Ink box

Abstract

The utility model relates to an ink box which is provided with a shell, the shell is provided with an ink storage cavity used for storing ink, the shell is provided with an ink outlet and an air inlet which are communicated with the ink storage cavity, and the ink storage cavity comprises a first sub-ink cavity and a second sub-ink cavity; the first sub-ink cavity is communicated with the second sub-ink cavity; the first sub-ink cavity is closer to the ink outlet than the second sub-ink cavity; the bottom surface of the first sub-ink cavity is lower than that of the second sub-ink cavity; a positioning part is arranged beside the ink outlet, and the air inlet is located in the positioning part.

Description

[0001] This utility model claims priority to the prior Chinese application with the application date of December 13, 2023, the invention name of which is “Ink Cartridge” and the application number is CN2023234119901, and the prior Chinese application with the application date of December 12, 2023, the invention name of which is “Ink Cartridge” and the application number is CN2023233894118. All contents of the prior Chinese applications are cross-referenced in this application. Technical Field

[0002] The utility model relates to the field of inkjet printing, in particular to an ink cartridge for an inkjet printer. Background Art

[0003] Existing inkjet printers supply ink via replaceable ink cartridges. The cartridge's underside or front is equipped with an ink outlet for supplying ink to the printer. The cartridge contains multiple ink chambers, each with its bottom surface coplanar. Factors such as printer tilt or manufacturing defects resulting in an uneven bottom surface of the ink chamber can lead to large amounts of residual ink and reduced ink utilization. Furthermore, to ensure the cartridge can supply ink within the printer, it typically includes an air inlet that connects the ink chamber to the atmosphere. To prevent ink leakage during transport, a thin film is attached to the cartridge to seal the air inlet. Users must manually remove this film before use, which is inconvenient. Utility Model Content

[0004] The utility model aims to provide an ink cartridge capable of reducing the amount of residual ink.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the ink cartridge of the present invention comprises a housing, the housing being provided with an ink storage chamber for storing ink, and the housing being provided with an ink outlet and an air inlet, each of which is in communication with the ink storage chamber. The ink storage chamber comprises a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber; the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber are in communication; the first sub-chamber is closer to the ink outlet than the second sub-chamber; the bottom surface of the first sub-chamber is lower than the bottom surface of the second sub-chamber; a positioning portion is provided adjacent to the ink outlet, and the air inlet is located within the positioning portion.

[0006] It can be seen from this that the ink in the second sub-ink chamber is consumed earlier than that in the first sub-ink chamber, and it is not easy to leave residual ink.

[0007] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber is an inclined surface, and the first connecting hole connecting the first sub-ink chamber and the second sub-ink chamber is connected to the lowest point of the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0008] Furthermore, a first countersunk hole is provided at the lowest point of the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber, and the first communicating hole is connected to the first countersunk hole, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0009] Furthermore, the first communicating hole is higher than the bottom surface of the first sub-ink chamber, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0010] Furthermore, the ink storage chamber includes a third sub-chamber, and the third sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber, and the first sub-chamber are sequentially connected. The ink in the third sub-chamber, the second sub-chamber, and the first sub-chamber is consumed in sequence. This helps reduce the risk of bubbles forming in the ink chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the third sub-ink chamber is an inclined surface, and the second connecting hole connecting the second sub-ink chamber and the third sub-ink chamber is connected to the lowest point of the bottom surface of the third sub-ink chamber, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0012] Furthermore, two countersunk holes are provided at the lowest point of the bottom surface of the third sub-ink chamber, and the second connecting hole is connected to the second countersunk hole, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0013] Furthermore, the second communicating hole is higher than the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0014] Furthermore, the housing is provided with an isolation chamber, which is connected to the air inlet via a first vent hole and to the bottom of the ink reservoir, away from the ink outlet, in the direction of ink flow, via a second vent hole. A porous filter material is filled between the first and second vent holes within the isolation chamber, with the porous filter material covering at least one of the first and second vent holes. This helps increase the amount of ink stored in the porous filter material and improves the negative pressure within the ink chamber during printing.

[0015] Furthermore, a leak-proof chamber is provided between the first vent and the air inlet. A partition extending upward from the bottom of the chamber is located within the chamber, leaving a gap between the partition and the top of the chamber. The partition divides the chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The air inlet is located at the bottom of the inlet chamber, and the first vent is located at the bottom of the outlet chamber. Even if ink overflows into the leak-proof chamber, it must first fill the outlet chamber before overflowing into the inlet chamber, and then from the inlet chamber to the air inlet. This further improves the ink's leak-proof performance.

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is another three-dimensional view of the ink cartridge of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 AA cross-sectional view.

