Ink cartridge and printing system

Abstract

This utility model provides an ink cartridge and a printing system. The ink cartridge includes a cartridge body. The top of the cartridge body has a limiting groove extending along the insertion direction of the ink cartridge. Along the insertion direction, the downstream end wall of the cartridge body has an ink outlet. The bottom of the cartridge body has an assembly area and a clearance area adjacent to each other along the thickness direction of the cartridge body. The assembly area has a locking channel on the bottom wall of the cartridge body, and a locking fixing block is provided in the locking channel. The locking channel communicates with the clearance area. The clearance area has a clearance plane formed on the bottom wall. The entrance of the clearance area and the entrance of the locking channel are both located on the downstream end wall. The printing system includes an inkjet printer and the above-mentioned ink cartridge. The ink cartridge is detachably installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the printhead of the inkjet printer. The ink cartridge has the advantages of simple structure and low production cost, and can avoid damage to the inkjet printer during assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printing technology, specifically the design of an ink cartridge and a printing system equipped with the ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Consumable cartridges are detachably installed inside the printing equipment to provide developer. Ink cartridges, as a commonly used type of consumable cartridge, are used to provide developer to inkjet printers; specifically, ink cartridges are detachably installed within the cartridge mounting cavity of the printhead of the inkjet printer.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, the existing printhead has at least one ink cartridge mounting cavity 91. The top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity 91 is provided with a first guide rib 911. The bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity 91 is provided with a T-shaped guide rail 912, a latch 913, and a second guide rib 914. The T-shaped guide rail 912 is located on the same straight line. The latch 913 is rotatably connected to the printhead. The free end of the latch 913 is provided with a locking tongue. The second guide rib 914 is parallel to the first guide rib 911 and is adjacent to one side of the latch 913. Along the insertion direction of the ink cartridge 92, the latch 913 is located at the downstream end of the second guide rib 914, and the first guide rib 911 is located at the downstream end of the latch 913. Along the insertion direction, the end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity 91 is provided with a fluid pipe 915 and an elastic element 916. The fluid pipe 915 is used to connect with the ink outlet on the ink cartridge 92, and the elastic element 916 is used to force the ink cartridge 92 to move in the opposite direction along the insertion direction.

[0004] like Figure 2 As shown, the existing ink cartridge 92 has a first limiting groove 921 on its top wall; a second limiting groove 922, a locking channel 923, and a third limiting groove 924 on its bottom wall. Along the insertion direction, the locking channel 923 is located at the upstream end of the third limiting groove 924 and communicates with the third limiting groove 924. The width of the third limiting groove 924 gradually decreases from the inlet end to the locking channel 923. A locking fixing block 9231 is provided in the locking channel 923. The second limiting groove 922 is adjacent to the second limiting groove 922 and the locking channel 923. Along the insertion direction, the downstream end wall of the ink cartridge 92 also has an ink outlet.

[0005] During the assembly of the ink cartridge 92 into the ink cartridge mounting cavity 91, the first guide rib 911 enters the first limiting groove 921, the second guide rib 914 enters the second limiting groove 922, and the locking tongue of the latch 913 enters the third limiting groove 924. As the ink cartridge 92 continues to be inserted, the locking tongue of the latch 913 enters the latch channel 923, and the elastic element 916 is gradually compressed, and the T-shaped guide rail 912 enters the third limiting groove 924. When the ink cartridge 92 is inserted into the preset position, the pushing force on the ink cartridge 92 along the insertion direction is released, so that the elastic element 916 pushes the ink cartridge 92 to move in the opposite direction along the insertion direction, so that the locking tongue is tightly locked on the latch fixing block 9231 under the guidance of the latch channel 923, thereby preventing the ink cartridge 92 from continuing to retract in the opposite direction along the insertion direction, so as to complete the installation of the ink cartridge 92.

