendicular to or inclined to the thickness direction of the first partition wall 282.

[0114] Typically, secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles in 3D printers are arranged as independent components, connected by multiple tubing sections. In applications using multiple secondary ink cartridges (such as multi-color or multi-material printing), each secondary ink cartridge needs to establish an independent path to the safety bottle, significantly increasing the number of connecting tubes. These tubes, connectors, and the two components themselves occupy a large structural space inside the printer, hindering miniaturization and compact design.

[0115] The exemplary secondary ink cartridge module 2 provided by the present invention can effectively avoid the problem of independently set secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles occupying a large space inside the 3D printer by integrally forming multiple second chambers 21 for storing different inks and a safety buffer area 284 for buffering pressure fluctuations in the multiple second chambers 21 on the cartridge body 28. Therefore, it can significantly save the internal space of the 3D printer, which is conducive to the miniaturization and compact design of the 3D printer.

[0116] Meanwhile, by providing corresponding communication features (e.g., multiple slot structures 286) between the multiple second chambers 21 and the safety buffer area 284, various connecting pipes between the independent secondary ink cartridges and safety bottles can be completely avoided, thereby further saving internal space in the 3D printer and facilitating its miniaturization and compact design. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of connecting pipes also lowers the risk of printer malfunctions caused by pipe detachment, blockage, or deterioration.

[0117] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the upward-facing opening of each second chamber 21 can be formed into a generally square shape. Alternatively, these openings can also be formed into other shapes such as rectangles, arcs, or circles.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 28 may further include a plurality of ink outlets 2832 that correspond one-to-one with and communicate with the plurality of second chambers 21. The plurality of ink outlets 2832 may be disposed on the lower end face of the housing 28. Furthermore, each ink outlet 2832 may be configured to enable fluid communication between the corresponding second chamber 21 and the external environment of the housing 28.

[0119] It should be understood that the term “external environment” as used herein may refer to the space outside the housing 28 or any other device or structure located outside the housing 28, and is not intended to limit the connection relationship between such other device or structure and the housing 28. For example, such other device or structure may be connected to the housing 28 in any way.

[0120] The secondary ink cartridge module 2 may also include a plurality of ink outlet connectors 6 corresponding one-to-one with and connected to the plurality of ink outlets 2832. Each ink outlet connector 6 may further be configured to be removably connected to the corresponding ink outlet 2832. Ink stored in each second chamber 21 may be supplied to the outside of the cartridge body 28 via the corresponding ink outlet connector 6. For example, each ink outlet connector 6 may also be configured to fluidly communicate the corresponding second chamber 21 with the printhead 31, thereby supplying the ink in the second chamber 21 to the printhead 31.

[0121] Each ink outlet connector 6 can be connected to the corresponding ink outlet 2832 via a threaded connection structure.

[0122] In one example, each ink outlet 2832 can be implemented as a hole structure. For example... Figure 9 As shown, each ink outlet 2832 can extend from the bottom inner side of the corresponding second chamber 21 to the lower end face of the housing 28. Each ink outlet 2832 may be provided with an internal thread, and the corresponding ink outlet connector 6 may be provided with an external thread accordingly.

[0123] As another example, each ink outlet 2832 can also be implemented as a protrusion extending outward from the lower end of the housing 28. The protrusion has a hollow structure, thereby allowing the corresponding second chamber 21 to fluidly communicate with the external environment. The protrusion may be provided with external threads, and the corresponding ink outlet connector 6 may be provided with internal threads accordingly.

[0124] It should be understood that the threaded connection structure in the above example is merely exemplary and not restrictive or exhaustive. Therefore, in addition to threaded connection structures, other suitable connection structures or devices can also be applied to the connection between the ink outlet connector 6 and the ink outlet 2832, such as quick-connect couplings, clamp connections, etc. This document is not intended to limit the connection relationship between the ink outlet connector 6 and the ink outlet 2832 to a removable or detachable connection relationship. Therefore, the ink outlet connector 6 and the ink outlet 2832 can also be connected by welding, bonding, riveting, etc. The ink outlet connector 6 can also be integrally set on the housing 28. In addition, the ink outlet 2832 can also be implemented in the form of, for example, a pagoda connector, so that the ink outlet connector 6 can be omitted and directly connected to other equipment or structures outside the housing 28 through pipelines, etc.

