printer

Abstract

This application relates to a printer, specifically in the field of printing technology. The printer includes a cartridge mounting section, ink supply needles, a blocking member, and a shielding structure. The ink supply needles are disposed in the cartridge mounting section and include an ink cartridge interface end for connection with an ink cartridge. The blocking member is movably connected to the cartridge mounting section and includes an ink cartridge blocking part that can move between a limited position and a released position. When in the limited position, the ink cartridge blocking part limits the movement of the ink cartridge; when in the released position, it does not limit the movement of the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge blocking part in the limited position can be shielded by the shielding structure to prevent it from being contacted and subjected to force by an incompatible ink cartridge, thereby preventing the ink cartridge blocking part in the limited position from being accidentally triggered to move to the released position. Therefore, the printer of this application reliably prevents incompatible ink cartridges from connecting to the ink cartridge interface end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more particularly to a printer. Background Technology

[0002] Printers in this technology include a printhead assembly and ink supply needles. The ink supply needles connect to external ink cartridges, allowing ink from the cartridges to flow to the printhead assembly. The printhead assembly controls the ejection of ink onto the printing media, thus forming text or images. These printers also include a blocking structure to prevent incompatible ink cartridges from connecting to the ink supply needles, thus preventing damage or contamination. However, in these printers, the blocking structure is prone to accidental activation, rendering it ineffective in preventing incompatible ink cartridges from moving towards the ink supply needles. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a printer that can effectively block mismatched ink cartridges, thereby reducing the likelihood of the printer being damaged by mismatched ink cartridges.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a printer, which may include a cartridge mounting portion, ink supply needles, a blocking member, and a shielding structure. The ink supply needles are disposed in the cartridge mounting portion and include an ink cartridge interface end. The ink cartridge interface end is used to connect to an ink cartridge and to receive ink flowing from the ink cartridge. The shielding structure can be connected to the ink cartridge interface end. The blocking member is movably connected to the cartridge mounting portion and may include an ink cartridge blocking part that can move between a limited position and a released position. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limited position, it limits the ink cartridge, preventing it from moving forward to a position where it can connect to the ink cartridge interface end. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the released position, it does not limit the ink cartridge, allowing it to move smoothly to a position where it can connect to the ink cartridge interface end. The ink cartridge blocking part may have a trigger surface, which is a surface that, when subjected to an external load, accidentally triggers the blocking member to move relative to the cartridge mounting portion. For other facing surfaces of the cartridge blocking section, if a load is applied but the blocking member cannot be mistakenly triggered to move relative to the cartridge mounting section, then such a surface is not a triggering surface. When the cartridge blocking section is in the limiting position, the triggering surface is blocked by the blocking structure. Under this configuration, mismatched cartridges or other foreign objects moving within the receiving cavity of the cartridge mounting section are unlikely to come into contact with the triggering surface and are unlikely to exert force on it. Therefore, the cartridge blocking section is unlikely to be mistakenly triggered to move from the limiting position to the releasing position. The cartridge blocking section in the limiting position can reliably perform its limiting function, preventing mismatched cartridges from being connected to the cartridge interface.

[0005] Of course, the shielding structure mentioned above can also be disconnected from the ink cartridge interface and connected to the cartridge mounting part. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limit position, the shielding structure connected to the cartridge mounting part can block the trigger surface of the ink cartridge blocking part. Therefore, this structure setting can also achieve the technical effect mentioned above, which will not be elaborated here.

[0006] Optionally, when the shielding structure is connected to the ink cartridge interface end, the ink cartridge interface end includes a connected end face and an end sidewall, the end face is provided with an ink inlet, and the end sidewall is integrally formed with the shielding structure.

[0007] Optionally, the shielding structure is located at the bottom of the end sidewall, and the blocking element is located below the ink supply needle.

[0008] Optionally, when the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, there is a set maximum distance D between the blocking structure and the trigger surface. max Satisfying D max ≤2mm.

[0009] Optionally, the blocking structure includes a curved blocking part, and the triggering surface includes a curved triggering part. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, the curved blocking part and the curved triggering part are partially or completely attached.

