Ink supply system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ink supply system which comprises an ink supply center, a control module and an ink conveying assembly communicated with the ink supply center, the ink conveying assembly is used for conveying ink of the ink supply center to printing equipment, the ink conveying assembly comprises an ink conveying pipeline and an ink conveying pump connected with the ink conveying pipeline, and the ink conveying pump is electrically connected with the control module. The ink supply center comprises an ink supply platform and at least one first ink supply container, the first ink supply container is detachably connected with the ink supply platform, the first ink supply container is provided with a standard interface, and the standard interface of the first ink supply container is detachably connected with the ink conveying pipeline. According to the ink supply system provided by the utility model, the first ink supply container can be conveniently replaced, so that the empty first ink supply container can be recycled, the pollution to the environment is reduced, and meanwhile, the cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing equipment technology, specifically to an ink supply system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are two common ink supply methods for printing devices:

[0003] The first type is direct ink supply: the ink cartridge is installed directly above the printhead or integrated into the printhead structure. There is no ink tube connecting the printhead and the ink cartridge; this is a type of siphon ink supply and is the most common ink supply method. Because the ink cartridge and printhead are directly connected, the ink cartridge moves back and forth with the print carriage of the reciprocating scanner. This method is commonly used in small office or home inkjet printers, offering flexibility and allowing for quick ink replacement when the ink runs out.

[0004] However, this ink supply method has the following drawbacks: 1. Since there is no ink tube connecting the ink cartridge and the print head, and no standard interface is provided, it is a disposable consumable. Ink factories need to use a large number of plastic parts when manufacturing printer ink cartridges, resulting in waste and pollution. 2. The ink cartridge manufacturing process is relatively complex, and only the ink part in the cartridge is actually useful to the printing equipment, making this ink supply method very expensive.

[0005] The second type is continuous ink supply: the ink cartridge is placed outside the printing device, and the cartridge and printhead are fixedly connected via ink tubes to supply ink. Mainstream devices use either positive / negative pressure systems or a siphon effect to supply ink to the printhead. This also separates the print carriage from the cartridge unit, so the movement of the print carriage does not directly affect the cartridge. However, this ink supply method also has its drawbacks: 1. Ink refilling requires pouring ink from ink bottles or containers into the cartridge, a process that often results in incorrect color addition, ink leakage, and other filling problems. 2. Ink manufacturers also use a large number of plastic bottles during the ink production and filling process, commonly ranging from 100ml to 20L, generating a large amount of solid hazardous plastic waste that pollutes the environment.

[0006] Therefore, improvements are needed to the ink supply system of printing equipment. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model proposes an ink supply system, which aims to solve the problem that the ink supply container in the existing ink supply system is not recyclable, resulting in waste and pollution.

[0008] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows:

[0009] An ink supply system includes an ink supply center, a control module, and an ink delivery component connected to the ink supply center. The ink delivery component is used to deliver ink from the ink supply center to a printing device. The ink delivery component includes an ink delivery pipe and an ink delivery pump connected to the ink delivery pipe. The ink delivery pump is electrically connected to the control module. The ink supply center includes an ink supply platform and at least one first ink supply container. The first ink supply container is detachably connected to the ink supply platform and has a standard interface. The standard interface of the first ink supply container is detachably connected to the ink delivery pipe.

[0010] Preferably, the capacity of the first ink supply container is 1000L.

[0011] Preferably, the ink supply center further includes a second ink supply container, and the ink supply platform includes a first platform and a second platform. The first ink supply container is detachably mounted on the first platform, and the second ink supply container is fixedly mounted on the second platform. The ink supply pipe includes a connecting pipe, and the first ink supply container and the second ink supply container are connected through the pipe. In the vertical direction, the position of the first platform is higher than the position of the second platform. One end of the connecting pipe is connected to a standard interface on the side wall at the bottom of the first ink supply container, and the other end of the connecting pipe is connected to a hole in the middle side wall of the first ink supply container.

[0012] Preferably, the ink supply pipe includes a main pipe, a first-level branch pipe and a second-level branch pipe that are sequentially connected from the second ink supply container to the printing device. One end of the main pipe passes through the second platform and the bottom of the second ink supply container in sequence, and then communicates with the inner cavity of the second ink supply container.

