Desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system

Abstract

This invention provides an ink circulation system for a desktop inkjet printer, including a controller, a power supply, an ink reservoir, an ink supply cartridge, and a circulation pump. The power supply transforms mains power to power the controller and the circulation pump. The controller controls the operation of the circulation pump according to input commands. The ink reservoir stores ink and supplies it to the ink supply cartridge, and has an ink outlet and an ink return port. The ink supply cartridge supplies ink to the printhead, and has an ink inlet, a printhead ink supply interface, and a circulation outlet. The ink outlet of the ink reservoir is connected to the ink inlet of the ink supply cartridge, and the circulation outlet of the ink supply cartridge is connected to the ink return port of the ink reservoir to form an ink circulation pipeline. The circulation pump is installed in the circulation pipeline to allow ink to flow within it. This desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system has the advantages of preventing ink sedimentation, ensuring smooth ink supply, and improving print quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer technology, and more specifically, to an ink circulation system for a desktop inkjet printer. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printers are an important type of color printer. The desktop digital printer described in this application is a miniaturized version of a large-span inkjet printer. It has a roller system and printing system similar to traditional large-span inkjet printers. Due to the continuous emergence of personalized and customized needs, this miniaturized desktop digital printer has also begun to enter the field of vision of small studios, small design or advertising companies, and has received continuous attention.

[0003] The ink used in inkjet printers is a special type of ink. Some colors of ink, such as white ink, are prone to sedimentation. After sedimentation, the sediment will separate from the water, causing problems such as inaccurate ink volume and color during printing, or the print head being clogged by the sediment.

[0004] In traditional large-format printers, the ink system features a multi-stage supply design and a complex circulation design, which keeps the ink in a relatively good condition.

[0005] However, desktop inkjet printers are limited by their size, and the ink supply lines are greatly simplified. Therefore, the ink supply system needs to be redesigned to prevent ink sedimentation and separation problems, thereby ensuring smooth inkjet printing and stable printing.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, people have been seeking an ideal technological solution. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an ink circulation system for desktop inkjet printers that prevents ink sedimentation, ensures smooth ink supply, and improves print quality.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system, including a controller, a power supply, an ink jug, an ink supply cartridge, and a circulation pump; The power supply is used to transform the mains power to power the controller and the circulating pump; The controller is used to control the operating status of the circulating pump according to the input instructions; The ink jug is used to store ink and supply ink to the ink supply cartridge, and the ink jug is provided with an ink outlet and an ink return outlet; The ink supply box is used to supply ink to the printhead, and the ink supply box is provided with an ink inlet, a printhead ink supply interface and a circulation outlet. The ink outlet of the ink jug is connected to the ink inlet of the ink supply box, and the circulation outlet of the ink supply box is connected to the ink return port of the ink jug to form an ink circulation pipeline. The circulation pump is installed in the circulation pipeline to make the ink flow in the circulation pipeline.

[0009] This invention features a unique ink circulation system in a desktop inkjet printer. The system uses a circulation pump in conjunction with a controller to circulate the ink, preventing ink from settling when the printer is off. This prevents incorrect inkjet colors or the formation of deposits, ensuring smooth ink supply during inkjet printing and improving printing efficiency.

[0010] Based on the above, the controller is linked to the start / stop switch of the desktop inkjet printer. When the start / stop switch is closed and the desktop inkjet printer is running, the power supply connected to the controller is disconnected, and the power supply circuit connected by the start / stop switch supplies power to the circulation pump to achieve continuous ink circulation. When the start / stop switch is open and the desktop inkjet printer is off, the power supply connected to the controller is connected, and the controller drives the circulation pump to supply power to achieve continuous ink circulation.

[0011] The advantage is that by changing the controller's state to a non-full-time drive state, the ink can be circulated according to the desktop printer's own drive design when the desktop printer is started, and the controller will take over when the printer is turned off. This achieves functional separation control on the one hand, and facilitates the modification of existing inkjet printers on the other.

[0012] Based on the above, the controller is linked to the start / stop switch of the desktop inkjet printer. When the start / stop switch is closed and the desktop inkjet printer is running, the power supply connected to the controller is disconnected, and the power supply circuit connected by the start / stop switch supplies power to the circulation pump to achieve continuous ink circulation. When the start / stop switch is open and the desktop inkjet printer is off, the power supply connected to the controller is turned on, and the circulation pump is started at a set time interval to achieve timed ink circulation during shutdown.

