Ink supply system, ink-jet 3D printing device and 3D printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ink supply system, an ink-jet 3D printing device and a 3D printer, relates to the technical field of 3D printers, and is high in space utilization rate and low in cost. The first ink box and the second ink box are horizontally arranged; the first switch assemblies and the second switch assemblies are arranged in the first direction, each first switch assembly comprises a plurality of first control switches which are arranged in the second direction and connected with the lower surface of the first ink box, and every two adjacent first switch assemblies are staggered in the vertical direction and the second direction. Each second switch assembly comprises a plurality of second control switches which are arranged in the second direction and connected with the lower surface of the second ink box, and every two adjacent second switch assemblies are staggered in the vertical direction and the second direction. A plurality of spray heads are arranged; the ink barrel is connected with the first ink box and the second ink box, the first control switch, the spray head and the second control switch are in one-to-one correspondence and are sequentially communicated, ink in the ink barrel sequentially flows to the first ink box, the spray head and the second ink box and then returns to the ink barrel, and the first direction, the second direction and the vertical direction are perpendicular pairwise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of 3D printers, in particular to an ink supply system, an inkjet 3D printing device and a 3D printer. Background Art

[0002] At present, the structure of existing inkjet 3D printing equipment includes an ink storage container (or ink barrel), a pump assembly, two ink cartridges (or ink bottles), a control switch and a nozzle array. Among them, the nozzle array includes a plurality of nozzles for inkjetting. The nozzles are respectively connected to the two ink cartridges, the ink storage container is respectively connected to the two ink cartridges, and the control switch is arranged between the ink cartridge and the nozzle. Due to a certain internal negative pressure difference between the two ink cartridges, the ink stored in the ink storage container can flow sequentially to one of the ink cartridges, the nozzle array and the other ink cartridge, and then return to the ink storage container. The negative pressure drives the ink to circulate dynamically and be distributed at various positions of the ink supply circuit, improving the ink output stability of the printing nozzle.

[0003] Since two ink cartridges are provided, the occupied space increases. Moreover, each nozzle is equipped with a control switch such as a ball valve switch, and the number of control switches that can be set for each ink cartridge is small. Therefore, for two ink cartridges, generally two nozzles are configured to complete the inkjetting work. However, with the increase in the number of nozzles, the number of ink cartridges increases accordingly. Moreover, each ink cartridge is equipped with a liquid level sensor, an ink delivery pump and a negative pressure control unit, which will cause a large increase in the occupied space, an increase in manufacturing and operating costs, more complex control, and at the same time, make the structure of the inkjet 3D printing equipment more complex. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, the utility model provides an ink supply system, an inkjet 3D printing device and a 3D printer, which have the advantages of simplified structure, high space utilization rate and low cost.

[0005] The first aspect embodiment of the utility model provides an ink supply system, which includes:

[0006] A first ink cartridge;

[0007] A second ink cartridge, which is horizontally arranged with the first ink cartridge;

[0008] A first switch assembly, which has a plurality of and is arranged along a first direction. Each first switch assembly includes a plurality of first control switches arranged along a second direction. The plurality of first control switches are connected to the lower surface of the first ink cartridge, and any two adjacent first switch assemblies are arranged in a staggered manner along the up-down direction and the second direction;

[0009] The second switch assembly is provided with a plurality of them arranged along the first direction. Each of the second switch assemblies includes a plurality of second control switches arranged along the second direction. The plurality of second control switches are connected to the lower surface of the second ink cartridge. Any two adjacent second switch assemblies are arranged in a staggered manner along the up-down direction and the second direction respectively.

[0010] The inkjet head is provided with a plurality of them.

[0011] The ink tank is respectively connected to the first ink cartridge and the second ink cartridge. All the first control switches, all the inkjet heads and all the second control switches are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected in sequence, so that the ink in the ink tank flows to the first ink cartridge, the inkjet head and the second ink cartridge in sequence, and then flows back to the ink tank. The first direction, the second direction and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other in pairs.

[0012] The ink supply system according to the first aspect embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: By providing the first ink cartridge, the second ink cartridge, the first switch assembly, the second switch assembly, the inkjet head and the ink tank, the dynamic circulation flow of the ink can be realized to improve the stability of inkjet, thereby improving the inkjet 3D printing quality.

