Automatic replenishment type secondary ink box and printer
By designing an automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge, the relationship between ink buoyancy and float gravity is utilized to achieve unpowered ink replenishment, solving the problem of structural redundancy in existing technologies, simplifying the structure and improving ink replenishment efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520353189.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing secondary ink cartridges require external power to replenish ink when the ink is consumed to a certain level, resulting in structural redundancy.
Design an automatic refillable two-stage ink cartridge that utilizes the buoyancy of the ink and the gravity of the float to achieve non-powered ink replenishment through the float and linkage mechanism. When the ink level is low, the float descends to open the ink outlet, and when the ink level is high, it rises to block the ink outlet.
It achieves automatic ink replenishment without a power source during the printing process, simplifies the structure, and improves the sensitivity and efficiency of ink replenishment.
Smart Images
Figure CN223835248U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of two-stage ink cartridge technology, and in particular to an automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge and printer. Background Technology
[0002] Ink cartridges are an essential component of printers, responsible for storing and releasing the ink needed for printing. Secondary ink cartridges are a common type. They are used to connect the primary ink cartridge to the printhead.
[0003] In existing secondary ink cartridges, when the ink is consumed to a certain extent, external power is generally required to replenish the ink. The ink tubes, air tubes, electrical circuits, etc. connected to the secondary ink cartridges are of various types, resulting in redundant secondary ink cartridge structures.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an automatic replenishment type two ink cartridge and printer to solve the above technical problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model provides an automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge and printer, which performs non-powered ink replenishment during the printing process, saving the power source of the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge, and its structure is simple.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0007] An automatic refillable secondary ink cartridge, comprising:
[0008] The cartridge body has an ink inlet head and an ink outlet head on its exterior. The ink inlet head connects to a primary ink cartridge, and the ink outlet head connects to a printhead. An inner wall of the cartridge body has a mounting platform, the top of which is spaced apart from the top wall of the cartridge body. An ink inlet channel is provided on the mounting platform, with an ink inlet port and an ink outlet at each end. The ink inlet port communicates with the ink inlet head, and the ink outlet port is located on the top surface of the mounting platform.
[0009] An automatic ink replenishment valve is located within the cartridge body. The automatic ink replenishment valve includes a float, a connecting rod, and a plug. The plug is movably disposed at the ink outlet. The connecting rod is rotatably connected to the mounting platform, with its two ends connected to the float and the plug, respectively. When the ink level in the cartridge body is low, the float descends, and the connecting rod rotates to raise the plug and open the ink outlet. When the ink level in the cartridge body is high, the float rises, and the connecting rod rotates to lower the plug and block the ink outlet.
[0010] In the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model, the bottom of the float is set to be inclined, and the height of the float gradually decreases along the direction from the mounting platform to the float.
[0011] In the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model, the float is provided with a closed cavity, and the float includes a body and a sealing membrane; the body is open and has reinforcing ribs inside; the sealing membrane is fixed to the opening of the body, and the body and the sealing membrane form the cavity.
[0012] In the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model, the automatic ink replenishment valve further includes a pressure plate, the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the pressure plate, the pressure plate is detachably connected to the top surface of the mounting platform by fasteners, the pressure plate is provided with a through hole, the inner wall of the through hole is provided with a limiting strip along its circumference, the limiting strip protrudes toward the center of the through hole, the plug is inserted through the through hole, and the limiting strip is located above the plug to limit the plug in the through hole.
[0013] In the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model, the pressure plate is also provided with a clearance groove, which is located on the side of the through hole near the float. The clearance groove connects the interior of the cartridge body and the through hole, and the connecting rod is rotatably disposed at the clearance groove.
[0014] In the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model, the bottom of the plug is provided with an annular sealing ring. When the plug blocks the ink outlet, the sealing ring surrounds the outside of the ink outlet.
