An automatic alarm device for ink level of water-based inkjet of inkjet printer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of inkjet printer water-based ink level automatic alarm device, it is related to inkjet printer technical field, effectively solve the technical problems of low printing efficiency, big difficulty of ink replenishment and liquid level sensor adjustment operation cumbersome, including primary support and secondary support, there is primary ink tank in primary support, multiple secondary ink tanks are clamped in secondary support, ink delivery pipe is communicated between each secondary support and secondary ink tank, sensor support is slidably connected in the side of secondary support, liquid level sensor is fixedly installed in sensor support, the side of primary support is provided with multiple liquid level indicator electrically connected with secondary support, buzzer alarm electrically connected with secondary support is equipped on primary support, emergency stop button is arranged on the side of primary support, the utility model detects secondary ink tank liquid level by liquid level sensor in real time, ink shortage triggers buzzer alarm and corresponding liquid level indicator synchronously, both can timely remind staff and can quickly locate ink shortage position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of inkjet printer technology, specifically an automatic alarm device for water-based inkjet level in inkjet printers. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printers are a common type of non-impact printing device. They work by precisely spraying ink as tiny droplets onto surfaces such as paper and plastic through a printhead to create text or images. They mainly consist of a printhead, ink cartridge (or ink bag), ink delivery system, control circuitry, and media transport mechanism. Based on inkjet technology, they can be categorized into piezoelectric and thermal inkjet printers. They feature high printing resolution, excellent color reproduction, and low noise. They are compatible with various media and are widely used for home document printing, office graphic output, and small-scale commercial color printing. Some models also support high-precision photo printing.

[0003] Inkjet printers require a liquid level sensor to detect ink levels during actual printing to prevent printing interruptions and equipment damage due to insufficient ink. The sensor monitors the ink cartridge level in real time using methods such as optocouplers and buoyancy. When the ink level is below the threshold, a signal is sent to the control circuit to trigger an alarm to remind the printer to replenish ink. High-end models can also control the printhead to pause to prevent dry burning and clogging. It can monitor individual multi-color ink cartridges and is compatible with large-capacity ink bags and ink tanks, helping to plan ink replenishment cycles and improve printing stability and convenience. However, traditional methods can only alarm for insufficient ink and cannot quickly locate the corresponding ink shortage location, which affects printing efficiency.

[0004] During the printing process, when the ink level sensor detects that the ink cartridge is low on ink and triggers an alarm, ink needs to be added to the low ink cartridge in time to ensure subsequent printing. After the ink is added, the sensor will re-detect the ink level. Once the ink level is confirmed to be up to standard, the device can resume normal printing, avoiding the impact of continuous ink shortage on printing progress and finished product quality. This further connects the closed loop of ink level monitoring and printing assurance. However, ink cartridges are usually located in a relatively deep position inside the device, making it difficult to directly add ink.

[0005] During the use of liquid level sensors, their height often needs to be adjusted according to printing requirements. For example, different printing tasks have different requirements for ink level warning thresholds, or after replacing ink cartridges of different capacities, the sensor position needs to be adjusted through the equipment adjustment mechanism to ensure that it can accurately monitor the corresponding liquid level. After replenishing ink, the sensor will re-detect the liquid level, and the equipment will resume normal printing after confirming that the ink level is up to standard. This not only connects the liquid level monitoring and ink replenishment closed loop, but also improves the monitoring adaptability through sensor height adjustment. However, the current adjustment is generally done by disassembling with bolts and threaded holes and fixing the sensor after adjusting the height, which is a rather cumbersome operation.

[0006] Based on this, the present invention provides an automatic alarm device for water-based inkjet level in inkjet printers to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the above situation and to overcome the defects of the prior art, this utility model provides an automatic alarm device for water-based inkjet level in inkjet printers. This utility model has an ingenious structure and focuses on practicality, effectively solving the technical problems of low printing efficiency, difficulty in replenishing ink, and cumbersome operation of adjusting the level sensor.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] An automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers includes a primary support and a secondary support located below the primary support. Multiple primary ink cartridges are snapped into the primary support, and multiple secondary ink cartridges are snapped into the secondary support. Each secondary support and each secondary ink cartridge is connected by an ink supply tube. A sensor support is slidably connected to one side of the secondary support, and a liquid level sensor is fixedly installed within the sensor support. Multiple liquid level indicator lights electrically connected to the liquid level sensor are provided on one side of the primary support. A buzzer alarm electrically connected to the liquid level sensor is provided on the primary support. An emergency stop button is provided on one side of the primary support.