[0013] The advantage is that, in the off state, the ink needs a certain amount of time to settle, so there is no need for continuous cycling, only timed cycling. During this period, the control is completed by the controller, which can minimize power consumption.

[0014] Based on the above, the controller is a delay controller.

[0015] Its advantages are: simplifying the controller's functions as much as possible, using a delay controller to achieve basic timing cycles, and having a relatively lower cost, which meets the cost requirements of desktop inkjet printers.

[0016] Based on the above, the controller controls the operating state of the circulating pump through a DC speed regulator.

[0017] The circulation pump can be controlled to operate at different power or speed depending on the ink condition or working condition.

[0018] Based on the above, the circulation rate of the circulation pump when the desktop inkjet printer is off is lower than the circulation rate of the circulation pump when the desktop inkjet printer is on.

[0019] The advantage is that, since the ink circulation during shutdown is only to prevent ink from settling, the ink supply flow rate can be set at a relatively low range, saving energy.

[0020] Based on the above, the power supply is a 220V input and 24V output power supply.

[0021] Its advantage is that the whole machine uses a safe power supply, making it safer.

[0022] Based on the above, the controller and the start / stop switch are linked by an intermediate relay.

[0023] Its advantages are that the circuit design is simpler, the execution efficiency is higher, and the modification cost is lower.

[0024] This utility model has substantial features and progress compared to the prior art. Specifically, this utility model is based on setting up an ink circulation system for desktop inkjet printers, which allows the ink to circulate in the circulation pipeline, avoiding separation from water after sedimentation. This avoids problems with color accuracy during printing and also avoids the problem of printhead clogging, resulting in higher ink supply stability and guaranteed printing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ink circulation system of the desktop inkjet printer in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the ink circulation system of the desktop inkjet printer in embodiments 2 and 3 of this utility model.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Controller; 2. Power supply; 3. Ink bottle; 4. Ink supply cartridge; 5. Circulation pump; 6. DC speed controller; 7. Start / stop switch; 8. Intermediate relay; 31. Ink outlet; 32. Ink return port; 41. Ink inlet; 42. Printhead ink supply interface; 43. Circulation outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0029] Example 1 like Figure 1As shown, a desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system includes a controller 1, a power supply 2, an ink reservoir 3, an ink supply cartridge 4, and a circulation pump 5.

[0030] The power supply 2 is used to transform the mains power to supply power to the controller 1 and the circulating pump 5. In this embodiment, the power supply 2 adopts a 220V AC input and 24V DC output power supply, which is used as a desktop power supply and is safer.

[0031] The controller 1 is used to control the working state of the circulating pump 5 according to the input instructions. It is the core control component for the working state of the circulating pump 5. Under normal circumstances, the circulating pump 5 has a default working parameter and can be driven to run when powered on. Adding the controller 1 can further control the working parameters of the circulating pump 5 to achieve control flexibility.

[0032] The ink jug 3 is used to store ink and supply ink to the ink supply box 4. The ink jug 3 is provided with an ink outlet 31 and an ink return outlet 32. In this embodiment, the ink jug 3 and the ink supply box 4 are two existing devices. This embodiment mainly improves their connection relationship.

[0033] The ink supply box 4 is used to supply ink to the printhead. The ink supply box is provided with an ink inlet 41, a printhead ink supply interface 42, and a circulation outlet 43.

[0034] The ink outlet 31 of the ink jug 3 is connected to the ink inlet 41 of the ink supply box 4, and the circulation outlet 43 of the ink supply box 4 is connected to the ink return outlet 32 ​​of the ink jug 3 to form an ink circulation pipeline. The circulation pump 5 is installed in the circulation pipeline to make the ink flow in the circulation pipeline.

[0035] Working principle explanation: In this embodiment, the controller 1 works in conjunction with the circulation pump 5, always acting as the control component for the operation of the circulation pump 5. By utilizing the coordinated operation of the controller 1 and the circulation pump 5, the ink can circulate in the circulation pipeline formed by the ink bottle 3 and the ink supply cartridge 4, thus solving the problem of ink sedimentation.

