Ink line blocking device and inkjet printing apparatus

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and more particularly to an ink line blocking device and an inkjet printing device. This utility model provides an ink line blocking device, comprising: a first pipe connector communicating with an ink storage device; a second pipe connector communicating with a printhead; an intermediate connecting member having a plurality of through-flow channels, one end of each channel being connected to the first pipe connector and the opposite end to the second pipe connector; and a blocking member having through holes corresponding to the positions of the flow channels. The intermediate connecting member has a receiving cavity for accommodating the blocking member, at least a portion of which is located within the receiving cavity. The blocking member is rotatably connected to the intermediate connecting member, and can be rotated to positions where the through holes connect corresponding flow channels on both sides of the blocking device and where the flow channels on both sides of the blocking member are blocked. This utility model can improve the sealing effect of ink blocking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of inkjet printing technology, and in particular to an ink line blocking device and an inkjet printing device. Background Technology

[0002] Ink supply systems are widely used in various inkjet printing devices, and their stability and controllability have a significant impact on the overall print quality. In such systems, it is often necessary to interrupt ink flow under specific operating conditions, such as when replacing ink cartridges, performing system maintenance, or preventing ink backflow. To achieve these functions, existing technologies often employ an ink tube blocking device based on mechanical compression.

[0003] Specifically, existing ink tube blocking mechanisms generally employ an eccentric roller structure. Driven by an actuator, a slider moves the eccentric roller to squeeze the flexible ink tube, thereby physically sealing off the ink flow. While this type of structure has advantages such as simple implementation and low manufacturing cost, the following technical defects have gradually emerged during long-term use:

[0004] 1. Ink tube fatigue damage problem: Because the ink tube needs to be subjected to repeated mechanical compression, it will undergo permanent deformation and structural fatigue after a period of use, which will easily lead to failures such as cracking and leakage.

[0005] 2. Risk of incomplete sealing: Mechanical extrusion can lead to the accumulation of structural tolerances, which may result in trace amounts of ink leaking out even when the ink tube is sealed, affecting the stability of system operation.

[0006] 3. Decreased ink flow performance: Repeated squeezing causes deformation of the ink tube cross-section and changes in the flow channel shape, which in turn leads to problems such as uneven ink flow rate and reduced ink supply efficiency.

[0007] Therefore, existing ink tube blocking technology still has significant shortcomings in terms of sealing performance, durability, and ink flow performance. Utility Model Content

[0008] In view of this, the present invention provides an ink line blocking device and an inkjet printing device to solve the technical problems of poor sealing, poor durability, and insufficient ink flow in the prior art.

[0009] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an ink line blocking device, comprising:

[0010] The first pipe connector is connected to the ink storage device;

[0011] The second pipe connector connects to the nozzle;

[0012] The intermediate connecting member is provided with several through flow channels, one end of which is connected to the first pipe joint and the other end is connected to the second pipe joint.

[0013] The blocking member is provided with a through hole corresponding to the position of the flow channel. The intermediate connecting member is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the blocking member. At least a part of the blocking member is located in the receiving cavity. The blocking member is rotatably connected to the intermediate connecting member. The blocking member can be rotated to a position where the through hole connects the corresponding flow channels on both sides of the blocking device and to a position where the flow channels on both sides of the blocking member are blocked.

[0014] Preferably, the first pipe connector is detachably connected to the intermediate connecting member, and the second pipe connector is detachably connected to the intermediate connecting member.

[0015] Preferably, the flow channel is provided with threads at the position where it connects to the first pipe joint and / or the second pipe joint.

[0016] Preferably, a seal is provided between adjacent through holes, and the seal is installed on the blocking member.

[0017] Preferably, at least a first seal and a second seal are provided between adjacent through holes, and the first seal and the second seal are spaced apart along the axial direction of the blocking member.

[0018] Preferably, the surface of the intermediate connecting member and / or blocking member is provided with a protective layer.

[0019] Preferably, the device further includes a rotational position detection device, which includes a sensing element and a sensor. The sensing element is installed at the end of the blocking element and rotates with the blocking element. The sensor is used to detect the position of the sensing element.

[0020] Preferably, it further includes a heating device for heating the intermediate connecting / blocking member.

[0021] Preferably, the device further includes a bearing, wherein the end of the intermediate connecting member is provided with a mounting cavity, the outer ring of the bearing mates with the mounting cavity, and the inner ring of the bearing mates with the blocking member.

[0022] Secondly, this utility model also provides an inkjet printing device, including the ink line blocking device described in the first aspect.

