Improved ink circulation flow diverter

Abstract

This utility model discloses an improved ink circulation diverter, relating to the technical field of printer components. It includes: an ink cartridge with mounting plates fixed on both sides, each mounting plate having multiple mounting holes; an ink inlet hole with a sealing plug threaded into the inlet hole to block it; a base fixed to the bottom of the ink cartridge; a container fixed on the base; multiple equidistant nozzles on the bottom of the container; and a controller mounted on the base. A first valve and a second valve are electrically connected to the controller, which controls their operation. This improved ink circulation diverter, controlled by the controller, closes the first valve and opens the second valve. A pump draws ink from the cartridge and guides it through a branch pipe to the other end of the cartridge, thus achieving ink recirculation. Accelerating ink flow prevents sedimentation and stratification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer component technology, and in particular to an improved ink circulation splitter. Background Technology

[0002] The ink distributor is a key component in an inkjet printer. Its main function is to distribute ink evenly and stably from the ink cartridge to each printhead to ensure print quality and speed.

[0003] A Chinese patent (publication number CN217803952U) discloses an integrated ink distributor with a connector. Specifically, the integrated ink distributor has fixing rings fixedly connected to both sides, a mounting plate at its bottom, and fixing grooves on both sides of the top of the mounting plate. A fixing tube is installed inside the fixing rings, with its bottom extending into the fixing groove. This invention solves the problem that existing ink distributors, which are fixed with screws, require tools for disassembly and replacement, making them inconvenient for users.

[0004] Based on the aforementioned publicly available patents and existing technologies, existing ink distributors store ink in ink cartridges. However, when the ink in the cartridges is not used for a period of time, sedimentation and stratification can easily occur, leading to uneven ink composition and affecting print quality. This can result in uneven color, color difference, and spots, severely impacting the visual quality of printed materials. To address these issues, we propose an improved ink circulation distributor. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an improved ink circulation divider, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: an improved ink circulation diverter, comprising: an ink cartridge, wherein mounting plates are fixed on both sides of the ink cartridge, the mounting plates are provided with multiple mounting holes, the ink cartridge is provided with an inlet hole, and a sealing plug is provided at the inlet hole, the sealing plug being threadedly connected to the inlet hole and used to block the inlet hole.

[0007] A base is fixedly installed at the bottom of the ink cartridge, and a container is fixed on the base. The bottom of the container has multiple equidistant spray holes. A pump body is fixed on one side of the base. The inlet pipe of the pump body is connected to the inner cavity of the ink cartridge. The outlet end of the pump body is connected to and fixedly installed with a drain pipe, which is connected to the container. A first valve is installed at the lower end of the drain pipe. A branch pipe is connected to and fixed on the drain pipe. The branch pipe passes through the base and is connected to the inner cavity of the ink cartridge. A second valve is installed on the branch pipe. A controller is installed on the base. The pump body, the first valve, and the second valve are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the operation of the pump body, the first valve, and the second valve.

[0008] As a further technical solution of this utility model, a plurality of heating wires arranged at equal intervals are fixedly installed inside the container. The heating wires are respectively arranged above the nozzles. An independent power supply is installed on the base. The independent power supply supplies power to the heating wires. The heating wires are all electrically connected to the controller. The controller is used to control the operation of the heating wires.

[0009] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the container is provided with a plurality of equally spaced sliding grooves, one end of each sliding groove is connected to the side of the spray hole, and a sealing block is provided in each sliding groove. The sealing block is used to block the upper port of the spray hole, and a moving mechanism is provided in each sliding groove. The moving mechanism is connected to the sealing block and is used to drive the sealing block to move along the sliding groove.

[0010] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the moving mechanism includes a sleeve fixed in the slide groove, an inner rod inserted in the sleeve, one end of the inner rod being fixed to the sealing block, the inner rod being made of a magnet, two spaced springs being provided in the slide groove, the two ends of the springs being fixedly connected to the sealing block and the slide groove respectively, and an electromagnet being fixed in the sleeve.

[0011] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the independent power supply is for electromagnets, and the electromagnets are electrically connected to the controller, which is used to control the operation of the electromagnets.

[0012] This invention provides an improved ink circulation divider, which, compared with the prior art, has the following advantages:

[0013] Beneficial effects:

[0014] This design presents an improved ink circulation diverter. A controller closes the first valve and opens the second valve, allowing the pump to draw ink from the cartridge and guide it back into the cartridge via a branch pipe. This accelerated ink flow prevents sedimentation and stratification, thus improving print quality. An electromagnet applies a repulsive force to the inner rod, causing it and the sealing block to move towards the nozzle and seal the nozzle's upper port. This prevents residual ink from escaping through the nozzle when inkjet printing stops. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an improved ink circulation splitter.