[0125] like Figures 5 to 9 As shown, the housing 28 may include an ink storage area structure 2831 constituting an ink storage area 283 or multiple second chambers 21, and a buffer structure 2841 constituting a safety buffer area 284. The extension length of the ink storage area structure 2831 along the height direction of the housing 28 may be greater than the extension length of the buffer structure 2841. In this example, multiple ink outlets 2832 may be located on the lower end face of the ink storage area structure 2831. Preferably, the housing 28 may be formed into a cuboid shape with an inverted "L" shaped cross-section.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of second chambers 21 may be provided with a stirring device for stirring the ink therein. For example, as shown, the outermost second chamber 21 is provided with a second stirring device 27. The second stirring device 27 may be provided on the lower end face of the ink storage area structure 2831. Furthermore, the second stirring device 27 may be configured to be at least partially disposed in the second chamber 21, thereby realizing the stirring operation of the ink therein. In this example, due to the presence of the second stirring device 27, the position of the ink outlet 2832 of the corresponding second chamber 21 is occupied. Therefore, the ink outlet 2832 may be repositioned on the side wall of the ink storage area structure 2831, for example, on one side in the length direction of the ink storage area structure 2831.

[0127] Furthermore, the housing 28 may also include a plurality of ink inlets 2833 that correspond one-to-one with and communicate with the plurality of second chambers 21. Each ink inlet 2833 may be configured to allow fluid communication between the corresponding second chamber 21 and the external environment of the housing 28. As shown in the figure, the plurality of ink inlets 2833 may be disposed on the sidewall of the ink storage area structure 2831 and located below the buffer structure 2841.

[0128] Each ink inlet 2833 can be implemented as a hole structure. As shown, each ink inlet 2833 can extend from the outer surface of the sidewall of the ink storage area structure 2831 into the corresponding second chamber 21, thereby connecting the corresponding second chamber 21 to the external environment in fluid communication. Alternatively, each ink inlet 2833 can also be implemented as a hollow protrusion extending outward from the sidewall of the ink storage area structure 2831.

[0129] The secondary ink cartridge module 2 may further include a plurality of ink inlet connectors 7 corresponding one-to-one with and connected to the plurality of ink inlets 2833. Each ink inlet connector 7 may be further configured to be removably connected to the corresponding ink inlet 2833. Each second chamber 21 may be in fluid communication with the corresponding first chamber 11 of the primary ink cartridge module 1 through the ink inlet connector 7, thereby being able to receive ink from the first chamber 11.

[0130] It should be understood that although the implementation of the ink inlet 2833 has been described above using a hole structure or protrusion as an example, the ink inlet 2833 can also be implemented in other ways similar to the ink outlet 2832 described above, which will not be repeated here. Furthermore, it should be understood that the connection method between each ink inlet 2833 and its corresponding ink inlet connector 7 can also refer to the description of the ink outlet 2832 and ink outlet connector 6 above, which will also not be repeated here.

[0131] Furthermore, the safety buffer area 284 may include an ink drain port 2842 for discharging waste ink therein. The ink drain port 2842 may be located below or on the side of the safety buffer area 284. As shown, the ink drain port 2842 may, for example, be located on the side wall of the buffer structure 2841 away from the ink storage area structure 2831.

[0132] Accordingly, the secondary ink cartridge module 2 may also include an ink discharge port connector 8 for mating with the ink discharge port 2842. The specific structure and connection method of the ink discharge port 2842 and the ink discharge port connector 8 can be referred to the description above regarding the ink outlet 2832 or the ink inlet 2833, and will not be repeated here. The ink discharge port connector 8 can be connected to the waste ink collection device 12.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, the secondary cartridge module 2 may further include a seal for sealing the gap between the cartridge body 28 and the end cap 29. The seal may be disposed between the cartridge body 28 and the end cap 29. For example, the seal may be disposed between the open end 281 of the cartridge body 28 and the lower surface 291 of the end cap 29.

[0134] The end cap 29 can be configured to match the shape of the open end 281 of the housing 28. For example, as Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the end cap 29 can be formed as a plate-like structure that matches the length and width of the housing 28. The lower surface 291 of the end cap 29 can be provided with a sealing groove 292 for accommodating a seal. When the end cap 29 is assembled with the housing 28, the open end 281 of the housing 28 can press the seal into the sealing groove 292, thereby forming an axial seal (i.e., an end face seal) between the housing 28 and the end cap 29.