[0010] Preferably, a fixed frame is fixedly installed above the primary support, and an inclined plate is fixedly installed above the fixed frame. The inclined plate has multiple limiting grooves on its surface. A limiting slider is slidably connected in each limiting groove. The same sliding frame is fixedly installed above every two adjacent limiting sliders. An ink filling port is fixedly installed in the sliding frame. A flexible tube connects the ink filling port and the upper end of the primary ink cartridge.

[0011] Preferably, a pull block is fixedly installed on one side of the sliding frame.

[0012] Preferably, a connecting frame is fixedly installed at the upper position inside each of the secondary ink cartridges. A connecting arm is hinged inside the connecting frame and placed inside the secondary ink cartridge. A buoyancy ball placed inside the secondary ink cartridge is fixedly installed at one end of the connecting arm. An ink cut-off plug that matches the lower end of the ink supply tube is fixedly installed on the connecting arm.

[0013] Preferably, the secondary support has rotating shafts rotatably connected to both sides, rotating frames are fixedly installed on the surfaces of the two rotating shafts, primary telescopic frames are fixedly installed above the two rotating frames, and secondary telescopic frames are fixedly installed below the two rotating frames. An electric rod is provided on one side of the secondary support, and a lifting arm is fixedly installed at the bottom of the output shaft of the electric rod. Primary swing arms are rotatably connected to both ends of the lifting arm. The two primary swing arms are slidably connected to the surfaces of the two primary telescopic frames respectively. Two symmetrically distributed secondary swing arms are rotatably connected to one side of the sensor support and slidably connected to the surfaces of the two secondary telescopic frames.

[0014] Preferably, a limiting bracket is provided on one side of the primary support.

[0015] Preferably, each of the secondary ink cartridges has an ink outlet on its upper part that communicates with the interior of the secondary ink cartridge.

[0016] This utility model has the following beneficial technical effects.

[0017] 1. This utility model uses a liquid level sensor to detect the liquid level of the secondary ink cartridge in real time. When the ink is low, it simultaneously triggers a buzzer alarm and a corresponding liquid level indicator light, which can not only promptly remind the staff but also quickly locate the ink shortage location. Combined with the emergency stop button on the side of the primary bracket, it can stop the machine in case of failure, ensuring the safe operation of the equipment and the continuity of printing work.

[0018] 2. This utility model uses a sliding mechanism consisting of a fixed frame, an inclined plate, a limiting slide groove, and a limiting slider. With the help of a pull block, the position of the sliding frame and the ink filling port can be flexibly adjusted. When adding ink, there is no need to disassemble the parts. The ink goes directly to the first ink cartridge through the hose. The operation is convenient and the space can be saved by pushing back the pull block after the ink is added. This improves the ink adding efficiency and space utilization.

[0019] 3. This utility model, through the linkage of an electric rod, lifting arm, first-stage swing arm, first-stage telescopic frame, rotating shaft, rotating frame, second-stage telescopic frame and second-stage swing arm, can precisely adjust the height of the sensor bracket and liquid level sensor through the controller, adapting to different printing requirements and environments, and improving the flexibility and accuracy of liquid level detection. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the primary telescopic frame, the rotating shaft, and the rotating frame in this utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the buoyancy ball, connecting arm and lifting arm in this utility model.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the limiting slider, sliding frame and ink filling port in this utility model.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the connecting frame and the ink-cutting plug in this utility model.

[0026] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the electric pole, buzzer alarm, and liquid level indicator in this utility model.