[0013] Since the areas provided by the lower surfaces of the first ink cartridge and the second ink cartridge for installing the control switches are limited, the number of the first control switches and the second control switches is small. When the number of inkjet heads is fixed, it is necessary to increase the number of the first ink cartridge and the second ink cartridge, which will greatly increase the occupied space. Therefore, a plurality of first switch assemblies arranged along the first direction are provided on the lower surface of the first ink cartridge. Each first switch assembly includes a plurality of first control switches arranged along the second direction. Any two adjacent first switch assemblies are arranged in a staggered manner not only along the up-down direction but also along the second direction. Similarly, a plurality of second switch assemblies arranged along the first direction are provided on the lower surface of the second ink cartridge. Each second switch assembly includes a plurality of second control switches arranged along the second direction. Any two adjacent second switch assemblies are arranged in a staggered manner not only along the up-down direction but also along the second direction.

[0014] Adopting such a clever design can improve the space utilization rate, avoid interference between two adjacent first switch assemblies and between two adjacent second switch assemblies, and effectively reduce the space they occupy in the first direction. Therefore, the number of the first control switches and the second control switches can be increased without additionally increasing the first ink cartridge and the second ink cartridge, thereby reducing the cost. At the same time, the structure of the ink supply system is made simpler.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the first ink cartridge is provided with a first inlet and a plurality of first outlets, the second ink cartridge is provided with a second outlet and a plurality of second inlets, and each print head has an ink inlet hole, an ink jet hole and an ink return hole. All the first outlets, all the first control switches and all the ink inlet holes are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected in sequence. All the ink return holes, all the second control switches and all the second inlets are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected in sequence.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the first ink cartridge has a first ink storage cavity. The bottom surface of the first ink storage cavity is provided with a plurality of the first outlets. The first inlet is communicated with the first ink storage cavity. The second ink cartridge has a second ink storage cavity. The bottom surface of the second ink storage cavity is provided with a plurality of the second inlets. The second outlet is communicated with the second ink storage cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ink supply system further includes a pressure regulating component. The first ink cartridge is provided with a first air hole, and the first air hole is communicated with the first ink storage cavity. The second ink cartridge is provided with a second air hole, and the second air hole is communicated with the second ink storage cavity. The pressure regulating component is provided in both the first air hole and the second air hole.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the first air hole is located in the upper part of the first ink storage cavity, the first inlet is located in the lower part of the first ink storage cavity, the second air hole is located in the upper part of the second ink storage cavity, and the second outlet is located in the lower part of the second ink storage cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ink supply system further includes a liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor is provided in both the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the ink supply system further includes a first pump body and a second pump body. The ink bucket is provided with an ink output port and an ink return port. The ink output port, the first pump body and the first ink cartridge are connected in sequence. The second ink cartridge, the second pump body and the ink return port are connected in sequence.

[0021] An embodiment of the second aspect of the present utility model provides an inkjet 3D printing device, which includes the ink supply system as described in the embodiment of the first aspect.

[0022] The inkjet 3D printing device according to the embodiment of the second aspect of the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: The inkjet 3D printing device adopts the ink supply system with the above structure, which can save the number of components such as liquid level sensors, ink delivery pumps, and negative pressure control units, simplify the structure of the inkjet 3D printing device, make the control simpler, occupy less space, and reduce the manufacturing cost and operation cost.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present utility model, the inkjet 3D printing device further includes a printing carriage; the first ink cartridge, the second ink cartridge, and the nozzle are disposed on the printing carriage.

[0024] The third aspect embodiment of the present utility model provides a 3D printer, which includes the inkjet 3D printing device as described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0025] The 3D printer according to the third aspect embodiment of the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: The 3D printer adopts the inkjet 3D printing device with the above structure, which can make the overall structure of the 3D printer compact, reduce the weight and volume, and at the same time, reduce the cost.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present utility model will be described in the subsequent specification, and some will become obvious from the specification, or be understood by implementing the present utility model. The objectives and other advantages of the present utility model can be achieved and obtained through the structures specifically pointed out in the specification, claims, and drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0027] Figure 1 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink delivery device in a three-dimensional perspective in the ink supply system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink delivery device in a front view perspective in the ink supply system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 It is a bottom view of the ink delivery device in the ink supply system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 It is a side view of the ink delivery device in the ink supply system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink delivery device in a side view perspective in the ink supply system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of the connection between the ink delivery device and the nozzle array in the ink supply system provided by the embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Reference numerals: 110, first ink cartridge; 111, first air hole; 112, first inlet; 113, first ink storage chamber; 120, second ink cartridge; 121, second air hole; 122, second outlet; 123, second ink storage chamber; 124, second inlet; 130, first switch assembly; 131, first control switch; 132, first pipe interface; 140, second switch assembly; 141, second control switch; 142, second pipe interface; 151, upper plate; 152, lower plate; 200, print head; 210, ink inlet hole; 220, ink return hole; 310, ink supply pipe; 320, ink return pipe; 400, print head bottom plate. Detailed implementation manners