[0023] In summary, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] The ink tube blocking device and printing equipment provided by this utility model achieve reliable on / off control of the ink flow channel by setting a rotatable blocking component and its through-hole structure. Compared with the existing method of blocking by squeezing the ink tube with an eccentric roller, this utility model avoids repeated mechanical squeezing of the flexible ink tube, effectively reducing the risk of ink tube deformation and fatigue breakage, and improving system durability. The through-hole set with the rotating blocking component can achieve a sealed blockage in the closed state, significantly improving sealing reliability and eliminating trace ink leakage. Furthermore, the structure has good repeatability of action and stable opening and closing state, making it suitable for frequent opening and closing scenarios and enhancing the reliability of system operation. The cooperation structure between the intermediate connecting component and the blocking component supports multi-channel design, which is convenient for the integration of multi-channel ink supply systems and has strong scalability. The two ends of the device are connected by standard pipe fittings, which has strong adaptability, convenient disassembly and assembly, and facilitates maintenance and replacement. Therefore, this utility model can effectively solve the problems of poor sealing, easy damage to ink tubes, and unstable control of existing ink blocking methods, and significantly improve the overall performance of the ink supply system. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, and these are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ink pipeline blocking device of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the ink line blocking device of this utility model.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate connecting member of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the blocking component of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ink pipeline blocking device of this utility model when it is in the conducting state.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ink pipeline blocking device of this utility model when it is in the blocking state.

[0032] The components and their numbers shown in the picture:

[0033] First pipe connector 1, second pipe connector 2, intermediate connecting part 3, flow channel 31, accommodating cavity 32, mounting cavity 33, blocking part 4, through hole 41, first sealing part 421, second sealing part 422, rotation position detection device 5, sensing part 51, bearing 7, motor 8. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this utility model will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, will provide a further detailed description. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are configured only to explain this utility model and are not configured to limit it. For those skilled in the art, this utility model can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this utility model by illustrating examples of it.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides an ink pipeline blocking device, including a first pipe connector, a second pipe connector, an intermediate connecting member, and a blocking member.

[0038] The first connector is connected to the ink storage device and is used to receive ink supply. The ink storage device includes, but is not limited to, ink cartridges, high-capacity ink tanks, continuous ink supply systems (CISS), ink sacs, refillable ink cartridges, pressure ink supply systems, temperature-controlled ink modules, and modular ink hoppers. Multiple first connectors can be provided as needed. These multiple first connectors are arranged along the axial direction of the blocking component.

[0039] The second connector is connected to the printhead and is used to output ink; multiple second connectors can be provided as needed. These multiple second connectors are arranged along the axial direction of the blocking component.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the intermediate connecting member in this embodiment is provided with several through-flow channels. One end of each flow channel is connected to the first pipe connector, and the other end is connected to the second pipe connector. The aforementioned through-flow channels are used to establish a fluid connection path between the first pipe connector and the second pipe connector.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the first pipe connector and the second pipe connector can be respectively set on both sides of the middle connecting member, so that ink can be fed into one side and ink can be discharged from the other side, so that the relevant devices and structures on the ink feeding side do not interfere with each other.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the blocking member is provided with a through hole corresponding to the position of the flow channel, and the intermediate connecting member is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the blocking member. At least a part of the blocking member is located in the receiving cavity. The blocking member is rotatably connected to the intermediate connecting member. The member can be rotated to a position where the through hole connects the corresponding flow channels on both sides of the blocking device and a position where the flow channels on both sides of the blocking member are blocked.

[0043] The aforementioned positional correspondence refers to the fact that when the through hole on the blocking component is rotated to the connected position, the through hole is aligned with the flow channels on both sides, allowing ink to flow smoothly from one flow channel into the through hole and then smoothly flow from the through hole into the flow channel on the other side.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, when the blocking component rotates until the through hole aligns with the flow channel, a passage is formed, allowing for smooth ink flow; as Figure 6 As shown, when the blocking component rotates until the through-hole deviates from the flow channel, the channel is blocked, thus cutting off the ink flow. This structure replaces the traditional compression-type ink-cutting structure with a rotational control method, avoiding repeated compression of the ink tube and significantly improving durability and sealing. The blocking component is the key component for realizing the core function of this invention; its controllable rotation, in conjunction with the flow channel arrangement inside the intermediate connecting component, completes the ink flow switching operation. This solution solves the problems of easy aging, poor sealing, and ink residue in traditional ink tube compression structures, improving the overall stability and ink supply reliability of the machine.

[0045] The through holes on the blocking component can be set along the radial direction of the blocking component. In this way, by rotating the blocking component around the axial direction of the blocking component, the position of the through holes can be accurately controlled, so as to reliably connect the flow channels on both sides, or to reliably block the flow channels on both sides by using the position of the through holes on the top of the active component.