[0010] Optionally, the blocking structure includes a recess, and when the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, the trigger surface is inside the recess.

[0011] Optionally, the shielding structure includes an auxiliary shielding portion, which is located on the side of the recess away from the cartridge mounting portion in the extending direction of the ink supply needle.

[0012] Secondly, this application also provides a printer, which includes a cartridge mounting portion, ink supply needles, and a blocking member. The ink supply needles are disposed in the cartridge mounting portion and include an ink cartridge interface end. The ink cartridge interface end includes an end sidewall and an end face connected to each other. The blocking member is movably connected to the cartridge mounting portion and includes an ink cartridge blocking portion. The ink cartridge blocking portion includes a trigger surface and a blocking protrusion. The blocking protrusion protrudes relative to the trigger surface. The ink cartridge blocking portion can move between a limited position and an unlocked position. When the ink cartridge blocking portion is in the limited position, the trigger surface faces the end sidewall, at least a portion of the structure of the end face is blocked by the blocking protrusion, and the gap between the end sidewall and the trigger surface is blocked by the blocking protrusion. Under this configuration, mismatched ink cartridges or other foreign objects are unlikely to come into contact with the trigger surface and are unlikely to exert force on the trigger surface. Therefore, the ink cartridge blocking portion is unlikely to be accidentally triggered to move from the limited position to the unlocked position. The ink cartridge blocking portion in the limited position can reliably play a limiting role, so that mismatched ink cartridges cannot be connected to the ink cartridge interface end.

[0013] Optionally, an ink inlet is provided on the end face, and when the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, the ink inlet is blocked by the blocking protrusion.

[0014] Optionally, in the printers mentioned above relating to the first and second aspects, the printer further includes a driven member, which is movably connected to the cartridge mounting portion, abuts against a blocking member, and the blocking member is rotatably connected to the cartridge mounting portion. The driven member is driven by the ink cartridge so that it can drive the blocking member from the limiting position to the releasing position.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the mounting section, ink supply structure, blocking structure, and unlocking structure of a printer based on related technologies; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the ink supply structure, blocking structure, unlocking structure, and ink cartridge structure of a printer using related technologies; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the printer cartridge mounting part, ink supply needle, blocking member and driven member provided in this application in one embodiment; Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the ink cartridge interface in one embodiment; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting part, ink supply needle, blocking member and driven member in one embodiment, wherein the cartridge blocking part is located in a limiting position; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge mounting part, ink supply needle, blocking member and driven member in one embodiment, wherein the cartridge blocking part is located in the unrestricted position; Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the ink supply needle from another perspective; Figure 8 This is a partial assembly diagram of the ink cartridge interface and the ink cartridge blocking part in one embodiment; Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the ink supply needle from a side view; Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of the ink cartridge interface in another embodiment; Figure 11 This is a partial assembly diagram of the ink cartridge interface and the ink cartridge blocking part in another embodiment; Figure 12 This is a partial assembly diagram of the ink cartridge interface and the ink cartridge blocking part in another embodiment. Figure 13 This is a partial assembly diagram of the ink cartridge interface and the ink cartridge blocking part in another embodiment; Figure 14 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the ink cartridge blocking part in another embodiment; Figure 15 This is a partial side view of the ink cartridge blocking part in another embodiment.

[0018] Figure label: 10-Installation Department; 101 - Installation space; 20-Ink supply structure; 201 - Interface end; 30-Blocking structure; 301 - Connecting part; 302 - Blocking part; 40 - Unlocking Structure; 401 - Driven part; 402 - Drive Unit; 50-Ink cartridges; 501 - Unlocking Department; 502 - Ink Output Section; J-interval space; 1-Box mounting section; 11-Receiving cavity; 2-Ink supply needle; 21-Ink cartridge interface terminal; 21a-Shielding structure; 211 - End face; 211a - Ink inlet; 212 - End sidewall; 212a - Curved surface shielding part; 212b - Recessed portion; 212c - Auxiliary shielding part; 3-Blocking component; 31-Ink cartridge blocking part; 31a - Notch structure; 311 - Trigger surface; 311a - Curved surface triggering part; 311b - Planar trigger section; 312 - Obscuring protrusion; 312a - Top; 312b - Root; 313 - Reinforcing rib; 32-Rotating connection part; 33-bar structure; 331 - Weight Reduction Tank; 4-Driven component; 41-Force-bearing part; 42-Force application section. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To better understand the technical solution of this application, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments in this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used 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.