[0135] Alternatively, the sealing groove 292 can also be formed on the opening end 281 of the box body 28.

[0136] Preferably, the seal is an O-ring. However, it should be understood that other suitable seals can also be used for sealing between the housing 28 and the end cap 29.

[0137] The end cap 29 may also have a plurality of first through holes 293 corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of low liquid level sensors 22. Each first through hole 293 may be configured to allow the corresponding low liquid level sensor 22 to pass through the end cap 29 and enter the corresponding second chamber 21.

[0138] Furthermore, the end cap 29 may also have a second through-hole 294. The second through-hole 294 may be configured to allow the high-level sensor 43 to pass through it and enter the safety buffer area 284 for measuring the waste ink level in the safety buffer area 284. The high-level sensor 43 may be configured to emit a high-level signal when the waste ink level in the safety buffer area 284 is higher than a preset level.

[0139] The low level sensor 22 or the high level sensor 43 can be a float-type level sensor, a photoelectric level sensor, or a combination thereof.

[0140] As shown in the figure, the end cap 29 may also be provided with a third through hole 295 corresponding to the safety buffer area 284. The third through hole 295 may be configured to allow the pressure sensor 42 to pass through it and enter the safety buffer area 284 for measuring the pressure in the safety buffer area 284.

[0141] The end cap 29 may also be provided with an air source connection port 296 corresponding to the safety buffer area 284. When the end cap 29 is assembled with the housing 28, the air source connection port 296 can be used for fluid communication between the safety buffer area 284 and the suction unit 5.

[0142] The end cap 29 may also be provided with a pressure regulating port 297 for connecting to the atmospheric environment. When the end cap 29 is assembled with the housing 28, the pressure regulating port 297 can connect the safety buffer zone 284 to the atmospheric environment via a vacuum breaking valve 44, a regulating valve 45 or a combination thereof, thereby allowing air from the atmospheric environment to enter the safety buffer zone 284 through the pressure regulating port 297, and thus regulating the air pressure in the safety buffer zone 284.

[0143] Furthermore, the secondary ink cartridge module 2 may also include an air source connector 2961 for mating with the air source connection port 296 and / or an air pressure regulating connector 2971 for mating with the air pressure regulating port 297. The specific structure and connection method of the air source connection port 296 and air source connector 2961, as well as the air pressure regulating port 297 and air pressure regulating connector 2971, can be referred to the description above regarding the ink outlet 2832 or ink inlet 2833, and will not be repeated here. Figure 12 As shown, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention also provides a 3D printer 200. The 3D printer 200 may include the secondary ink cartridge module 2 described in the above embodiments. Further, the 3D printer 200 may include the ink path system 100 described in the above embodiments.

[0144] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes to a person skilled in the art. It is not intended to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As taught above, those skilled in the art will understand various alternatives and variations of the invention. Therefore, although some alternative embodiments have been specifically described, those skilled in the art will understand or relatively easily develop other embodiments. The present invention is intended to include all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the invention described herein, as well as other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the invention described above.

[0145] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 100 – Ink Cartridge System 200 – 3D Printers 1 – Primary Ink Cartridge Module 11 – First Chamber 12 – Waste Ink Collection Device 121 – Ink Pump 122 – Ink Exhaust Valve 13 – Ink Pump 14 – First Filter 15 – Third Isolation Valve 16 – Cleaning device 161 – Cleaning agent supply pump 162 – Second Valve Unit 17 – Recycling Pump 18 – First Valve Unit 19 – First stirring device 2 – Secondary Ink Cartridge Module 21 – Second Chamber 22 – Low Liquid Level Sensor 23 – Heater 24 – Temperature Sensor 25 – Second Filter 26 – Fourth Isolation Valve 27 – Second stirring device 28 – Box 281 – Open end 282 – First partition wall 283 – Ink Storage Area 2831 – Ink Storage Area Structure 2832 – Ink outlet 2833 – Ink Inlet 284 – Safety Buffer Zone 2841 – Buffer Structure 2842 – Ink outlet 285 – Second partition wall 286 – Slot Structure 287 – Opening 29 – End Cap 291 – Lower surface of the end cap 292 – Sealing Groove 293 – First Through Hole 294 – Second Through Hole 295 – Third Through Hole 296 – Gas supply connection port 2961 – Gas Supply Connector 297 – Air pressure regulating port 2971 – Air Pressure Regulator Connector 3 – Nozzle Module 31 – Sprayer Head 4 – Safety Buffer Structure 41 – First Isolation Valve 42 – Pressure Sensor 43 – High Liquid Level Sensor 44 – Vacuum Breaker Valve 45 – Control valve 5 – Suction Unit 51 – Positive pressure pump 511 – Third Filter 52 – Negative Pressure Pump 53 – Positive / Negative Pressure Switching Valve 54 – Two-way pump 55 – Second Isolation Valve 6 – Ink outlet connector 7 – Ink Inlet Connector 8 – Ink drain connector