[0006] However, the existing ink cartridge 92 has the following shortcomings:

[0007] First, the complex bottom structure of ink cartridge 92 increases the difficulty and cost of production;

[0008] Secondly, since the second limiting groove 922 is adjacent to the third limiting groove 924, and the width of the third limiting groove 924 gradually decreases from the entrance end to the locking channel 923, the second guide rib 914 may accidentally enter the third limiting groove 924 and / or interfere with the ink cartridge 92 during the insertion process due to slight misalignment of the ink cartridge 92 or improper operation. This can cause the second guide rib 914 to interfere with or collide with the ink cartridge 92, resulting in the ink cartridge 92 jamming or failing to assemble, which affects the user experience. Furthermore, if the above-mentioned misfitting and / or interference collisions occur for a long time, it will cause the ink cartridge 92 and / or the print head structure to deform or even be damaged, shortening the service life of the printing equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, the main objective of this invention is to provide an ink cartridge that is simple in structure, low in production cost, and avoids damage to the printhead of an inkjet printer during assembly.

[0010] Another objective of this invention is to provide a printing system equipped with the aforementioned ink cartridge.

[0011] To achieve the main objective of this utility model, this utility model provides an ink cartridge, including a cartridge body. The top of the cartridge body is provided with a limiting groove extending along the insertion direction of the ink cartridge. Along the insertion direction, the downstream end wall of the cartridge body is provided with an ink outlet. The bottom of the cartridge body has an assembly area and a clearance area distributed adjacent to each other along the thickness direction of the cartridge body. The assembly area has a locking channel on the bottom wall of the cartridge body. The locking channel has a locking fixing block. The locking channel is connected to the clearance area. The clearance area has a clearance plane formed on the bottom wall. The entrance of the clearance area and the entrance of the locking channel are both located on the downstream end wall.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, by setting up a clearance zone to avoid the T-shaped guide rails and guide ribs at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the printhead, the ink cartridge installation process is prevented from jamming due to misassembly of the guide ribs and the cartridge body. It also avoids interference between the guide ribs and the cartridge body, thus protecting the printhead and contributing to the lifespan of the inkjet printer. In addition, the clearance zone design can simplify the bottom structure of the cartridge body to the greatest extent, thereby reducing the production difficulty and cost of the cartridge body.

[0013] A further option is that, along the insertion direction, the housing has an upstream end wall opposite to the downstream end wall; the clearance area extends from the upstream end wall to the downstream end wall and penetrates the downstream end wall along the insertion direction.

[0014] As can be seen from the above, this design ensures that the T-shaped guide rail and guide rib at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity will never interfere with or collide with the cartridge body during the ink cartridge installation and removal process, thus ensuring smooth installation and removal of the ink cartridge; and it also allows the ink cartridge to better adapt to ink cartridge mounting cavities with different structures.

[0015] A further proposed solution is that, in the thickness direction, the locking channel is connected to the first side wall of the box, and the clearance area extends to the second side wall of the box.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, this design can keep the outer surface of the bottom wall of the box as flat and smooth as possible, except for the locking channel, thereby further simplifying the bottom structure of the box.

[0017] A further improvement is that multiple reinforcing ribs are provided at the first junction of the clearance plane and the second sidewall, and the multiple reinforcing ribs are distributed along the insertion direction; the clearance plane does not have any protruding structures except for the reinforcing ribs at the first junction.

[0018] As can be seen from the above, since the locking channel is located close to the first side wall, the part of the first side wall that protrudes from the bottom wall can have sufficient structural strength. Similarly, by setting a reinforcing rib at the first junction, the structural strength of the part of the second side wall that protrudes from the bottom wall can be enhanced, and the presence of the reinforcing rib can be avoided from interfering with the assembly of the ink cartridge.

[0019] A further embodiment is that the locking channel is also provided with a guide block, which is connected to the bottom wall and the first side wall. Along the insertion direction, the guide block is located at the downstream end of the locking fixing block. The upstream side of the guide block has a disassembly guide surface, and the downstream side of the guide block has a first installation guide surface. The disassembly guide surface extends inclined to the insertion direction towards the downstream end wall and the second side wall, and the first installation guide surface extends inclined to the insertion direction towards the upstream end wall and the second side wall.