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0035] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0036] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] Currently, the main structure of existing inkjet 3D printing devices includes an ink supply system, which can provide the ink required for 3D printing work. In the prior art, for example, the invention patent application with the publication number CN115674680A discloses an ink supply system, and the structure of this ink supply system includes an ink storage container (or ink bucket), a pump assembly, two ink cartridges (or ink bottles), a control switch, and a print head array.

[0038] The nozzle array includes a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, the inlet and outlet of the nozzle are respectively connected to the two ink cartridges through pipelines, the inlet and outlet of the ink container are respectively connected to the two ink cartridges through pipelines, and the control switch is arranged in the pipeline between the ink cartridge and the nozzle to control the flow of ink. Since there is a certain internal negative pressure difference between the two ink cartridges, a dynamic ink path is designed so that the ink stored in the ink container can flow to one of the ink cartridges, the nozzle array and the other ink cartridge in sequence, and then return to the ink container, so that the ink is driven by the negative pressure to be dynamically circulated and distributed at various positions of the ink supply circuit, so that the nozzle array can eject ink smoothly, thereby improving the ink ejection stability of the printing nozzle.

[0039] However, since the ink supply system is equipped with two ink cartridges to complete the functions of ink supply and ink return, the occupied space is increased, and each nozzle is equipped with a control switch such as a ball valve switch, and the number of control switches that can be set for each ink cartridge is small. Therefore, for two ink cartridges, two nozzles are generally configured to complete the inkjet work. At this time, the number of control switches on each ink cartridge is two.

[0040] However, as the number of nozzles increases, the number of ink cartridges also increases, and each ink cartridge is equipped with accessories such as a liquid level sensor, an ink pump, and a negative pressure control unit. As a result, the space occupied by the ink supply system will be greatly increased. At the same time, the manufacturing and operating costs will increase, the control steps will be more complicated, and the structure of the inkjet 3D printing equipment will be more complicated and larger in size.

[0041] Based on the above problems, the embodiments of the utility model provide an ink supply system, an inkjet 3D printing device and a 3D printer, which have the advantages of simplified structure, small size, high space utilization, high assembly efficiency and low cost, and can well solve the problems of complex structure, large size, low assembly efficiency and high cost existing in existing inkjet 3D printing equipment.

[0042] Reference below Figures 1 to 6 The ink supply system, inkjet 3D printing device and 3D printer provided according to the embodiments of the utility model are described.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the ink supply system according to the embodiment of the first aspect of the utility model can be used in an inkjet 3D printing device to provide the required ink for the inkjet 3D printing work and ensure good stability of the ink output.

[0044] The ink supply system of this embodiment includes an ink supply device, an ink barrel, and a nozzle array. The ink supply device has a first direction, a second direction, and an up-down direction, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other. In order to more clearly explain this embodiment, the first direction is assumed to be a front-to-back direction, and the second direction is assumed to be a left-to-right direction.

[0045] The nozzle array includes a plurality of nozzles 200, and the plurality of nozzles 200 can be arranged in an array, for example, the plurality of nozzles 200 are arranged in a "pin" shape. It can be understood that the nozzle 200 can perform inkjet printing.

[0046] The structure of the ink supply device includes a first ink cartridge 110, a second ink cartridge 120, a first switch assembly 130, and a second switch assembly 140.

[0047] Among them, the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are arranged horizontally. The functions of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are both to temporarily store a certain amount of ink. The shapes and sizes of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are not limited and can be set according to the actual situation. The first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 can be in a cube shape or a cylindrical shape.

[0048] In this embodiment, both the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are cylindrical, and the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are arranged at intervals along the horizontal direction. Specifically, the first ink cartridge 110 is located on the right side of the second ink cartridge 120. An upper plate 151 is provided above the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120, a lower plate 152 is provided below the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120, and a plurality of connecting rods extending in the up and down direction are provided between the upper plate 151 and the lower plate 152. Under the connection action of the connecting rods, the upper plate 151 and the lower plate 152 are kept relatively stable. The upper ends of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are both fixedly connected to the upper plate 151, and the lower ends of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are both fixedly connected to the lower plate 152.