[0015] In the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model, a magnet is provided on the top of the side wall of the float; a liquid level detection sensor is provided on the side wall of the cartridge body. When the magnet is in a low position, the liquid level detection sensor can sense the magnet and send a signal.
[0016] In the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model, the cartridge body is provided with multiple independent oil storage chambers, and each oil storage chamber is provided with the ink inlet head, the ink outlet head, the mounting platform and the automatic ink replenishment valve.
[0017] Another technical solution of this utility model is:
[0018] A printer comprising:
[0019] The aforementioned automatic refillable secondary ink cartridge;
[0020] A primary ink cartridge, which is connected to the ink inlet head; and,
[0021] A printhead, which is connected to the ink output head.
[0022] In the printer described in this utility model, the housing is further provided with a vent head, which connects the interior of the housing with the external atmosphere.
[0023] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: This automatic replenishment secondary ink cartridge connects to the primary ink cartridge via an ink inlet head and to the printhead via an ink outlet head. A connecting rod rotates and connects to the mounting platform, forming a lever. When the ink level in the cartridge is low, the float descends, and the connecting rod rotates, causing the plug to rise and open the ink outlet. At this time, ink can sequentially pass through the ink inlet head and ink inlet channel into the cartridge. When the ink level is high, the float rises slowly due to buoyancy, and the connecting rod rotates, causing the plug to descend and block the ink outlet, stopping ink intake. The top of the mounting platform is spaced apart from the top wall of the cartridge, allowing the ink outlet to be located on the top of the mounting platform. The ink outlet's location on the top surface of the mounting platform facilitates the up-and-down movement of the plug to open and close the ink outlet. This automatic replenishment secondary ink cartridge relies on the relationship between the buoyancy of the ink and the weight of the float for non-powered ink replenishment during printing, eliminating the need for a power source and resulting in a simple structure. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are only the corresponding drawings of some embodiments of this utility model.
[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 2 Another overall structural schematic diagram of the automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.
[0027] Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural diagram of an automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle.
[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.
[0030] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the cartridge body of the automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 7 A partial structural diagram of the float of the automatic replenishment secondary ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.
[0032] Figure 8A schematic diagram of the end cap of an automatic refillable two-stage ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.
[0033] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the pressure plate of the automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge provided in a preferred embodiment of this utility model.
[0034] in,
[0035] 1. Cartridge body; 11. Ink inlet head; 12. Ink outlet head; 13. Mounting platform; 131. Ink inlet channel; 1311. Ink inlet; 1312. Ink outlet; 14. Vent head; 15. Oil reservoir; 16. Liquid level sensor.
[0036] 2. Automatic ink replenishment valve,
[0037] 21. Float; 211. Body; 2111. Reinforcing rib; 212. Magnet.
[0038] 22. Connecting rod,
[0039] 23. Plug; 231. Sealing ring;
[0040] 24. Pressure plate; 241. Perforation; 242. Limiting strip; 243. Alternating groove.
[0041] In the diagram, units with similar structures are represented by the same labels. Detailed Implementation
[0042] 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 skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0043] The directional terms mentioned in this utility model, such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "side", "top" and "bottom", are only for reference to the orientation of the accompanying drawings. The directional terms used are for the purpose of explaining and understanding this utility model, and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0044] The terms "first" and "second" in this utility model are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor as a restriction on the order of events.
[0045] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0046] In existing secondary ink cartridges, when the ink is consumed to a certain extent, external power is generally required to replenish the ink. The ink tubes, air tubes, electrical circuits, etc. connected to the secondary ink cartridges are of various types, resulting in redundant secondary ink cartridge structures.
[0047] The following is a preferred embodiment of an automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge provided by this utility model, which can solve the above technical problems.
[0048] A preferred embodiment of this utility model provides a printer, which includes an automatically replenishing secondary ink cartridge, a primary ink cartridge, and a printhead.
