An ink shunt tube and ink line assembly

Abstract

The utility model is suitable for fluid bearing medium structure field, provide ink shunt pipe and ink pipeline subassembly. Ink shunt pipe includes: the pipe body, its top wall is equipped with ink mouth, the ink mouth is used for ink or ink, the bottom wall of pipe body is equipped with a plurality of shunt mouth along its axial direction interval, the shunt mouth is used for shunting when ink ink; bushing, one one configuration in a plurality of shunt mouth, one end of bushing with shunt mouth intercommunication, the end of bushing with shunt mouth intercommunication end portion is lower than the top of shunt mouth, the other end of bushing is used for with control valve connection of control shunt mouth opening or closing. The utility model embodiment provides ink shunt pipe, can avoid ink in pipe body shunt mouth place in the accumulation, can also guarantee ink constant flow simultaneously, thereby improves printing effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fluid carrying medium structure, and particularly relates to an ink distribution tube and an ink pipeline assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In digital printing equipment, to allow multiple printheads to directly connect to the same color ink, an ink distribution pipe is typically used to connect several printheads and ink cartridges to distribute the ink. Currently, several printheads each have a control valve connected to the distribution port of the ink distribution pipe. One end of the control valve is directly inserted into and connected to the distribution port of the ink distribution pipe. (See...) Figures 3-4 Since the diversion port 12 is not flat in the same plane, in order for the control valve to be stably fixed on the diversion port, the control valve part usually needs to be inserted into the ink diversion tube (see...). Figure 1 This connection method causes a raised structure to form on the inner wall of the ink distribution tube, which will result in at least the following problems: (1) When the ink distribution tube needs to be rinsed with cleaning fluid, the raised structure will cause incomplete cleaning, resulting in residual ink drying and accumulating in the ink distribution tube, causing different inks to mix; (2) When the ink flows from the distribution port into the control valve, the raised structure will cause obvious fluctuations, resulting in unstable ink flow rate, which will affect the pressure of ink output from the printhead; Both of these problems will lead to a deterioration in printing effect. Utility Model Content

[0003] The ink distribution tube provided by this utility model aims to solve the problems in the prior art where the protruding structure of the ink distribution tube easily leads to ink accumulation that cannot be cleaned and causes ink fluctuations that affect the constant pressure of the printhead.

[0004] This invention is implemented as follows: an ink distribution tube includes:

[0005] The tube body has an ink inlet on its top wall for ink inlet or outlet. The bottom wall of the tube body has several diversion ports spaced along its axial direction for diverting ink flow when it is being dispensed.

[0006] A sleeve is disposed at one of the several flow dividers. One end of the sleeve is connected to the flow divider. The end of the sleeve connected to the flow divider is lower than the top of the flow divider. The other end of the sleeve is used to connect to a control valve that controls the opening or closing of the flow divider.

[0007] Furthermore, the end of the sleeve is adapted to the outer contour of the tube body, and the end of the sleeve abuts against the outer surface of the tube body and covers and fixes around the diversion port.

[0008] Furthermore, the sleeve is welded to the tube body.

[0009] Furthermore, the sleeve is provided with a first cavity and a second cavity that are coaxially arranged and connected. The first cavity is connected to the diversion port, and the inner diameter of the second cavity is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cavity. The second cavity is used to connect to the control valve.

[0010] Furthermore, the second cavity is threadedly connected to the control valve, and the inner wall of the second cavity is provided with an internal thread for threaded connection with the control valve.

[0011] Furthermore, the ink nozzle is located on the top wall at one end of the tube body.

[0012] This utility model also provides an ink piping assembly, including control valves, printheads, and the aforementioned ink diversion tubes. The control valves are disposed at several diversion ports and connected and fixed to the corresponding sleeves. There are several ink diversion tubes, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. Every two ink diversion tubes form a group. The control valves on several diversion ports of one ink diversion tube in a group are connected to the ink input ends of several printheads. The several diversion ports of the other ink diversion tube are connected to the ink output ends of several printheads through corresponding control valves.

[0013] Furthermore, the axes of the two tube bodies of the ink distribution tube are inclined in the same direction, and the ink outlets of the two tube bodies are located at opposite ends.

[0014] Furthermore, each of the ink distribution tubes is provided with a first mounting component and a second mounting component at both ends, with the height of the first mounting component being higher than the height of the second mounting component.

[0015] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: by setting a sleeve at each diversion port of the tube body and making the end of the sleeve lower than the top of the diversion port, and then installing the control valve on the sleeve, it is possible to avoid the control valve being directly connected to the diversion port, which would cause a protruding structure to form inside the tube body. This prevents ink from accumulating near the diversion port, and ensures that the ink diversion tube can be cleaned thoroughly without mixing of different colors of ink. At the same time, it ensures that the ink does not fluctuate when passing through the diversion port, thereby achieving constant flow, ensuring constant printhead pressure, and improving printing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink distribution tube provided by existing technology.

[0017] Figure 2This is an external structural diagram of an ink distribution tube provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA;

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view in the middle;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an ink pipeline assembly provided by this utility model.