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 BB cross-sectional view.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the ink cartridge of the present invention with the cover and the porous material omitted.

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 CC cross-sectional view.

[0023] Figure 7 for Figure 5 DD cross-sectional view.

[0024] Figure 8 for Figure 5 EE cross-sectional view.

[0025] Figure 9 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ink cartridge of the embodiment;

[0026] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure and assembly of the reflective element in Example 2;

[0027] Figure 11a and 11b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the ink storage chamber is full of ink in Example 2 is shown;

[0028] Figure 12a and 12b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the remaining ink level in Example 2 is lower than a preset value is shown;

[0029] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the structure and assembly of the reflective element in Example 3;

[0030] Figure 14a and 14b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the ink storage chamber is full of ink in Example 3 is shown;

[0031] Figure 15a and 15b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the remaining ink level in Example 3 is lower than a preset value is shown;

[0032] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the structure and assembly of the reflective element in Example 4;

[0033] Figure 17a and 17b The figure shows the state of the reflective element and the floating member when the ink storage chamber is full of ink in Example 4;

[0034] Figure 18a and 18bThe state of the reflective element and the floating member when the remaining ink level in Example 4 is lower than a preset value is shown;

[0035] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure and assembly of the reflective element in Example 5;

[0036] Figure 20a and 20b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the ink storage chamber is full of ink in Example 5 is shown;

[0037] Figure 21a and 21b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the remaining ink level in Example 5 is lower than a preset value is shown;

[0038] Figure 22a and 22b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the ink storage chamber is full of ink in Example 6 is shown;

[0039] Figure 23a and 23b The state of the reflective element and the floating member when the remaining ink level in Example 6 is lower than a preset value is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In the following description, many specific details are explained in combination with the embodiments to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the following embodiments and detailed descriptions are only for illustrative purposes and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] In this embodiment, the ink cartridge has an up-down direction, a front-to-back direction, and a left-to-right direction that are parallel to the direction of gravity, and the up-down direction, the front-to-back direction, and the left-to-right direction intersect with each other. Preferably, the up-down direction, the front-to-back direction, and the left-to-right direction are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0043] like Figure 1 and 8As shown, the ink cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, which is provided with an ink storage chamber 100 for storing ink. The housing 10 also includes an ink outlet 101 and an air inlet 102, each of which is in communication with the ink storage chamber 100. The ink storage chamber 100 includes a first sub-chamber 110 and a second sub-chamber 120. The first sub-chamber 110 and the second sub-chamber 120 are in communication with each other. The first sub-chamber 110 is closer to the ink outlet 101 than the second sub-chamber 120. The bottom surface 111 of the first sub-chamber 110 is lower than the bottom surface 121 of the second sub-chamber 120. In other words, in the vertical direction, the bottom surface of the first sub-chamber 110 is closer to the ink outlet 101 than the bottom surface of the second sub-chamber 120. Among them, in the front-to-back direction, the ink outlet 101 is located on the front side of the shell 10; in the left-to-right direction, the ink outlet 101 is located on the right side of the shell 10; preferably, the first sub-ink chamber 110 and the second sub-ink chamber 120 are arranged along the left-to-right direction, and the first sub-ink chamber 110 is located on the right side of the second sub-ink chamber 120.

[0044] It can be seen from this that the ink in the second sub-ink chamber 120 is consumed earlier than that in the first sub-ink chamber 110 , and it is not easy to leave any ink.

[0045] Preferably, the bottom surface 121 of the second ink sub-chamber 120 is an inclined surface, and the first connecting hole 11 connecting the first ink sub-chamber 110 and the second ink sub-chamber 120 is connected to the lowest point of the bottom surface 121 of the second ink sub-chamber 120. This is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0046] Preferably, the bottom surface 111 is a plane. Preferably, the bottom surface 121 is a plane.

[0047] Preferably, Figure 7 The lowest part of the bottom surface 121 of the second ink sub-chamber 120 is provided with a first countersunk hole 1211, and the first communicating hole 11 is connected to the first countersunk hole 1211. This is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0048] Preferably, the first connecting hole 11 is higher than the bottom surface 111 of the first sub-ink chamber 110, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0049] Preferably, the ink storage chamber 100 further includes a third sub-chamber 130. The third sub-chamber 130, the second sub-chamber 120, and the first sub-chamber 110 are sequentially connected. The ink in the third sub-chamber 130, the second sub-chamber 120, and the first sub-chamber 110 is consumed sequentially. More preferably, in the left-right direction, the third sub-chamber 130 is disposed on the left side of the housing 10, or in other words, to the left of the first sub-chamber 110; in the front-to-back direction, the third sub-chamber 130 is located in front of the first sub-chamber 110 and / or the second sub-chamber 120.