[0013] Preferably, the main pipe is connected to at least two first-level branch pipes, each first-level branch pipe is connected to multiple second-level branch pipes, each branch pipe is connected to an ink storage container, and each ink storage container is connected to a printing device.

[0014] Preferably, a filter device is included, the main pipeline is connected to the ink pump and the filter device, and the filter device is disposed between the ink pump and the second-level branch pipeline.

[0015] Preferably, the control module includes a liquid level monitoring sensor and a valve, and both the second ink supply container and the ink storage container are equipped with liquid level monitoring sensors.

[0016] Preferably, it includes an intelligent monitoring system electrically connected to the control module.

[0017] Preferably, the ink delivery pipe is made of corrosion-resistant and high-pressure-resistant material.

[0018] Preferably, the ink pump is a magnetically driven gear pump.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0020] This utility model provides an ink supply system that features a first ink supply container detachably connected to an ink supply platform. The first ink supply container has a standard interface, which is detachably connected to an ink supply pipe. When the ink in the first ink supply container is depleted, the depleted container can be removed, and another first ink supply container filled with a specified type of ink can be connected to the ink supply pipe to continue supplying ink. The empty first ink supply container can be transported to an ink factory for refilling via the standard interface. This allows the first ink supply container to be reused, avoiding the use of large quantities of solid hazardous waste plastics, thus reducing environmental pollution and lowering costs. Furthermore, this ink replenishment method by replacing the first ink supply container avoids problems such as incorrect color addition or ink leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only 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 labor.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of multiple ink supply systems;

[0023] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of part B.

[0025] Attached diagram labels: 1. Ink supply center; 11. First ink supply container; 12. Second ink supply container; 13. First platform; 14. Second platform;

[0026] 2. Ink supply assembly; 21. Ink supply pipeline; 211. Main pipeline; 212. First-level branch pipeline; 213. Second-level branch pipeline; 214. Connecting pipeline; 215. Ink storage container; 22. Ink pump;

[0027] 31. Liquid level monitoring sensor; 321. First valve; 322. Second valve; 323. Third valve;

[0028] 4. Filtration device;

[0029] 5. Protective cabinet. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] See Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides an ink supply system for supplying ink to printing equipment. In this embodiment, the printing equipment is multiple industrial printers (not shown in the figure). The ink supply system includes an ink supply center 1, a control module, and an ink delivery component 2 connected to the ink supply center 1. The ink delivery component 2 is used to deliver the ink from the ink supply center 1 to the industrial printers. The ink delivery component 2 includes an ink delivery pipe 21 and an ink delivery pump 22 connected to the ink delivery pipe 21. The ink delivery pump 22 is electrically connected to the control module.

[0034] During operation, the control module controls the ink pump 22 to deliver the ink from the ink supply center 1 to the industrial printer through the ink supply pipe 21.

[0035] Specifically, the ink supply center 1 includes an ink supply platform and at least one first ink supply container 11. The first ink supply container 11 is detachably connected to the ink supply platform, and the first ink supply container 11 is a 1000L high-capacity ink supply container with a standard interface. The standard interface of the first ink supply container 11 is detachably connected to the ink delivery assembly 2, so that the ink delivery assembly 2 delivers the ink from the first ink supply container 11 to the printer.

[0036] In traditional ink supply systems, the ink supply containers have small capacity and are non-removable and non-movable. The ink supply containers need to be replaced very frequently, resulting in high costs and the generation of discarded ink supply containers, which in turn generate a large amount of solid hazardous plastic waste that pollutes the environment.

[0037] To overcome these shortcomings, the first ink supply container 11 provided in this embodiment is a large-capacity ink supply container of 1000L, which can ensure a continuous and stable ink supply and reduce the trouble of frequent replacement. The first ink supply container 11 is detachably connected to the ink supply platform and has a standard interface that can be detachably connected to the ink supply pipeline 21. Thus, when the ink in the first ink supply container is used up, the empty first ink supply container 11 can be removed, and another first ink supply container filled with a specified type of ink can be connected to the ink supply pipeline for ink supply. The empty first ink supply container can be transported to the ink factory and then filled with ink through the standard interface. Thus, the first ink supply container can be reused, avoiding the use of a large amount of solid hazardous waste plastic products, thereby reducing environmental pollution and lowering costs.