[0049] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 An automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge includes a cartridge body 1 and an automatic ink replenishment valve 2. The cartridge body 1 has an ink inlet head 11 and an ink outlet head 12 on its exterior. The ink inlet head 11 connects to the primary ink cartridge, and the ink outlet head 12 connects to the printhead. An installation platform 13 is provided on the inner wall of the cartridge body 1, with its top spaced apart from the top wall of the cartridge body 1. An ink inlet channel 131 is provided on the installation platform 13, with an ink inlet port 1311 and an ink outlet port 1312 at both ends. The ink inlet port 1311 communicates with the ink inlet head 11, and the ink outlet port 1312 is located on the top surface of the installation platform 13. The automatic ink replenishment valve 2 is located inside the cartridge body 1 and includes a float 21, a connecting rod 22, and a plug 23. The plug 23 is movably disposed at the ink outlet port 1312, and the connecting rod 22 is rotatably connected to the installation platform 13, with its two ends connected to the float 21 and the plug 23, respectively. When the ink level in cartridge 1 is low, float 21 descends, and connecting rod 22 rotates, causing plug 23 to rise and open ink outlet 1312. When the ink level in cartridge 1 is high, float 21 rises, and connecting rod 22 rotates, causing plug 23 to descend and block ink outlet 1312.
[0050] This utility model discloses an automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge. It connects to the primary ink cartridge via an ink inlet head 11 for ink intake and to the printhead via an ink outlet head 12 for ink ejection. A connecting rod 22 is rotatably connected to the mounting platform 13, forming a lever. When the ink level in the cartridge 1 is low, the float 21 descends, and the connecting rod 22 rotates, causing the plug 23 to rise and open the ink outlet 1312. At this time, ink can sequentially pass through the ink inlet head 11 and the ink inlet channel 131 into the cartridge 1. When the ink level in the cartridge 1 is high, the float 21 rises slowly under buoyancy, and the connecting rod 22 rotates, causing the plug 23 to descend and block the ink outlet 1312, stopping ink intake. The top of the mounting platform 13 is spaced apart from the top wall of the cartridge 1, allowing space for the float 21 to rise and fall. The ink outlet 1312 is located on the top surface of the mounting platform 13, facilitating the up-and-down movement of the plug 23 to open and close the ink outlet 1312. The automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge of this utility model can perform non-powered ink replenishment during the printing process by relying on the relationship between the buoyancy of the ink and the gravity of the float 21, eliminating the need for a power source and having a simple structure.
[0051] Please refer to Figure 3 The bottom of the float 21 is set to be inclined, and the height of the float 21 gradually decreases along the direction from the mounting platform 13 to the float 21. With the above structure, when the depth of the cartridge 1 is small, the float 21 can be kept as low as possible in the inkless state, which facilitates timely ink replenishment and increases the sensitivity of ink replenishment.
[0052] Float 21 has a closed cavity; please refer to [further details]. Figure 3 The presence of the cavity makes the weight of the float 21 relatively small, allowing it to move flexibly as the liquid level rises and falls.
[0053] Please refer to Figure 7 The float 21 includes a body 211 and a sealing membrane (not shown). The body 211 is open and has reinforcing ribs 2111 inside. The sealing membrane is fixed to the opening of the body 211, and the body 211 and the sealing membrane form a cavity. The reinforcing ribs 2111 can enhance the structural strength of the float 21. During processing, the body 211 is processed first, and then the sealing membrane is fixed to the opening of the body 211, which facilitates processing.