[0049] There are a plurality of first switch assemblies 130, and the plurality of first switch assemblies 130 are arranged at intervals along a first direction. Among them, each first switch assembly 130 includes a plurality of first control switches 131, and the plurality of first control switches 131 are arranged adjacent to each other along a second direction. The plurality of first control switches 131 are connected to the lower surface of the first ink cartridge 110. Specifically, each first control switch 131 is located on the lower side of the lower plate 152, and the first control switch 131 can be fixedly connected to the lower plate 152 by connection means such as bolts. Moreover, any two adjacent first switch assemblies 130 are arranged in a staggered manner along the up and down direction and the second direction.

[0050] There are multiple second switch assemblies 140, and the multiple second switch assemblies 140 are arranged at certain intervals along the first direction. Among them, each second switch assembly 140 includes multiple second control switches 141, and the multiple second control switches 141 are arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction. The multiple second control switches 141 are connected to the lower surface of the second ink cartridge 120. Specifically, each second control switch 141 is located below the lower plate 152, and the second control switch 141 can be fixedly connected to the lower plate 152 by connection means such as bolts. Moreover, any two adjacent second switch assemblies 140 are arranged in a staggered manner along the up-down direction and the second direction.

[0051] The first control switch 131 and the second control switch 141 can be the same type of control valve. In this embodiment, both the first control switch 131 and the second control switch 141 are ball valves, such as manual ball valves, pneumatic ball valves, electric ball valves, etc. The control parts of the first control switch 131 and the second control switch 141 are both arranged in the same direction, for example, both are arranged forward, which is convenient for operation and maintenance, and the control part can drive the valve core to move.

[0052] The number of the first switch assemblies 130 is two, and the two first switch assemblies 130 are arranged at intervals along the front-rear direction. The first switch assembly 130 located on the front side and the first switch assembly 130 located on the rear side are arranged in a staggered manner along the up-down direction. Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the height position of the first switch assembly 130 located on the front side is higher than the height position of the first switch assembly 130 located on the rear side. It can be understood that the height difference between the two first switch assemblies 130 on the front and rear sides can be set according to the actual situation, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0053] Moreover, the first switch assembly 130 located on the front side and the first switch assembly 130 located on the rear side are arranged in a staggered manner along the left-right direction. Specifically, relative to the first switch assembly 130 located on the rear side, the first switch assembly 130 located on the front side is offset a certain distance to the right in the left-right direction. It can be understood that the first control switch 131 located on the front side is arranged at the middle position between two adjacent first control switches 131 located on the rear side.

[0054] With such a design, it is urged that the control parts of the first control switch 131 on the front side and the first control switch 131 on the rear side can be arranged in a staggered manner, so that two adjacent first switch assemblies 130 can be arranged more closely along the front-rear direction, reducing the space they occupy in the front-rear direction. Therefore, more first control switches 131 can be arranged on the lower surface of the first ink cartridge 110.

[0055] Corresponding to the first switch assembly 130, the number of the second switch assemblies 140 is also two. The two second switch assemblies 140 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction. The second switch assembly 140 on the front side and the second switch assembly 140 on the back side are staggered in the up-down direction. Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the height position of the second switch assembly 140 on the front side is higher than that of the second switch assembly 140 on the back side. It can be understood that the height difference between the two second switch assemblies 140 on the front and back sides can be set according to the actual situation and will not be specifically limited here.

[0056] Moreover, the second switch assembly 140 on the front side and the second switch assembly 140 on the back side are staggered in the left-right direction. Specifically, relative to the second switch assembly 140 on the back side, the second switch assembly 140 on the front side is offset a certain distance to the left in the left-right direction. It can be understood that the second control switch 141 on the front side is arranged at the middle position between two adjacent second control switches 141 on the back side. In addition, the second switch assembly 140 on the front side is offset to the left, and the first switch assembly 130 on the front side is offset to the right, which can avoid interference between the two.

[0057] With such a design, it is promoted that the control parts of the second control switches 141 on the front side and the control parts of the second control switches 141 on the back side can be staggered, so that two adjacent second switch assemblies 140 can be arranged more closely in the front-back direction, reducing the space they occupy in the front-back direction. Therefore, more second control switches 141 can be arranged on the lower surface of the second ink cartridge 120.