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] 1. Primary support; 2. Fixed frame; 3. Inclined plate; 4. Flexible hose; 5. Primary ink cartridge; 6. Limiting frame; 7. Emergency stop button; 8. Ink supply tube; 9. Secondary support; 10. Sensor support; 11. Liquid level sensor; 12. Secondary ink cartridge; 13. Primary swing arm; 14. Primary telescopic frame; 15. Rotating shaft; 16. Rotating frame; 17. Secondary telescopic frame; 18. Secondary swing arm; 19. Ink outlet; 20. Buoyancy ball; 21. Connecting arm; 22. Lifting arm; 23. Limiting slide; 24. Limiting slider; 25. Sliding frame; 26. Ink filling port; 27. Pull block; 28. Connecting frame; 29. ​​Ink interruption plug; 30. Electric rod; 31. Buzzer alarm; 32. Liquid level indicator light. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The foregoing and other technical contents, features and effects of this utility model are described in conjunction with the appendix below. Figures 1 to 6 The detailed description of the embodiments will make this clear. All references to the following embodiments are made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] This utility model relates to an automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers, comprising a primary support 1 and a secondary support 9 positioned below the primary support 1. Multiple primary ink cartridges 5 are snapped into the primary support 1; each primary ink cartridge 5 is either an ink cartridge or an ink bag. Multiple secondary ink cartridges 12 are snapped into the secondary support 9; each secondary ink cartridge 12 is a standard ink cartridge. An ink supply tube 8, which is a curved tube, connects to each secondary support 9 and each secondary ink cartridge 12. A sensor support 10 is slidably connected to one side of the secondary support 9, and a liquid level sensor 11 is fixedly installed within the sensor support 10. The liquid level sensor 11 is externally connected to a power supply and a controller and is a capacitive sensor that does not require a probe. The liquid level sensor 11 is controlled by an optocoupler-high / low level relay module. The liquid level sensor 11 is used to detect the ink level inside the secondary ink cartridge 12. Multiple liquid level indicator lights 32 are electrically connected to the liquid level sensor 11 on one side of the primary bracket 1. The liquid level indicator lights 32 are connected to the corresponding liquid level sensors 11. A buzzer alarm 31 electrically connected to the liquid level sensor 11 is provided on the primary bracket 1. The liquid level indicator lights 32 and the buzzer alarm 31 are connected to an external power supply and controller. The buzzer alarm 31 is connected to all the liquid level sensors 11. An emergency stop button 7 is provided on one side of the primary bracket 1. The emergency stop button 7 is used for emergency stop in case of failure.

[0032] In this embodiment, before actual printing, the height of the sensor bracket 10 and the liquid level sensor 11 are adjusted according to the printing requirements and environment. When the ink in a secondary ink cartridge 12 is lower than the set liquid level, the corresponding liquid level sensor 11 is triggered to work and then a signal is sent to the controller. The controller controls the buzzer alarm 31 and the corresponding liquid level indicator 32 to work. The buzzer alarm 31 reminds the staff that the ink level is low, while the liquid level indicator 32 allows the staff to find the ink shortage location. Finally, the staff can refill the ink. If a malfunction occurs during printing, the emergency stop button 7 can be pressed to stop the equipment.

[0033] As an example, a fixed frame 2 is fixedly installed above the primary support 1, and an inclined plate 3 is fixedly installed above the fixed frame 2. Multiple limiting grooves 23 are opened on the surface of the inclined plate 3. Each limiting groove 23 is slidably connected to a limiting slider 24. The same sliding frame 25 is fixedly installed above every two adjacent limiting sliders 24. The sliding frame 25 is a curved metal frame. An ink filling port 26 is fixedly installed inside the sliding frame 25. The ink filling port 26 is used to fill ink. A flexible tube 4 is connected between the ink filling port 26 and the upper end of the primary ink cartridge 5. A pull block 27 is fixedly installed on one side of the sliding frame 25. The pull block 27 can assist in adjusting and controlling the position of the sliding frame 25.

[0034] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to replenish ink in one of the primary ink cartridges 5, the corresponding pull block 27 can be pulled outward, causing the corresponding sliding bracket 25 to move outward. During the movement, the ink filling port 26 moves along with it. When the ink filling port 26 is moved to a position close to one side of the primary bracket 1, the sealing cover on the ink filling port 26 can be opened, and ink can be added into the ink filling port 26. The ink flows into the primary ink cartridge 5 through the hose 4 to replenish the ink. After the ink is replenished, the pull block 27 can be pushed back to reduce the space occupied.

[0035] As an example, a connecting frame 28 is fixedly installed at the upper position inside each secondary ink cartridge 12. A connecting arm 21 is hinged inside the connecting frame 28 and placed inside the secondary ink cartridge 12. A buoyancy ball 20 placed inside the secondary ink cartridge 12 is fixedly installed at one end of the connecting arm 21. An ink cut-off plug 29 that matches the lower end of the ink supply tube 8 is fixedly installed on the connecting arm 21.