[0046] The first pipe connector and the second pipe connector are detachably connected to the intermediate connecting member. With this structure, when the ink path needs cleaning, replacement, or maintenance, the pipe connectors or the intermediate connecting member can be quickly removed, avoiding complete disassembly and reducing maintenance costs. It also facilitates compatibility between different printing systems, improving component versatility and modularity. The intermediate connecting member, as the core structure connecting the first and second pipe connectors, has internal flow channels and accommodates blocking components, making it a key component for ink flow control. The detachable connection method ensures a tight seal at each connection point while providing space for system upgrades and replacements, helping to solve the inconveniences of traditional fixed connection schemes in terms of maintenance and compatibility.

[0047] In this embodiment, the position where the flow channel connects to the first pipe joint is provided with threads and / or the position where the flow channel connects to the second pipe joint is provided with threads.

[0048] Threaded connections are a typical detachable connection method, offering advantages such as secure connection, good sealing, and convenient assembly and disassembly. This structure ensures that the pipe fittings can accurately align with the flow channel during installation, and withstand ink pressure during use without easily detaching or leaking ink, thus improving the overall sealing and reliability of the system. The threaded interface also facilitates standardized design, allowing the intermediate connector to be compatible with pipe fittings of different specifications, enhancing the modularity and expandability of the equipment. By adopting a threaded connection method, the problems of difficult maintenance, replacement, and unstable connection associated with traditional fixed connections are solved, improving the flexibility and adaptability of the ink blocking device in practical use. Of course, other detachable connection methods can also be used in this embodiment, such as snap-fit ​​or plug-in interfaces.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a sealing element is also provided between adjacent through holes, and the sealing element is installed on the blocking element.

[0050] This embodiment can provide a sealing structure in the interval area between the through holes on the blocking component. The sealing structure can be an O-ring, sealing gasket, sealing ring, sealing strip, or a coated sealant layer. After the blocking component is inserted into the receiving cavity of the intermediate connecting component, the tight contact between the sealing component and the inner wall of the cavity prevents ink from flowing between different channels. The through holes are used to align with the flow channels in the intermediate connecting component during rotation, forming a passage. The presence of the sealing component ensures that even if the through holes are not aligned with the flow channels (i.e., in the blocked state), ink will not leak through the gaps in the blocking component to adjacent channels. This structure effectively improves the sealing performance of the blocking device, preventing cross-contamination and leakage problems. It is particularly suitable for multi-channel ink systems or parallel ink supply systems for different colors, helping to solve problems such as color contamination and printing abnormalities caused by ink cross-contamination, and improving the overall reliability and print quality of the machine.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides at least a first seal and a second seal between adjacent through holes, with the first and second seals spaced apart. This embodiment arranges two sealing structures between every two through holes of the blocking element, and these two seals are not tightly fitted in the axial or circumferential direction, but maintain a certain distance. This arrangement effectively forms a double sealing barrier; even if one seal fails or ages, the other can still maintain its sealing performance, improving overall sealing reliability. The spaced arrangement also forms tiny buffer cavities between the seals, which helps disperse residual ink pressure, absorb minor leaks, and further prevent ink crossflow or leakage between multiple through holes or channels. The first and second seals are typically made of highly elastic and corrosion-resistant materials, such as silicone rings or fluororubber rings, to meet the chemical stability requirements of different types of inks. This structure is suitable for multi-channel ink blocking systems with high sealing requirements, effectively solving the leakage risks caused by wear, corrosion, or aging of a single sealing structure, and enhancing the long-term safety and reliability of the blocking device.

[0052] In this embodiment, a protective layer is provided on the surface of the intermediate connecting member and / or the blocking member. This embodiment can form a functional covering layer on the outer surface of the intermediate connecting member and the blocking member, or on the inner wall surface in contact with the ink. This protective layer can be in the form of a physical coating, chemical plating, or ceramic film, and the material can be diamond-like carbon (DLC), titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), silicon carbide (SiC), alumina film, hard chromium layer, or nickel-phosphorus alloy layer, etc. The protective layer enhances the corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and ink deposition resistance of the intermediate connecting member and the blocking member, making it particularly suitable for systems handling corrosive or high-viscosity inks. Since relative rotation exists between the intermediate connecting member and the blocking member, surface friction is unavoidable. The protective layer can also effectively reduce the coefficient of friction, extend service life, maintain the sealing performance and operational stability of the device, and solve problems such as jamming, leakage, and performance degradation caused by ink corrosion, particle wear, or deposition during long-term use, thereby improving the reliability and applicability of the blocking device.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the ink line blocking device in this embodiment further includes a rotation position detection device. The rotation position detection device includes a sensing element and a sensor. The sensing element is installed at the end of the blocking element and rotates with the blocking element. The sensor is used to detect the position of the sensing element.