[0020] As can be seen from the above, the first installation guide surface is used to engage with the locking tongue of the latch at the bottom of the ink cartridge installation cavity to guide the latch to rotate, so that the locking tongue of the latch moves more accurately to the latch fixing block, ensuring the reliability of the locking tongue and the latch fixing block engaging and locking. The disassembly guide surface is used to engage with the locking tongue to guide the locking tongue to disengage from the latch fixing block, disengage from the latch channel and return to the initial position, ensuring that the latch can engage with the ink cartridge and lock the ink cartridge during the next ink cartridge installation.

[0021] A further embodiment is that the locking block has a second mounting guide surface, a first guide surface, and a limiting part. The second mounting guide surface is located on the side near the clearance area and extends towards the clearance area while inclined in the insertion direction. The first guide surface extends towards the downstream end wall while inclined in the insertion direction and away from the clearance area. The limiting part is located on the side of the first guide surface away from the clearance area and protrudes from the first guide surface. Along the insertion direction, the uppermost end of the locking channel has a second guide surface, a first positioning groove, a third guide surface, and a second positioning groove that are sequentially distributed in the thickness direction away from the clearance area. The second guide surface is located at the entrance of the first positioning groove and extends towards the clearance area while inclined in the insertion direction. The third guide surface is located between the entrance of the first positioning groove and the entrance of the second positioning groove and extends towards the clearance area while inclined in the insertion direction. In the insertion direction, the second junction of the limiting part and the first guide surface is positioned opposite the third guide surface.

[0022] As can be seen from the above, the second mounting guide surface can guide the bolt to move towards the second guide surface. The second guide surface, in conjunction with the first positioning groove, controls the bolt to move towards the first guide surface so that the bolt is locked and engaged at the second junction. The limiting part prevents the bolt from disengaging from the bolt fixing block. The third guide surface is used to guide the bolt in conjunction with the second positioning groove after the bolt disengages from the bolt fixing block, so that the bolt moves towards the disassembly guide surface, ensuring that the bolt smoothly disengages from the bolt channel.

[0023] A further proposed solution is that, in the opposite direction of the insertion direction, the projection of the end side of the second mounting guide surface near the clearance zone is located on the second guide surface.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, this design ensures that during the ink cartridge installation process, the locking tongue can accurately move to contact and engage with the second guide surface after disengaging from it.

[0025] A further proposed solution is that the extension surface of the second installation guide intersects with the second guide surface.

[0026] As can be seen from the above, this design can further ensure that during the ink cartridge installation process, the locking tongue can accurately move to contact and engage with the second guide surface after disengaging from it, ensuring that the locking tongue can accurately and reliably engage with the locking block.

[0027] A further proposed solution is to have an air vent in the cartridge body; an ink chamber inside the cartridge body that is connected to the ink outlet and air vent, or a receiving cavity inside the cartridge body that contains an ink sac that is connected to the ink outlet and air vent; the cartridge also includes a chip that is mounted on the cartridge body.

[0028] As can be seen above, the air inlet can balance the air pressure in the ink chamber or ink sac, ensuring that the ink flows smoothly to the ink outlet; the chip is used to establish communication with the inkjet printer, so that the inkjet printer can obtain the status information of the ink cartridge in real time.

[0029] To achieve another objective of this utility model, a printing system is provided, including an inkjet printer. The inkjet printer includes a printhead carriage with an ink cartridge mounting cavity. The top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity has a guide rib, and the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity has a rotatable latch. The free end of the latch has a locking tongue. The end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity has a fluid tube and an elastic element. The printing system also includes the aforementioned ink cartridge, which is detachably installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity. When the ink cartridge is installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity, the guide rib is located in a limiting groove, the fluid tube is connected to the ink outlet, and the elastic element forces the ink cartridge to move in the opposite direction of insertion to force the locking tongue to lock onto the latch fixing block.

