DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function

Abstract

The utility model discloses a DTF continuous ink supply system with a built-in white ink stirring function, and the system comprises an ink bottle assembly which is composed of an ink bottle and a bottle cap, the top of the ink bottle is provided with an ink supply hole, the ink supply hole is provided with an ink tube, and the ink tube is directly led out from the interior of the ink bottle; the ink bottles are arranged in multiple groups and comprise white ink bottles and color ink bottles; the ink box assembly comprises an ink box, a mounting plate and a main box cover, the mounting plate is provided with a positioning hole for an ink tube to penetrate through, and the other end of the ink tube extends to the position below the mounting plate; and the stirring mechanism comprises a stirring paddle arranged in the white ink bottle and a motor, and the motor realizes intermittent or continuous stirring through the control module to prevent the white ink from precipitating. The utility model belongs to the technical field of continuous ink supply, and particularly provides a continuous ink supply device for solving the defects of low efficiency, high cost, poor stability and the like when the white ink precipitation problem is treated in the prior art, and the problem of poor ink absorption effect caused by poor air tightness of an ink tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of continuous ink supply technology, specifically referring to a DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function. Background Technology

[0002] DTF CISS (Direct-to-Film Continuous Ink Supply System) is a continuous ink supply system for direct film formation (direct-to-film). Through an external ink tank and circulation tubing, it achieves a continuous ink supply to the printer printhead, completely eliminating the need for ink cartridge replacement. In DTF (Direct to Film) printing, white ink sedimentation is a common technical challenge. White ink tends to settle after prolonged periods of stagnation, leading to decreased print quality, even clogging the printhead and severely impacting the printer's lifespan.

[0003] Traditional solutions primarily rely on manual ink mixing or external ink mixing devices, but these methods have the following drawbacks: 1. Manual ink mixing / stirring is inefficient: Manual operation requires human intervention, is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and it is difficult to guarantee the uniformity and timeliness of stirring, resulting in unstable print quality. 2. Machine ink mixing is complex and has limited effectiveness: External ink mixing devices have complex structures, increasing equipment costs and maintenance difficulty, and cannot fully meet the requirements for ink uniformity and timeliness, making it difficult to completely solve the sedimentation problem.

[0004] In addition to the aforementioned issue of ink sedimentation, there are also problems with the poor airtightness of the ink tubes during the ink supply process, which can easily lead to the inability to draw ink properly or the accumulation of air bubbles inside the tubes. The existing design has a large number of ink tube connectors, which can easily lead to ink leakage, reduce ink absorption efficiency or cause the inability to draw ink, and may also contaminate the inside of the equipment, affecting the printing effect and the lifespan of the equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is the shortcomings of existing technologies in dealing with white ink sedimentation, such as low efficiency, high cost, and poor stability, as well as the problem of poor ink absorption due to poor ink tube airtightness. There is an urgent need for a more efficient, intelligent, and reliable solution to improve the quality of DTF printing while reducing maintenance costs and usage complexity.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] This utility model proposes a DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function, comprising:

[0008] The ink bottle assembly includes an ink bottle for storing ink and a removable cap on the top of the ink bottle. The top of the ink bottle has an ink supply hole, and an ink tube is provided at the ink supply hole. The ink tube extends directly from the inside of the ink bottle. The ink bottle is provided in multiple sets and consists of a white ink bottle for storing white ink and a colored ink bottle for storing ink other than white ink.

[0009] The ink cartridge assembly includes an ink cartridge for mounting an ink bottle assembly, a mounting plate located inside the ink cartridge, and a detachable main cover located above the ink cartridge. The mounting plate has a positioning hole for the ink tube to pass through, and the other end of the ink tube extends to the bottom of the mounting plate.

[0010] The stirring mechanism includes a stirring paddle located inside the white ink bottle, a coupling coaxially connected to the stirring paddle, and a motor located inside the main box cover and connected to the coupling. The motor achieves intermittent or continuous stirring through a control module to prevent white ink from settling.

[0011] Preferably, the ink bottles are arranged in six groups, two of which are white ink bottles, with the two groups of white ink bottles located in the middle of the ink bottles. The colored ink bottles are distributed on the outside of the white ink bottles, and the middle layout can make the ink supply path symmetrical.

[0012] Preferably, the control module is located inside the main box cover. The control module includes an integrated control circuit board and a wireless communication module. The motor is connected to the control circuit board and is used to receive external commands and control the motor operation. The motor drives the stirring paddle to rotate at an adjustable speed, either intermittently or continuously.

[0013] Preferably, the top of the main cartridge cover is equipped with a display screen connected to the control circuit board, and the side of the main cartridge cover is also equipped with control buttons including a power button and a stirring button connected to the control circuit board. The control circuit board can preset multiple stirring modes to set parameters such as motor drive time and rotation speed. The cartridge has a built-in battery, reducing the use of power cords and providing flexible and convenient usage scenarios. The display screen is electrically connected to the battery and can display the battery level, reminding the user to charge it in time.