[0016] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an improved ink circulation splitter;

[0017] Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure of the container of an improved ink circulation distributor;

[0018] Figure 4 An improved ink circulation splitter Figure 3 Enlarged diagram of point A in the diagram.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Ink cartridge; 2. Mounting plate; 3. Liquid inlet; 4. Sealing plug; 5. Base; 6. Container; 7. Spray nozzle; 8. Pump body; 9. Drain pipe; 10. First valve; 11. Branch pipe; 12. Second valve; 13. Controller; 14. Heating wire; 15. Independent power supply; 16. Slide groove; 17. Sealing block; 18. Sleeve; 19. Inner rod; 20. Spring; 21. Electromagnet. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0021] Please see Figures 1-4This utility model provides an improved ink circulation diverter technical solution: An improved ink circulation diverter includes: an ink cartridge 1, with mounting plates 2 fixed on both sides of the ink cartridge 1. The mounting plates 2 have multiple mounting holes. The mounting plates 2 are connected to the inkjet printer by screws, thereby installing the ink cartridge 1 in the inkjet printer. The ink cartridge 1 has a liquid inlet 3, and a sealing plug 4 is provided at the liquid inlet 3. The sealing plug 4 can be threaded into the liquid inlet 3 and is used to seal the liquid inlet 3. A base 5 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the ink cartridge 1. A container 6 is fixed on the base 5. Multiple nozzles 7 are arranged at equal intervals at the bottom of the container 6. A pump body 8 is fixed on one side of the base 5. The inlet pipe of the pump body 8 is connected to the inner cavity of the ink cartridge 1. The outlet end of the pump body 8 is connected to and fixedly installed with a drain pipe 9. The drain pipe 9 is connected to the container 6. A first valve 10 is installed at the lower end of the drain pipe 9. A branch pipe 11 is connected to and fixed on the drain pipe 9. The branch pipe 11 passes through the base 5 and is connected to the inner cavity of the ink cartridge 1. A second valve 12 is installed on the branch pipe 11. A controller 13 is installed on the base 5. The pump body 8, the first valve 10 and the second valve 12 are all electrically connected to the controller 13. The controller 13 is used to control the operation of the pump body 8, the first valve 10 and the second valve 12.

[0022] By adding an appropriate amount of ink to the ink cartridge 1, during inkjet printing, the controller 13 controls the pump 8 to operate, the first valve 10 opens, and the second valve 12 closes. The ink enters the container 6 through the drain pipe 9, and then exits through multiple nozzles 7 to perform inkjet printing. Alternatively, by controlling the first valve 10 to close and the second valve 12 to open, the controller 13 draws ink from the ink cartridge 1 into the pump 8, which then guides the ink back into the other end of the cartridge 1 through the branch pipe 11, thus achieving ink recirculation. Accelerating ink flow prevents ink sedimentation and stratification, thereby improving print quality.

[0023] The container 6 contains a number of equally spaced heating wires 14, which are respectively positioned above the nozzles 7. An independent power supply 15 is installed on the base 5 to supply power to the heating wires 14. The heating wires 14 are electrically connected to the controller 13, which controls the operation of the heating wires 14.

[0024] During inkjet printing, the heating wire 14 operates and generates heat to vaporize the liquid ink. The resulting pressure expansion forces the ink out of the nozzle 7 below, which improves the smoothness of ink jetting from the nozzle 7.

[0025] The container 6 has multiple equidistantly arranged grooves 16, one end of which is connected to the side of the nozzle 7. Each groove 16 contains a sealing block 17 to seal the upper port of the nozzle 7. Each groove 16 also contains a moving mechanism connected to the sealing block 17 and used to move the sealing block 17 along the groove 16. The moving mechanism includes a sleeve 18 fixed inside the groove 16, with an inner rod 19 inserted inside. One end of the inner rod 19 is fixed to the sealing block 17. The inner rod 19 is made of magnet. Two spaced springs 20 are located inside the groove 16, with their ends fixed to the sealing block 17 and inside the groove 16, respectively. An electromagnet 21 is fixed inside the sleeve 18. An independent power supply 15 supplies power to the electromagnet 21, which is electrically connected to a controller 13. The controller 13 controls the operation of the electromagnet 21.