[0038] Specifically, the ink supply center 1 also includes a second ink supply container 12, and the ink supply platform includes a first platform 13 and a second platform 14. The first ink supply container 11 is detachably mounted on the first platform 13, and the second ink supply container 12 is fixedly mounted on the second platform 14. The first ink supply container 11 and the second ink supply container 12 are connected by a connecting pipe 214. In the vertical direction, the position of the first platform 13 is higher than that of the second platform 14. One end of the connecting pipe 214 is connected to a standard interface on the side wall at the bottom of the first ink supply container 11, and the other end of the connecting pipe 214 is connected to a hole in the middle side wall of the first ink supply container 11, which facilitates the entry of ink from the first ink supply container 11 into the second ink supply container 12. The bottom of the second ink supply container 12 is connected to the ink supply pipe 21, so that the second ink supply container 12 can be delivered to the printer from the ink supply pipe 21 through the ink pump 22.

[0039] Specifically, the ink supply pipe 21 includes a main pipe 211, a first-level branch pipe 212, and a second-level branch pipe 213 that are connected sequentially from the second ink supply container 12 to the printer. One end of the main pipe 211 passes through the second platform 14 and the bottom of the second ink supply container 12 in sequence, and communicates with the inner cavity of the second ink supply container 12.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to connect more printers and supply ink to multiple printers, at least two first-level branch pipes 212 are connected to the main pipe 211, each first-level branch pipe 212 is connected to multiple second-level branch pipes 213, each branch pipe 212 is connected to an ink storage container 215, and each ink storage container 215 is connected to a printer.

[0041] To ensure the purity of the ink and prevent impurities from affecting the printing quality, the ink supply system also includes a filter device 4. The main pipe 211 is connected to the ink pump 22 and the filter device 4. The filter device 4 is located between the ink pump 22 and the second-level branch pipe 213. The filter device 4 can be any device that can perform the function of ink filtration. In this embodiment, the filter device 4 is a capsule filter.

[0042] Specifically, the control module 3 includes a flow meter (not shown in the figure), a pressure sensor (not shown in the figure) installed at the outlet of the ink supply pump 22, a pressure gauge (not shown in the figure) connected to the pressure sensor, a liquid level monitoring sensor 31, and a valve connected to the flow meter. The second ink supply container 12 and each ink storage container 215 are equipped with a liquid level monitoring sensor 31 to monitor the ink status in the container.

[0043] Specifically, the main pipe 211 is equipped with a first valve 321 and a second valve 322. The first valve 321 is located between the second ink supply container 12 and the ink pump 22, thereby precisely adjusting the ink flow rate delivered from the second ink supply container 12 to the ink pump 22. The second valve 322 is located between the filter device 4 and the first-stage branch pipe 212, and is used to control the ink flow rate of the filter device 4. Each second-stage branch pipe 213 is equipped with a third valve 323, thereby precisely adjusting the ink flow rate according to the actual needs of each printer, achieving on-demand ink supply and reducing waste.

[0044] It should be noted that the first valve 321, the second valve 322 and the third valve 323 are all connected to flow meters, which facilitates flow control.

[0045] In this embodiment, the ink supply pipe 21 is made of corrosion-resistant and high-pressure-resistant materials, so as to adapt to long-term stable operation under different environmental conditions and reduce maintenance costs. The ink supply pipe 21 connects the ink supply center 1 and the printer to realize the long-distance effective transmission of ink, which can meet the needs of large printing factories.

[0046] The ink pump 22 in this embodiment is a magnetically driven gear pump, a novel type of gear pump. The gears are made of high-performance engineering plastic PEEK, while the housing and gear shaft are made of high-quality 316L stainless steel. It features a PTFE (polyethylene terephthalate) sealing gasket structure, providing enhanced resistance to acids, alkalis, and corrosion. Power is transmitted through magnetic coupling between the internal and external magnetic drives, achieving leak-free delivery.

[0047] It should be noted that the selection of a servo magnetic pump should take into account that it needs to supply ink to multiple industrial printers. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to supply ink to all industrial printers at the same time. Therefore, it is necessary to combine the upper limit of the total ink consumption of the industrial printers, as well as the ink supply pressure and head to meet the needs of the industrial printer furthest away in the workshop.