Claims

1. A cartridge module for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The cartridge module includes a cartridge body (28) and an end cap (29) for closing the cartridge body (28). The cartridge body (28) has an open end (281) and a chamber communicating with the open end (281). The cartridge body (28) also has a first partition wall (282) that divides the chamber into an ink storage area (283) and a safety buffer area (284) that are isolated from each other. The first partition wall (282) is provided with a communication feature configured to enable fluid communication between the ink storage area (283) and the safety buffer area (284), thereby enabling the safety buffer area (284) to buffer pressure fluctuations in the ink storage area (283) and prevent backflow of printing material in the ink storage area (283).

2. The ink cartridge module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (28) also has a plurality of second partition walls (285) configured to further divide the ink storage area (283) into a plurality of ink storage sub-regions isolated from each other. The number of the connecting features is the same as the number of the plurality of ink storage sub-regions and they correspond one-to-one. Each connecting feature is configured to fluidly connect the corresponding ink storage sub-region with the safety buffer area (284).

3. The ink cartridge module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ink storage area (283) and the safety buffer area (284) are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the box (28), and the plurality of ink storage sub-areas are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the box (28).

4. The ink cartridge module according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each connecting feature is constructed as a through structure on the first partition wall (282).

5. The ink cartridge module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The through structure forms an opening (287) on the edge of the first partition wall (282) near the opening end (281).

6. The ink cartridge module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing (28) includes an ink storage area structure (2831) constituting the plurality of ink storage sub-regions and a buffer structure (2841) constituting the safety buffer area (284), and in the height direction of the housing (28), the extension length of the ink storage area structure (2831) is greater than the extension length of the buffer structure (2841).

7. The ink cartridge module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing (28) also includes a plurality of ink outlets (2832), which are disposed on the lower end face of the ink storage area structure (2831) and are configured to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of ink storage sub-areas and be in fluid communication.

8. The ink cartridge module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The housing (28) also includes a plurality of ink inlets (2833), which are disposed on the side wall of the ink storage area structure (2831) and located below the buffer structure (2841). The plurality of ink inlets (2833) are configured to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of ink storage sub-areas and be in fluid communication.

9. The ink cartridge module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ink cartridge module also includes multiple liquid level sensors corresponding to the multiple ink storage areas, and the end cap (29) is also provided with multiple through holes corresponding to the multiple liquid level sensors. Each liquid level sensor is configured to pass through the corresponding through hole and enter the corresponding ink storage area.

10. An ink path system (100) for a 3D printer, characterized in that, The ink system (100) includes: The primary ink cartridge module (1) includes multiple primary chambers (11). The secondary ink cartridge module (2) includes multiple second chambers (21) that correspond one-to-one with the multiple first chambers (11) and are capable of receiving printing material from the corresponding first chambers (11), and The printhead module (3) includes multiple printheads (31) that correspond one-to-one with the multiple second chambers (21) and are capable of receiving printing material from the corresponding second chambers (21). The secondary ink cartridge module (2) further includes a cartridge body (28) and an end cap (29) for closing the cartridge body (28). The cartridge body (28) has an open end (281) and a chamber communicating with the open end (281). The cartridge body (28) also has a first partition wall (282), which divides the chamber into an ink storage area (283) and a safety buffer area (284) that are isolated from each other. The housing (28) also has a plurality of second partition walls (285) configured to further divide the ink storage area (283) into a plurality of isolated second chambers (21). The first partition wall (282) is provided with a plurality of connecting features, the plurality of connecting features being the same number as the plurality of second chambers (21) and corresponding one-to-one. Each connecting feature is configured to fluidly connect the corresponding second chamber (21) with the safety buffer area (284), thereby enabling the safety buffer area (284) to buffer pressure fluctuations in each second chamber (21) and prevent backflow of printing material therein.