[0030] As can be seen from the above, by configuring the ink cartridges, the printing system makes ink cartridge installation more convenient, and the ink cartridges do not interfere with or collide with the ink cartridge installation cavity during the installation process. This not only ensures the smooth installation and removal of the ink cartridges, but also protects the printhead and helps extend the service life of the inkjet printer. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 A structural diagram of the printhead assembly of an existing inkjet printer with the omitted components.

[0032] Figure 2 A structural diagram of an existing ink cartridge.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram from a first-view perspective of an embodiment of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram from a second perspective of an embodiment of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the ink cartridge of this utility model from a third-view perspective.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the ink cartridge of this utility model from a fourth perspective.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of the ink cartridge of this utility model.

[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Ink cartridge examples

[0040] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The ink cartridge 100 includes a cartridge body 1 and a chip. The top of the cartridge body 1 is provided with a limiting groove 11, which extends along the insertion direction X of the ink cartridge 100. The limiting groove 11 is used to cooperate with the guide rib provided on the top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity of the printhead of the inkjet printer, so as to limit and guide the ink cartridge 100 during the disassembly and assembly process.

[0041] Along the insertion direction X, the downstream end wall 12 of the ink cartridge 100 is provided with an ink outlet 121. The ink outlet 121 is preferably located near the bottom of the ink cartridge 100 so that as much ink as possible can flow out of the ink outlet 121. The ink outlet 121 is used to connect with a first fluid tube provided on the end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity so that the ink flowing out of the ink outlet 121 can flow to the print head through the first fluid tube, thereby forming the desired text and / or pattern on the image forming medium (such as paper).

[0042] In addition, the downstream end wall 12 of the ink cartridge 100 is preferably provided with an air port 122, which is preferably located near the top of the ink cartridge 100; the air port 122 is used to connect with the second fluid pipe provided on the end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity.

[0043] In some embodiments, the housing 1 has an ink chamber for storing ink, and the ink chamber is connected to the ink outlet 121 and the air outlet 122. In this case, the air outlet 122, in cooperation with the second fluid tube, balances the air pressure in the ink chamber to ensure that the ink in the ink chamber can flow smoothly and freely to the ink outlet 121. It is understood that in some embodiments, the ink chamber design may be omitted and a receiving cavity may be provided instead. The receiving cavity has an ink sac for storing ink, and the ink sac is connected to the ink outlet 121 and the air outlet 122. The air outlet 122, in cooperation with the second fluid tube, balances the air pressure in the ink sac to ensure that the ink in the ink sac can flow smoothly and freely to the ink outlet 121.

[0044] The bottom of cartridge 1 has an assembly area A and a clearance area B. The assembly area A and the clearance area B are distributed adjacently along the thickness direction Y of cartridge 1. The assembly area A is used to engage with the latches set at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity. The clearance area B is used to avoid the existing T-shaped guide rails and guide ribs at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity, thereby preventing interference and collision between the ink cartridge 100 and the T-shaped guide rails and guide ribs at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity during the installation process. This protects the printhead and helps extend the lifespan of the inkjet printer.

[0045] Assembly area A has a locking channel 13 on the bottom wall of box 1. The locking channel 13 is used to engage with a locking mechanism. A locking fixing block 131 is provided inside the locking channel 13, and the locking channel 13 is connected to the clearance area B. Furthermore, the locking channel 13 is also provided with a guide block 136. The guide block 136 is connected to the bottom wall and the first side wall 16 of box 1, and along the insertion direction X, the guide block 136 is located at the downstream end of the locking fixing block 131.

[0046] Combination Figure 6 and Figure 7 The locking block 131 has a second mounting guide surface 1311, a first guide surface 1312, and a limiting portion 1313. The second mounting guide surface 1311 is located on the side of the locking block 131 near the clearance area B, and the second mounting guide surface 1311 is inclined to the insertion direction X, facing away from the downstream end wall 12 and extending towards the clearance area B (according to the extension direction, this can also be understood as: the second mounting guide surface 1311 is inclined to the insertion direction X, extending towards the downstream end wall 12 and away from the clearance area B). Figure 6 and Figure 7 The dashed line is used to indicate the boundary between assembly area A and the clearing area B.