[0048] Specifically, the ink supply system also includes an intelligent monitoring system (not shown in the figure) electrically connected to the control module. This system is used to monitor key parameters such as ink storage, flow rate, and pressure in real time to ensure stable system operation. Through remote control of the intelligent monitoring system (not shown in the figure), a human-machine interface is provided to remotely control the status of the ink supply system and improve management efficiency.

[0049] Specifically, the intelligent monitoring system adopts distributed I / O. The main station PLC is installed in the main control cabinet (not shown in the figure), which is usually located in the control center of the printing plant (not shown in the figure). The station I / O is installed in the box (not shown in the figure) outside the second ink supply container 12. Specifically, the ink supply pump 22, the first valve 321, the second valve 322, the filter device 4, and the pressure gauge (not shown in the figure) are integrated and installed on a skid (not shown in the figure), with a protective cabinet 5 added to the outside.

[0050] Specifically, there can be multiple ink supply systems in this embodiment; in this embodiment, there are four (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (as shown), and can be arranged according to actual needs to meet the requirements of large printing factories.

[0051] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ink supply system, comprising an ink supply center (1), a control module, and an ink delivery assembly (2) connected to the ink supply center (1), the ink delivery assembly (2) being used to deliver ink from the ink supply center (1) to a printing device, the ink delivery assembly (2) comprising an ink delivery pipe (21) and an ink delivery pump (22) connected to the ink delivery pipe (21), the ink delivery pump (22) being electrically connected to the control module, characterized in that, The ink supply center (1) includes an ink supply platform and at least one first ink supply container (11). The first ink supply container (11) is detachably connected to the ink supply platform. The first ink supply container (11) has a standard interface, and the standard interface of the first ink supply container (11) is detachably connected to the ink supply pipe (21).

2. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capacity of the first ink supply container (11) is 1000L.

3. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink supply center (1) also includes a second ink supply container (12). The ink supply platform includes a first platform (13) and a second platform (14). The first ink supply container (11) is detachably mounted on the first platform (13), and the second ink supply container (12) is fixedly mounted on the second platform (14). The ink supply pipe (21) includes a connecting pipe (214). The first ink supply container (11) and the second ink supply container (12) are connected through the connecting pipe (214). In the vertical direction, the position of the first platform (13) is higher than that of the second platform (14). One end of the connecting pipe (214) is connected to a standard interface on the bottom side wall of the first ink supply container (11), and the other end of the connecting pipe (214) is connected to a hole in the middle side wall of the second ink supply container (12).

4. The ink supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ink supply pipe (21) also includes a main pipe (211), a first-level branch pipe (212) and a second-level branch pipe (213) that are connected sequentially from the second ink supply container (12) to the printing device. One end of the main pipe (211) passes through the bottom of the second platform (14) and the second ink supply container (12) in sequence, and communicates with the inner cavity of the second ink supply container (12).

5. The ink supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main pipe (211) is connected to at least two first-level branch pipes (212), each first-level branch pipe (212) is connected to multiple second-level branch pipes (213), each second-level branch pipe (213) is connected to an ink storage container (215), and each ink storage container (215) is connected to a printing device.

6. The ink supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Includes a filter device (4), the main pipe (211) is connected to the ink pump (22) and the filter device (4), the filter device (4) is disposed between the ink pump (22) and the first-stage branch pipe (212).

7. The ink supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control module includes a liquid level monitoring sensor (31) and valves. The liquid level monitoring sensor (31) is installed inside the second ink supply container (12) and the ink storage container (215). A first valve (321) and a second valve (322) are installed on the main pipe (211). The first valve (321) is located between the second ink supply container (12) and the ink pump (22). The second valve (322) is located between the filter device (4) and the first-level branch pipe (212). A third valve (323) is installed on each second-level branch pipe (213).

8. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, This includes an intelligent monitoring system that is electrically connected to the control module.

9. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink delivery pipe (21) is made of corrosion-resistant and high-pressure-resistant materials.

10. The ink supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink pump (22) is a magnetically driven gear pump.

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