[0023] The accompanying figures in this article define the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. Each pair of the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction is perpendicular to each other. The front-back direction can also be referred to as the first direction, the left-right direction as the second direction, and the up-down direction as the third direction or the height direction.

[0024] In related technologies, printers may include, for example... Figure 1The diagram shows a mounting section 10, an ink supply structure 20, a blocking structure 30, and an unlocking structure 40. The mounting section 10 has an mounting space 101 within which an ink cartridge (not shown) can be installed. During installation, the moving cartridge applies force to the unlocking structure 40, causing it to move relative to the mounting section 10. This force is transmitted to the blocking structure 30, moving it from a limiting position (preventing the cartridge from connecting to the ink supply structure 20) to an unlocked position (not preventing the cartridge from connecting to the ink supply structure 20). This allows the cartridge to connect smoothly to the ink supply structure 20, supplying ink to it. The ink supply structure 20 supplies the received ink to the printer's printhead assembly (not shown). The printhead assembly controls the ink ejection onto the printing medium (e.g., paper, labels, or envelopes) to form an imprint (e.g., text, symbols, or images).

[0025] In related technologies, please refer to Figure 2 As shown, the ink supply structure 20 includes an interface terminal 201 for connecting to the ink cartridge 50 and for receiving ink flowing from the ink cartridge 50. The blocking structure 30 may include a connecting portion 301 and a blocking portion 302. The connecting portion 301 is movably connected to the mounting portion 10, allowing the blocking structure 30 to move relative to the mounting portion 10 between a limited position and an unlimited position. When the blocking structure 30 is in the limited position, the blocking portion 302 is close to the ink supply structure 20 and can prevent the ink cartridge 50 from connecting to the interface terminal 201. When the blocking structure 30 is in the unlimited position, the blocking portion 302 is away from the ink supply structure 20 and does not prevent the ink cartridge 50 from connecting to the interface terminal 201. The unlocking structure 40 may include a driven part 401 and a driving part 402. When the ink cartridge 50 moves toward the ink supply structure 20, and when the printer model and the ink cartridge 50 model match, the unlocking part 501 of the ink cartridge 50 will first contact the matching driven part 401 and apply a force to the driven part 401. The unlocking structure 40 can change the direction and magnitude of the force so that the force can be transmitted to the blocking structure 30 through the driving part 402, so that the blocking structure 30 moves from the limiting position to the unlocking position. In other words, it moves the blocking part 302 from the position close to the interface end 201 to the position away from the interface end 201, so that the ink outlet part 502 of the ink cartridge 50 can be connected to the interface end 201 without interference from the blocking part 302.

[0026] In related technologies, please refer to Figure 2As shown, there may be a relatively large gap space J between the interface end 201 and the blocking part 302. When the mismatched ink cartridge 50 moves toward the ink supply structure 20, other parts of the mismatched ink cartridge 50 may move into the gap space J first to contact the blocking part 302 and apply force to the blocking part 302. This could cause the blocking structure 30 to move from the limiting position to the unlocking position without proper interaction between the unlocking part 501 and the driven part 401 that are matched.

[0027] As can be seen from the above, there may be problems with misfit ink cartridges being installed in printers in related technologies, and there may even be problems with misfit ink cartridges damaging at least one of the mounting part 10, ink supply structure 20 and blocking structure 30.

[0028] In related technologies, there may also be other foreign objects, such as stones or sticks that accidentally fall into the installation space 101. When such foreign objects move within the installation space 101, they may accidentally trigger the blocking structure 30 to move from the limiting position to the unlocking position, which may result in the subsequent installation of ink cartridges with incompatible models into the printer.

