Ink box

Abstract

The utility model discloses an ink box, which comprises a box main body and a reset elastic piece. The cartridge body comprises a main shell and a sealing film, the main shell is provided with an ink groove, an ink outlet hole and an air inlet hole, the sealing film covers a groove opening of the ink groove in a sealing mode, the sealing film and the ink groove define an ink cavity, the sealing film can deform in the direction close to and away from the ink groove, and the ink outlet hole communicates with the lower portion of the ink cavity and is used for outputting ink in the ink cavity. The air inlet is used for inputting external air into the ink cavity. The reset elastic piece is arranged in the ink cavity, the two ends of the reset elastic piece abut against the groove bottom of the ink groove and the sealing film respectively, and the reset elastic piece is used for applying reset elastic force in the direction away from the ink groove to the sealing film. According to the ink box, when printing equipment stops each time, ink remaining in the ink suction nozzle and the ink outlet hole is reversely pumped back to the ink cavity, bubbles are removed, then the ink without the bubbles can be provided for the printing equipment again, and therefore the printing quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to consumables for printing equipment, and in particular to an ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Existing ink cartridges have an ink chamber, an ink outlet, and an air inlet. The ink chamber stores ink, the ink outlet discharges ink from the ink chamber, and the air inlet allows air to enter the ink chamber to balance the air pressure. When the ink cartridge is installed in a printer, the printer's suction nozzle aligns with the ink outlet. During printing, the printer draws ink through the suction nozzle, while external air enters the ink chamber through the air inlet to balance the air pressure. When the printer is not in use, ink remains in the suction nozzle and ink outlet. Air bubbles often easily mix with this ink, affecting print quality after the printer restarts. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an ink cartridge that can back-draw the ink remaining in the ink suction nozzle and ink outlet back into the ink chamber and remove air bubbles each time the printing equipment stops, and then provide air bubble-free ink to the printing equipment again, thereby improving print quality.

[0004] An ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cartridge body comprising a main shell and a sealing film, the main shell having an ink tank, an ink outlet, and an air inlet; the sealing film covering the opening of the ink tank and enclosing the ink tank to form an ink cavity; the sealing film being deformable in directions approaching and away from the ink tank; the ink outlet communicating with the lower part of the ink cavity and used to output ink from the ink cavity; and the air inlet used to input external air into the ink cavity; and a reset elastic member disposed within the ink cavity, the two ends of the reset elastic member respectively abutting against the bottom of the ink tank and the sealing film; the reset elastic member being used to apply a reset elastic force to the sealing film in a direction away from the ink tank.

[0005] An ink cartridge according to an embodiment of this utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: When the ink cartridge is supplying ink normally, the ink suction nozzle of the printing device draws ink through the ink outlet, creating a relative negative pressure in the ink chamber. The sealing film deforms towards the ink reservoir and compresses the reset elastic element. Simultaneously, external air enters the ink chamber through the air inlet to balance the air pressure. When the printing device stops, the ink suction nozzle no longer draws ink from the ink outlet, and the reset elastic element pushes the sealing film back to its original position, causing the ink chamber to regain negative pressure. This allows the ink chamber to draw ink back from the ink outlet and the ink suction nozzle of the printing device. Since the ink outlet is connected to the lower part of the ink chamber, air bubbles in the ink returning to the ink chamber rise to the upper part of the ink chamber, thus eliminating the air bubbles. When the printing device re-draws ink, it mainly draws ink from the lower part of the ink chamber through the ink outlet. The ink in this area has already eliminated air bubbles through gravity, allowing the ink cartridge to resume supplying air bubble-free ink. The ink cartridge with the above structure can utilize the intermittent time of the printing equipment to reverse the ink suction nozzle and ink outlet back to the ink chamber, and remove air bubbles by gravity, effectively ensuring that the ink re-output to the printing equipment is free of air bubbles, thereby improving the print quality.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom of the ink tank is provided with a positioning part adapted to one end of the reset elastic member, and one end of the reset elastic member cooperates with the positioning part and is positioned by the positioning part.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the reset elastic member is a cylindrical structure and the compression elongation direction is the axial direction of the cylindrical structure, the positioning part is a protrusion protruding relative to the bottom of the ink tank, and one end of the reset elastic member is sleeved on the positioning part.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning part is a convex ring, and the convex ring has a connecting opening that connects the inner and outer sides of the convex ring. Multiple connecting openings are provided and arranged along the circumference of the convex ring.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the reset elastic element is a conical spring, the smaller end of the reset elastic element abuts against the bottom of the ink tank, and the larger end of the reset elastic element abuts against the sealing film.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the box body is provided with an air inlet channel, and the air inlet hole is connected to the ink chamber through the air inlet channel.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the main housing is provided with an air inlet groove, the opening of the air inlet groove and the opening of the ink tank are oriented in the same direction and at the same height, and the sealing film simultaneously covers the opening of the air inlet groove and surrounds the air inlet groove to form the air inlet channel.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air intake channel is connected to the ink chamber through an air intake one-way valve, and the air intake one-way valve is used to limit the fluid from entering the ink chamber unidirectionally from the air intake channel.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a reinforcing plate is provided in the ink tank, the reinforcing plate is connected to the bottom of the ink tank and the two opposite side walls of the tank, and the sealing film is connected to the reinforcing plate.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the reinforcing plate divides the ink chamber into a main chamber and a secondary chamber. The main chamber and the secondary chamber are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. The ink outlet is connected to the lower part of the main chamber. The external air input through the air inlet enters the secondary chamber before the main chamber. The upper and lower ends of the reinforcing plate are respectively provided with an upper notch and a lower notch. The upper part of the secondary chamber is connected to the upper part of the main chamber through the upper notch, and the lower part of the secondary chamber is connected to the lower part of the main chamber through the lower notch.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the main housing according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown along the AA direction;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown in the BB direction.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] Box body 100, main shell 110, sealing film 120, ink chamber 130, cover 140, ink tank 111, ink outlet 112, air inlet 113, positioning part 114, connecting opening 1141, air inlet groove 115, valve groove 116, reinforcing plate 117, upper notch 1171, lower notch 1172;