[0036] In this embodiment, when the ink in the secondary ink cartridge 12 is replenished, the ink level in the secondary ink cartridge 12 rises. The rise in ink level causes the buoyancy ball 20 to rise, and the buoyancy ball 20 causes the connecting arm 21 to rotate upward. Then, the ink-cutting plug 29 above the connecting arm 21 blocks the lower end of the ink supply tube 8, stopping the replenishment of ink in the secondary ink cartridge 12. When the ink level in the secondary ink cartridge 12 drops, the ink-cutting plug 29 can no longer block the lower end of the ink supply tube 8. At this time, the ink in the primary ink cartridge 5 will flow into the secondary ink cartridge 12 through the ink supply tube 8 by gravity, continuously replenishing the ink in the secondary ink cartridge 12.

[0037] As an example, the secondary support 9 has rotating shafts 15 rotatably connected to both sides, rotating frames 16 are fixedly installed on the surfaces of the two rotating shafts 15, primary telescopic frames 14 are fixedly installed above the two rotating frames 16, and secondary telescopic frames 17 are fixedly installed below the two rotating frames 16. The secondary support 9 has an electric rod 30 on one side, which is connected to an external power supply and controller. A lifting arm 22 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the output shaft of the electric rod 30. Primary swing arms 13 are rotatably connected to both ends of the lifting arm 22. The two primary swing arms 13 are slidably connected to the surfaces of the two primary telescopic frames 14 respectively. The sensor support 10 has two symmetrically distributed secondary swing arms 18 rotatably connected to the surfaces of the two secondary telescopic frames 17.

[0038] In this embodiment, when it is necessary to adjust the height of the sensor bracket 10 and the liquid level sensor 11, the electric rod 30 can be controlled by the controller to drive the lifting arm 22 to rise and fall. The lifting arm 22 drives the first-stage swing arm 13 and the first-stage telescopic frame 14 to rise and fall and rotate, thereby driving the second-stage telescopic frame 17 and the second-stage swing arm 18 to rotate and rise and fall in opposite directions around the center of the rotation shaft 15, thereby driving the sensor bracket 10 and the liquid level sensor 11 to rise and fall accordingly. The height of the liquid level sensor 11 can be adjusted and controlled according to the actual printing requirements and environment.

[0039] As an example, a limiting bracket 6 is provided on one side of the primary support 1, and an ink outlet 19 communicating with the inside of each secondary ink cartridge 12 is provided above each secondary ink cartridge 12.

[0040] Working principle:

[0041] S1. When the water-based inkjet ink level automatic alarm device of the inkjet printer is working, ink is first stored in the first ink cartridge 5 that is snapped in the first-level bracket 1. The first ink cartridge 5 can move the sliding frame 25 through the limiting slide groove 23 and the limiting slider 24 of the inclined plate 3 on the fixed frame 2, and pull the pull block 27 to adjust the position of the ink filling port 26, and replenish ink through the hose 4.

[0042] S2. The primary ink cartridge 5 delivers ink to the secondary ink cartridge 12 in the secondary support 9 through the ink supply tube 8. The connecting arm 21, which is hinged to the connecting frame 28 inside the secondary ink cartridge 12, rises and falls with the buoyancy ball 20 due to changes in liquid level, which drives the ink cut-off plug 29 to control the opening and closing of the ink supply tube 8, thereby realizing the automatic replenishment of ink in the secondary ink cartridge 12.

[0043] S3. When it is necessary to adjust the liquid level detection height, the controller controls the electric rod 30 to drive the lifting arm 22 to rise and fall. Through the linkage of the first-stage swing arm 13, the first-stage telescopic frame 14, the rotating shaft 15, the rotating frame 16, the second-stage telescopic frame 17 and the second-stage swing arm 18, the height of the liquid level sensor 11 on the sensor bracket 10 is adjusted.

[0044] S4. When the ink level in the secondary ink cartridge 12 is lower than the set level, the level sensor 11 (assisted by the optocoupler-high and low level relay module) sends a signal to the controller. The controller activates the buzzer alarm 31 and illuminates the corresponding level indicator light 32, prompting the staff to replenish ink through the ink filling port 26. If a malfunction occurs during printing, the emergency stop button 7 can be pressed to stop the equipment immediately. At the same time, the secondary ink cartridge 12 ensures ink supply for printing through the ink outlet 19.

[0045] This utility model has the following beneficial technical effects.

