A two-stage ink cartridge for a printer

Abstract

This invention provides a secondary ink sac for a printer, relating to the field of ink supply technology for inkjet printers. The secondary ink sac includes an ink sac body, a first tube, a second tube, a third tube, and a printhead. The third tube is used to discharge ink from the ink sac body or introduce ink into the ink sac body when the printer is not printing, allowing the ink to circulate within the ink sac body and preventing ink sedimentation due to prolonged inactivity. Furthermore, it includes a gas-liquid separator, a liquid level monitoring device, a filter, and auxiliary anti-settling components to balance pressure, monitor ink level, and prevent ink sedimentation. This invention integrates multiple functions into a single ink sac body without damaging the sidewalls of the ink sac body. Its compact structure improves space utilization efficiency and solves the problems of complex structures, perforated sealing, and large space occupation associated with traditional designs. It is particularly suitable for desktop printers used infrequently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer technology, specifically to a secondary ink cartridge for a printer. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of printing technology, inkjet printers have become indispensable equipment in office, home, and small business environments. Desktop inkjet printers, in particular, are widely used for personal document printing, photo output, and small advertising production due to their compact design and low cost. These desktop printers are typically aimed at users with low usage frequency, whose printing operations are often intermittent, requiring only a small number of printing tasks daily or weekly.

[0003] Currently, the demand for personalized and customized products is increasing. Many functions that were previously only available in industrial printers are now appearing on desktop printers. This often introduces inks with higher density or viscosity and that are prone to settling, making secondary ink cartridges and related equipment such as gas-liquid separators and circulation channels essential.

[0004] However, in traditional industrial printers, this system involves many components, resulting in a large size that is difficult to apply directly to small desktop printers. Furthermore, the assembly process is cumbersome and not conducive to daily maintenance and repair. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a secondary ink cartridge for a printer is provided to solve the technical problems existing in the background art described above.

[0006] This utility model provides a secondary ink cartridge for a printer, comprising: an ink cartridge body, a first tube and a second tube, the second tube being connected to a print head; and a third tube, the third tube being used to export ink from the ink cartridge body or import ink into the ink cartridge body when the printer is not printing.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes a gas-liquid separator disposed on the ink cartridge body.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a liquid level monitoring device disposed on the ink cartridge body.

[0009] Preferably, it also includes a filter screen disposed inside the ink cartridge body, the filter screen being connected to the second tube body.

[0010] Preferably, the liquid level monitoring device includes a liquid level monitor, a control module, and a protective housing;

[0011] The liquid level monitor and the control module are respectively mounted on the ink cartridge body;

[0012] The control module is electrically connected to the liquid level monitor.

[0013] The protective shell covers the liquid level monitor and the control module.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes an auxiliary anti-settling component disposed on the ink cartridge body.

[0015] Preferably, the auxiliary anti-settlement component includes two electromagnets, two slide rails, and a lever;

[0016] The two electromagnets are respectively fixedly connected to the ink sac body and electrically connected to the control module;

[0017] The two slide rails are respectively fixedly connected to the ink cartridge body;

[0018] The lever is made of iron and is slidably connected to the two slide rails.

[0019] Preferably, the lever has multiple through holes.

[0020] Preferably, it also includes an ultrasonic module disposed on the ink cartridge body.

[0021] Preferably, when the ink cartridge body is made of metal, the ultrasonic module is located on the outside of the ink cartridge body; when the ink cartridge body is made of non-metallic material, the ultrasonic module is located inside the ink cartridge body.

[0022] One or more technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0023] 1. The secondary ink cartridge integrates the first, second, and third tubes through the ink cartridge body to achieve circulating flow and ink supply functions. It solves the shortcomings of traditional secondary ink cartridges, which are separated from ordinary ink cartridges, resulting in complex structures and large space occupation. At the same time, it integrates a gas-liquid separator, liquid level monitoring device, filter screen, and auxiliary anti-settling components, which play a role in balancing pressure, monitoring ink level height, and preventing ink sedimentation. It significantly improves space utilization efficiency while being fully functional.