[0029] In related technologies, the blocking structure 30 may also be damaged due to the user's bad habits. For example, if the user touches the blocking structure 30 with a thin or long object, the blocking structure 30 may be damaged due to the large force or the force in the wrong direction, causing the blocking structure 30 to be unable to reset from the release position to the limit position, which may result in the subsequent installation of an incompatible ink cartridge into the printer.

[0030] To address the aforementioned issues related to the technology, this application provides some embodiments regarding printers, please refer to... Figure 3 As shown, the printer may include a cartridge mounting section 1, ink supply needles 2, and a blocking member 3. The ink supply needles 2 are disposed in the cartridge mounting section 1, and the ink supply needles 2 may include, for example... Figure 4 The ink cartridge interface terminal 21 is shown. The ink cartridge interface terminal 21 is used to connect to an ink cartridge (not shown) and to receive ink flowing from the ink cartridge. The printer may also include a shielding structure 21a, which can be connected to the ink cartridge interface terminal 21. Please refer to 5- Figure 6 As shown, the blocking member 3 is movably connected to the cartridge mounting part 1. The blocking member 3 may include a cartridge blocking part 31, which can be configured to... Figure 5 The limit position shown and as Figure 6 The ink cartridge stop 31 moves between the indicated release positions. Figure 5 When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the indicated limiting position, it can limit the ink cartridge, preventing the ink cartridge from moving forward to the position where it can connect to the ink cartridge interface 21. Figure 6When the ink cartridge is in the unlocked position as shown, the ink cartridge blocking part 31 does not limit the ink cartridge, and the ink cartridge can move smoothly forward to the position where it can connect to the ink cartridge interface end 21. Please refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the cartridge blocking part 31 may have a trigger surface 311 (including the surface with intersecting shaded lines). The trigger surface 311 is a surface that may be accidentally triggered after being subjected to an external load, causing the blocking member 3 to move relative to the cartridge mounting part 1. For other facing surfaces of the cartridge blocking part 31, if a load is applied, it cannot be accidentally triggered to move the blocking member 3 relative to the cartridge mounting part 1; therefore, such a surface is not a trigger surface. When the cartridge blocking part 31 is in such a state... Figure 5 When the limit position is shown, such as Figure 7 The trigger surface 311 shown is as follows Figure 4 The shielding structure 21a shown provides shielding. Under this configuration, mismatched ink cartridges or other foreign objects moving within the receiving cavity 11 of the cartridge mounting section 1 are unlikely to come into contact with the trigger surface 311 and are unlikely to exert force on the trigger surface 311. Therefore, the cartridge blocking section 31 is unlikely to be accidentally triggered to move from the limiting position to the releasing position. The cartridge blocking section 31 in the limiting position can reliably play a limiting role, so that mismatched ink cartridges cannot be connected to the cartridge interface end 21.

[0031] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the ink cartridge interface 21 may include an end face 211 and an end sidewall 212 connected to each other. The end face 211 is provided with an ink inlet 211a, which is used to receive ink flowing out of the ink cartridge. The end sidewall 212 and the blocking structure 21a can be integrally formed. When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limited position, such as... Figure 7 The trigger surface 311 shown is oriented as follows Figure 4 The end sidewall 212 shown can also be referred to Figure 8 From the view shown, the trigger surface 311 faces the end sidewall 212, and the trigger surface 311 is blocked by the blocking structure 21a.

[0032] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the end sidewall and the shielding structure may not be integrally formed; the end sidewall and the shielding structure may be snap-fitted, glued, or connected by other fasteners (screws or pins).

[0033] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 As shown, when the end sidewall 212 and the shielding structure 21a are integrally formed, the shielding structure 21a can be located at the bottom of the end sidewall 212. Please refer to... Figure 8 As shown, the blocking member 3 can be located below the ink supply needle 2. When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, the blocking structure 21a can play a blocking role above the trigger surface 311.

[0034] When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, the trigger surface 311 faces upward, or in other words, the trigger surface 311 faces the bottom of the end side wall 212. Alternatively, the trigger surface 311 can be considered as the top surface of the ink cartridge blocking part 31.

