Ink supply circulating system and printing equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ink supply circulation system and printing equipment, the ink supply circulation system comprises a primary ink box, a secondary ink box, an ink supply peristaltic pump, a circulation peristaltic pump and a nozzle, the ink supply peristaltic pump is connected with the primary ink box through a pipeline, the secondary ink box is connected with the ink supply peristaltic pump through a pipeline, and the nozzle is connected with the secondary ink box through a pipeline. The circulating peristaltic pump is in pipeline connection with the nozzle, and the primary ink box is in pipeline connection with the circulating peristaltic pump. According to the utility model, through cooperation among the first-stage ink box, the second-stage ink box, the ink supply peristaltic pump and the circulating peristaltic pump, a one-way valve is not needed, and compared with an existing ink supply circulating system, the ink supply circulating system has the advantages that the structure is simple, the failure rate and the cost are reduced, and the functions of the existing complex ink supply circulating system can still be maintained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of digital inkjet printing, in particular to an ink supply circulation system and printing equipment. Background Art

[0002] A digital inkjet printer is a printing device that uses inkjet technology to print images on paper or other media using digital files. During the inkjet printing process, ink needs to circulate around the printhead to keep it in optimal working condition.

[0003] The existing ink supply circulation system requires a large number of one-way valves and at least three levels of ink cartridges, which undoubtedly makes the system too complicated, resulting in excessively high system failure rates and costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide an ink supply circulation system and a printing device, aiming to solve the problems of high failure rate and high cost of the existing ink supply circulation system.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] On the one hand, the utility model provides an ink supply circulation system, including a primary ink cartridge, a secondary ink cartridge, an ink supply peristaltic pump, a circulating peristaltic pump and a nozzle, the ink supply peristaltic pump is connected to the primary ink cartridge pipeline, the secondary ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply peristaltic pump pipeline, the nozzle is connected to the secondary ink cartridge pipeline, the circulating peristaltic pump is connected to the nozzle pipeline, and the primary ink cartridge is connected to the circulating peristaltic pump pipeline.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a negative pressure device, which is connected to the secondary ink cartridge.

[0008] Furthermore, a primary filter is provided between the ink supply peristaltic pump and the primary ink cartridge.

[0009] Furthermore, a secondary filter is provided between the nozzle and the secondary ink cartridge.

[0010] Furthermore, the first-level ink cartridge is provided with a stirring device.

[0011] Furthermore, a liquid level sensor is provided in the secondary ink cartridge.

[0012] Furthermore, the outlet of the secondary ink cartridge is provided with a switch valve.

[0013] Furthermore, a three-way joint is provided between the circulating peristaltic pump and the nozzle.

[0014] Furthermore, the capacity of the primary ink cartridge is greater than that of the secondary ink cartridge, and the operating flow rate of the ink supply peristaltic pump is greater than the operating flow rate of the circulation peristaltic pump.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a printing device, comprising the above-mentioned ink supply circulation system.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: an ink supply circulation system includes a primary ink cartridge, a secondary ink cartridge, an ink supply peristaltic pump, a circulating peristaltic pump, and a nozzle, wherein the ink supply peristaltic pump is connected to a primary ink cartridge pipeline, the secondary ink cartridge is connected to an ink supply peristaltic pump pipeline, the nozzle is connected to a secondary ink cartridge pipeline, the circulating peristaltic pump is connected to a nozzle pipeline, and the primary ink cartridge is connected to a circulating peristaltic pump pipeline. The present invention eliminates the need for a one-way valve by coordinating the primary ink cartridge, the secondary ink cartridge, the ink supply peristaltic pump, and the circulating peristaltic pump components. Compared with the prior art ink supply circulation system, the present invention has a simpler structure, reduces the failure rate and cost, while still maintaining the functions of the prior art complex ink supply circulation system.

[0017] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In addition, in order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the following preferred embodiments are specifically cited and described in detail as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structural principle of an ink supply circulation system provided in a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a control principle block diagram of an ink supply circulation system provided in a specific embodiment of the utility model.

