Ink supply device for scribing robot
By designing an ink supply device for ink tanks and ink cartridges, and combining a liquid level sensor and a one-way switch valve, the stability and convenience issues of traditional ink supply devices in the aircraft manufacturing environment have been solved, achieving stable ink supply and rapid ink replacement, thereby improving line marking accuracy and production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Traditional ink supply systems are ill-suited for the rapid ink replacement requirements of aircraft manufacturing environments, and suffer from problems such as ink leakage, inaccurate level monitoring, and unstable ink supply, which affect line marking accuracy and production efficiency.
An ink supply device including an ink tank and a removable ink cartridge was designed. It uses a liquid level sensor and a one-way switch valve to achieve rapid ink replacement and stable ink supply. An integrated circuit module performs real-time monitoring and alarm to ensure the stability and convenience of ink supply.
It achieves stable ink supply in complex environments, improves line marking accuracy and work efficiency, reduces maintenance time, and ensures the continuity and efficiency of line marking operations.
Smart Images
Figure CN224145611U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ink supply technology for line marking, specifically to an ink supply device for a line marking robot. Background Technology
[0002] In aircraft manufacturing and assembly, the outer skin marking robot plays a crucial role in accurately marking the skin's baseline. Its efficiency and accuracy directly impact the assembly precision and production schedule. As manufacturing processes progress, the marking robot requires a continuous and stable ink supply to ensure accurate marking. However, the aircraft manufacturing environment is complex, potentially involving adverse factors such as high temperatures, vibration, airflow interference, and oil contamination. Traditional ink supply systems often struggle to meet the robot's need for rapid ink replacement in such environments, leading to problems like ink leakage, inaccurate level monitoring, and unstable ink supply. This can cause marking interruptions, impacting production efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
[0003] In current practical applications, the ink supply process for aircraft skin marking robots faces numerous unresolved issues. Traditional ink supply methods typically employ simple ink cartridges connected to pipes, which are ill-suited to the demands of rapid ink replacement in the complex environment of aircraft manufacturing.
[0004] On the one hand, the aircraft manufacturing workshop requires a highly clean environment, but during the scribing process, the gaps or connections of the ink cartridges may be contaminated by dust or oil in the air, which may enter the ink supply system, affect the ink quality, and cause the scribing to be blurry and discontinuous, thereby affecting the assembly accuracy and increasing the risk of adjustment and rework.
[0005] On the other hand, existing ink supply systems are inadequate in monitoring ink levels, making it difficult for operators to know in a timely manner whether the ink is about to run out. This can cause the marking robot to suddenly stop working during the marking process due to running out of ink, which not only affects the production rhythm but also requires additional time to readjust and restart the equipment, reducing manufacturing efficiency.
[0006] Furthermore, traditional ink supply systems often lack efficient and quick replacement mechanisms during ink cartridge replacement. Replacing ink cartridges typically requires complex disassembly and installation steps, involving the operation of multiple connecting parts. This wastes a significant amount of time under tight production schedules, increases the workload of operators, and may lead to ink leakage due to improper operation, contaminating the aircraft skin surface, increasing cleaning costs, and even affecting subsequent painting and assembly processes.
[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a high-efficiency ink supply device that can adapt to the working conditions of aircraft manufacturing, to ensure the stability, convenience and high-precision control of the ink supply system, and to improve the continuity and reliability of the marking robot's operation. Utility Model Content
[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an ink supply device for a line marking robot, so as to solve the problem of ink supply and ink replacement for the line marking robot in complex working environments, ensure the stability and convenience of ink supply, and improve the line marking accuracy and work efficiency.
[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0010] An ink supply device for a line-marking robot includes an ink tank and an ink cartridge detachably installed inside the ink tank. A circuit module is installed on one side of the ink tank, and the circuit module is provided with an inkjet interface that communicates with an inkjet device. The interior of the ink tank has a slot for accommodating the ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge is provided with a liquid level sensor for monitoring the ink level. The bottom of the ink cartridge is provided with a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface communicates with the inkjet interface, the second interface is connected to the liquid level sensor, and the third interface is connected to the circuit module.