[0035] In some other embodiments, the end sidewall may also be provided with a blocking structure, except for its bottom. Accordingly, the blocking member is not limited to being located below the ink supply needle.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, please refer to... Figure 8 As shown, the maximum set interval distance D between the blocking structure 21a and the trigger surface 311 can be achieved. max Satisfying D max ≤2mm. Where, D max Specifically, the thickness can be 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, 1.5mm, 1.6mm, 1.7mm, 1.8mm, 1.9mm, or 2mm. When D max When the thickness is ≤2mm, the gap between the blocking structure 21a and the trigger surface 311 is difficult for the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects to be inserted. The trigger surface 311 is difficult to be loaded by the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects. Therefore, the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is difficult to be accidentally triggered to move from the limiting position to the releasing position. The ink cartridge blocking part 31 located in the limiting position can reliably play a limiting role so that an incompatible ink cartridge cannot be connected to the ink cartridge interface end 21.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 8 As shown, when the blocking structure 21a and the trigger surface 311 have a maximum spacing distance D max At the same time, the blocking structure 21a and the triggering surface 311 can also have other spacing distances, such as the minimum spacing distance D. min and the intermediate interval distance D med Satisfying D min <D med <D max .

[0038] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figure), when both the shielding structure and the triggering surface are planar and parallel, there can be a constant interval distance D between the shielding structure and the triggering surface, satisfying D≤2mm.

[0039] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the shielding structure and the triggering surface can be completely fitted together, that is, there is no gap between the shielding structure and the triggering surface.

[0040] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the shielding structure 21a may include a curved shielding part 212a. Please refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the trigger surface 311 may include a curved trigger portion 311a. When the ink cartridge blocking portion 31 is in the limiting position, the curved blocking portion 212a and the curved trigger portion 311a may be partially or completely attached. Under this configuration, it is difficult for the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects to be inserted between the curved blocking portion 212a and the curved trigger portion 311a, and it is difficult for the curved trigger portion 311a to be subjected to load by the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects. Therefore, the ink cartridge blocking portion 31 is unlikely to be accidentally triggered to move from the limiting position to the releasing position. The ink cartridge blocking portion 31 in the limiting position can reliably play a limiting role, so that an incompatible ink cartridge cannot be connected to the ink cartridge interface terminal 21.

[0041] When the curved surface blocking part 212a and the curved surface triggering part 311a are partially in contact, the maximum distance D between the curved surface blocking part 212a and the curved surface triggering part 311a is... max Less than or equal to 2mm.

[0042] In some other embodiments, the curved surface blocking portion 212a and the curved surface trigger portion 311a may not be in contact, but the maximum distance D between the curved surface blocking portion 212a and the curved surface trigger portion 311a is still possible. max Less than or equal to 2mm.

[0043] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7 As shown, the trigger surface 311 may also include planar trigger portions 311b located on the left and right sides of the curved trigger portion 311a. The ratio of the total area of ​​the planar trigger portion 311b to the total area of ​​the curved trigger portion 311a is less than 30%, and the planar trigger portion 311b is a narrow and long surface. Therefore, the planar trigger portion 311b is not easily contacted by the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects, thus making it less likely that the ink cartridge blocking portion 31 will be mistakenly triggered from the limiting position to the unlocking position.