[0047] The first guide surface 1312 is located on the side of the locking block 131 away from the upstream end wall 15. The first guide surface 1312 is inclined to the downstream end wall 12 of the box 1 in the insertion direction X (that is, the end wall of the box 1 opposite to the upstream end wall 15 in the insertion direction X) and extends away from the clearance area B (according to the extension direction, it can also be understood here as: the first guide surface 1312 is inclined to the upstream end wall 15 in the insertion direction X and extends toward the clearance area B).

[0048] The limiting part 1313 is located on the side of the first guide surface 1312 away from the air-avoidance area B, and the limiting part 1313 protrudes from the first guide surface 1312, so that a locking angle is formed at the second boundary between the limiting part 1313 and the first guide surface 1312.

[0049] Furthermore, along the insertion direction X, the uppermost end of the locking channel 13 has a second guide surface 132, a first positioning groove 133, a third guide surface 134, and a second positioning groove 135; the second guide surface 132, the first positioning groove 133, the third guide surface 134, and the second positioning groove 135 are distributed sequentially in the thickness direction Y.

[0050] The second guide surface 132 is located at the entrance of the first positioning groove 133, and the first guide surface 1312 is inclined to the insertion direction X and extends towards the downstream end wall 12 and the clearance area B (according to the extension direction, this can also be understood as: the first guide surface 1312 is inclined to the insertion direction X and extends towards the downstream end wall 12 and the clearance area B).

[0051] The third guide surface 134 is located between the entrance of the first positioning groove 133 and the entrance of the second positioning groove 135. Along the insertion direction X, the intersection of the first guide surface 1312 and the entrance of the first positioning groove 133 is located upstream of the intersection of the second guide surface 132 and the entrance of the first positioning groove 133. This ensures that during the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the locking tongue of the latch will not directly cross the first positioning groove 133 and contact the third guide surface 134, ensuring reliability during installation and locking. The third guide surface 134 extends inclined in the insertion direction X towards the downstream end wall 12 and the clearance area B (according to the extension direction, this can also be understood as: the third guide surface 134 extends inclined in the insertion direction X towards the downstream end wall 12 and the clearance area B). In the insertion direction X, the second junction of the limiting part 1313 and the first guide surface 1312 is positioned directly opposite the third guide surface 134.

[0052] Along the insertion direction X, the upstream side of the guide block 136 has a disassembly guide surface 1361, which is positioned directly opposite the entrance of the second positioning groove 135. The disassembly guide surface 1361 extends inclined to the downstream end wall 12 and the second side wall 17 in the insertion direction X (according to the extension direction, this can also be understood as: the disassembly guide surface 1361 extends inclined to the upstream end wall 15 and the first side wall 16 in the insertion direction X). The downstream side of the guide block 136 has a first mounting guide surface 1362, which extends inclined to the upstream end wall 15 and the second side wall 17 in the insertion direction X (according to the extension direction, this can also be understood as: the first mounting guide surface 1362 extends inclined to the downstream end wall 12 and the first side wall 16 in the insertion direction X).

[0053] Furthermore, in the opposite direction of the insertion direction X, the projection of the last side of the second mounting guide surface 1311 near the clearance area B is located on the second guide surface 132. This ensures that during the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the locking tongue can accurately move to contact and engage with the second guide surface 132 after disengaging from the second mounting guide surface 1311. Further, the extended surface of the second mounting guide intersects with the second guide surface 132. This design further ensures that during the installation of the ink cartridge 100, the locking tongue can accurately move to contact and engage with the second guide surface 132 after disengaging from the second mounting guide surface 1311, guaranteeing that the locking tongue can accurately and reliably engage with the locking block 131.

[0054] The clearance zone B has a clearance plane 14 formed on its bottom wall. The clearance plane 14 is designed to prevent interference and collision between the ink cartridge 100 and the T-shaped guide rail and guide rib at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity. It also simplifies the bottom structure of the cartridge body 1 to the greatest extent, thereby reducing the production difficulty and cost of the cartridge body 1. The entrance to the clearance zone B and the entrance to the locking channel 13 are both located on the downstream end wall 12.