[0021] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0022] 1. Tube body; 11. Ink nozzle; 12. Diverter port; 2. Sleeve; 21. First cavity; 22. Second cavity; 221. Internal thread; 3. Control valve; 4. Pipe connector; 5. First mounting component; 6. Second mounting component; 7. Sensor; 8. Exhaust channel; 100. Ink diverter tube. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0024] See Figures 2-3 This utility model provides an ink distribution tube, which can be applied to the ink path system of digital printing equipment as a carrier medium for ink flow. The ink distribution tube includes a tube body 1 and a sleeve 2. The top wall of the tube body 1 is provided with an ink inlet 11, which is used for ink inlet or outlet. That is, in use, the tube body 1 can be used as the main ink tube, in which case the ink inlet 11 is used for ink inlet; it can also be used as a circulating ink tube, in which case the ink inlet 11 is used for ink outlet. The bottom wall of the tube body 1 is provided with several distribution ports 12 spaced apart along its axial direction. The distribution ports 12 are used to divert ink flow during outlet, so that multiple printheads can be connected to the same tube body 1 through the distribution ports 12. The sleeve 2 is disposed at one of the distribution ports 12, with one end of the sleeve 2 connected to the distribution port. The sleeve 2 is connected to the diversion port 12. One end of the sleeve 2 is lower than the top of the diversion port 12. This can prevent the sleeve 2 from extending into the tube body 1 through the diversion port 12 and forming a protruding structure. The other end of the sleeve 2 is used to connect to the control valve 3 that controls the opening or closing of the diversion port 12. In actual application, the ink diversion tube is used to connect and divert ink cartridges of the same color (not shown in the figure) with several printheads (not shown in the figure). One control valve 3 is used to connect to the ink input end or ink output end of one printhead, thereby controlling the ink flow of the printhead.

[0025] By installing a sleeve 2 at each branch port 12 of the tube body 1 and ensuring that the end of the sleeve 2 is lower than the top of the branch port 12, and then installing the control valve 3 on the sleeve 2, it is possible to avoid the control valve 3 being directly connected to the branch port 12, which would cause a protruding structure to form inside the tube body 1. This prevents ink from accumulating near the branch port 12, ensuring that the ink branch tube can be cleaned thoroughly without mixing of different colors of ink. At the same time, it ensures that the ink does not fluctuate when passing through the branch port, thus achieving constant flow, ensuring constant printhead pressure, and improving printing effect.

[0026] The ink diversion tube provided in this embodiment of the utility model can prevent ink from accumulating in the diversion port 12 of the tube body 1, while ensuring constant ink flow, thereby improving the printing effect.

[0027] In practical applications, a sensor 7 is also installed on the tube body 1. The sensor 7 is used to detect the pressure inside the tube body 1.

[0028] See Figure 4 Furthermore, the end of the sleeve 2 is adapted to the outer contour of the tube body 1. The end of the sleeve 2 abuts against the outer surface of the tube body 1 and covers and fixes the circumference of the diversion port 12. This ensures that the end of the sleeve 2 is lower than the top of the diversion port 12 to avoid forming a protruding structure inside the tube body 1, and also facilitates the installation and fixation of the sleeve 2 on the tube body 1.

[0029] Specifically, the sleeve 2 and the tube body 1 can be connected and fixed by means of, but not limited to, gluing or welding. In this embodiment, in order to improve the connection stability between the sleeve 2 and the tube body 1 and ensure the structural stability during use, the sleeve 2 and the tube body 1 can be connected by welding.

[0030] See Figure 4 Furthermore, the sleeve 2 is provided with a first cavity 21 and a second cavity 22 that are coaxially arranged and connected. The first cavity 21 is connected to the diversion port 12. The inner diameter of the second cavity 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first cavity 21. That is, the inner diameter of the second cavity 22 is larger than that of the first cavity 21. This allows ink to quickly enter the sleeve 2 from the diversion port 12. The second cavity 22 can serve as a buffer area for ink in the sleeve 2, ensuring a continuous and stable ink supply to the printhead. The second cavity 22 is used to connect to the control valve 3. Since the second cavity 22 is smaller than the first cavity 21, it means that the wall thickness of the sleeve 2 at the second cavity 22 is increased, which can provide sufficient installation strength for the control valve 3.

[0031] See Figure 4Furthermore, the second cavity 22 is threadedly connected to the control valve 3, and the inner wall of the second cavity 22 is provided with an internal thread 221 for threaded connection with the control valve 3. By providing an internal thread 221 in the second cavity 22, the original structure of the control valve 3 can be maintained, and the original thread of the control valve 3 can be directly used to install it to the second cavity 22, thereby simplifying the installation process.

[0032] Furthermore, the ink inlet 11 is located on the top wall at one end of the tube body 1. Thus, regardless of whether the ink inlet 11 is used for ink inlet or ink outlet, the ink inlet 11 located at one end of the tube body 1 can be located at the beginning or end of the ink flow path inside the tube body 1. This facilitates the ink carrying air bubbles to flow in the same direction and be discharged outside the ink tube body, thereby improving the air bubble removal effect of the ink tube body and improving the printing effect.