[0024] Reset elastic element 200;

[0025] Intake check valve 300, valve cover 310, diaphragm 320, diaphragm spring 330, vent column 321, vent hole 3211. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional 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.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 5An ink cartridge includes a cartridge body 100 and a reset elastic member 200. The cartridge body 100 includes a main shell 110 and a sealing membrane 120. The main shell 110 is provided with an ink reservoir 111, an ink outlet 112, and an air inlet 113. The sealing membrane 120 covers the opening of the ink reservoir 111 and encloses the ink reservoir 111 to form an ink cavity 130. The sealing membrane 120 is deformable in directions approaching and away from the ink reservoir 111. The ink outlet 112 communicates with the lower part of the ink cavity 130 and is used to output ink from the ink cavity 130. The air inlet 113 is used to input external air into the ink cavity 130. The reset elastic member 200 is disposed inside the ink cavity 130. Both ends of the reset elastic member 200 abut against the bottom of the ink reservoir 111 and the sealing membrane 120, respectively. The reset elastic member 200 is used to apply a reset elastic force to the sealing membrane 120 in a direction away from the ink reservoir 111.

[0031] When the ink cartridge is supplying ink normally, the ink suction nozzle of the printer draws ink through the ink outlet 112, creating a relative negative pressure in the ink chamber 130. The sealing film 120 deforms towards the ink reservoir 111 and compresses the reset elastic element 200. At the same time, external air enters the ink chamber 130 through the air inlet 113 to balance the air pressure. When the printer stops, the ink suction nozzle no longer draws ink from the ink outlet 112. The reset elastic element 200 pushes the sealing film 120 to reset, causing the ink chamber 130 to regain negative pressure. Thus, the ink chamber 130 can draw ink from the ink outlet 112 and the ink suction nozzle of the printer back into the ink chamber 130. Since the ink outlet 112 is connected to the lower part of the ink chamber 130, air bubbles in the ink returning to the ink chamber 130 rise to the upper part of the ink chamber 130, thereby eliminating the air bubbles. When the printing device re-draws ink, it primarily draws ink from the lower part of the ink chamber 130 through the ink outlet 112. The ink in this area has already expelled air bubbles through gravity, allowing the cartridge to resupply air-free ink. This cartridge structure allows for the reverse drawing of ink from the ink nozzle and ink outlet 112 back into the ink chamber 130 during printing intervals, expelling air bubbles through gravity. This effectively ensures that the ink re-output to the printing device is air-free, thereby improving print quality.

[0032] In this embodiment, the sealing film 120 is a deformable film, which can be a plastic film or an elastic film, and can be configured according to the actual situation.

[0033] In this embodiment, the bottom of the ink tank 111 is provided with a positioning part 114 that is adapted to one end of the reset elastic member 200. One end of the reset elastic member 200 cooperates with the positioning part 114 and is positioned by the positioning part 114, thereby ensuring the installation stability of the reset elastic member 200 and ensuring a stable reset effect on the sealing film 120.