[0050] With this arrangement, when the ink in the second sub-ink chamber 120 and the third sub-ink chamber 130 is not completely consumed, it is difficult for air to enter the first sub-ink chamber, thereby helping to reduce the risk of bubble formation in the ink chamber.

[0051] Preferably, the bottom surface 131 of the third sub-ink chamber 130 is an inclined surface, and the second connecting hole 12 connecting the second sub-ink chamber 120 and the third sub-ink chamber 130 is connected to the lowest point of the bottom surface 131 of the third sub-ink chamber 130. This is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0052] Preferably, a second countersunk hole 1311 is provided at the lowest point of the bottom surface 131 of the third sub-ink chamber 130, and the second communicating hole 12 is connected to the second countersunk hole 1311, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0053] Preferably, the second connecting hole 12 is higher than the bottom surface 121 of the second sub-ink chamber 120, which is beneficial to further reduce the ink residual rate.

[0054] Preferably, an isolation chamber 140 is provided on the shell 100, and the isolation chamber 140 is connected to the air inlet 102 through the first air vent 141, and the isolation chamber 140 is connected to the bottom of the third sub-ink chamber 130 through the second air vent 142; in the isolation chamber 140, a porous filter material 143 is filled between the first air vent 141 and the second air vent 142.

[0055] Preferably, the porous filter material 143 covers at least one of the first vent 141 and the second vent 142. More preferably, the first vent 141 is lower than the second vent 142, which helps to increase the ink storage capacity in the porous filter material 143 and increase the working negative pressure in the ink chamber during printing.

[0056] Preferably, the porous filter material 143 is sponge, felt, fiber cotton or melt-blown cloth.

[0057] Preferably, the porous filter material 143 covers the first vent hole 141 and the second vent hole 142 respectively, so as to further improve the ink leakage prevention performance.

[0058] Optionally, the porous filter material 143 may also be disposed in the ink storage chamber 100 , such as in any one of the first sub-ink chamber 110 , the second sub-ink chamber 120 and the third sub-ink chamber, as long as the porous filter material 143 can cover the second vent hole 142 .

[0059] Preferably, a leak-proof cavity 150 is provided between the first vent 141 and the air inlet 102. A partition 151 extending upward from the bottom of the leak-proof cavity 150 is provided within the leak-proof cavity 150, with a gap 152 remaining between the partition 151 and the top of the leak-proof cavity 150. The partition 151 divides the leak-proof cavity 150 into an inlet cavity 153 and an outlet cavity 154. The air inlet 102 is located at the bottom of the inlet cavity 153, and the first vent 141 is located at the bottom of the outlet cavity 154. Even if ink overflows into the leak-proof cavity 150, it must first fill the outlet cavity 154 before overflowing into the inlet cavity 153 and then from the inlet cavity 153 to the air inlet 102. This further improves the ink's leak-proof performance.

[0060] Preferably, a prism 112 for detecting the remaining amount of ink is provided at the bottom of the first sub-ink chamber 110 .

[0061] A cylindrical positioning portion 103 is located next to the ink outlet 101, and the air inlet 102 is located within the positioning portion 103. The ink outlet 101 is sealed by a flexible plug 104. The ink outlet 101 and the air inlet 102 are connected by a groove 105. Ink overflowing from the air inlet 102 can flow back into the ink outlet 101, reducing the risk of ink leakage.

[0062] Preferably, a boss 113 is provided on the bottom surface 111, and a through hole 114 is provided on the boss, and the prism 112 extends from bottom to top through the through hole 114 into the first sub-ink chamber 110. Preferably, the prism 112 is fixed to the housing 100 by welding or bonding.

[0063] Preferably, the first communication hole 11 is located above the boss 113. This helps to reduce the amount of ink residue.

[0064] Preferably, the first sub-ink chamber 110 is connected to the ink outlet chamber 116 through a via 115, and the ink outlet 101 is located at the bottom of the ink outlet chamber 116. A groove 117 connected to the ink outlet 101 is provided at the bottom of the ink outlet chamber 116 to guide ink into the ink outlet 101. A retaining portion 118 extending in the height direction is provided at the bottom of the ink outlet chamber 116. The retaining portion 118 has a notch 119 corresponding to the groove 117, so that a liquid column of a predetermined height exists above the ink outlet 101. Therefore, the retaining portion 118 can reduce the sloshing of ink above the ink outlet 101 and inhibit the formation of bubbles.