[0055] Furthermore, the clearance zone B extends from the upstream end wall 15 to the downstream end wall 12 along the insertion direction X and penetrates the downstream end wall 12 to ensure that the T-shaped guide rail and guide rib at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity do not interfere with or collide with the cartridge body 1 during the disassembly and assembly of the ink cartridge 100, thus ensuring the smooth disassembly and assembly of the ink cartridge 100. In addition, this allows the ink cartridge 100 to better adapt to ink cartridge mounting cavities with different structures, such as ink cartridge mounting cavities with both T-shaped guide rails and guide ribs at the bottom, and ink cartridge mounting cavities with only T-shaped guide rails or guide ribs at the bottom, thereby improving the versatility and practicality of the ink cartridge 100.

[0056] Furthermore, in the thickness direction Y, the locking channel 13 is connected to the first side wall 16 of the box body 1, and the clearance area B extends to the second side wall 17 of the box body 1, so as to keep the outer surface of the bottom wall of the box body 1, except for the locking channel 13, as flat and smooth as possible, thereby further simplifying the bottom structure of the box body 1.

[0057] In some embodiments (such as this embodiment), a plurality of reinforcing ribs 18 are provided at the first junction of the clearance plane 14 and the second sidewall 17, and the plurality of reinforcing ribs 18 are distributed along the insertion direction X; wherein, the clearance plane 14 has no protruding structure except for the reinforcing ribs 18 at the first junction. Since the locking channel 13 is located close to the first sidewall 16, the portion of the first sidewall 16 protruding from the bottom wall can have sufficient structural strength; similarly, by providing reinforcing ribs 18 at the first junction, the structural strength of the portion of the second sidewall 17 protruding from the bottom wall can be enhanced, and the presence of reinforcing ribs 18 can be prevented from interfering with the assembly of the ink cartridge 100.

[0058] The chip is mounted on the housing 1; in some embodiments, the chip is detachably connected to the housing 1; in other embodiments, the chip is integrally formed with the housing 1. The chip is used to establish communication with the inkjet printer, enabling the inkjet printer to know relevant information about the ink cartridge 100 in real time, such as ink color, number of uses of the ink cartridge 100, ink remaining, etc.

[0059] As an optional solution, such as in this embodiment, a chip mounting part can be provided at the corner position C of the rubber of the top wall and the downstream end wall 12 of the box body 1, and the chip can be placed in the corner position C.

[0060] The following is a brief description of the insertion process for ink cartridge 100:

[0061] During the process of installing the ink cartridge 100 into the ink cartridge mounting cavity, firstly, the limiting groove 11 on the top of the cartridge body 1 cooperates with the guide rib on the top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity to limit and guide the ink cartridge 100.

[0062] As the ink cartridge 100 is further pushed along the insertion direction X, the locking tongue of the latch at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity enters the latch channel 13 in the assembly area A; if the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity is provided with a T-shaped guide rail or guide rib, the T-shaped guide rail or guide rib enters the clearance area B at the bottom of the cartridge body 1, so that the T-shaped guide rail or guide rib does not contact the cartridge body 1; at this time, the first fluid tube on the end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity is ready to connect with the ink outlet 121 or begins to connect with the ink outlet 121, the second fluid tube is ready to connect with the air outlet 122 or begins to connect with the air outlet 122, and the elastic element contacts the downstream end wall 12 of the cartridge body 1.

[0063] As the ink cartridge 100 is further pushed along the insertion direction X, the latch performs the following actions: First, when the latch's latch tongue moves to contact the first mounting guide surface 1362 of the guide block 136, the latch deflects at a set angle; then, when the latch tongue moves to contact the second mounting guide surface 1311 of the latch fixing block 131, the latch maintains its current position or deflects at a set angle again, allowing the latch tongue to contact the second guide surface 132; then, when the latch tongue moves to the second guide surface 132, the latch deflects at a preset angle again, and then enters the first positioning groove 133; at this time, the ink cartridge 100 has been installed in the predetermined position, the first fluid tube is connected to the ink outlet 121, the second fluid tube is connected to the air outlet 122, and the elastic element is compressed.