[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 7As shown, the ink cartridge blocking part 31 may be provided with a notch structure 31a, and the penetrating direction of the notch structure 31a intersects with the surface of the curved trigger part 311a. When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limited position, the penetrating direction of the notch structure 31a may be parallel to the vertical direction, or the penetrating direction of the notch structure 31a may be close to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the surface of the curved trigger part 311a includes not only the curved trigger part 311a itself but also its extended surface. Moreover, the intersection of the penetrating direction of the notch structure 31a with the surface of the curved trigger part 311a means either a perpendicular relationship or an acute angle between them. Under the above structural configuration, the notch structure 31a can play a role in avoiding collisions. When the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects moves to the vicinity of the blocking structure 21a and the curved trigger part 311a, the structure of the incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects may move into the space partially surrounded by the notch structure 31a, making it difficult for the curved trigger part 311a to be contacted and difficult to be loaded. Therefore, the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is difficult to be accidentally triggered to move from the limiting position to the unlocking position. The ink cartridge blocking part 31 located in the limiting position can reliably play a limiting role, so that the incompatible ink cartridge cannot be connected to the ink cartridge interface end 21.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from a vertical perspective, the opening direction K of the notch structure 31a faces rearward, so that the main part of the curved trigger part 311a is relatively forward. It can also be understood that, due to the notch structure 31a, when viewed from a vertical perspective, the shape of the projected surface of the curved trigger part 311a can be concave or nearly concave. When the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects moves from back to front to the vicinity of the obstruction structure 21a and the curved trigger part 311a, the structure of the incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects will have difficulty contacting the relatively forward main part of the curved trigger part 311a.

[0046] Additionally, please refer to Figure 7 As shown, viewed from a vertical perspective, the notch structure 31a has a width dimension W in the horizontal direction, satisfying 0mm < W ≤ 4mm. Specifically, the width dimension W can be 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, or 4mm. The notch structure 31a also has a length dimension L, satisfying 0mm < L ≤ 4mm. Specifically, the length dimension L can be 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, or 4mm. Additionally, please refer to... Figure 9As shown, when viewed from a left-right perspective, due to the notch structure 31a, when the structure of a mismatched ink cartridge or other foreign objects moves from back to front near the curved trigger part 311a, the movement range of the mismatched ink cartridge structure or other foreign objects is mainly within range HD, and the mismatched ink cartridge structure or other foreign objects are also unlikely to come into contact with the main part of the curved trigger part 311a that is relatively forward.

[0047] Furthermore, the notch structure 31a is provided through the curved trigger part 311a mentioned above.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 9 As shown, the blocking member 3 may include a rod structure 33, and the ink cartridge blocking part 31 may be located at the rear end of the rod structure 33. Alternatively, the ink cartridge blocking part 31 may be located at the end of the rod structure 33 furthest from the connection point between the blocking member 3 and the cartridge mounting part 1. The rod structure 33 may be provided with a weight-reducing groove 331, which communicates with the notch structure 31a mentioned above. With this configuration, when the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects moves from rear to front to the vicinity of the curved trigger part 311a, the incompatible ink cartridge structure or other foreign objects may move from the notch structure 31a to the weight-reducing groove 331, making it difficult for the incompatible ink cartridge structure or other foreign objects to contact the relatively forward main part of the curved trigger part 311a.

[0049] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 10 As shown, the shielding structure 21a may include a recess 212b. Please refer to... Figure 11 As shown, when the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, the trigger surface 311 is within the recess 212b. Under this configuration, the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge or other foreign objects are unlikely to come into contact with the trigger surface 311, and the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is unlikely to be accidentally triggered to move from the limiting position to the releasing position. The ink cartridge blocking part 31 in the limiting position can reliably play a limiting role, so that an incompatible ink cartridge cannot be connected to the ink cartridge interface terminal 21.

[0050] The trigger surface 311 may include at least one surface, either a plane or a curved surface.

[0051] In addition, the inner wall surface of the recess 212b and the trigger surface 311 can be partially fitted, completely fitted, or not fitted.

[0052] Furthermore, the shielding structure 21a, including the recessed portion 212b, can be connected to the ink cartridge interface end 21. Optionally, the shielding structure 21a, including the recessed portion 212b, can be integrally formed, bonded, snap-fitted, or connected to the end sidewall 212 via other fasteners (screws or pins). Optionally, the shielding structure 21a, including the recessed portion 212b, can be located at the bottom of the end sidewall 212.

[0053] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 12 As shown, the shielding structure 21a includes an auxiliary shielding part 212c. In the extending direction (front-back direction) of the ink supply needle 2, the auxiliary shielding part 212c is located on the side of the recess 212b away from the cartridge mounting part. In other words, the auxiliary shielding part 212c is located behind the recess 212b. The auxiliary shielding part 212c can also play a shielding role, restricting the structure of the mismatched ink cartridge or other foreign objects from entering the recess 212b. Therefore, it is more difficult for the structure of the mismatched ink cartridge or other foreign objects to come into contact with the trigger surface 311.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 12 As shown, when the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, the trigger surface 311 may include an upward-facing surface and a rearward-facing surface.