[0021] Reference numerals

[0022] 1. Primary ink cartridge; 11. Stirring motor; 12. Stirring rod; 2. Secondary ink cartridge; 21. Liquid level sensor; 22. On / off valve; 3. Ink supply peristaltic pump; 4. Circulating peristaltic pump; 5. Printhead; 6. Negative pressure device; 7. Primary filter; 8. Secondary filter; 9. Three-way connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following will be combined with the specific embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation to the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this utility model, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0026] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on specific circumstances.

[0027] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0028] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, an embodiment of the utility model provides an ink supply circulation system, including a primary ink cartridge 1, a secondary ink cartridge 2, an ink supply peristaltic pump 3, a circulating peristaltic pump 4 and a nozzle 5, the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 is connected to the primary ink cartridge 1 pipeline, the secondary ink cartridge 2 is connected to the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 pipeline, the nozzle 5 is connected to the secondary ink cartridge 2 pipeline, the circulating peristaltic pump 4 is connected to the nozzle 5 pipeline, and the primary ink cartridge 1 is connected to the circulating peristaltic pump 4 pipeline.

[0030] The primary ink cartridge 1 is used to store a large volume of ink, and the ink flows from the primary ink cartridge 1 to the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 through a pipeline. The main function of the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 is to precisely control the ink flow, smoothly supply ink, and reduce the impact of changes in the liquid volume in the secondary ink cartridge 2 on the inkjet negative pressure. The ink supply peristaltic pump 3 is connected to the secondary ink cartridge 2. The ink supply peristaltic pump 3 delivers ink to the secondary ink cartridge 2 and ensures the stability of the supply. The capacity of the secondary ink cartridge 2 is smaller than that of the primary ink cartridge 1. The secondary ink cartridge 2 is used to store the ink extracted from the primary ink cartridge 1 to ensure the supply of ink to the nozzle 5. The secondary ink cartridge 2 is equivalent to providing an intermediate ink supply buffer to ensure the continuity of the ink supply to the nozzle 5. The nozzle 5 is connected to the secondary ink cartridge 2 through a pipeline, and the nozzle 5 is responsible for accurately spraying ink onto the printing medium. When unused ink from the printhead 5 needs to be recovered, the circulating peristaltic pump 4 delivers the ink back to the primary ink cartridge 1. The primary function of the circulating peristaltic pump 4 is to accurately and smoothly pump the ink from the printhead 5 back to the primary ink cartridge 1, reducing negative pressure shock, preventing ink backflow, and improving print quality. The flow rate of the circulating peristaltic pump 4 is lower than that of the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 to ensure the stability of the ink recovery process.

[0031] It should be noted that a peristaltic pump (here referring to the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 and the circulation peristaltic pump 4) is a special type of centrifugal pump, also known as a plunger pump or peristaltic pressure pump. It pushes fluids through flexible pipes or fittings to achieve the purpose of conveying liquids, providing a smooth flow rate, no pollution, and simple maintenance.

[0032] Since a peristaltic pump is used to cooperate with the operation of the primary ink cartridge 1 and the secondary ink cartridge 2, the entire system does not need to use a one-way valve. Compared with the existing ink supply circulation system, the structure is simple, the failure rate and cost are reduced, but it can still maintain the functions of the existing complex ink supply circulation system.

[0033] In one embodiment, the ink supply circulation system further includes a negative pressure device 6 , which is connected to the secondary ink cartridge 2 .

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, negative pressure device 6 is connected to secondary ink cartridge 2 via a pipeline and is used to optimize the internal pressure environment of secondary ink cartridge 2, creating a negative pressure state inside secondary ink cartridge 2 to prevent ink from flowing out of the nozzle when printhead 5 is not spraying ink. Negative pressure device 6 can be an electric vacuum pump or a mechanical vacuum generator. Its main function is to generate a pressure inside secondary ink cartridge 2 that is lower than the external environment.