[0065] When the ink cartridge 1 is not in use, the first, second, and third sub-chambers 110, 120, and 130 are all filled with ink. A printer's ink needle, inserted through the flexible plug 104 and into the ink outlet 101, extracts ink from the ink cartridge 1. Because the isolation chamber 140 is filled with porous filter material 143, a stable negative pressure forms within the ink storage chamber 100. Atmospheric air flows through the air inlet 102, the inlet chamber 153, the outlet chamber 154, and the isolation chamber 140, entering the third sub-chamber 130. Once air enters the third sub-chamber 130, it automatically rises. Ink in the third sub-chamber 130 flows through the second connecting hole 12 into the second sub-chamber 120. Ink in the second sub-chamber 120 flows through the first connecting hole 11 into the first sub-chamber 110. Ink in the first sub-chamber 110 flows through hole 115 into the ink outlet chamber 116 before being discharged from the ink outlet 101.

[0066] Obviously, the third sub-ink chamber 130, the second connecting hole 12 and the second countersunk hole 1311 are not necessary, and the isolation chamber 140 can be directly connected to the second sub-ink chamber 120, that is, the isolation chamber 140 is connected to the bottom of the ink storage chamber 100 away from the ink outlet 101 in the direction of ink flow through the second vent hole 142.

[0067] Embodiments 2-6 of the present invention also disclose another ink cartridge different from embodiment 1. The ink cartridge is detachably mounted to the mounting portion of an inkjet printer and is used to provide ink for printing to the inkjet printer. The inkjet printer adapted for the ink cartridge uses an optical detection mechanism to detect the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge. The optical detection mechanism includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The ink cartridge is provided with a light-transmitting structure including a prism. The light-transmitting structure on the ink cartridge is linked to the remaining ink level and transmits light of different light fluxes under different ink remaining states. Therefore, the inkjet printer determines whether the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge is below a preset value by detecting whether the light flux of the light receiving unit is above a threshold value. When the ink volume in the ink cartridge is below the preset value, the detection light emitted by the light emitting unit can transmit the light flux above the threshold value to the light receiving unit through the light-transmitting structure. Conversely, the detection light emitted by the light emitting unit cannot transmit the light flux above the threshold value to the light receiving unit through the light-transmitting structure, thereby enabling the inkjet printer to identify whether the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge is above or below the preset value.

[0068] like Figure 9 As shown, the ink cartridges disclosed in Examples 2-6 include a cartridge body 1, an ink storage chamber disposed therein, and an ink outlet 2 disposed on the front side of the cartridge body 1, communicating with the ink storage chamber. Specifically, the cartridge body 1 can be formed by a side cover 12 and a housing 11 connected to each other. The ink storage chamber can be disposed within the housing 11, and the opening of the ink storage chamber facing the side cover 12 can be sealed by a sealing membrane or the side cover 12. The cartridge body 1 can also employ other structural forms to form the ink storage chamber, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0069] A prism 3 (reflecting part) is provided on the upper part of the box body 1. Figure 11b As shown, the prism 3 has a first surface 31 and a second surface 32. The first surface 31 and the second surface 32 can be arranged parallel to the front-to-back direction. The first surface 31 is used to reflect detection light emitted from the light emitting unit (not shown) of the inkjet printer, and the second surface 32 is used to reflect the detection light to the light receiving unit (not shown) of the inkjet printer. The inkjet printer determines whether the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge is below a preset value by detecting whether the light flux of the light receiving unit is above a threshold.

[0070] An angle is defined between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32. The angle can be adjusted as needed. Preferably, the angle between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 is greater than 90°, specifically, greater than 90° and less than 120°, and more specifically, greater than 90° and less than 100°. Furthermore, when the reflective element described below has two reflective surfaces, the angle between the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 can also be 90°.

[0071] Furthermore, the ink cartridge disclosed in Examples 2-6 also includes a reflective element having one or more reflective surfaces, and the reflective element and the prism 3 (reflective portion) are arranged relative to each other, for example, in the up and down directions. The reflective element is configured so that when the remaining ink level in the ink storage chamber is higher than a preset value, the detection light incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle, and when the remaining ink level in the ink storage chamber is lower than a preset value, the detection light incident from the first surface 31 can be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle. Preferably, the detection light reflected from the second surface 32 is emitted horizontally to the light receiving portion. Optionally, the detection light reflected from the second surface 32 is emitted to the light receiving portion at an angle with the horizontal plane.

[0072] The box body 1 may be made entirely of a light-transmitting material that can transmit the detection light, or a portion of the box body 1 located on the light transmission path between the reflective element and the prism 3 may be made of a light-transmitting material.