[0058] Of course, in other embodiments, it is not excluded that the number of the first switch assemblies 130 and the second switch assemblies 140 is three each. Taking the first switch assembly 130 as an example, the three first switch assemblies 130 are arranged in the front-back direction. Moreover, the height positions of the three first switch assemblies 130 decrease successively from front to back. At the same time, the first switch assembly 130 on the front side is offset to the right relative to the middle first switch assembly 130, and the first switch assembly 130 on the back side is offset to the right relative to the middle first switch assembly 130.

[0059] For each first switch assembly 130, the number of the first control switches 131 can be selected according to the actual situation. Similarly, for each second switch assembly 140, the number of the second control switches 141 can be selected according to the actual situation. In this embodiment, each first switch assembly 130 includes four first control switches 131, and each second switch assembly 140 includes four second control switches 141.

[0060] By adopting the above-mentioned unique misaligned arrangement for the first switch assembly 130 and the second switch assembly 140, a larger number of first control switches 131 can be arranged on the first ink cartridge 110, and a larger number of second control switches 141 can be arranged on the second ink cartridge 120 to adapt to the number of nozzles 200 in the nozzle array, without the need to additionally increase the number of settings of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 according to the number of nozzles 200, which would cause the volume to become larger and the occupied space to increase.

[0061] The ink buckets are respectively connected to the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120. The volume of the ink buckets is larger than the volume of the first ink cartridge 110 and the volume of the second ink cartridge 120. The function of the ink buckets is to store a large amount of ink and can provide sufficient ink for the first ink cartridge 110.

[0062] Among them, the numbers of all the first control switches 131, all the nozzles 200, and all the second control switches 141 are the same. In this embodiment, the number of nozzles 200 is eight, and the numbers of both the first control switches 131 and the second control switches 141 are eight.

[0063] Moreover, all the first control switches 131, all the nozzles 200, and all the second control switches 141 are in one-to-one correspondence in terms of the connection relationship. At the same time, each first control switch 131, each nozzle 200, and each second control switch 141 are sequentially connected through pipelines, so that the ink in the ink bucket can flow sequentially to the first ink cartridge 110, the first control switch 131, the nozzle 200, the second control switch 141, and the second ink cartridge 120 under the action of the internal negative pressure difference, and then flow back to the ink bucket, thereby forming an ink supply circuit, promoting the ink to be dynamically circulated and distributed at various positions of the ink supply circuit, enabling the nozzle 200 to spray ink smoothly, improving the ink output stability of the nozzle 200, and thus ensuring high-quality inkjet 3D printing.

[0064] It can be understood that in the ink supply system provided in this embodiment, by setting the first ink cartridge 110, the second ink cartridge 120, the first switch assembly 130, the second switch assembly 140, the nozzle 200, and the ink bucket, the dynamic circulation of the ink can be realized to improve the stability of inkjet, thereby improving the quality of inkjet 3D printing.

[0065] Moreover, due to the limited area provided by the lower surfaces of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 for controlling the installation of switches, the number of the first control switch 131 and the second control switch 141 is small and cannot be adapted to the number of the nozzles 200. Then, when the number of the nozzles 200 is fixed, it is necessary to increase the number of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120. However, this will greatly increase the occupied space and significantly raise the cost. Therefore, in this embodiment, an ingenious structural design is adopted. A plurality of first switch assemblies 130 arranged along the first direction are provided on the lower surface of the first ink cartridge 110. Each first switch assembly 130 includes a plurality of first control switches 131 arranged along the second direction. Any two adjacent first switch assemblies 130 are not only arranged in a staggered manner in the up-down direction but also arranged in a staggered manner in the second direction. Similarly, a plurality of second switch assemblies 140 arranged along the first direction are provided on the lower surface of the second ink cartridge 120. Each second switch assembly 140 includes a plurality of second control switches 141 arranged along the second direction. Any two adjacent second switch assemblies 140 are not only arranged in a staggered manner in the up-down direction but also arranged in a staggered manner in the second direction.