[0026] When inkjet printing needs to be stopped, to prevent residual ink in container 6 from being discharged from nozzle 7, controller 13 controls electromagnet 21 to be energized. Electromagnet 21 applies a repulsive force to inner rod 19, causing inner rod 19 and sealing block 17 to move towards nozzle 7 and block the upper port of nozzle 7. Spring 20 is stretched, thus preventing residual ink in container 6 from being discharged from nozzle 7 when inkjet printing stops. During inkjet printing, electromagnet 21 is de-energized and returns to normal. Spring 20 resets and pulls sealing block 17 away from the upper port of nozzle 7, which is normally in an open state.

[0027] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When an appropriate amount of ink is added to the ink cartridge 1, during inkjet printing, the controller 13 controls the pump body 8 to operate, the first valve 10 opens, and the second valve 12 closes. The ink enters the container 6 through the drain pipe 9, and then exits through multiple nozzles 7 for inkjet printing. The controller 13 controls the first valve 10 to close and the second valve 12 to open, allowing the pump body 8 to draw ink from the ink cartridge 1, which is then guided into the other end of the ink cartridge 1 through the branch pipe 11, thus achieving ink recirculation. When inkjet printing stops, the controller 13 controls the electromagnet 21 to be energized. The electromagnet 21 applies a repulsive force to the inner rod 19, causing the inner rod 19 and the sealing block 17 to move towards the nozzle 7 and seal the upper port of the nozzle 7. The spring 20 is stretched, thus preventing residual ink in the container 6 from being discharged through the nozzle 7 when inkjet printing stops. During inkjet printing, the electromagnet 21 is de-energized and returns to its normal state. The spring 20 resets and pulls the sealing block 17 away from the upper port of the nozzle 7, which is normally in an open state.

[0028] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this utility model are implemented according to conventional methods in the art, unless otherwise specified or limited.

Claims

1. An improved ink circulation splitter, characterized in that, include: Ink cartridge (1), with mounting plates (2) fixed on both sides of the ink cartridge (1), and multiple mounting holes on the mounting plates (2). The ink cartridge (1) has an inlet hole (3), and a sealing plug (4) is provided at the inlet hole (3). The sealing plug (4) can be threaded into the inlet hole (3) and is used to block the inlet hole (3). The ink cartridge (1) is fixedly mounted with a base (5) at the bottom. A container (6) is fixed on the base (5). The container (6) has multiple equally spaced nozzles (7) at the bottom. A pump body (8) is fixed on one side of the base (5). The inlet pipe of the pump body (8) is connected to the inner cavity of the ink cartridge (1). The outlet end of the pump body (8) is connected to and fixedly mounted with a drain pipe (9). The drain pipe (9) is connected to the container (6). A first valve (10) is installed at the lower end of the drain pipe (9). A branch pipe (11) is connected to and fixed on the drain pipe (9). The branch pipe (11) passes through the base (5) and is connected to the inner cavity of the ink cartridge (1).

2. An improved ink circulation splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second valve (12) is installed on the branch pipe (11), and a controller (13) is installed on the base (5). The pump body (8), the first valve (10), and the second valve (12) are all electrically connected to the controller (13). The controller (13) is used to control the operation of the pump body (8), the first valve (10), and the second valve (12).

3. An improved ink circulation splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The container (6) is fixedly installed with multiple heating wires (14) arranged at equal intervals. The heating wires (14) are respectively set above the nozzles (7). An independent power supply (15) is installed on the base (5). The independent power supply (15) supplies power to the heating wires (14). The heating wires (14) are all electrically connected to the controller (13). The controller (13) is used to control the operation of the heating wires (14).

4. An improved ink circulation splitter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The container (6) has multiple equally spaced grooves (16) inside. One end of each groove (16) is connected to the side of the nozzle (7). Each groove (16) is provided with a sealing block (17). The sealing block (17) is used to block the upper port of the nozzle (7). Each groove (16) is provided with a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism is connected to the sealing block (17) and is used to drive the sealing block (17) to move along the groove (16).

5. An improved ink circulation splitter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The moving mechanism includes a sleeve (18) fixed in a slide groove (16), an inner rod (19) inserted in the sleeve (18), one end of the inner rod (19) fixed on a sealing block (17), the inner rod (19) being made of magnet material, two spaced springs (20) provided in the slide groove (16), the two ends of the springs (20) being fixedly connected to the sealing block (17) and the slide groove (16) respectively, and an electromagnet (21) fixed in the sleeve (18).

6. An improved ink circulation splitter according to claim 5, characterized in that, An independent power supply (15) supplies power to the electromagnets (21), which are electrically connected to the controller (13), which controls the operation of the electromagnets (21).

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