[0033] See Figure 5 This utility model embodiment also provides an ink pipeline assembly, including a control valve 3, a printhead, and the aforementioned ink diversion pipe 100. The control valve 3 is disposed in a plurality of diversion ports 12 and is connected and fixed to the corresponding sleeve 2. There are a plurality of ink diversion pipes 100, which are arranged in parallel at intervals. Every two ink diversion pipes 100 form a group a. In a group a, the ink port 11 of one ink diversion pipe 100 is connected to the main ink cartridge for ink intake. The plurality of diversion ports 12 of this ink diversion pipe 100 are connected to the ink input ends of a plurality of printheads through the corresponding control valve 3, that is, one diversion port 12 is connected to the ink input end of one printhead. The ink port 11 of the other ink diversion pipe 100 is connected to the circulating ink cartridge for ink return. The plurality of diversion ports 12 of this ink diversion pipe are connected to the output ends of a plurality of printheads through the corresponding control valve 3, that is, one diversion port 12 is connected to the ink output end of one printhead.

[0034] The ink pipeline assembly provided in this embodiment of the present invention can prevent ink from accumulating in the branch port 12 of the tube body 1, while ensuring constant ink flow, thereby ensuring constant pressure at the printhead and improving printing effect.

[0035] It should be noted that the main ink cartridge and the circulating ink cartridge can be two different ink storage devices or the same ink storage device, as long as they can enable the ink to form a complete ink path circulation between a set of ink distribution tubes 100 and the printhead.

[0036] Furthermore, the axes of the two tube bodies 1 of the ink diverter tube set are both inclined in the same direction, that is, the same ends of the tube bodies 1 of the two ink diverter tubes 100 are located at the high end or the low end, and the ink nozzles 11 on the two tube bodies 1 are located at opposite ends. In this way, the inclined arrangement of the tube bodies 1 is conducive to the rapid flow of ink in one direction. During the rapid flow, it is beneficial to expel air bubbles, thereby reducing the air bubble content in the ink path and improving the printing effect.

[0037] Specifically, each ink distribution tube 100 has a first mounting member 5 and a second mounting member 6 at both ends. The first mounting member 5 and the second mounting member 6 are used to fix the ink distribution tube 100 to the fixed platform. The height h of the first mounting member 5 is higher than the height h of the second mounting member 6. The height h refers to the distance from the fixing point of the ink distribution tube 100 on the first mounting member 5 or the second mounting member 6 to the fixing point of the first mounting member 5 or the second mounting member 6 on the fixed platform. This allows for an inclined setting of the tube body 1 when installing the ink distribution tube.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An ink shunt tube, characterized by, include: The tube body has an ink inlet on its top wall for ink inlet or outlet. The bottom wall of the tube body has several diversion ports spaced along its axial direction for diverting ink flow when it is being dispensed. A sleeve is disposed at one of the several flow dividers. One end of the sleeve is connected to the flow divider. The end of the sleeve connected to the flow divider is lower than the top of the flow divider. The other end of the sleeve is used to connect to a control valve that controls the opening or closing of the flow divider.

2. The ink shunt tube according to claim 1, wherein The end of the sleeve is adapted to the outer contour of the tube body, and the end of the sleeve abuts against the outer surface of the tube body and covers and fixes the shunt port.

3. The ink shunt tube according to claim 2, wherein The sleeve is welded to the tube body.

4. The ink manifold of claim 1, wherein The sleeve has a first cavity and a second cavity that are coaxially arranged and connected. The first cavity is connected to the diversion port. The inner diameter of the second cavity is smaller than that of the first cavity. The second cavity is used to connect to the control valve.

5. The ink shunt tube according to claim 4, wherein The second cavity is threadedly connected to the control valve, and the inner wall of the second cavity is provided with an internal thread for threaded connection with the control valve.

6. The ink manifold of claim 1, wherein The ink nozzle is located on the top wall at one end of the tube body.

7. An ink line assembly, comprising: The device includes control valves, printheads, and ink diversion tubes as described in any one of claims 1-6. Each control valve is disposed at one of the plurality of diversion ports and is connected and fixed to the corresponding sleeve. The number of ink diversion tubes is plurality, and the plurality of ink diversion tubes are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. Every two ink diversion tubes form a group. The control valves on the plurality of diversion ports of one ink diversion tube in a group are connected to the ink input terminals of the plurality of printheads one by one. The plurality of diversion ports in the other ink diversion tube are connected to the ink output terminals of the plurality of printheads one by one through the corresponding control valves.

8. The ink line assembly of claim 7, wherein, The axes of the two tube bodies of the ink distribution tube are inclined in the same direction, and the ink outlets of the two tube bodies are located at opposite ends.

9. The ink line assembly of claim 8, wherein, Each of the ink distribution tubes is provided with a first mounting component and a second mounting component at both ends, with the height of the first mounting component being higher than the height of the second mounting component.

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