[0066] Just by adopting such an ingenious structural design in this embodiment, a plurality of first switch assemblies 130 can be closely arranged, and a plurality of second switch assemblies 140 can be closely arranged, improving the space utilization rate, avoiding interference between any two adjacent first switch assemblies 130 and between any two adjacent second switch assemblies 140 during the installation work, and effectively reducing the space occupied by the plurality of first switch assemblies 130 and the plurality of second switch assemblies 140 in the first direction. Therefore, the number of the first control switch 131 and the second control switch 141 is increased to match the number of the nozzles 200, without the need to additionally increase the first ink cartridge 110, the second ink cartridge 120 and corresponding components such as a negative pressure control unit, a liquid level sensor, etc., thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and the operation cost. At the same time, the structure of the ink supply system is made simpler, and the assembly efficiency is accelerated.

[0067] In this embodiment, each nozzle 200 has an ink inlet hole 210, an ink jet hole and an ink return hole 220. Among them, through the ink inlet hole 210, ink can be fed into the nozzle 200. Through the ink jet hole, a part of the ink can be ejected for printing. Through the ink return hole 220, another part of the ink can be sent back to the second ink cartridge 120 through the nozzle 200, promoting the dynamic circulation flow of the ink.

[0068] Such as Figures 1 to 5As shown, the first ink cartridge 110 is provided with a first inlet 112 and a plurality of first outlets, and the second ink cartridge 120 is provided with a second outlet 122 and a plurality of second inlets 124. Moreover, all the first outlets, all the first control switches 131, and all the ink inlet holes 210 are in one-to-one correspondence and are sequentially connected, and all the ink return holes 220, all the second control switches 141, and all the second inlets 124 are in one-to-one correspondence and are sequentially connected.

[0069] Specifically, the first ink cartridge 110 has a first ink storage chamber 113, and the first ink storage chamber 113 can be a cylindrical cavity capable of storing a certain amount of ink. The bottom surface of the first ink storage chamber 113 is provided with a plurality of first outlets, and the number of the first outlets is the same as the number of the first control switches 131. Moreover, the first outlets and the first control switches 131 are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected. The first control switches 131 are installed on the lower surface of the lower plate 152. One port of the first control switch 131 can be connected to the first outlet, and the other port of the first control switch 131 can be connected to the ink inlet hole 210 of the print head 200 through a pipeline. The first inlet 112 is connected to the first ink storage chamber 113, and the first inlet 112 is connected to an ink bucket through a pipeline, so that the ink in the ink bucket can flow into the first ink cartridge 110 through the first inlet 112.

[0070] The second ink cartridge 120 has a second ink storage chamber 123, and the second ink storage chamber 123 can be a cylindrical cavity that can store a certain amount of ink. The bottom surface of the second ink storage chamber 123 is provided with a plurality of second inlets 124, and the number of the second inlets 124 is the same as the number of the second control switches 141. Moreover, the second inlets 124 and the second control switches 141 are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected. The second control switches 141 are installed on the lower surface of the lower plate 152. One port of the second control switch 141 can be connected to the second inlet 124, and the other port of the second control switch 141 can be connected to the ink return hole 220 of the print head 200 through a pipeline. The second outlet 122 is connected to the second ink storage chamber 123, and the second outlet 122 is connected to an ink bucket through a pipeline, so that the ink in the second ink cartridge 120 can flow into the ink bucket through the second outlet 122.

[0071] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the ink supply system further includes a pressure regulating component. The first ink cartridge 110 is provided with a first air hole 111, and the first air hole 111 is connected to the first ink storage chamber 113. The second ink cartridge 120 is provided with a second air hole 121, and the second air hole 121 is connected to the second ink storage chamber 123. The first air hole 111 and the second air hole 121 are both provided with a pressure regulating component.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first air hole 111 is located at the upper part of the first ink storage chamber 113, the first inlet 112 is located at the lower part of the first ink storage chamber 113, the second air hole 121 is located at the upper part of the second ink storage chamber 123, and the second outlet 122 is located at the lower part of the second ink storage chamber 123.

[0073] It can be understood that for the air pressure regulating component at the first air hole 111, the function of the air pressure regulating component is to regulate the air pressure in the first ink storage chamber 113; for the air pressure regulating component at the second air hole 121, the function of the air pressure regulating component is to regulate the air pressure in the second ink storage chamber 123. The air pressure regulating component can be an air pressure regulating valve.