[0054] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9The automatic ink replenishment valve 2 also includes a pressure plate 24, with a connecting rod 22 rotatably connected to the pressure plate 24. The pressure plate 24 is detachably connected to the top surface of the mounting platform 13 via fasteners. The pressure plate 24 has a through hole 241, and a limiting strip 242 is provided along the circumference of the inner wall of the through hole 241. The limiting strip 242 protrudes towards the center of the through hole 241. A plug 23 passes through the through hole 241, with the limiting strip 242 positioned above the plug 23 to confine the plug 23 within the through hole 241. Fasteners can be screws or other fastening components. During installation, the float 21 can be assembled with the pressure plate 24 first, and then the pressure plate 24 can be screwed onto the mounting platform 13. To disassemble the float 21, the pressure plate 24 can be separated from the mounting platform 13. The rising structure facilitates the replacement of the float 21. When the plug 23 leaves the ink outlet 1312, the limiting strip 242 limits the movement of the plug 23, so that the movement distance of the plug 23 is not too large, so that when the plug 23 blocks the ink outlet 1312 again, the ink will generate greater resistance to the plug 23.
[0055] Please refer to Figure 9 The pressure plate 24 is also provided with a clearance groove 243, which is located on the side of the perforation 241 near the float 21. The clearance groove 243 connects the interior of the housing 1 and the perforation 241, and the connecting rod 22 is rotatably positioned at the clearance groove 243. The clearance groove 243 can obstruct the connecting rod 22, allowing the connecting rod 22 to rotate smoothly. In addition, when there is a gap between the plug 23 and the ink outlet 1312, ink can flow into the housing 1 through the clearance groove 243.
[0056] Please refer to Figure 8 The bottom of the plug 23 is provided with an annular sealing ring 231. When the plug 23 blocks the ink outlet 1312, the sealing ring 231 surrounds the outside of the ink outlet 1312, which can improve the sealing performance of the plug 23 in blocking the ink outlet 1312.
[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 A magnet 212 is installed on the top of the side wall of the float 21. A liquid level detection sensor 16 is installed on the side wall of the housing 1. When the magnet 212 is in a low position, the liquid level detection sensor 16 can sense the magnet 212 and send a signal. When the ink in the housing 1 is in a low position, the float 21 descends, the magnet 212 is in a low position, and the liquid level detection sensor 16 sends a signal, which can provide an alarm for the ink path system.
[0058] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 The cartridge body 1 is equipped with multiple independent ink reservoirs 15, each of which is equipped with an ink inlet head 11, an ink outlet head 12, a mounting platform 13, and an automatic ink replenishment valve 2. Multiple ink outlet heads 12 can be connected to multiple printheads to work simultaneously, and each ink reservoir 15 can be controlled to replenish ink through the corresponding automatic ink replenishment valve 2, effectively improving work efficiency.
[0059] The housing 1 is also equipped with a vent 14, which connects the interior of the housing 1 with the external atmosphere. The interior of the housing 1 is connected to the external atmosphere through the vent 14. A pressure difference is formed by the height difference between the liquid level and the printhead, which ensures that the ink will not leak from the printhead. Also, because there is no negative pressure inside, the printhead will not leak ink after the equipment is powered off.
[0060] The working principle of the automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge of the preferred embodiment of this utility model:
[0061] Ink is fed into the primary ink cartridge via the ink inlet head 11, and ink is ejected from the printhead via the ink outlet head 12.
[0062] Link 22 is rotatably connected to mounting platform 13, forming a lever. When the ink level in cartridge 1 is low, float 21 descends, and link 22 rotates, causing plug 23 to rise and open ink outlet 1312. Limiting strip 242 limits plug 23, preventing it from moving too far. Ink can then pass sequentially through ink inlet head 11, ink inlet channel 131, and clearance groove 243 into cartridge 1. When the ink level in cartridge 1 is high, float 21 rises slowly due to buoyancy, and link 22 rotates, causing plug 23 to descend and block ink outlet 1312, stopping ink feeding.
[0063] The interior of the housing 1 is connected to the outside atmosphere through the vent 14. A pressure difference is formed by the height difference between the liquid level and the printhead, which ensures that the ink will not leak from the printhead. Also, because there is no negative pressure inside, the printhead will not leak ink after the equipment is powered off.
[0064] This is the working principle of the automatic replenishment two-stage ink cartridge in this preferred embodiment.