[0073] The structure of the reflective element and the ink level detection principle are described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] like Figure 10 and 11aAs shown, in Example 2, a reflective element 4 and a floating member 5 are provided within the ink storage chamber 13 of the cartridge body 1. The reflective element 4 and the floating member 5 can be located at the bottom of the ink storage chamber 13. Preferably, the reflective element 4 and the floating member 5 are connected by a connecting shaft 51, which can extend in the front-to-back direction. The reflective element 4 has a reflective surface, which can be flat or curved, with a flat surface being preferred. Preferably, the reflective surface can be formed by applying a reflective film (such as aluminum foil or other film capable of specular reflection) to the corresponding surface of the reflective element 4.

[0076] The center of gravity of the floating member 5 is eccentrically positioned relative to the reflective element 4. In this embodiment, the center of gravity of the floating member 5 is eccentrically positioned relative to the connecting shaft 51. When the height of the floating member 5 changes in the vertical direction, the reflective element 4 can rotate about the connecting shaft 51. The floating member 5 can be made of a material with a density lower than that of the ink, or a cavity can be formed within the floating member 5 so that the buoyancy of the ink on the floating member 5 is greater than the weight of the floating member 5 itself.

[0077] Furthermore, a support portion 14 is provided within the ink reservoir 13 for movably mounting the reflective element 4. The support portion 14 may be a supporting rib. In this embodiment, the support portion 14 is provided with a support slot / hole 141. The connecting shaft 51 is movably disposed within the support slot / hole 141 and supported by the support portion 14.

[0078] The rotation range and / or path of the reflective element 4 can be limited by a rotation limiting mechanism. In Example 2, the reflective element 4 is provided with a guide shaft 41 that can extend in the front-to-back direction. The support portion 14 is provided with an arcuate guide groove 142, the center of which coincides with the rotation axis of the connecting shaft 51. The guide shaft 42 is disposed within the guide groove 142, forming a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation range and / or path of the reflective element 4.

[0079] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion 42 is provided at the end of the guide shaft 41. The limiting protrusion 42 and the reflective element 4 are respectively arranged on both sides of the support part 14 in the front-to-back direction, and abut against the support part 14 to limit the position of the reflective element 4 in the front-to-back direction.

[0080] When the ink level is higher than the preset value, such as Figure 11a and 11b In the full ink state shown, the buoyancy of the ink on the floating member 5 is sufficient to ensure that the reflective element 4 is always in a state where the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle by the reflective element 4, and the light receiving part of the inkjet printer cannot receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, thereby identifying that the remaining ink level is higher than the preset value.

[0081] It should be noted that as the ink is consumed to a value close to the preset value, although the height of the floating member 5 gradually decreases and the reflective element 4 also rotates accordingly, the reflective element 4 is still in a state where the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle. In other words, the luminous flux received by the prism 3 (reflective part) from the reflective element 4 and reflected to the light detection part is lower than the threshold of the inkjet printer, and then the inkjet printer determines that the ink remaining level of the ink cartridge is higher than the preset value and will not issue a low ink level prompt.

[0082] like Figure 12a and 12b As shown, when the ink level falls below a preset value, the reflective element 4 rotates about the connecting shaft 51 as the floating member 5 descends, until the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 is reflected back to the second surface 32 by the reflective element 4 at a predetermined angle. At this point, the inkjet printer's light receiving unit can receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, thereby accurately identifying that the remaining ink level is below the preset value. Preferably, when the ink level falls below the preset value, the guide shaft 42 abuts the lower end of the guide slot 142, thereby maintaining the reflective state of the reflective element 4.

[0083] Example 3

[0084] Example 3 is a modification of Example 2. Specifically, in Example 3, the reflective element 4 includes a first reflective portion 4a and a second reflective portion 4b. One of the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b is fixed relative to the housing 1, and the other of the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b is connected to the floating member 5 via a connecting shaft 51. In one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG14 , the first reflective portion 4a can be connected to the floating member 5 via a connecting shaft 51, while the second reflective portion 4b is fixed relative to the housing 1.

[0085] The rotation range and path of the first reflecting portion 4a can be limited by a rotation limiting mechanism. For details, please refer to the description of Example 2.

[0086] When the ink level is higher than the preset value, such as Figure 14a and 14b In the full ink state shown, the buoyancy of the ink on the floating member 5 is sufficient to ensure that the reflective element 4 is always in a state where the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle, and the light receiving part of the inkjet printer cannot receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, thereby identifying that the remaining ink level is higher than the preset value.

[0087] Specifically, the reflective element 4 makes it impossible for the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 to be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle, including the following situations: 1) the first reflective portion 4a cannot reflect the detection light L to the second reflective portion 4b; 2) the first reflective portion 4a can reflect the detection light L to the second reflective portion 4b, but the detection light reflected to the second reflective portion 4b cannot be reflected by the second reflective portion 4b to the second surface 32 of the prism 3; 3) the detection light can be reflected by the second reflective portion 4b to the second surface 32 of the prism 3, but the detection light reflected by the second surface 32 cannot be received by the light receiving portion, or in other words, the luminous flux of the detection light reflected by the second surface 32 is lower than the threshold of the light receiving portion.