[0054] The sensing element is fixedly installed at the end of the blocking element and can synchronously change position as the blocking element rotates. The sensor is fixedly installed on or near the intermediate connecting element to detect the positional changes of the sensing element in real time. This structure can identify and determine the current rotational state of the blocking element, thereby determining whether the ink channel is connected or blocked, achieving automatic monitoring and feedback control of the blocking device's operating status. The sensing element can be a magnet, reflector, encoder disk, etc., and the sensor can be a Hall sensor, photoelectric sensor, or magnetoresistive sensor, etc., performing high-sensitivity detection of rotational position in a non-contact manner. This structure solves the technical problem of traditional ink blocking devices lacking a status confirmation mechanism and being unable to determine the current on / off state, facilitating automated control, abnormal alarms, or linkage with the printer control system, improving the equipment's intelligence level and operational safety.

[0055] The ink line blocking device in this embodiment also includes a heating device for heating the blocking element.

[0056] Temperature control and regulation can be achieved within or around the blocking device via a heating device, improving ink flow performance in the flow channel. The heating device can take the form of a resistance wire heating element, flexible heating film, PTC element, or miniature heating tube, and can be installed externally to the intermediate connecting component or integrated into the blocking component. This heating function is particularly suitable for applications handling high-viscosity inks, low-temperature environments, or inks prone to crystallization. By increasing the local temperature, ink viscosity can be effectively reduced, preventing flow channel blockage and starting difficulties, and improving the smoothness and stability of ink flow. This structure can also be used in conjunction with a temperature sensor to achieve automatic constant temperature control, enhancing the system's adaptability and intelligence, solving technical challenges such as ink supply anomalies caused by environmental changes or ink characteristics, and improving the overall reliability and availability of the blocking device.

[0057] The ink line blocking device in this embodiment also includes a mounting cavity at the end of the intermediate connecting member of the bearing, the outer ring of the bearing mates with the mounting cavity, and the inner ring of the bearing mates with the blocking member.

[0058] This embodiment utilizes bearings to improve the rotational stability and structural reliability of the blocking component. By introducing bearings into the rotating structure, the frictional resistance of the blocking component during rotation can be significantly reduced, improving the smoothness and accuracy of rotation, and avoiding seal failure or positional drift caused by eccentricity or jamming. This design also extends the service life of the blocking device, adapts to high-frequency opening and closing scenarios, effectively solves the technical problems of high wear, uneven torque, and unstable starting torque in traditional sliding fit structures, and improves the performance of the device under long-term stable operation.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, this embodiment allows the connection of a micro motor (such as a stepper motor, servo motor, or DC motor) to the blocking component, enabling precise rotation of the blocking component through motor control. Combined with a rotation position detection device, closed-loop control can be constructed to achieve programmed on / off control, suitable for automated equipment or remote control systems.

[0060] This embodiment can also use an electromagnetic actuator (such as a rotating electromagnet) to directly drive the blocking element to switch between two fixed angles, thereby achieving switch control. It is suitable for applications requiring fast response and compact structure.

[0061] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, modules, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It should be understood that the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ink line blocking device, characterized in that, include: The first pipe connector is connected to the ink storage device; The second pipe connector connects to the nozzle; The intermediate connecting member is provided with several through flow channels, one end of which is connected to the first pipe joint and the other end is connected to the second pipe joint. The blocking member is provided with a through hole corresponding to the position of the flow channel. The intermediate connecting member is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the blocking member. At least a part of the blocking member is located in the receiving cavity. The blocking member is rotatably connected to the intermediate connecting member. The blocking member can be rotated to a position where the through hole connects the corresponding flow channels on both sides of the blocking device and to a position where the flow channels on both sides of the blocking member are blocked.

2. The ink line blocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipe connector is detachably connected to the intermediate connecting member, and the second pipe connector is detachably connected to the intermediate connecting member.

3. The ink line blocking device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow channel is threaded at the point where it connects to the first pipe joint and / or the second pipe joint.

4. The ink line blocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided between adjacent through holes, and the sealing element is installed on the blocking element.

5. The ink line blocking device according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least a first seal and a second seal are provided between adjacent through holes, and the first seal and the second seal are spaced apart along the axial direction of the blocking member.

6. The ink line blocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the intermediate connecting member and / or blocking member is provided with a protective layer.

7. The ink line blocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a rotational position detection device, which includes a sensing element and a sensor. The sensing element is installed at the end of the blocking element and rotates with the blocking element. The sensor is used to detect the position of the sensing element.

8. The ink line blocking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heating device for heating the intermediate connecting / blocking member.

9. The ink line blocking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a bearing, with a mounting cavity provided at the end of the intermediate connecting member, the outer ring of the bearing engaging with the mounting cavity, and the inner ring of the bearing engaging with the blocking member.

10. An inkjet printing device, characterized in that, Includes the ink line blocking device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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