[0034] In this embodiment, the reset elastic member 200 is a cylindrical structure with the compression elongation direction being the axial direction of the cylindrical structure. The positioning part 114 is a protrusion protruding from the bottom of the ink reservoir 111, and one end of the reset elastic member 200 is sleeved on the positioning part 114. Using the above structure, the reset elastic member 200 can be stably positioned and is easy to implement. It is conceivable that in some embodiments, the reset elastic member 200 can also use other structures to achieve positioning. For example, the positioning part 114 may use a groove adapted to one end of the reset elastic member 200, and one end of the reset elastic member 200 may be inserted into this groove to achieve positioning. It is understood that there are many other implementations of the structure for achieving component positioning in the art, and those skilled in the art can configure it according to actual conditions, and are not limited to the above-described implementations.

[0035] In this embodiment, the positioning part 114 is a convex ring, which has a connecting opening 1141 that connects the inner and outer sides of the convex ring. Multiple connecting openings 1141 are arranged circumferentially around the convex ring. By using a convex ring as the positioning part 114 and having connecting openings 1141 that connect the inner and outer sides, excessive space is not occupied, and the impact on ink flow is reduced.

[0036] In this embodiment, the reset elastic element 200 is a conical spring. The smaller end of the reset elastic element 200 presses against the bottom of the ink reservoir 111, and the larger end of the reset elastic element 200 abuts against the sealing film 120. The reset elastic element 200 is a spring, which is readily available and has minimal impact on ink flow. Furthermore, by setting the reset elastic element 200 to a conical shape, with the larger end abutting against the sealing film 120 and the smaller end against the bottom of the ink reservoir 111, it can provide a more stable reset elastic force to the sealing film 120.

[0037] In this embodiment, the cartridge body 100 is provided with an air inlet channel, and the air inlet 113 is connected to the ink chamber 130 through the air inlet channel.

[0038] In this embodiment, the main housing 110 is provided with an air inlet groove 115. The opening of the air inlet groove 115 and the opening of the ink tank 111 face the same direction and are at the same height. The sealing film 120 simultaneously covers the opening of the air inlet groove 115 and encloses the air inlet groove 115 to form an air intake channel. With the above structure, the sealing film 120 covers the ink tank 111 to form the ink cavity 130 while also covering the air inlet groove 115 to form the air intake channel. A single sealing film 120 can seal the corresponding groove structure to form the ink cavity 130 and the air intake channel, thereby simplifying the structure of the ink cartridge. In this embodiment, the sealing film 120 can be connected to the corresponding position by welding or bonding.

[0039] In this embodiment, the air intake channel is connected to the ink chamber 130 via an air intake check valve 300. The air intake check valve 300 is used to limit the flow of fluid from the air intake channel into the ink chamber 130 in one direction. By providing the air intake check valve 300, one-way air intake can be ensured, preventing ink from leaking into the air intake channel and air inlet 113.

[0040] In this embodiment, the one-way air intake valve 300 includes a valve cover 310, a diaphragm 320, and a diaphragm spring 330. The main housing 110 is provided with a valve groove 116. The valve cover 310 presses and seals the diaphragm 320 against the groove opening of the valve groove 116. A vent column 321 is provided at the center of the diaphragm 320. The diaphragm spring 330 is provided between the diaphragm 320 and the bottom of the groove 116. The vent column 321 is provided with a vent hole 3211, which connects to the valve groove 116. The valve groove 116 connects to the ink chamber 130. The air intake channel connects to the position between the valve cover 310 and the diaphragm 320. When the printer is not drawing ink from the ink cartridge, the diaphragm spring 330 pushes the diaphragm 320 against the valve cover 310, causing one end of the vent column 321 to abut against the valve cover 310 and block the vent hole 3211. At this time, the air intake channel cannot allow air to enter the valve groove 116, so the ink chamber 130 will not receive air. When the printer draws ink from the ink cartridge, a relative negative pressure is formed in the ink chamber 130, which in turn creates a negative pressure in the valve groove 116. The diaphragm 320 is drawn to the bottom of the valve groove 116 by the negative pressure, so the vent column 321 no longer abuts against the valve cover 310. Air from the air intake channel can enter the vent hole 3211 through the space between the valve cover 310 and the diaphragm 321, and then enter the valve groove 116 and the ink chamber 130, completing the air intake.

[0041] It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the intake check valve 300 is not limited to the structure described above. In the art, there are many implementations of check valve structures that realize unidirectional flow of fluid, and those skilled in the art can make reasonable selections according to the actual situation.

[0042] In this embodiment, a reinforcing plate 117 is provided in the ink tank 111. The reinforcing plate 117 is connected to the bottom of the ink tank 111 and the two opposite side walls of the tank. The sealing film 120 is connected to the reinforcing plate 117. By providing the reinforcing plate 117, the strength of the main housing 110 can be improved. At the same time, the reinforcing plate 117 is also connected to the sealing film 120, thereby providing support for the sealing film 120 and improving the connection strength of the sealing film 120.