[0074] With such a design, through the air pressure regulating operation, the internal negative pressure of the first ink cartridge 110 can be made less than the internal negative pressure of the second ink cartridge 120. And the ink liquid level height of the first ink cartridge 110 is higher than the horizontal height of the nozzle 200. Therefore, the ink in the first ink cartridge 110 will actively flow to the nozzle 200, and the second ink cartridge 120 will take away the ink from the nozzle 200. On the other hand, after the ink flows out of the first ink cartridge 110, the ink in the ink barrel will flow into the first ink cartridge 110. After the ink flows into the second ink cartridge 120, the second ink cartridge 120 will return the excess ink to the ink barrel. In this way, the internal negative pressure of the first ink cartridge 110 can be stably lower than the internal negative pressure of the second ink cartridge 120, so as to ensure that the ink can flow stably along the ink supply circuit.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ink supply system further includes a liquid level sensor. Liquid level sensors are provided in both the first ink storage chamber 113 and the second ink storage chamber 123. The liquid level sensor can measure the ink liquid level of the first ink cartridge 110 or the second ink cartridge 120 in real time. When the ink liquid level height data of the first ink cartridge 110 is less than the preset first liquid level height data, ink needs to be supplied to the first ink cartridge 110. When the ink liquid level height data of the second ink cartridge 120 is greater than the preset second liquid level height data, the ink needs to be output from the second ink cartridge 120.

[0076] It can be understood that by controlling the ink liquid level heights of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120, making the ink liquid level height of the first ink cartridge 110 always less than that of the second ink cartridge 120, a certain negative pressure effect is formed through the height difference to promote the ink pressure balance of the nozzle 200.

[0077] In some embodiments, the ink supply system further includes a first pump body and a second pump body. The ink barrel is provided with an ink output port and an ink return port. Among them, the ink output port, the first pump body and the first ink cartridge 110 are connected in sequence, and the second ink cartridge 120, the second pump body and the ink return port are connected in sequence.

[0078] With such a design, when the ink liquid levels of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 are monitored in real time through the liquid level sensor, the ink in the ink barrel can be conveyed to the first ink cartridge 110 by the first pump body, and the ink in the second ink cartridge 120 can be conveyed to the ink barrel by the second pump body, so as to control the ink liquid levels of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120, avoid the ink liquid level being too high or too low. At the same time, the internal negative pressure of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120 can be adjusted.

[0079] Of course, ink filters can be provided at the inlets of the first pump body and the second pump body to filter out impurities in the ink.

[0080] According to the inkjet 3D printing device of the second aspect embodiment of the present invention, it includes the ink supply system of the first aspect embodiment. By adopting the ink supply system with the above structure, the inkjet 3D printing device can reduce the number of settings of the first ink cartridge 110 and the second ink cartridge 120, save the number of settings of components such as liquid level sensors, pump bodies, and air pressure adjustment components, simplify the structure of the inkjet 3D printing device, make the control method simpler, occupy less space, reduce the manufacturing cost and operation cost, and can shorten the assembly time of the inkjet 3D printing device.

[0081] In some embodiments, as Figures 1 to 6 shown, the inkjet 3D printing device further includes a printing carriage. Among them, the first ink cartridge 110, the second ink cartridge 120, and the print head 200 in the ink supply system are arranged on the printing carriage, so that the printing carriage can drive the first ink cartridge 110, the second ink cartridge 120, and the print head 200 to move, enabling the print head 200 to stably eject ink to complete high-quality 3D printing work. And the ink barrel in the ink supply system can be arranged outside the printing carriage, which can reduce the weight borne by the printing carriage, thereby reducing the energy consumption for driving the printing carriage.

[0082] It can be understood that the structure of the inkjet 3D printing device, in addition to the printing carriage, further includes a driving device for driving the printing carriage and other mechanisms. Since the driving device and other mechanisms are the existing structures of the inkjet 3D printing device, no improvements are proposed in this embodiment. Those skilled in the art should understand their specific structures and working principles and will not be elaborated here.

[0083] In this embodiment, as Figure 6As shown, the printing carriage includes a nozzle base plate 400. Ink output holes are provided at the nozzle base plate 400. A plurality of nozzles 200 are arranged above the nozzle base plate 400. The nozzles 200 are fixedly connected to the nozzle base plate 400. The ink jet holes of the nozzles 200 are communicated with the ink output holes of the nozzle base plate 400. Therefore, ink flows from the ink jet holes to the ink output holes to perform ink jet 3D printing. The first control switch 131 has a first pipe interface 132. The first pipe interface 132 is connected to an ink supply pipe 310. The ink supply pipe 310 is connected to the ink inlet hole 210 of the nozzle 200. The second control switch 141 has a second pipe interface 142. The second pipe interface 142 is connected to an ink return pipe 320. The ink return pipe 320 is connected to the ink return hole 220 of the nozzle 200. The inner diameter of the ink supply pipe 310 is larger than the inner diameter of the ink return pipe 320.