[0024] 2. The auxiliary anti-settling component uses the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet to drive the paddle to move inside the ink cartridge body. This achieves contactless external drive without damaging the side wall of the ink cartridge body, avoiding the structural defects of traditional mechanical components that require perforation and sealing, and reducing the risk of ink leakage from the ink cartridge body.

[0025] It should be understood that the description in this utility model description section is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of this utility model, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of this utility model. Other features of this utility model will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the various embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connection structure of a secondary ink cartridge of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 An exploded view of a secondary ink cartridge of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A first-view schematic diagram of the connection structure of the gas-liquid separator and liquid level monitoring device of a secondary ink bladder of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A second-view schematic diagram of the connection structure of the gas-liquid separator and liquid level monitoring device of a secondary ink cartridge of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an auxiliary anti-settling connection structure for a secondary ink cartridge of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0033] 1-Ink cartridge body, 2-First tube, 3-Second tube, 4-Printer nozzle, 5-Third tube, 6-Gas-liquid separator, 7-Liquid level monitoring device, 701-Liquid level monitor, 702-Control module, 703-Protective shell, 8-Settling assembly, 801-Electromagnet, 802-Slide rail, 803-Pulley, 9-Filter screen, 10-Ultrasonic module. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0035] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0036] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the printer's secondary ink cartridge includes an ink cartridge body 1, a first tube 2, a second tube 3, a print head 4, and a third tube 5. Specifically, one end of the third tube 5 is connected to the ink cartridge body 1, and the other end can be connected to an external ink tank (not shown in the figure). It is used to export ink from the ink cartridge body 1 or import ink into the ink cartridge body 1 when the printer is not printing, thus realizing the functions of ink import and export.

[0037] In actual use, if ink needs to be emptied from the ink cartridge body 1, the ink flows out through the third tube 5 to the external ink tank, while the first tube 2 introduces new ink from the ink tank to fill the ink cartridge body 1, thus achieving ink circulation. Conversely, if ink needs to be introduced, the third tube 5 injects new ink into the ink cartridge body 1, and the first tube 2 simultaneously empties the old ink. This process not only refreshes the ink in the ink cartridge body 1, ensuring that the ink supplied to the print head 4 is fresh and uniform, but also achieves a compact structure by integrating the circulation flow and inkjet supply functions into a single ink cartridge body 1. This solves the problem of the large space occupied by traditional two-stage ink cartridges combined with ordinary ink cartridges and other components, improving the overall space utilization efficiency and integration of the printer.

[0038] In this embodiment, a gas-liquid separator 6 is also included on the ink cartridge body 1. This separator separates the gas and liquid within the ink cartridge body 1, allowing gas to enter and exit to balance the internal pressure and ensuring consistent ink pressure supplied to the printhead. Specifically, the gas-liquid separator 6 is installed in the top region of the ink cartridge body 1. Its aperture or valve threshold is designed to allow gas to enter and exit while blocking liquid ink. By discharging accumulated gas, such as air generated due to circulation or temperature changes, it allows an appropriate amount of external air to enter to compensate for the volume increase and negative pressure formation caused by ink consumption. This balances the pressure fluctuations within the ink cartridge body 1, preventing negative or overpressure from affecting the stability of the ink supply, ensuring consistent ink pressure output from the second tube 3, and reducing uneven printing or ink interruption at the printhead 4.

[0039] In actual use, when the ink circulates within the ink cartridge body 1, the gas-liquid separator 6 achieves bidirectional gas regulation: on the one hand, excess gas inside escapes through the separation membrane or valve, while liquid ink is retained; on the other hand, when ink decreases, causing internal negative pressure, external air enters through the separation membrane or valve to maintain pressure balance. Simultaneously, the gas-liquid separator 6 can be connected to the external atmosphere or a negative pressure system to regulate the internal pressure, ensuring that the pressure inside the ink cartridge body 1 is maintained within a preset range. This ensures that the ink flow supplied to the print head 4 remains stable, further improving the reliability and consistency of the ink supply system and preventing gas from entering the print head, causing blockage or a decrease in print quality.