[0035] Under normal operating conditions, the negative pressure device 6 is configured to operate periodically to maintain an ideal negative pressure level within the secondary ink cartridge 2. To cope with special circumstances, a pressure sensor can be installed in the secondary ink cartridge 2 to monitor the negative pressure within the secondary ink cartridge 2 in real time. When rapid ink consumption or environmental changes cause internal ink pressure fluctuations, the operating frequency and intensity are automatically adjusted based on the data collected by the pressure sensor.

[0036] It should be noted that since the ink supply circulation system is designed with an ink supply peristaltic pump 3 and a circulation peristaltic pump 4, based on the characteristics of the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 and the circulation peristaltic pump 4 themselves, it is only necessary to set a negative pressure device 6 in the secondary ink cartridge 2, and there is no need to set a negative pressure device 6 in other areas of the ink supply circulation system, thereby further simplifying the structure of the ink supply circulation system.

[0037] In one embodiment, a primary filter 7 is provided between the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 and the primary ink cartridge 1 .

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the primary filter 7 is mainly used to filter the ink entering the ink path, filter out impurities, dust and large particles in the ink, prevent clogging of the nozzle, and protect the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 and the nozzle 5 from damage. The primary filter 7 can be a capsule filter.

[0039] In one embodiment, a secondary filter 8 is provided between the nozzle 5 and the secondary ink cartridge 2 .

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the secondary filter 8 is mainly used to further filter impurities in the ink on the basis of the primary filter 7, protect the nozzle 5 from being blocked, and ensure the printing quality. The secondary filter 8 can be a butterfly filter.

[0041] In one embodiment, the primary ink cartridge 1 is provided with a stirring device.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the stirring device includes a stirring motor 11 and a stirring rod 12. The stirring motor 11 is fixed to the outside of the primary ink cartridge 1 and connected to the stirring rod 12 located inside the primary ink cartridge 1 via a shaft. The stirring rod 12 is made of a corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel or high-strength plastic, to resist chemical corrosion from the ink. The stirring rod 12 is designed in a spiral shape to enhance stirring efficiency.

[0043] The stirring mechanism operates by rotating a stirring rod 12 in the ink, driven by a stirring motor 11, creating strong convection to prevent pigment and other solid particles in the ink within the primary ink cartridge 1 from settling at the bottom of the cartridge. Regular stirring maintains ink uniformity and improves ink fluidity, thereby ensuring consistent print quality.

[0044] In one embodiment, a liquid level sensor 21 is provided in the secondary ink cartridge 2 .

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid level sensor 21 is used to accurately monitor the ink level in the secondary ink cartridge 2. The liquid level sensor 21 can be of various types, such as capacitive, float, or ultrasonic. When the liquid level sensor 21 detects that the ink level in the secondary ink cartridge 2 is within the optimal level range, ink addition to the secondary ink cartridge 2 is stopped.

[0046] In one embodiment, a switch valve 22 is provided at the outlet of the secondary ink cartridge 2 .

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the switch valve 22 is installed at the bottom outlet of the secondary ink cartridge 2 and is connected to the nozzle 5 through a pipeline. The switch valve 22 is used to control the flow of ink to ensure the accuracy and stability of the ink supply process. The switch valve 22 can be a manual valve or a solenoid valve.

[0048] In one embodiment, a three-way joint 9 is provided between the circulating peristaltic pump 4 and the nozzle 5 .

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the nozzle 5 has two channels, two of which are connected to the two outlets of the nozzle 5 through pipes, and the other of which is connected to the inlet of the circulating peristaltic pump 4 through a pipe. The main function of the three-way connector 9 is to connect and divert the ink, ensuring that the ink can flow smoothly to various parts of the nozzle 5.