[0036] Example 2 like Figure 2 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the controller 1 is linked to the start / stop switch 7 of the desktop inkjet printer. When the start / stop switch 7 is closed and the desktop inkjet printer is running, the power supply to the controller 1 is disconnected, and the power supply circuit connected by the start / stop switch 7 supplies power to the circulation pump 5, achieving continuous ink circulation. When the start / stop switch 7 is open and the desktop inkjet printer is off, the power supply to the controller 1 is connected, and the controller 1 drives the circulation pump 5 to supply power, achieving continuous ink circulation.

[0037] In this embodiment, the linkage between the controller 1 and the start / stop switch 7 is achieved through the intermediate relay 8, and its connection wiring diagram is as follows. Figure 2 As shown, controller 1 does not work when the inkjet printer is powered on, and only works when the inkjet printer is off. Controller 1 participates in controlling the operation of the circulating pump 5, which can save control resources as much as possible. The upgrade can be completed by adding a simple controller while utilizing the original driver, without making major changes to the original control components.

[0038] Example 3 The main difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in the working mode: still refer to the appendix Figure 2 The controller 1 is linked to the start / stop switch 7 of the desktop inkjet printer. When the start / stop switch is off and the inkjet printer is off, the power supply connected to the controller is turned on, and the circulation pump is started at a set time interval to realize the timed circulation of ink when the printer is turned off.

[0039] In the off state, since ink sedimentation takes time, high-frequency flow is not required. It is sufficient to circulate the ink at set time intervals to meet the requirement of preventing ink sedimentation.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is a delay controller, which has a lower manufacturing cost and can save costs.

[0041] In other embodiments, the controller may also be a unit machine or other controller with simple logic control capabilities.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the controller controls the operating state of the circulating pump via a DC speed controller.

[0043] The circulation pump can be controlled to operate at different power or speed depending on the ink condition or working condition.

[0044] In some embodiments, the circulation rate of the circulation pump when the desktop inkjet printer is off is lower than the circulation rate of the circulation pump when the desktop inkjet printer is on.

[0045] This design is because the ink circulation during shutdown is only to ensure that the ink does not settle, so the ink supply flow rate can be set to a relatively low range to save energy.

[0046] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solution claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system characterized by: Includes controller, power supply, ink bottle, ink supply cartridge, and circulation pump; The power supply is used to transform the mains power to power the controller and the circulating pump; The controller is used to control the operating status of the circulating pump according to the input instructions; The ink jug is used to store ink and supply ink to the ink supply cartridge, and the ink jug is provided with an ink outlet and an ink return outlet; The ink supply box is used to supply ink to the printhead, and the ink supply box is provided with an ink inlet, a printhead ink supply interface and a circulation outlet. The ink outlet of the ink jug is connected to the ink inlet of the ink supply box, and the circulation outlet of the ink supply box is connected to the ink return port of the ink jug to form an ink circulation pipeline. The circulation pump is installed in the circulation pipeline to make the ink flow in the circulation pipeline.

2. The desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system of claim 1, wherein: The controller is linked to the start / stop switch of the desktop inkjet printer. When the start / stop switch is closed and the desktop inkjet printer is started, the power supply connected to the controller is disconnected, and the power supply circuit conducted by the start / stop switch supplies power to the circulation pump to achieve continuous ink circulation. When the start / stop switch is off and the desktop inkjet printer is off, the power supply to the controller is turned on, and the controller drives the circulation pump to achieve continuous ink circulation.

3. The desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system of claim 1, wherein: The controller is linked to the start / stop switch of the desktop inkjet printer. When the start / stop switch is closed and the desktop inkjet printer is started, the power supply connected to the controller is disconnected, and the power supply circuit conducted by the start / stop switch supplies power to the circulation pump to achieve continuous ink circulation. With the start / stop switch off and the desktop inkjet printer off, the power to the controller is turned on, and the circulation pump starts at set time intervals to achieve timed ink circulation during shutdown.

4. The desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system of claim 3, wherein: The controller is a delay controller.

5. A desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that: The controller controls the operating status of the circulating pump via a DC speed regulator.

6. The desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system of claim 5, wherein: The circulation rate of the circulation pump when the desktop inkjet printer is off is lower than the circulation rate when the desktop inkjet printer is on.

7. The desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply is a 220V input and 24V output power supply.

8. The desktop inkjet printer ink circulation system of claim 1, wherein: The controller and the start / stop switch are linked by an intermediate relay.

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