[0088] As the ink is consumed to a value close to the preset value, although the height of the floating member 5 gradually decreases and the first reflecting part 4a also rotates accordingly, the angle between the first reflecting part 4a and the second reflecting part 4b is still too large, so that the reflecting element 4 is still in a state where the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle.

[0089] like Figure 15a and 15b As shown, when the ink level falls below a preset value, the first reflective portion 4a rotates upward about the connecting shaft 51 as the height of the floating member 5 decreases, forming a suitable angle with the second reflective portion 4b. This allows the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 to be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle by the first and second reflective portions 4a, 4b. The inkjet printer's light receiving unit then receives the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, thereby identifying that the remaining ink level is below the preset value. Preferably, when the ink level falls below the preset value, the guide shaft 42 abuts the upper end of the guide slot 142 and maintains its position, maintaining a suitable angle between the first and second reflective portions 4a, 4b.

[0090] As a variation of Example 3, the first reflecting part 4a and the second reflecting part 4b can be fixedly connected, that is, the angle between the first reflecting part 4a and the second reflecting part 4b remains unchanged, and the reflecting element 4 can be connected to the floating part 5 as a whole and rotatably arranged relative to the box body 1.

[0091] Example 4

[0092] like Figure 16 As shown, in Example 4, the reflective element 4 is disposed outside the ink storage chamber 13, for example, within a detection chamber 15 located above the ink storage chamber 13. The detection chamber 15 can be open or closed. The reflective element 4 is rotatable relative to the cartridge body 1; preferably, the rotation axis of the reflective element 4 is parallel to the front-to-back direction. The center of gravity of the reflective element 4 is eccentric relative to its rotation axis, meaning that the reflective element 4 can rotate under its own weight.

[0093] The rotation range and / or path of the reflective element 4 can be limited by a rotation limiting mechanism. In one embodiment, the rotation limiting mechanism includes a limiting portion 151 disposed within the detection cavity 15. The limiting portion 151 includes a first limiting portion 1511 and a second limiting portion 1512. The first limiting portion 1511 and the second limiting portion 1512 can abut against the reflective element 4 to limit the rotation range and angle of the reflective element 4.

[0094] A floating member 5 is disposed within the ink reservoir 13. The floating member 5 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis 52, which can be positioned parallel to the left and right directions. The center of gravity of the floating member 5 is eccentric relative to the rotation axis 52. As the ink is consumed, the buoyancy of the floating member 5 decreases, allowing the floating member 5 to rotate about the rotation axis 52 under the action of gravity.

[0095] A magnetic force transmission mechanism is provided between the reflective element 4 and the floating member 5, so that the floating member 5 can change the reflection state / path of the detection light of the reflective element 4. In Example 4, the magnetic force transmission mechanism includes a first magnet 43 provided on the reflective element 4 and a second magnet 53 provided on the floating member 5, and a magnetic repulsive force is generated between the first magnet 43 and the second magnet 53. Preferably, the first magnet 43 is eccentrically disposed relative to the rotation axis of the reflective element 4. The center of gravity of the reflective element 4 and the first magnet 43 can be located on the same side of the rotation axis of the reflective element 4.

[0096] When the ink level is higher than the preset value, such as Figure 17a and 17b In the full ink state shown, the floating member 5 is located at a position where the second magnet 53 is close to the first magnet 43 due to the buoyancy of the ink, and the reflective element 4 abuts against the first limit portion 1511 under the action of the magnetic repulsion. The detection light L incident from the first surface 31 of the prism 3 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle, and the light receiving part of the inkjet printer cannot receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, thereby identifying that the remaining ink level is higher than the preset value.

[0097] As the ink is consumed to a value close to the preset value, the buoyancy of the floating member 5 decreases and it rotates under the action of gravity. The second magnet 53 gradually moves away from the first magnet 43. The magnetic repulsion of the reflective element 4 decreases and it can gradually rotate in the direction away from the first limit portion 1511 under the action of gravity. However, during this process, the reflective element 4 is still in a state where the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle.

[0098] like Figure 18a and 18bAs shown, when the ink level is lower than the preset value, the reflective element 4 rotates to a position abutting the second limit portion 1512 and maintains the position unchanged. The detection light L incident from the first surface 31 can be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle after being reflected by the reflective element 4. The light receiving part of the inkjet printer can receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, and then identify that the remaining ink level is lower than the preset value.