[0014] Preferably, the main box cover has a secondary box cover that is snapped on the side near the bottle cap, and the outer side of the secondary box cover has a groove for easy opening.

[0015] Preferably, the ink cartridge has a transparent window on the side near the ink bottle to facilitate viewing the remaining ink level.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this utility model by adopting the above structure are as follows:

[0017] 1. By setting a stirring mechanism on the white ink bottle, automatic stirring is achieved through motor rotation, which avoids white ink sedimentation, thereby ensuring the uniformity of white ink and avoiding the problem of reduced print quality caused by sedimentation.

[0018] 2. Setting the white ink in the middle position can make the ink supply path symmetrical, reduce the problem of uneven ink supply caused by pressure imbalance, and also shorten the ink path length of the white ink inside the ink cartridge, reduce pressure loss, and make the ink cartridge structure more compact, with a shorter white ink flow path, which better meets the problem of high consumption of DTF white ink.

[0019] 3. By extending the ink tube directly from inside the ink bottle and providing an appropriate connection length, this design eliminates the intermediate connector used in traditional ink absorption systems. This simplified structure not only significantly improves ink absorption efficiency but also fundamentally solves problems such as ink absorption failures caused by poor airtightness and air bubble accumulation inside the tube, while also eliminating the risk of ink leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the composition structure of a DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function provided for this application;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function provided for this application;

[0022] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Another perspective diagram provided;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the ink bottle assembly and the stirring mechanism in this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the stirring mechanism provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge assembly in this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the stirring mechanism and the ink cartridge assembly in this application;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the white ink bottle in this application;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the colored ink bottle in this application.

[0029] The meanings of the symbols in the attached icons are as follows:

[0030] 1. Ink bottle assembly; 2. Ink cartridge assembly; 3. Stirring mechanism; 4. Display screen; 5. Battery.

[0031] 11. Ink bottle; 12. Bottle cap; 13. Ink supply hole; 14. Ink tube;

[0032] 101. White ink bottle; 102. Colored ink bottle; 103. Stirring hole; 104. Air hole; 105. Sealing ring; 106. Vent cap.

[0033] 21. Ink cartridge; 22. Mounting plate; 23. Main cartridge cover; 24. Secondary cartridge cover; 25. Transparent window; 26. Anti-slip base.

[0034] 201. Positioning hole; 241. Groove;

[0035] 31. Agitator; 33. Motor; 34. Control module;

[0036] 301. Control circuit board; 302. Control buttons;

[0037] 51. Battery holder.

[0038] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0040] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and 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.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention proposes a DTF continuous ink supply system with a built-in white ink stirring function, comprising:

[0044] The ink bottle assembly 1 includes an ink bottle 11 for storing ink and a removable cap 12 located on the top of the ink bottle 11. The top of the ink bottle 11 has an ink supply hole 13, and an ink tube 14 is provided at the ink supply hole 13. The ink tube 14 is directly led out from the inside of the ink bottle 11.

[0045] The ink cartridge assembly 2 includes an ink cartridge 21 for mounting the ink bottle assembly 1, a mounting plate 22 located inside the ink cartridge 21, and a main cover 23 that can be detachably mounted on top of the ink cartridge 21. The mounting plate 22 has a positioning hole 201 for the ink tube 14 to pass through, and the other end of the ink tube 14 extends to the bottom of the mounting plate 22. The bottom of the ink cartridge 21 is provided with an anti-slip base 26.

[0046] The main box cover 23 has a secondary box cover 24 on the side near the bottle cap 12, which is fastened together. The outer side of the secondary box cover 24 has a groove for easy opening. In this embodiment, the fastening method adopts magnetic connection. The connection is achieved by the magnetic attraction between the magnets. Magnetic connection is common and is not a new feature of this solution, so it will not be described in detail.

[0047] When using this structure, the ink tube 14 is led directly out from inside the ink bottle 11, with a suitable connection length of approximately 80cm provided for use when converting an inkjet printer to a DTF printer. Figure 3 As shown, the above design eliminates the intermediate connector used in traditional ink absorption systems. By simplifying the structure, it not only significantly improves ink absorption efficiency but also fundamentally solves problems such as ink absorption failures and air bubble accumulation inside the tube caused by poor airtightness, while also eliminating the risk of ink leakage.