[0040] In this embodiment, a liquid level monitoring device 7 is also included, which is disposed on the ink cartridge body 1 to monitor the ink volume in the ink cartridge body 1. Specifically, the liquid level monitoring device 7 is installed on the side wall of the ink cartridge body 1 and is integrated with the ink cartridge body 1 to ensure monitoring accuracy and structural stability. The liquid level monitoring device 7 can be a non-contact sensor, and its detection range is designed to be 0%-100% of the height of the ink cartridge body 1, with a resolution of not less than 1 mm. By monitoring the ink level in the ink cartridge body 1 in real time, it prevents the print head 4 from being sucked up due to low ink level or from overflowing due to high ink level.

[0041] In actual use, when the ink circulates or is consumed in the ink cartridge body 1, the liquid level monitoring device 7 detects the liquid level change in real time: if the liquid level is lower than the preset threshold (such as 20% of the capacity of the ink cartridge body 1), a user prompt to replenish ink from the ink tank is triggered; if the liquid level is higher than the preset upper limit (such as 90% of the capacity), the overflow protection mechanism is activated, and it can work in conjunction with the gas-liquid separator 6 and the filter screen 9 to ensure a stable ink supply, avoid pressure unevenness or printhead clogging caused by liquid level fluctuations, and further reduce the printing failure rate.

[0042] In this embodiment, the liquid level monitoring device 7 includes a liquid level monitor 701, a control module 702, and a protective shell 703. Specifically, the liquid level monitor 701 is fixed to the side wall of the ink cartridge body 1, with its probe facing the internal cavity of the ink cartridge body 1, to collect ink level data in real time. The control module 702 is disposed on the outer wall of the ink cartridge body 1 and electrically connected to the liquid level monitor 701. It is used to process sensor signals, calculate liquid level values, and communicate with the printer's main control system to realize data transmission and alarm triggering. The protective shell 703 is made of corrosion-resistant material and covers the liquid level monitor 701 and the control module 702, providing waterproof, dustproof, and mechanical protection to prevent external environmental factors such as humidity or dust from affecting component performance, while ensuring heat dissipation to avoid overheating.

[0043] In actual use, the level monitor 701 emits a detection signal to collect ink level information; the control module 702 receives and processes the signal, calculates the actual level through the capacitance value, and sends an alarm signal to the printer control system if the level is below 20% or above the 90% threshold. The protective housing 703 protects the components from damage throughout the process. The level monitoring device 7 achieves precise level management while minimizing interference with other printer components, making it especially suitable for desktop printers with low usage frequency, reducing ink supply failures caused by level fluctuations.

[0044] The liquid level monitor 701 in this embodiment employs a capacitive sensor, based on the principle of capacitance change, using ink as the dielectric medium. The sensor typically includes two parallel electrodes or a coaxial structure, forming a capacitor. When the ink level rises, the liquid fills the gap between the electrodes, changing the dielectric constant (ink has a higher dielectric constant than air), resulting in an increase in the capacitance value C (C = ε * A / d, where ε is the dielectric constant, A is the electrode area, and d is the distance between electrodes). The control module 702 detects the capacitance change and converts it into a liquid level signal. For conductive ink, the liquid can serve as one of the electrodes, further simplifying the design. This principle offers high sensitivity and is suitable for continuous monitoring.

[0045] In this embodiment, a filter screen 9 is also included inside the ink cartridge body 1. The filter screen 9 is connected to the second tube 3 and is used to filter impurities in the ink and reduce the impact of ink flow on the internal pressure of the print head 4. Specifically, the filter screen 9 is located at the end opening of the second tube 3 to ensure that the ink must pass through the filter screen 9 when flowing out of the ink cartridge body 1. This prevents impurities from entering the print head 4 and causing nozzle clogging or a decrease in print quality. It also reduces the impact on the precision components inside the print head 4 by buffering the instantaneous pressure fluctuations of the ink flow, thereby improving the stability and service life of the print head 4 and reducing the failure rate during the printing process.

[0046] In actual use, when ink is supplied from the ink cartridge body 1 to the print head 4 through the second tube 3, the filter screen 9 plays a dual role: on the one hand, it filters potential contaminants to ensure that the ink supplied to the print head 4 is pure and uniform, avoiding printing interruptions caused by the accumulation of impurities; on the other hand, it absorbs pressure pulses in the flow to prevent high pressure from impacting the ink chamber, nozzle or channel of the print head 4, thereby improving the overall reliability and print quality of the printer and further optimizing the stability and efficiency of the ink supply path.