[0099] Example 5

[0100] Example 5 is a change made on the basis of Example 4. In Example 5, Figure 19 As shown, the reflective element 4 disposed within the detection chamber 15 includes a first reflective portion 4a and a second reflective portion 4b with a variable angle. The box body 1 is provided with an angle limiting mechanism for limiting the angle between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b. In a specific embodiment, the angle limiting mechanism includes a first abutting portion 153a and a second abutting portion 153b. The first abutting portion 153a abuts the side of the first reflective portion 4a facing away from the reflective surface, and the second abutting portion 153a abuts the side of the second reflective portion 4b facing away from the reflective surface. The first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b can maintain an abutting state with the first abutting portion 153a and the second abutting portion 153b under the action of their own weight. As an alternative, a torsion spring can also be provided on the reflective element 4, with its two ends respectively connected to the first abutting portion 153a and the second abutting portion 153b, so that they maintain abutment with the first abutting portion 153a and the second abutting portion 153b, respectively.

[0101] The reflective element 4 as a whole can move vertically, and the angle between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b changes accordingly during this movement. The housing 1 is provided with a guide structure for guiding the reflective element 4 downward. This guide structure can be a guide groove 152 extending in the vertical direction, along which the reflective element 4 moves up and down. In one embodiment, the reflective element 4 can be provided with a lifting shaft 44, the distal end of which slidably engages with the guide groove 152. The first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b are both rotatably connected to the lifting shaft 44, thereby enabling a variable angle between them.

[0102] A magnetic force transmission mechanism is provided between the reflective element 4 and the floating member 5, enabling the floating member 5 to change the reflection state / path of the detection light from the reflective element 4. In Example 5, the magnetic force transmission mechanism between the reflective element 4 and the floating member 5 is a magnetic repulsive force transmission mechanism, comprising a first magnet 43 disposed on the reflective element 4 and a second magnet 53 disposed on the floating member 5. The first magnet 43 and the second magnet 53 generate a magnetic repulsive force, causing the reflective element 4 to move upward, thereby increasing the angle between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b. The first magnet 43 can be disposed at the bottom of the reflective element 4 and fixed to the first reflective portion 4a, the second reflective portion 4b, or the lifting shaft 44.

[0103] When the ink level is higher than the preset value, e.g. Figure 20a and 20b In the full ink state shown, the floating member 5 is in a position where the second magnet 53 is away from the first magnet 43 due to the buoyancy of the ink. The second magnet 53 cannot exert an upward magnetic repulsion on the reflective element 4 or the exerted magnetic repulsion is insufficient to overcome the gravity and friction force on the reflective element 4; the reflective element 4 is in the lowest position under the action of gravity, abutting against the bottom wall of the detection chamber 15 or other parts of the box body 1. The angle between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b is relatively small. The detection light L incident from the first surface 31 of the prism 3 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle. The light receiving portion of the inkjet printer cannot receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, thereby identifying that the remaining ink level is higher than the preset value.

[0104] As the ink is consumed to a value close to the preset value, the floating member 5 rotates under the action of gravity, causing the second magnet 53 to gradually approach the first magnet 43. The magnetic repulsive force on the reflective element 4 increases and the reflective element 4 can gradually move upward. During this process, the angle between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b gradually increases, but the reflective element 4 is still in a state where the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle.

[0105] like Figure 21a and 21b As shown, when the ink is lower than the preset value, the reflective element 4 rises to the maximum position under the action of the magnetic repulsion. At this time, an appropriate angle is formed between the first reflective part 4a and the second reflective part 4b. The detection light L incident from the first surface 31 can be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle after being reflected by the first reflective part 4a and the second reflective part 4b. The light receiving part of the inkjet printer can receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, and then identify that the remaining ink level is lower than the preset value.

[0106] Preferably, when the ink is lower than a preset value, the reflective element 4 rises to the lifting shaft 44 and abuts against the upper end of the guide groove 152 or other parts of the box body to keep the height of the reflective element 4 unchanged, and the angle between the first reflective part 4a and the second reflective part 4b can be stably maintained accordingly.

[0107] Example 6

[0108] Example 6 is a variation of Example 5. In Example 6, a magnetic attraction is generated between the first magnet 43 on the reflective element 4 and the second magnet 53 on the floating member 5, allowing the reflective element 4 to move downward under the action of the magnetic attraction. As a variation of Example 6, either the first magnet 44 or the second magnet 53 can be replaced by a metal block that can be attracted by magnets.

[0109] The reflective element 4 can be maintained in its initial, higher position by the friction of the angle limiting mechanism and the guide mechanism. In this initial position, a large angle is formed between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b, so that the detection light L incident on the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle. Preferably, an elastic support member 154 is further provided below the reflective element 4. The elastic support member 154 can provide an upward elastic force to maintain the reflective element 4 in the initial position, thereby improving detection accuracy.