[0048] To ensure that the length of the external ink tube 14 of the CISS ink cartridge 21 is sufficient and convenient in actual use, the appropriate connection length (T) is determined by the X-axis kinematic parameters of the printing system and the ink path topology, and its technical feature is that it satisfies the following formula:

[0049] T≥k(X+D)+E+M;

[0050] The parameters in the formula are defined as follows:

[0051] X: Maximum effective travel of the printhead X-axis (unit: cm, usually provided by printer specifications, for example, for Epson ET-8550, its maximum horizontal travel is 13 inches (about 33 cm));

[0052] D: Ink cartridge mounting distance (vertical projection distance from the ink cartridge reference surface to the printer's X-axis guide rail);

[0053] E: Wiring allowance for the ink tube inside the printer (it is recommended to leave 10-15 cm to ensure that the ink tube has enough room to move during printing);

[0054] M: Safety margin (3cm, to prevent mechanical stress and ensure installation flexibility);

[0055] k: Dynamic compensation coefficient (1.2-1.5, to cope with unexpected situations and ensure reliability).

[0056] The following cases are included when connecting:

[0057] Scenario A: Direct printhead connection mode

[0058] Equipment configuration: Epson ET-8550 modified model (X=33cm)

[0059] Calculation process: T = 1.3 × (33 + 15) + 12 + 3 = 1.3 × 48 + 15 = 77.4 cm (preferred nominal value 80 cm)

[0060] Scenario B: Connecting printer ink tube mode

[0061] Technical essence: X = 0cm

[0062] Calculation process: T = 1.3 × (0 + 15) + 12 + 3 = 1.3 × 15 + 15 = 34.5 cm

[0063] Users can choose to connect the ink tube 14 to the printhead or printer ink tube 14, and shorten the ink tube 14 according to the actual situation. Therefore, the external ink tube 14 of the CISS ink cartridge 21 can be long but not short.

[0064] The ink bottles 11 are configured in multiple sets, consisting of white ink bottles 101 for storing white ink and colored ink bottles 102 for storing inks other than white ink. In existing DTF printing, white ink consumption accounts for 62.3±3%, and traditional single ink tank solutions (capacity ≤100mL) require frequent interruptions to replenish ink (≥3 times per hour).

[0065] Example 2

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the ink bottle 11 is provided in six groups, two of which are white ink bottles 101, preferably with the two groups of white ink bottles 101 located in the middle of the ink bottle 11, and the colored ink bottles 102 are distributed on the outside of the white ink bottles 101.

[0067] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, a structural schematic diagram of a white ink bottle 101 and a colored ink bottle 102 is provided. Both the white ink bottle 101 and the colored ink bottle 102 include an air vent 104 and an ink supply hole 13. The ink supply hole 13 is used for the ink tube 14 to pass through. A sealing ring 105 is provided between the ink supply hole 13 and the ink tube 14 to improve the stability of the connection. The air vent 104 is located on one side of the ink supply hole 13, and a vent cap 106 is provided on the outside. The surface of the vent cap 106 has several tiny air holes. In addition, the white ink bottle 101 also includes a stirring hole 103 for stirring.

[0068] Because white ink contains high-density titanium dioxide (TiO2, density 4.2 g / cm³), 3 The viscosity of this ink is typically 3-5 times that of colored ink. The intermediate layout allows for a symmetrical ink supply path, reducing uneven ink distribution caused by pressure imbalance. It also relatively shortens the ink path length of white ink within the ink cartridge 21, reducing pressure loss, and makes the ink cartridge 21 more compact, resulting in a shorter white ink flow path and better meeting the high consumption issue of DTF white ink.

[0069] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the main cartridge cover 23 contains two compartments. This design utilizes a parallel dual white ink compartment (each compartment has a capacity of 250mL, with a total effective volume of 450mL) to address the issue of high white ink consumption. A transparent window 25 is provided on the side of the ink cartridge 21 closest to the ink bottle 11 for easy viewing of the remaining ink level. By checking the remaining level, simply opening the bottle cap 12 to refill the ink cartridge avoids the need to replace the cartridge 21, making the process much simpler.

[0070] During the connection process, place ink cartridge 21 close to the printer. Cut ink tube 14 to a length just long enough to connect to the printer's ink tube 14. Finally, connect the printer's ink tube 14 and the CISS ink tube using the ink tube 14 connector, ensuring each color corresponds correctly. Color ink bottles 102 can have external color labels. Then, pour different colored DTF inks into the corresponding color-labeled CISS ink bottles. Ink flows from the CISS into the printer's ink chamber. Once the entire pipeline is full of ink, printing can begin.

[0071] Example 3

[0072] To address the issue that white ink tends to settle after prolonged standing, leading to decreased printing quality and even clogging of the print head, this application designs a stirring mechanism 3 specifically for white ink.

[0073] refer to Figures 4-7 As shown, the stirring mechanism 3 includes a stirring paddle 31 located inside the white ink bottle 101, a coupling 32 coaxially connected to the stirring paddle 31, and a motor 33 located inside the main box cover 23 and connected to the coupling 32. The motor 33 achieves intermittent or continuous stirring through the control module 34 to prevent white ink from settling.