[0047] In this embodiment, an auxiliary anti-settling component 8 is also included, which is disposed on the ink cartridge body 1 to help prevent ink particles from settling inside the ink cartridge body 1. Specifically, the auxiliary anti-settling component 8 is installed on the side wall or bottom area of ​​the ink cartridge body 1 to ensure a tight fit with the ink cartridge body 1. The auxiliary anti-settling component 8 uses an electromagnetically driven mechanism to periodically agitate the ink flow inside the ink cartridge body 1, thereby preventing pigment particles or other solid components from settling to the bottom in a static state. This supplements the circulating flow function of the first tube 2 and the third tube 5, and is particularly suitable for long printing intervals or high-viscosity ink scenarios, avoiding uneven print quality or printhead clogging caused by ink stratification.

[0048] In actual use, when the printer is in standby or low-speed printing mode, the auxiliary anti-settling component 8 is activated. This is achieved by external control signals driving internal mechanical parts to move, causing irregular movement of ink within the ink cartridge body 1, thereby preventing ink settling. This process can be integrated with the control module 702 to automate the operation and ensure uniform ink supply to the print head 4.

[0049] In this embodiment, the auxiliary anti-settling component 8 includes two electromagnets 801, two slide rails 802, and a lever 803. Specifically, the two electromagnets 801 are symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the outer wall of the ink cartridge body 1. Each electromagnet 801 includes a coil and an iron core. When the coil is energized, it generates a magnetic field and is electrically connected to the control module 702 to receive pulse signals to achieve alternating on and off of power. The two slide rails 802 are fixed to the inner wall of the ink cartridge body 1 and are used to guide the linear sliding of the lever 803. The lever 803 is a flat plate with magnetic material, and its width is 30%-60% of the width of the ink cartridge body 1. It is slidably connected to the slide rails 802 and reciprocates along the slide rails 802 under the attraction or repulsion of the magnetic field of the electromagnets 801. This avoids the sealing problems and contamination risks of traditional mechanical devices and further enhances the reliability and durability of the anti-settling mechanism.

[0050] In practical use, the control module 702 alternately sends electrical signals to two electromagnets 801: one electromagnet 801 is energized to attract the lever 803 to slide to one side, and the other electromagnet 801 is de-energized and released; then the signal is reversed to realize the reciprocating motion of the lever 803 on the slide rail 802. The flat surface of the lever contacts the ink, disturbing the original movement trajectory of the ink: the ink is originally in a relatively laminar state in the ink cartridge body 1, but the movement of the lever 803 introduces shear force and resistance, resulting in an increase in local velocity gradient. The ink transitions from laminar flow to turbulent flow, forming vortices and irregular disturbed flow fields. This turbulent effect causes the pigment particles or other solid components in the ink to be repeatedly lifted and dispersed, preventing them from settling to the bottom when stationary or flowing at low speed.

[0051] In this embodiment, the paddle 803 has multiple through holes, which are evenly distributed on the surface of the paddle 803. The through holes reduce the fluid resistance of the paddle 803 when it slides, and prevent ink splashing or bubble generation caused by excessive disturbance. When the paddle 803 reciprocates along the slide rail 802, the through holes can generate local shear force and eddy current, which promotes more uniform dispersion of particles in the ink and avoids sedimentation.

[0052] In actual use, when the lever 803 slides under the magnetic field of the electromagnet 801, the ink flows through the through hole, forming a multi-path turbulent flow field: this not only disperses the particles, but also reduces the friction and wear of the lever 803 on the inner wall of the ink cartridge body 1.

[0053] In this embodiment, an ultrasonic module 10 is also included, which is disposed on the ink cartridge body 1 to generate ultrasonic vibrations to clean the microfluidic channels of the printhead 4. Specifically, the ultrasonic module 10 is mounted on the ink cartridge body 1 and is fixedly connected to the ink cartridge body 1 to ensure that the vibration energy is effectively transmitted to the ink inside the ink cartridge body 1. The ultrasonic module 10 uses ultrasonic technology to generate high-frequency vibrations to excite the collapse and cavitation effect of microbubbles in the ink, thereby breaking the laminar flow phenomenon in the microfluidic channels during cleaning, or cleaning dead zones that were previously inaccessible due to laminar flow. This avoids the damage risks that may be caused by traditional mechanical cleaning methods, and at the same time, it eliminates the need to disassemble the printhead 4, realizing non-contact online cleaning, improving the maintenance efficiency of the printer and the service life of the printhead 4.