[0011] Optionally, one end of the ink cartridge is embedded in the slot, and the other end extends to the outside of the ink tank.
[0012] Optionally, the slot has a corresponding notch at its open end.
[0013] Optionally, the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface protrude from the bottom surface of the ink cartridge, the bottom surface of the ink cartridge is provided with a base, and the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface are located inside the base.
[0014] Optionally, a filter for filtering ink is installed at the outlet of the first interface.
[0015] Optionally, the first interface is connected to a one-way switch valve, and the filter screen is located between the one-way switch valve and the first interface.
[0016] Optionally, the circuit module is internally equipped with an interconnected liquid level signal processing circuit and an alarm control circuit. An indicator light is provided on the ink cartridge, and the liquid level signal processing circuit is connected to the liquid level sensor, while the alarm control circuit is connected to the indicator light.
[0017] Optionally, multiple ink cartridges are provided, and the slots correspond to the number and position of the ink cartridges.
[0018] Optionally, the number of ports of the inkjet interface corresponds to the number of ink cartridges.
[0019] Optionally, both the ink tank and the ink cartridge adopt a cuboid structure, and each is provided with three.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: it solves the problem of ink supply and ink replacement for line marking robots in complex working environments, ensures the stability and convenience of ink supply, and improves line marking accuracy and work efficiency.
[0021] In this invention, the ink cartridge can be installed and removed from the slot in the ink tank, thereby meeting the need for quick ink replacement. When the ink cartridge is installed in the slot, the ink stored inside flows to the inkjet device for line drawing through the first interface and the inkjet interface. The liquid level sensor is connected to the circuit module through the second interface, which can detect the remaining ink in the ink cartridge in real time, preventing the line drawing robot from suddenly stopping due to running out of ink, maintaining the production rhythm, and improving manufacturing efficiency.
[0022] (2) In this utility model, one end of the ink cartridge is located on the outside of the ink tank, and the ink cartridge is conveniently pulled out of the slot through the notch;
[0023] (3) In this utility model, by setting a filter screen at the first interface, impurities in the ink can be prevented from clogging the outlet or affecting the normal operation of the robot's printhead;
[0024] (4) In this utility model, a one-way switch valve is also provided at the first interface. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the slot, the one-way switch valve is turned on; when the ink cartridge is pulled out of the slot, the one-way switch valve automatically resets and closes to prevent ink from flowing out when the ink cartridge is pulled out. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ink supply device for the line-drawing robot in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the positional structure of the ink tank and ink cartridge in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge structure in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ink tank structure in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit module in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional structure between the one-way valve, the filter screen, and the first interface in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0031] Among them, 1. Ink tank; 11. Slot; 12. Notch;
[0032] 2. Ink cartridge; 21. First interface; 22. Second interface; 23. Third interface; 24. Base;
[0033] 3. Circuit module; 31. Power supply interface; 32. Inkjet interface; 33. Filter screen; 34. One-way switch valve. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, which are only used to illustrate the basic structure of the present invention in a schematic manner, and therefore only show the components related to the present invention. Example 1
[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, an ink supply device for a line drawing robot includes an ink tank 1, a circuit module 3 connected to the bottom surface of the ink tank 1, an ink cartridge 2 for storing ink installed inside the ink tank 1, the ink tank 1 is designed with a standardized plug structure, and the circuit module 3 is electrically connected by physical alignment and insertion, which facilitates the replacement of the ink tank 1 or the module.
[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the ink tank 1 has a slot 11 inside for accommodating ink cartridges 2, and the open end of the slot 11 has a corresponding notch 12. Multiple ink cartridges 2 are provided, and the number and position of the slots 11 correspond to the number of ink cartridges 2, that is, the slots 11 and ink cartridges 2 correspond one-to-one, and one ink cartridge 2 is installed in each slot 11.