[0064] Next, the pressure on the ink cartridge 100 is released, causing the ink cartridge 100 to move in the opposite direction of the insertion direction X under the elastic force of the elastic element. Then, the locking tongue moves out from the first positioning groove 133 and contacts the first guide surface 1312. Under the action of the first guide surface 1312, the locking tongue moves to the locking angle formed by the first guide surface 1312 and the limiting part 1313. The limiting part 1313 restricts the locking tongue from moving further, thereby locking the ink cartridge 100 in conjunction with the elastic element. At this time, the ink cartridge 100 is installed.

[0065] When it is necessary to disassemble the ink cartridge 100, gently push the ink cartridge 100 along the insertion direction X, so that the locking tongue moves towards the third guide surface 134 and enters the second positioning groove 135; then release the pressure on the ink cartridge 100, so that the ink cartridge 100 moves in the opposite direction of the insertion direction X under the elastic force of the elastic element. Then, the locking tongue moves out from the second positioning groove 135 and contacts the disassembly guide surface 1361 of the guide block 136. Under the action of the disassembly guide surface 1361, the latch deflects again at a preset angle to return to the initial position. Then, under the continuous action of the elastic element, the locking tongue passes over the guide block 136, completing the disassembly of the ink cartridge 100. At this time, the ink cartridge 100 can be taken out from the ink cartridge installation cavity in the opposite direction of the insertion direction X.

[0066] In summary, the structural design of the ink cartridge 100 allows the cartridge body 1 to avoid the T-shaped guide rail and guide ribs at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity during installation. This prevents the ink cartridge 100 from jamming during installation due to misassembly between the guide ribs and the cartridge body 1, and also avoids interference between the guide ribs and the cartridge body 1, thus protecting the printhead and extending the lifespan of the inkjet printer. Furthermore, the design of the clearance area B simplifies the bottom structure of the cartridge body 1 to the greatest extent, reducing the manufacturing difficulty and cost. Moreover, through reliability verification of the ink cartridge 100 installation, the cooperation between the limiting groove 11 and the guide ribs at the top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity ensures proper guidance and positioning during installation. This allows the latch at the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity to accurately enter the latch channel 13 and securely engage with the latch fixing block 131, preventing the ink cartridge 100 from loosening after installation.

[0067] Printing System Implementation Examples

[0068] The printing system includes an inkjet printer and the ink cartridges described in the above-described ink cartridge embodiments. The inkjet printer includes a printhead carriage with an ink cartridge mounting cavity. The top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity has a guide rib, and the bottom of the cavity has a rotatable latch with a locking tongue at its free end. The end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity is provided with fluid tubes and elastic elements. Preferably, there are two fluid tubes: one for connecting to the ink outlet of the ink cartridge, and the other for connecting to the air outlet of the ink cartridge. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity also has a T-shaped guide rail and / or a guide rib. Since the design of this T-shaped guide rail and guide rib is prior art, it will not be described in detail here.

[0069] The ink cartridge is detachably installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity. After the ink cartridge is installed in the ink cartridge mounting cavity, the guide rib at the top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity cooperates with the limiting groove at the top of the ink cartridge. One fluid tube on the end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity is connected to the ink outlet of the ink cartridge, and another fluid tube is connected to the air outlet of the ink cartridge. The elastic element is compressed, forcing the ink cartridge to move in the opposite direction of the insertion direction, so that the locking tongue is locked in the locking angle of the locking block at the bottom of the ink cartridge, thereby fixing the ink cartridge.

[0070] By configuring the aforementioned ink cartridges, the printing system makes cartridge installation more convenient, and the cartridges do not interfere with or collide with the cartridge installation cavity during installation. This ensures smooth cartridge installation and removal, protects the printhead, and helps extend the lifespan of the inkjet printer.