11. The ink path system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ink storage area (283) and the safety buffer area (284) are arranged sequentially along the width direction of the box body (28), and the plurality of second chambers (21) are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the box body (28).

12. The ink path system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each connecting feature is formed as a through structure on the first partition wall (282).

13. The ink path system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The through structure forms an opening (287) on the edge of the first partition wall (282) near the opening end (281).

14. The ink path system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The housing (28) includes an ink storage area structure (2831) constituting the plurality of second chambers (21) and a buffer structure (2841) constituting the safety buffer area (284), and in the height direction of the housing (28), the extension length of the ink storage area structure (2831) is greater than the extension length of the buffer structure (2841).

15. The ink path system (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The housing (28) also includes a plurality of ink outlets (2832), which are disposed on the lower end face of the ink storage area structure (2831) and are configured to correspond one-to-one with and be in fluid communication with the plurality of second chambers (21).

16. The ink path system (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The housing (28) also includes a plurality of ink inlets (2833), which are disposed on the side wall of the ink storage area structure (2831) and located below the buffer structure (2841). The plurality of ink inlets (2833) are configured to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of second chambers (21) and be in fluid communication.

17. The ink path system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ink system (100) also includes a plurality of liquid level sensors corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of second chambers (21), and the end cap (29) is also provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding one-to-one with the plurality of liquid level sensors. Each liquid level sensor is configured to pass through the corresponding through hole and enter the corresponding second chamber (21).

18. The ink path system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ink system (100) further includes a cleaning device (16) for storing cleaning material and a supply pump for supplying the cleaning material to the washable second chambers in the plurality of second chambers (21), wherein the supply pump is connected between the cleaning device (16) and the washable second chambers.

19. The ink path system (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The ink path system (100) also includes a recovery pump (17) connected between the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber (11) and configured to recover printing material in the washable second chamber to the corresponding first chamber (11).

20. The ink path system (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The ink path system (100) also includes an ink supply pump (13) connected between the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber (11) and configured to supply printing material from the corresponding first chamber (11) to the washable second chamber.

21. The ink path system (100) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The recovery pump (17) and the ink supply pump (13) are connected to a first valve unit (18), which is configured to switch between a first position and a second position. When the first valve unit (18) is in the first position, the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber (11) are in fluid communication via the ink supply pump (13) to form an ink supply path. When the first valve unit (18) is in the second position, the washable second chamber and the corresponding first chamber (11) are in fluid communication via the recovery pump (17) to form a recovery path.

22. The ink path system (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The washable second chamber, the corresponding first chamber (11), and the cleaning device (16) are connected to a second valve unit (162), which is configured to switch between a first position and a second position. When the second valve unit (162) is in the first position, the washable second chamber is in fluid communication with the corresponding first chamber (11) via the second valve unit (162), and when the second valve unit (162) is in the second position, the washable second chamber is in fluid communication with the cleaning device (16) via the second valve unit (162).

23. The ink path system (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The cleaning device (16) is integrated with the primary ink cartridge module (1).

24. The ink path system (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The washable second chamber is provided with a second stirring device (27) for stirring the printing material or cleaning substance therein.

25. The ink path system (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The washable second chamber is provided with a heater (23) for heating the printing material or cleaning substance therein.

26. The ink path system (100) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The washable second chamber is provided with a temperature sensor (24) for detecting the temperature of the printing material or cleaning substance therein, and the heater (23) is configured to maintain the temperature of the printing material or cleaning substance at a target temperature based on the detection result of the temperature sensor (24).

27. The ink path system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The ink path system (100) includes an ink supply pump (13) configured to push printing material in each first chamber (11) into a corresponding second chamber (21) by applying a slight positive pressure to the interior of each first chamber (11).

28. A 3D printer (200), characterized in that, The 3D printer (200) includes an ink cartridge module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

29. A 3D printer (200), characterized in that, The 3D printer (200) includes an ink path system (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 27.

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