[0043] In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 117 divides the ink chamber 130 into a main chamber and a secondary chamber. The main chamber and the secondary chamber are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction. The ink outlet 112 communicates with the lower part of the main chamber. External air input through the air inlet 113 enters the secondary chamber before the main chamber. The upper and lower ends of the reinforcing plate 117 are respectively provided with an upper notch 1171 and a lower notch 1172. The upper part of the secondary chamber communicates with the upper part of the main chamber through the upper notch 1171, and the lower part of the secondary chamber communicates with the lower part of the main chamber through the lower notch 1172. With the above structure, by separating the main chamber and the secondary chamber, the air entering from the air inlet 113 first enters the secondary chamber and floats to the upper part of the secondary chamber under the action of gravity. Through this separation structure, the air can be separated in advance and is less likely to be sucked out by the ink outlet 112 which communicates with the lower part of the main chamber, reducing the probability of air being output to the printing device.

[0044] In this embodiment, the valve slot 116 and the secondary chamber are directly connected, so that the air entering through the intake check valve 300 can first enter the secondary chamber.

[0045] In one embodiment, the box body 100 further includes a cover 140, which covers the main housing 110 and forms a receiving cavity with the main housing 110. This receiving cavity encloses components such as the sealing film 120 inside, thereby providing better protection. In one embodiment, the cover 140 can be fastened to the main housing 110 using a snap-fit ​​structure, or in some embodiments, it can be connected by welding or other methods.

[0046] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0047] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, characterized in that, include: The main body (100) includes a main shell (110) and a sealing film (120). The main shell (110) is provided with an ink tank (111), an ink outlet (112) and an air inlet (113). The sealing film (120) covers the opening of the ink tank (111) and surrounds the ink tank (111) to form an ink cavity (130). The sealing film (120) can deform in the direction of approaching and moving away from the ink tank (111). The ink outlet (112) communicates with the lower part of the ink cavity (130) and is used to output the ink of the ink cavity (130). The air inlet (113) is used to input external air into the ink cavity (130). A reset elastic element (200) is disposed in the ink cavity (130). The two ends of the reset elastic element (200) abut against the bottom of the ink tank (111) and the sealing film (120) respectively. The reset elastic element (200) is used to apply a reset elastic force to the sealing film (120) in a direction away from the ink tank (111).

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the ink reservoir (111) is provided with a positioning part (114) that is adapted to one end of the reset elastic member (200). One end of the reset elastic member (200) cooperates with the positioning part (114) and is positioned by the positioning part (114).

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reset elastic member (200) is a cylindrical structure and the compression elongation direction is the axial direction of the cylindrical structure. The positioning part (114) is a protrusion that protrudes from the bottom of the ink tank (111). One end of the reset elastic member (200) is sleeved on the positioning part (114).

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning part (114) is a convex ring, and the convex ring has a connecting opening (1141) that connects the inner and outer sides of the convex ring. Multiple connecting openings (1141) are provided and arranged along the circumference of the convex ring.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reset elastic element (200) is a conical spring. The smaller end of the reset elastic element (200) presses against the bottom of the ink reservoir (111), and the larger end of the reset elastic element (200) abuts against the sealing film (120).

6. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The box body (100) is provided with an air inlet channel, and the air inlet (113) is connected to the ink chamber (130) through the air inlet channel.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main housing (110) is provided with an air inlet groove (115). The opening of the air inlet groove (115) and the opening of the ink tank (111) face the same direction and have the same height. The sealing film (120) simultaneously covers the opening of the air inlet groove (115) and surrounds the air inlet groove (115) to form the air inlet channel.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The air intake channel is connected to the ink chamber (130) via an air intake check valve (300), which is used to limit the flow of fluid from the air intake channel into the ink chamber (130) in one direction.

9. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reinforcing plate (117) is provided in the ink tank (111). The reinforcing plate (117) is connected to the bottom of the ink tank (111) and the two opposite side walls of the tank. The sealing film (120) is connected to the reinforcing plate (117).

10. The ink cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that: The reinforcing plate (117) divides the ink chamber (130) into a main chamber and a secondary chamber. The main chamber and the secondary chamber are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. The ink outlet (112) is connected to the lower part of the main chamber. The external air input through the air inlet (113) enters the secondary chamber before the main chamber. The upper and lower ends of the reinforcing plate (117) are respectively provided with an upper notch (1171) and a lower notch (1172). The upper part of the secondary chamber is connected to the upper part of the main chamber through the upper notch (1171), and the lower part of the secondary chamber is connected to the lower part of the main chamber through the lower notch (1172).

Images