[0037] The notch 12 adopts a semi-circular arc groove structure. When the ink cartridge 2 is installed in the ink tank 1, one end of the ink cartridge 2 is embedded in the slot 11, and the other end extends to the outside of the ink tank 1. When removing and replacing the ink cartridge 2, the ink cartridge 2 can be held through the notch 12, so that it can be pulled out of the slot 11 more easily, thus achieving quick replacement.
[0038] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, ink cartridge 2 is equipped with a liquid level sensor for monitoring the ink level. The bottom of ink cartridge 2 is provided with a first interface 21, a second interface 22 and a third interface 23. Ink cartridge 2 is also equipped with an indicator light and a buzzer. The indicator light is located at the bottom of ink cartridge 2.
[0039] The liquid level sensor is used in the aircraft manufacturing environment and is not easily affected by the corrosiveness or contamination of ink. It can accurately monitor the ink level in ink cartridge 2 and ensure a stable ink supply.
[0040] The first interface 21, the second interface 22, and the third interface 23 all protrude from the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 2. To ensure that it can be placed stably and avoid shaking or tilting, a base 24 is provided on the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 2. The first interface 21, the second interface 22, and the third interface 23 are located inside the base 24, that is, the base 24 is located around the first interface 21, the second interface 22, and the third interface 23 to provide better support and stability.
[0041] Both ink tank 1 and ink cartridge 2 adopt a cuboid structure, which optimizes the spatial layout of the line drawing robot while storing a large amount of ink, and improves the convenience of installation and replacement; in addition, the corners of ink cartridge 2 are designed with rounded shapes to reduce the risk of damage to itself and surrounding equipment during collisions, thereby improving the safety of use.
[0042] The ink outlet of cartridge 2 adopts a straight tube shape, which reduces the flow resistance of ink within the tube, minimizes the risk of sedimentation, and improves the stability of ink supply. Furthermore, considering the complexity of the aircraft manufacturing environment, cartridge 2 is made of corrosion-resistant plastic material to ensure long-term stable operation under harsh conditions.
[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the circuit module 3 is equipped with a power supply interface 31 and an inkjet interface 32. The circuit module 3 contains an interconnected liquid level signal processing circuit and an alarm control circuit. The liquid level signal processing circuit is connected to the liquid level sensor, and the alarm control circuit is connected to the buzzer and indicator light. The alarm device here adopts an audible and visual alarm. When the ink level reaches the preset upper and lower limits, the buzzer and indicator light simultaneously alert the operator to ensure timely replenishment or replacement of the ink cartridge 2.
[0044] As described above, the ink cartridge 2 can be detachably installed in the ink tank 1. The circuit module 3 can be connected to an external power source through the power supply interface 31, and the inkjet interface 32 can be connected to the inkjet device. The first interface 21 is connected to the inkjet interface 32, that is, the ink cartridge 2 can be connected to the inkjet device through the inkjet interface 32 to realize the function of ink supply for line drawing.
[0045] The second interface 22 can be connected to both the liquid level sensor and the liquid level signal processing circuit of the circuit module 3; the ink level data detected by the liquid level sensor is transmitted to the liquid level signal processing circuit through the second interface 22.
[0046] The third interface 23 is connected to the power supply interface 31 of the circuit module 3. That is, the external power supply transmits power to the ink cartridge 2 through the power supply interface 31 and the third interface 23 to enable the internal liquid level sensor to work and to power the indicator light.
[0047] Slot 11 corresponds one-to-one with ink cartridge 2. Similarly, the number of ports on inkjet interface 32 corresponds to the number of ink cartridges 2, meaning that the first interface 21 of each ink cartridge 2 is connected to a port on inkjet interface 32. The modular design allows operators to quickly replace ink cartridges 2 without stopping or briefly pausing the machine, significantly improving work efficiency, reducing maintenance time, and ensuring the continuity and high precision requirements of line marking operations.