[0071] Finally, it should be emphasized that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., 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 cartridge, comprising a cartridge body, wherein the top of the cartridge body is provided with a limiting groove extending along the insertion direction of the ink cartridge, and the downstream end wall of the cartridge body is provided with an ink outlet along the insertion direction, characterized in that: The bottom of the box has an assembly area and a clearance area that are adjacent to each other along the thickness direction of the box. The assembly area has a locking channel on the bottom wall of the box, and a locking fixing block is provided in the locking channel. The locking channel is connected to the clearance area. The clearance area has a clearance plane formed on the bottom wall. The entrance of the clearance area and the entrance of the locking channel are both located on the downstream end wall.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the insertion direction, the housing has an upstream end wall opposite to the downstream end wall; The clearance zone extends from the upstream end wall to the downstream end wall along the insertion direction and penetrates the downstream end wall.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the thickness direction, the locking channel is connected to the first side wall of the box body, and the clearance area extends to the second side wall of the box body.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: Multiple reinforcing ribs are provided at the first junction of the clearance plane and the second sidewall, and the multiple reinforcing ribs are distributed along the insertion direction; The open space plane has no protruding structures except for the reinforcing rib at the first junction.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking channel is also provided with a guide block, which is connected to the bottom wall and the first side wall; Along the insertion direction, the guide block is located at the downstream end of the locking block. The upstream side of the guide block has a disassembly guide surface, and the downstream side of the guide block has a first installation guide surface. The disassembly guide surface extends inclined to the insertion direction towards the downstream end wall and the second side wall, and the first installation guide surface extends inclined to the insertion direction towards the upstream end wall and the second side wall.

6. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The locking block has a second mounting guide surface, a first guide surface, and a limiting part. The second mounting guide surface is located on the side close to the clearance area. The second mounting guide surface is inclined to the insertion direction and extends away from the downstream end wall and toward the clearance area. The first guide surface is inclined to the insertion direction and extends toward the downstream end wall and away from the clearance area. The limiting part is located on the side of the first guide surface away from the clearance area and protrudes from the first guide surface. Along the insertion direction, the upstream end of the locking channel has a second guide surface, a first positioning groove, a third guide surface, and a second positioning groove sequentially distributed in the thickness direction away from the clearance area. The second guide surface is located at the entrance of the first positioning groove and is inclined in the insertion direction away from the downstream end wall and extends into the clearance area. The third guide surface is located between the entrance of the first positioning groove and the entrance of the second positioning groove and is inclined in the insertion direction away from the downstream end wall and extends into the clearance area. In the insertion direction, the second junction of the limiting portion and the first guide surface is positioned opposite the third guide surface.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that: In the opposite direction of the insertion direction, the projection of the second mounting guide surface near the end of the clearance area is located on the second guide surface.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The extension surface of the second installation guide intersects with the second guide surface.

9. The ink cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The box body is equipped with an air vent; The cartridge contains an ink chamber, which is connected to the ink outlet and the air vent. The box body has a receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity contains an ink sac. The ink sac is connected to the ink outlet and the air outlet. The ink cartridge also includes a chip, which is mounted on the cartridge body.

10. A printing system, including an inkjet printer, the inkjet printer including a printhead carriage, the printhead carriage having an ink cartridge mounting cavity, the top of the ink cartridge mounting cavity having a guide rib, the bottom of the ink cartridge mounting cavity having a rotatable latch, the free end of the latch having a locking tongue, and the end wall of the ink cartridge mounting cavity having a fluid tube and an elastic element, characterized in that: The printing system further includes an ink cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the ink cartridge being detachably mounted within the ink cartridge mounting cavity; After the ink cartridge is installed into the ink cartridge mounting cavity, the guide rib is located in the limiting groove, the fluid tube is connected to the ink outlet, and the elastic element forces the ink cartridge to move in the opposite direction of the insertion direction so as to force the locking tongue to lock onto the locking block.

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