[0046] 1. This utility model uses a liquid level sensor 11 to detect the liquid level of the secondary ink cartridge 12 in real time. When the ink is low, it simultaneously triggers a buzzer alarm 31 and a corresponding liquid level indicator 32, which can promptly remind the staff and quickly locate the ink shortage location. Combined with the emergency stop button 7 on the side of the primary bracket 1, it can stop the machine in case of failure, ensuring the safe operation of the equipment and the continuity of printing work.

[0047] 2. This utility model uses a sliding mechanism consisting of a fixed frame 2, an inclined plate 3, a limiting slide groove 23 and a limiting slider 24. With the help of the pull block 27, the positions of the sliding frame 25 and the ink filling port 26 can be flexibly adjusted. When adding ink, there is no need to disassemble the parts. The ink goes directly to the first-stage ink cartridge 5 through the hose 4. The operation is convenient and the space can be saved by pushing back the pull block 27 after the ink is replenished, thus improving the ink filling efficiency and space utilization.

[0048] 3. This utility model, through the linkage of the electric rod 30, lifting arm 22, first-stage swing arm 13, first-stage telescopic frame 14, rotating shaft 15, rotating frame 16, second-stage telescopic frame 17 and second-stage swing arm 18, can precisely adjust the height of the sensor bracket 10 and the liquid level sensor 11 through the controller, adapt to different printing requirements and environments, and improve the flexibility and accuracy of liquid level detection.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic alarm device for water-based inkjet level in an inkjet printer, comprising a primary support (1) and a secondary support (9) positioned below the primary support (1), characterized in that, Multiple primary ink cartridges (5) are snapped into the primary bracket (1), and multiple secondary ink cartridges (12) are snapped into the secondary bracket (9). Each secondary bracket (9) and secondary ink cartridge (12) is connected by an ink supply tube (8). A sensor bracket (10) is slidably connected to one side of the secondary bracket (9). A liquid level sensor (11) is fixedly installed inside the sensor bracket (10). Multiple liquid level indicator lights (32) electrically connected to the liquid level sensor (11) are provided on one side of the primary bracket (1). A buzzer alarm (31) electrically connected to the liquid level sensor (11) is provided on the primary bracket (1). An emergency stop button (7) is provided on one side of the primary bracket (1).

2. The automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixed frame (2) is fixedly installed above the primary bracket (1), and an inclined plate (3) is fixedly installed above the fixed frame (2). Multiple limiting grooves (23) are opened on the surface of the inclined plate (3). A limiting slider (24) is slidably connected in each limiting groove (23). The same sliding frame (25) is fixedly installed above every two adjacent limiting sliders (24). An ink filling port (26) is fixedly installed in the sliding frame (25). A flexible tube (4) is connected between the ink filling port (26) and the upper end of the primary ink cartridge (5).

3. The automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers according to claim 2, characterized in that, A pull block (27) is fixedly installed on one side of the sliding frame (25).

4. The automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting frame (28) is fixedly installed at the upper position inside each of the secondary ink cartridges (12). A connecting arm (21) is hinged inside the connecting frame (28) and placed inside the secondary ink cartridge (12). A buoyancy ball (20) placed inside the secondary ink cartridge (12) is fixedly installed at one end of the connecting arm (21). An ink cut-off plug (29) matching the lower end of the ink supply tube (8) is fixedly installed on the connecting arm (21).

5. The automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary support (9) is rotatably connected to two rotating shafts (15) on both sides. Rotating frames (16) are fixedly installed on the surfaces of the two rotating shafts (15). A primary telescopic frame (14) is fixedly installed above the two rotating frames (16). A secondary telescopic frame (17) is fixedly installed below the two rotating frames (16). An electric rod (30) is provided on one side of the secondary support (9). A lifting arm (22) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the output shaft of the electric rod (30). A primary swing arm (13) is rotatably connected to both ends of the lifting arm (22). The two primary swing arms (13) are slidably connected to the surfaces of the two primary telescopic frames (14). Two symmetrically distributed secondary swing arms (18) are rotatably connected to one side of the sensor support (10) and slidably connected to the surfaces of the two secondary telescopic frames (17).

6. The automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first-level support (1) is provided with a limiting frame (6) on one side.

7. The automatic ink level alarm device for water-based inkjet printers according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the secondary ink cartridges (12) has an ink outlet (19) above it that communicates with the inside of the secondary ink cartridge (12).

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