[0084] The 3D printer according to the third aspect embodiment of the present utility model includes the ink jet 3D printing device of the second aspect embodiment. The 3D printer adopts the ink jet 3D printing device with the above structure, which can make the overall structure of the 3D printer compact, reduce the weight and volume, and at the same time, reduce the cost.

[0085] It can be understood that the structure of the 3D printer, in addition to the ink jet 3D printing device, also includes other devices such as a feeding device and a discharging device. However, since other devices of the 3D printer belong to the prior art, no structural improvement is proposed in this embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand their specific structures and working principles and will not be described in detail here.

[0086] In the description of this specification, the descriptions with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present utility model have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purposes of the present utility model. The scope of the present utility model is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An ink supply system, characterized in that, Comprising: A first ink cartridge; A second ink cartridge, which is horizontally arranged with respect to the first ink cartridge; A first switch assembly, which has a plurality of components arranged along a first direction, each of the first switch assemblies includes a plurality of first control switches arranged along a second direction, the plurality of first control switches are connected to the lower surface of the first ink cartridge, and any two adjacent first switch assemblies are arranged in a staggered manner along the up-down direction and the second direction respectively; A second switch assembly, which has a plurality of components arranged along a first direction, each of the second switch assemblies includes a plurality of second control switches arranged along a second direction, the plurality of second control switches are connected to the lower surface of the second ink cartridge, and any two adjacent second switch assemblies are arranged in a staggered manner along the up-down direction and the second direction respectively; A plurality of nozzles; An ink bucket, which is respectively connected to the first ink cartridge and the second ink cartridge, all the first control switches, all the nozzles and all the second control switches are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected in sequence, so that the ink in the ink bucket flows to the first ink cartridge, the nozzles and the second ink cartridge in sequence, and then flows back to the ink bucket. The first direction, the second direction and the up-down direction are perpendicular to each other in pairs.

2. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first ink cartridge is provided with a first inlet and a plurality of first outlets, the second ink cartridge is provided with a second outlet and a plurality of second inlets, each nozzle has an ink inlet hole, an ink jet hole and an ink return hole, all the first outlets, all the first control switches and all the ink inlet holes are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected in sequence, and all the ink return holes, all the second control switches and all the second inlets are in one-to-one correspondence and are connected in sequence.

3. The ink supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first ink cartridge has a first ink storage cavity, the bottom surface of the first ink storage cavity is provided with a plurality of the first outlets, the first inlet is communicated with the first ink storage cavity, the second ink cartridge has a second ink storage cavity, the bottom surface of the second ink storage cavity is provided with a plurality of the second inlets, and the second outlet is communicated with the second ink storage cavity.

4. The ink supply system according to claim 3, wherein, It further includes a pressure adjustment assembly; the first ink cartridge is provided with a first air hole, the first air hole is communicated with the first ink storage cavity, the second ink cartridge is provided with a second air hole, the second air hole is communicated with the second ink storage cavity, and the first air hole and the second air hole are both provided with the pressure adjustment assembly.

5. The ink supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that The first air hole is located in the upper part of the first ink storage cavity, the first inlet is located in the lower part of the first ink storage cavity, the second air hole is located in the upper part of the second ink storage cavity, and the second outlet is located in the lower part of the second ink storage cavity.

6. The ink supply system according to claim 4, wherein It further includes a liquid level sensor; the liquid level sensor is provided in both the first ink storage cavity and the second ink storage cavity.

7. The ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, It further includes a first pump body and a second pump body. The ink bucket is provided with an ink output port and an ink return port. The ink output port, the first pump body and the first ink cartridge are connected in sequence, and the second ink cartridge, the second pump body and the ink return port are connected in sequence.

8. An inkjet 3D printing device, characterized in that, Comprising the ink supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The inkjet 3D printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, It further includes a printing carriage; the first ink cartridge, the second ink cartridge and the nozzles are provided on the printing carriage.

10. A 3D printer, characterized in that, Comprising the inkjet 3D printing device according to claim 8 or 9.

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