[0110] When the ink level is higher than the preset value, e.g. Figure 22a and 22b In the full ink state shown, the floating member 5 is in a position where the second magnet 53 is away from the first magnet 43 due to the buoyancy of the ink. The second magnet 53 cannot exert a downward magnetic attraction on the reflective element 4 or the exerted magnetic attraction is insufficient to move the reflective element 4 downward to a predetermined position. At this time, the angle between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b is relatively large, and the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 of the prism 3 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle. The light receiving portion of the inkjet printer cannot receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, thereby identifying that the remaining ink level is higher than the preset value.

[0111] As the ink is consumed to a value close to the preset value, the floating member 5 rotates under the action of gravity, causing the second magnet 53 to gradually approach the first magnet 43. The magnetic attraction force on the reflective element 4 increases and it can gradually move downward. During this process, the angle between the first reflective part 4a and the second reflective part 4b gradually decreases, but the reflective element 4 is still in a state where the detection light L incident from the first surface 31 cannot be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle.

[0112] like Figure 23a and 23bAs shown, when the ink is lower than the preset value, the reflective element 4 is subjected to a magnetic attraction force sufficient to cause it to drop to a predetermined lowest position and maintain the position unchanged. At this time, a proper angle is formed between the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b. The detection light L incident from the first surface 31 can be reflected back to the second surface 32 at a predetermined angle after being reflected by the first reflective portion 4a and the second reflective portion 4b. The light receiving portion of the inkjet printer can receive the detection light L reflected from the second surface 32, and then identify that the remaining ink level is lower than the preset value.

[0113] As a variation of Example 5 and Example 6, one of the first reflecting portion 4a and the second reflecting portion 4b can be fixed, and the other can rotate as the reflecting element 4 rises and falls, so that the angle between the first reflecting portion 4a and the second reflecting portion 4b can be variable.

[0114] In Examples 4-6, the reflective element 4 is disposed outside the ink storage chamber 13, so that no ink remains on the reflective surface and ink detection is accurate.

[0115] It should be noted that, unless there are any contradictions or exclusions, the different embodiments disclosed above can be quoted, referenced or combined with each other, and the technical features / components of different embodiments can also be combined and / or replaced with each other.

[0116] Although the present invention has been described above through embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to exemplarily describe the feasible implementation plans of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. That is, any replacement or change made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present invention should also be covered by the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge comprising a housing, the housing being provided with an ink storage chamber for storing ink, the housing being provided with an ink outlet and an air inlet respectively connected to the ink storage chamber, wherein: The ink storage chamber includes a first sub-ink chamber and a second sub-ink chamber; The first ink sub-chamber and the second ink sub-chamber are connected; The first sub-ink chamber is closer to the ink outlet than the second sub-ink chamber; The bottom surface of the first sub-ink chamber is lower than the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber; A positioning portion is provided beside the ink outlet, and the air inlet is located inside the positioning portion.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber is an inclined surface, and the first communicating hole communicating with the first sub-ink chamber and the second sub-ink chamber is communicated with the lowest point of the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: A first countersunk hole is provided at the lowest point of the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber, and the first communicating hole is communicated with the first countersunk hole.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The first communicating hole is higher than the bottom surface of the first sub-ink chamber.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The ink storage chamber further includes a third sub-ink chamber, and the third sub-ink chamber, the second sub-ink chamber and the first sub-ink chamber are connected in sequence.

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: The bottom surface of the third sub-ink chamber is an inclined surface, and the second communicating hole communicating with the second sub-ink chamber and the third sub-ink chamber is connected to the lowest point of the bottom surface of the third sub-ink chamber.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: A second countersunk hole is provided at the lowest point of the bottom surface of the third sub-ink chamber, and the second communicating hole is communicated with the second countersunk hole.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The second communicating hole is higher than the bottom surface of the second sub-ink chamber.

9. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: An isolation cavity is provided on the housing, the isolation cavity is communicated with the air inlet through a first vent hole, and the isolation cavity is communicated with the bottom of the ink storage cavity away from the ink outlet in the direction of ink flow through a second vent hole; In the isolation cavity, a porous filter material is filled between the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole, and the porous filter material at least covers at least one of the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole.

10. The ink cartridge according to claim 9, wherein: A leak-proof cavity is provided between the first vent hole and the air inlet, and a partition extending upward from the bottom is provided in the leak-proof cavity, with a gap being left between the partition and the top of the leak-proof cavity; The partition divides the leak-proof cavity into an inlet cavity and an outlet cavity. The air inlet is located at the bottom of the inlet cavity, and the first vent hole is located at the bottom of the outlet cavity.

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