[0050] It should be noted that the ink supply circulation system of the present application has the function of realizing dynamic flow of ink and preventing static sedimentation of ink, that is, it has an anti-ink sedimentation function. Specifically, the ink in the primary ink cartridge 1 is stirred regularly by the stirring motor 11 to prevent the ink from precipitating in the primary ink cartridge 1 and ensure that the ink concentration in the primary ink cartridge 1 is uniform. At the same time, the nozzle 5 consumes ink during continuous printing, and the ink in the secondary ink cartridge 2 decreases. The liquid level sensor 21 of the secondary ink cartridge 2 detects the drop in liquid level, and the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 pumps ink to the secondary ink cartridge 2 to replenish the ink. At the same time, the nozzle 5 and the secondary ink cartridge 2 are connected by a pipeline. The circulating peristaltic pump 4 works regularly to pump a small amount of ink in the nozzle 5 back to the primary ink cartridge 1. If there is precipitated ink at the bottom of the secondary ink cartridge 2, it will also flow to the nozzle 5 regularly. In this way, the ink between the secondary ink cartridge 2 and the nozzle 5 also forms a dynamic flow. Therefore, the ink in the entire ink path can flow dynamically without precipitation.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the ink supply circulation system also includes a control board, an ink supply switch, and a circulation switch. The control board is the core control unit of the ink supply circulation system. Its main function is to receive external commands and sensor feedback, thereby controlling the circulation and supply of ink. The control board can be connected to the liquid level sensor 21, the ink supply switch, the circulation switch, the ink supply peristaltic pump 3, the circulation peristaltic pump 4, and the stirring motor 11 wirelessly or wiredly. The ink supply switch is a device for starting and stopping ink delivery. The ink supply switch can be a mechanical button or an electronic touch switch. The user only needs to press the switch to start or stop the ink supply. The circulation switch is a device for starting and stopping the ink circulation.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, Figure 1 The path indicated by the arrow in the middle represents the circulating flow path of the ink in the ink supply circulation system.

[0053] The inking process is as follows:

[0054] Turn on the ink supply switch and put the ink supply peristaltic pump 3 into working state. The ink flows from the primary ink cartridge 1 through the primary filter 7, then flows through the ink supply peristaltic pump 3, and then reaches the secondary ink cartridge 2 from the ink supply peristaltic pump 3. After the ink triggers the liquid level sensor, it sends a signal to the control board to stop the ink supply peristaltic pump 3, completing the ink filling process.

[0055] The ink cycle works as follows:

[0056] Open the switch valve 22 and the circulation switch of the secondary ink cartridge 2, and the ink flows from the secondary ink cartridge 2 through the secondary filter 8, then reaches the nozzle 5, and then flows from the nozzle 5 through the three-way connector 9 and finally flows back to the primary ink cartridge 1 through the circulation peristaltic pump 4, completing the ink circulation process.

[0057] The present invention also provides a printing device including the above-mentioned ink supply circulation system. Except for the above-mentioned ink supply circulation system, the rest of the structure of the printing device is the same as that in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0058] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and such modifications or substitutions are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An ink supply circulation system, characterized in that: It includes a primary ink cartridge, a secondary ink cartridge, an ink supply peristaltic pump, a circulating peristaltic pump and a nozzle. The ink supply peristaltic pump is connected to the primary ink cartridge pipeline, the secondary ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply peristaltic pump pipeline, the nozzle is connected to the secondary ink cartridge pipeline, the circulating peristaltic pump is connected to the nozzle pipeline, and the primary ink cartridge is connected to the circulating peristaltic pump pipeline.

2. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a negative pressure device, which is connected to the secondary ink cartridge.

3. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A primary filter is provided between the ink supply peristaltic pump and the primary ink cartridge.

4. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A secondary filter is provided between the nozzle and the secondary ink cartridge.

5. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The primary ink cartridge is provided with a stirring device.

6. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A liquid level sensor is provided in the secondary ink cartridge.

7. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet of the secondary ink cartridge is provided with a switch valve.

8. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A three-way joint is provided between the circulating peristaltic pump and the nozzle.

9. The ink supply circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The capacity of the primary ink cartridge is greater than that of the secondary ink cartridge, and the operating flow rate of the ink supply peristaltic pump is greater than the operating flow rate of the circulation peristaltic pump.

10. A printing device, characterized in that: The ink supply circulation system comprises the ink supply circulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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