[0074] It should be noted that the internal wiring of the ink cartridge 21 provided in the current embodiment limits the white ink to the middle position, or it can be set on the outside. In this case, the motor 33, the stirring paddle 31 and the wiring need to be installed on the outer ink bottle 11 during product assembly.

[0075] As a further example:

[0076] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the control module 34 is located inside the main box cover 23. The control module 34 includes an integrated control circuit board 301 and a wireless communication module. The motor 33 is connected to the control circuit board 301 and is used to receive external commands and control the operation of the motor 33. The motor 33 drives the stirring paddle 31 to rotate at an adjustable speed, either intermittently or continuously.

[0077] The top of the main box cover 23 is equipped with a display screen 4 connected to the control circuit board 301. The side of the main box cover 23 is also equipped with a control button 302, which includes a power button and a stirring button, connected to the control circuit board 301. The control button 302 can be externally identified by silkscreen printing. Multiple stirring modes are preset by the control circuit board 301 to set parameters such as the driving time and rotation speed of the motor 33.

[0078] The stirring mode can be adjusted according to the usage scenario. The running time of motor 33 is controlled by an external timer connected to the control circuit board 301. For example, in daily printing scenarios, it can stir for 1 minute every 3 minutes, running in a cycle. If there has been no printing for a long time, motor 33 can be controlled to work continuously for 15 minutes to perform continuous stirring, which is suitable for mixing white ink after a long period of inactivity.

[0079] In addition, a battery holder 5 is located inside the ink cartridge 21 near the mounting plate 22, and a battery 5 is fixedly mounted on the battery holder 5. The built-in battery 5 reduces the need for a power cord, providing a flexible and convenient usage scenario. The display screen 4 is electrically connected to the battery 5 and can display the battery level, reminding the user to charge it in time. The display screen 4 displays information such as the battery level and stirring status in real time, making it convenient for users to monitor the device's operating status. Furthermore, the one-button operation and built-in battery 5 design simplify the operation process and provide flexible usage scenarios.

[0080] In this structure, by setting a stirring mechanism 3 on the white ink bottle 101, automatic stirring is achieved by rotating the motor 33, which avoids white ink sedimentation, thereby ensuring the uniformity of white ink and avoiding the problem of reduced printing quality caused by sedimentation.

[0081] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the inventive spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function, comprising an ink bottle assembly (1) and an ink box assembly (2), characterized in that: the ink bottle assembly (1) comprises an ink bottle (11) for storing ink and a detachable bottle cap (12) arranged at the top of the ink bottle (11), the top of the ink bottle (11) is provided with an ink hole (13), and an ink tube (14) is arranged at the ink hole (13), the ink tube (14) is directly led out from the inside of the ink bottle (11); the ink bottle (11) is provided with multiple groups and is composed of a white ink bottle (101) and a color ink bottle (102); the ink box assembly (2) comprises an ink box (21) for mounting the ink bottle assembly (1), a mounting plate (22) arranged in the ink box (21), and a main box cover (23) arranged above the ink box (21) in a detachable manner, the mounting plate (22) is provided with a positioning hole (201) for the ink tube (14) to pass through, and the other end of the ink tube (14) extends below the mounting plate (22); the stirring mechanism (3) comprises a stirring paddle (31) arranged in the white ink bottle (101), a shaft coupling coaxially connected with the stirring paddle (31), and a motor (33) arranged in the main box cover (23) and connected with the shaft coupling, and the motor (33) realizes intermittent or continuous stirring through a control module (34).

2. The DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink bottle (11) is provided with six groups, and the middle two groups are white ink bottles (101), and the color ink bottles (102) are distributed on the outside of the white ink bottles (101).

3. The DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module (34) is arranged in the main box cover (23), and the control module (34) comprises an integrated control circuit board (301) and a wireless communication module, the motor (33) is connected with the control circuit board (301), used for receiving external instructions and controlling the operation of the motor (33), and the motor (33) drives the stirring paddle (31) to rotate at an adjustable rotating speed in an intermittent or continuous manner.

4. The DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The main box cover (23) is provided with a display screen (4) connected with the control circuit board (301), and the side end of the main box cover (23) is further provided with a power key and a stirring key connected with the control circuit board (301).

5. The DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ink box (21) is provided with a battery (5), and the display screen (4) is electrically connected with the battery (5) for displaying the power of the battery (5).

6. The DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main box cover (23) is provided with a sub-box cover (24) arranged in a clamping manner on the side close to the bottle cap (12), and the outer side of the sub-box cover (24) is provided with a groove (241).

7. The DTF continuous ink supply system with built-in white ink stirring function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The ink box (21) is provided with a transparent window (25) on the side close to the ink bottle (11).

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