[0048] Furthermore, a filter screen 33 for filtering ink is installed at the outlet of the first interface 21 to prevent impurities in the ink from clogging the ink outlet or affecting the normal operation of the robot's printhead.
[0049] The first interface 21 is connected to a one-way valve 34, and the filter screen 33 is located between the one-way valve 34 and the first interface 21. The one-way valve 34 is installed on the ink outlet pipe to precisely control the ink flow rate to ensure line drawing accuracy. When the ink cartridge 2 is inserted into the slot 11, the one-way valve 34 is turned on; when the ink cartridge 2 is pulled out of the slot 11, the one-way valve 34 automatically resets and closes to prevent ink from flowing out when the ink cartridge 2 is pulled out.
[0050] Working principle:
[0051] The ink cartridge 2 is embedded in the slot 11 of the ink tank 1, achieving multiple connections with the circuit module 3. The first interface 21 serves as the ink flow interface, directly communicating with the fluid channel of the ink tank 1. Ink enters the inkjet interface 32 via the filter 33 and the one-way valve 34, ultimately flowing to the marking device. The level sensor is connected to the level sensor probe inside the ink tank 1 via the second interface 22, transmitting the level signal to the circuit module 3 for ink level monitoring. External power supplies the ink cartridge 2 via the power supply interface 31 and the third interface 23. Power is transmitted along the internal circuitry of the ink tank 1 to the circuit module 3, ensuring the normal operation of the inkjet printing and monitoring modules. The entire structure achieves a tight connection between the ink cartridge 2 and the ink tank 1 through the slot 11, ensuring the stability of ink flow, power supply, and signal transmission.
[0052] When the ink level reaches the preset upper and lower limits, the level signal processing circuit and the alarm control circuit work together to simultaneously alert the operator with a buzzer and an indicator light, ensuring that the ink cartridge 2 is replenished or replaced in time.
[0053] When ink cartridge 2 is pulled out of slot 11 of ink tank 1, the first interface 21, the second interface 22 and the third interface 23 are simultaneously disengaged from ink tank 1, and the one-way switch valve 34 automatically resets to close the first interface 21 to prevent ink from flowing out. Example 2
[0054] Based on Embodiment 1, this device adopts a modular design, including one ink tank 1 and three replaceable ink cartridges 2 to meet the needs of multi-color line drawing. The ink cartridge 2 is rectangular in shape, made of corrosion-resistant plastic material, and has a transparent surface, allowing the ink color to be clearly seen. The ink tank 1 is dark green, and the overall structure is compact.
[0055] Each ink cartridge 2 has three ports at its bottom. These three ports converge into a single pipe via solenoid valves at the inlet and outlet. Controlling these solenoid valves enables automatic cleaning of the inlet and outlet water. A filter 33 is installed at the outlet to prevent impurities in the ink from clogging the ink outlet or affecting the normal operation of the robot's printhead.
[0056] The first interface is equipped with a one-way switch valve 34, which enables automatic ink supply to ink tank 1. It also has a hose interface for connection to the inkjet system, ensuring smooth ink flow to the marking equipment to meet high-precision marking requirements. The second interface connects to a liquid level sensor for real-time monitoring of the ink level. This sensor is connected to an indicator light via a circuit board, and the signal is transmitted to the ink tank management system. When the liquid level reaches the preset upper or lower limit, the indicator light will emit a signal to remind the operator to replenish or adjust the ink. The third interface connects to the power module to ensure stable power supply.
[0057] Because the three ports on the bottom of ink cartridge 2 are protruding, an additional base 24 is designed and added to the bottom of ink cartridge 2 to provide better support and stability in order to ensure that it can be placed stably and avoid shaking or tilting.
[0058] The ink tank 1 adopts a modular structure design. The interior of the tank has three independent slots 11, which can accommodate ink cartridges 2 of different colors. They are fixed by existing buckles or guide rail structures to ensure convenient and efficient replacement operations. The ink tank 1 is connected to the circuit module 3, which integrates liquid level signal processing circuit and alarm control circuit.