[0054] In actual use, when a performance degradation of the printhead 4 is detected, the ultrasonic module 10 is activated: ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the ink cartridge body 1, and then propagate through the ink medium to the microfluidic channels of the second tube 3 and the printhead 4, inducing cavitation to break the laminar flow phenomenon in the microfluidic channels, or to clean dead zones previously inaccessible due to laminar flow; after cleaning, the vibration stops, and the system resumes normal ink supply. This process can be automatically triggered by the control module 702, and the cleaning duration is adjusted according to the degree of contamination to avoid excessive vibration affecting component durability.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the ink cartridge body 1 is made of metal, the ultrasonic module 10 is disposed on the outside of the ink cartridge body 1. This is because metal has high density and high elastic modulus, resulting in extremely low attenuation of ultrasonic vibration propagation, and high acoustic impedance. After the ultrasonic vibration is emitted from the module, it is efficiently conducted to the ink inside the ink cartridge body 1 through the metal wall, triggering a cavitation effect. The rigidity and uniformity of the metal wall ensure that the vibration energy is minimally lost during propagation and is not significantly attenuated due to material deformation or absorption. Therefore, the externally disposed ultrasonic module is sufficient to transfer enough vibration energy to the ink, which then propagates to the microfluidic channel of the print head 4 through the ink medium. When the ink cartridge body 1 is made of non-metallic material, the ultrasonic module 10 is located inside the ink cartridge body 1. This is because non-metallic materials have lower density and lower elastic modulus, lower acoustic impedance, and lower propagation efficiency of ultrasonic vibration. Furthermore, the molecular chain structure inside the material easily absorbs vibration energy, leading to significant attenuation. In addition, non-metallic materials may produce local deformation or thermal effects under high-frequency vibration, further weakening the vibration transmission efficiency. If the ultrasonic module 10 is located outside, the vibration wave will be greatly attenuated when passing through the plastic wall due to impedance mismatch and absorption, making it difficult to induce sufficient cavitation effect in the ink and effectively clean the microfluidic channel of the print head 4.

[0056] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A secondary ink cartridge for a printer, comprising: The ink cartridge body (1), the first tube (2), and the second tube (3) are connected to the print head (4); characterized in that it further includes a third tube (5), which is used to export ink from the ink cartridge body (1) or import ink into the ink cartridge body (1) when the printer is not printing.

2. The secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a gas-liquid separator (6) disposed on the ink cartridge body (1).

3. The secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid level monitoring device (7) installed on the ink cartridge body (1).

4. The secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes A filter (9) is disposed inside the ink cartridge body (1), and the filter (9) is connected to the second tube body (3).

5. A secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid level monitoring device (7) includes a liquid level monitor (701), a control module (702), and a protective shell (703). The liquid level monitor (701) and the control module (702) are respectively mounted on the ink cartridge body (1); The control module (702) is electrically connected to the liquid level monitor (701); The protective shell (703) covers the liquid level monitor (701) and the control module (702).

6. The secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary anti-settling component (8) disposed on the ink cartridge body (1).

7. The secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The auxiliary anti-settlement component (8) includes two electromagnets (801), two slide rails (802), and a lever (803). The two electromagnets (801) are fixedly connected to the ink sac body (1) and electrically connected to the control module (702); The two slide rails (802) are respectively fixedly connected to the ink cartridge body (1); The lever (803) is made of iron and is slidably connected to the two slide rails (802).

8. The secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The lever (803) has multiple through holes.

9. A secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an ultrasonic module (10) disposed on the ink cartridge body (1).

10. A secondary ink cartridge for a printer according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the ink sac body (1) is made of metal, the ultrasonic module (10) is located on the outside of the ink sac body (1); when the ink sac body (1) is made of non-metallic material, the ultrasonic module (10) is located inside the ink sac body (1).

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