[0065] This invention relates to an automatic replenishment-type secondary ink cartridge. It connects to the primary ink cartridge via an ink inlet head and to the printhead via an ink outlet head. A connecting rod rotates and connects to the mounting platform, forming a lever. When the ink level in the cartridge is low, the float descends, and the connecting rod rotates, causing the plug to rise and open the ink outlet. At this time, ink can sequentially pass through the ink inlet head and the ink inlet channel into the cartridge. When the ink level in the cartridge is high, the float rises slowly due to buoyancy, and the connecting rod rotates, causing the plug to descend and block the ink outlet, stopping ink intake. The top of the mounting platform is spaced apart from the top wall of the cartridge, allowing the ink outlet to be positioned on the top of the mounting platform. The ink outlet's location on the top surface of the mounting platform facilitates the up-and-down movement of the plug to open and close the ink outlet. This automatic replenishment-type secondary ink cartridge relies on the relationship between the buoyancy of the ink and the weight of the float for non-powered ink replenishment during printing, eliminating the need for a power source and resulting in a simple structure.
[0066] In summary, although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the concept of the technical solution of the present invention, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. An automatic refillable two-stage ink cartridge, characterized in that, include: The cartridge body has an ink inlet head and an ink outlet head on its exterior. The ink inlet head connects to a primary ink cartridge, and the ink outlet head connects to a printhead. An inner wall of the cartridge body has a mounting platform, the top of which is spaced apart from the top wall of the cartridge body. An ink inlet channel is provided on the mounting platform, with an ink inlet port and an ink outlet at each end. The ink inlet port communicates with the ink inlet head, and the ink outlet port is located on the top surface of the mounting platform. An automatic ink replenishment valve is located in the cartridge body. The automatic ink replenishment valve includes a float, a connecting rod, and a plug. The plug is movably disposed at the ink outlet. The connecting rod is rotatably connected to the mounting platform, and its two ends are respectively connected to the float and the plug. When the ink in the cartridge body is in a low liquid level state, the float descends, and the connecting rod rotates to make the plug rise to open the ink outlet. When the ink in the cartridge is at a high level, the float rises, and the connecting rod rotates, causing the plug to descend and block the ink outlet.
2. The automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the float is set to be inclined, and the height of the float gradually decreases along the direction from the mounting platform to the float.
3. The automatic replenishment secondary ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float is provided with a closed cavity. The float includes a body and a sealing membrane. The body is open and has reinforcing ribs inside. The sealing membrane is fixed to the opening of the body. The body and the sealing membrane form the cavity.
4. The automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic ink replenishment valve also includes a pressure plate, the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the pressure plate, the pressure plate is detachably connected to the top surface of the mounting platform by fasteners, the pressure plate is provided with a through hole, the inner wall of the through hole is provided with a limit strip along its circumference, the limit strip protrudes toward the center of the through hole, the plug is inserted through the through hole, and the limit strip is located above the plug to limit the plug in the through hole.
5. The automatic replenishment secondary ink cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure plate is also provided with a clearance groove, which is located on the side of the perforation near the float. The clearance groove connects the interior of the box and the perforation, and the connecting rod is rotatably disposed at the clearance groove.
6. The automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the plug is provided with an annular sealing ring, which surrounds the outside of the ink outlet when the plug blocks the ink outlet.
7. The automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A magnet is provided on the top of the side wall of the float; a liquid level detection sensor is provided on the side wall of the box. When the magnet is in a low position, the liquid level detection sensor can sense the magnet and send a signal.
8. The automatic replenishment type two-stage ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with multiple independent oil storage chambers, and each oil storage chamber is provided with the ink inlet head, the ink outlet head, the mounting platform and the automatic ink replenishment valve.
9. A printer, characterized in that, include: The automatic refillable secondary ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-8; A primary ink cartridge, which is connected to the ink inlet head; as well as, A printhead, which is connected to the ink output head.
10. The printer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The box is also equipped with a vent, which connects the inside of the box with the outside atmosphere.