[0059] The side of ink tank 1 also has four interfaces, three of which connect to the ink outlet of each ink cartridge 2 to ensure a stable ink supply. The other interface connects to the control module, which can monitor the ink level of ink cartridge 2 in real time and provide the operator with a replacement prompt when the ink is low. The modular design allows operators to quickly replace ink cartridge 2 without stopping the machine or with a short stop, greatly improving work efficiency, reducing maintenance time, and ensuring the continuity and high precision requirements of line marking operations.
[0060] In addition, the device supports multi-color ink supply and can switch between different colors of ink according to different line drawing requirements; at the same time, it adopts a quick replacement design, making the disassembly and assembly of ink cartridge 2 more convenient and greatly improving maintenance efficiency.
[0061] This device integrates a multi-sensor system, including a color recognition sensor, a liquid level monitoring sensor, and an operational status detection sensor, enabling real-time monitoring of ink color, liquid level, and equipment operating status. Through a real-time serial communication interface, it can efficiently exchange data with the control system, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the ink supply process.
[0062] This device supports intelligent switching between multi-color and single-color states, which can flexibly adapt to different inkjet task requirements. It also has a cleaning state switching function, which can automatically enter the cleaning mode during maintenance or color change, effectively preventing ink path clogging and improving system reliability.
[0063] In summary, the ink supply device of this utility model, through the above-mentioned structural design and functional integration, effectively solves the defects of the existing technology in the aircraft manufacturing environment, and provides an efficient, stable and convenient ink supply solution for aircraft outer skin marking robots. It not only ensures the accuracy and stability of ink supply, but also improves ink replacement efficiency, and has important practical value and broad application prospects.
[0064] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0065] 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.
[0066] Based on the preferred embodiments of this utility model described above, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An ink supply device for a scribe robot, characterized by: It includes an ink tank (1) and an ink cartridge (2) that can be detachably installed inside the ink tank (1). A circuit module (3) is installed on one side of the ink tank (1), and an inkjet interface (32) connected to the inkjet device is provided on the circuit module (3). The ink tank (1) has a slot (11) for accommodating the ink cartridge (2) inside. The ink cartridge (2) is equipped with a liquid level sensor for monitoring the ink level. The bottom of the ink cartridge (2) is provided with a first interface (21), a second interface (22) and a third interface (23). The first interface (21) is connected to the inkjet interface (32), the second interface (22) is connected to the liquid level sensor, and the third interface (23) is connected to the circuit module (3).
2. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 1, wherein: One end of the ink cartridge (2) is embedded in the slot (11), and the other end extends to the outside of the ink tank (1).
3. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 2, wherein: The slot (11) has a corresponding notch (12) at its open end.
4. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 1, wherein: The first interface (21), the second interface (22) and the third interface (23) protrude from the bottom surface of the ink cartridge (2), and a base (24) is provided on the bottom surface of the ink cartridge (2), and the first interface (21), the second interface (22) and the third interface (23) are located inside the base (24).
5. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 1, wherein: A filter screen (33) for filtering ink is installed at the outlet of the first interface (21).
6. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 5, wherein: The first interface (21) is connected to a one-way switch valve (34), and the filter screen (33) is located between the one-way switch valve (34) and the first interface (21).
7. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 1, wherein: The circuit module (3) is internally equipped with an interconnected liquid level signal processing circuit and an alarm control circuit. The ink cartridge (2) is equipped with an indicator light. The liquid level signal processing circuit is connected to the liquid level sensor, and the alarm control circuit is connected to the indicator light.
8. The scribe robot ink supply device of any of claims 1-7, wherein: Multiple ink cartridges (2) are provided, and the slots (11) correspond to the number and position of the ink cartridges (2).
9. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 8, wherein: The number of ports of the inkjet interface (32) corresponds to the number of ink cartridges (2).
10. The scribe robot ink supply device of claim 9, wherein: Both the ink tank (1) and the ink cartridge (2) adopt a cuboid structure, and both are provided with three.