[0055] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figure), the shielding structure may also be independent of the ink cartridge interface end of the ink supply needle. For example, the shielding structure may be fixedly connected to the cartridge mounting part. The shielding structure extends from the cartridge mounting part to the vicinity of the ink cartridge interface end. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, the trigger surface is shielded by the shielding structure.

[0056] The shielding structure connected to the cartridge mounting section can be located below the ink supply needle.

[0057] In addition, the shielding structure connected to the cartridge mounting part may also include a recessed portion, which can accommodate the trigger surface when the cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position.

[0058] Furthermore, the main body of the shielding structure connected to the box mounting part can be a plate-like structure.

[0059] In addition, the shielding structure and the box mounting part can be integrally molded, snap-fitted, glued, or connected by other fasteners (screws or pins).

[0060] In other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the blocking structure can be independent of the ink cartridge interface end of the ink supply needle. For example, the blocking structure can be movably connected to the cartridge mounting part. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limited position, the blocking structure also blocks the trigger surface of the ink cartridge blocking part and the end face of the ink cartridge interface end. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the unlimited position, the blocking structure does not block the trigger surface of the ink cartridge blocking part and the end face of the ink cartridge interface end. Accordingly, the blocking structure and the blocking member can be linked together. For example, the blocking structure and the blocking member can be driven by the same driving member, or either the blocking structure or the blocking member can be driven by the driving member, and the blocking structure and the blocking member can be connected by a transmission member.

[0061] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 13 As shown, the ink cartridge blocking part 31 may include a trigger surface 311 and a blocking protrusion 312. The blocking protrusion 312 protrudes relative to the trigger surface 311. When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limited position, the trigger surface 311 faces the end sidewall 212, at least a portion of the structure of the end surface 211 is blocked by the blocking protrusion 312, and the gap between the end sidewall 212 and the trigger surface 311 is blocked by the blocking protrusion 312. Under this configuration, mismatched ink cartridges or other foreign objects are unlikely to come into contact with the trigger surface 311 and are unlikely to exert force on the trigger surface 311. Therefore, the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is unlikely to be accidentally triggered to move from the limited position to the unlocked position. The ink cartridge blocking part 31 in the limited position can reliably play a limiting role, so that mismatched ink cartridges cannot be connected to the ink cartridge interface terminal 21.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 13 As shown, when the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, the blocking protrusion 312 is located behind the trigger surface 311 and behind the end face 211.

[0063] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 13 As shown, the end face 211 is provided with an ink inlet 211a. When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, the ink inlet 211a is blocked by the blocking protrusion 312. Under this configuration, the ink inlet 211a can be protected by the blocking protrusion 312, and the ink inlet 211a is not easily damaged by the structure of an incompatible ink cartridge. Alternatively, foreign objects (such as dust or particles) are not easily accumulated in the ink inlet 211a, and the ink inlet 211a is less likely to become clogged.

[0064] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figure), when the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, the ink inlet may not be blocked by the blocking protrusion. In this case, the blocking protrusion is mainly in the space between the rear blocking end sidewall 212 and the trigger surface 311.

[0065] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 14As shown, the cartridge blocking part 31 may include a reinforcing rib 313, and the trigger surface 311 is connected to the blocking protrusion 312 through the reinforcing rib 313. With this configuration, the strength of the connection structure between the trigger surface 311 and the blocking protrusion 312 is relatively large, and the connection structure between the trigger surface 311 and the blocking protrusion 312 is not prone to deformation or breakage, so that the blocking protrusion 312 can reliably perform the blocking function.

[0066] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 15 As shown, the area of ​​the cross-section of the blocking protrusion 312 perpendicular to the protrusion direction T decreases along the protrusion direction T. Under this configuration, the volume of the root 312b of the blocking protrusion 312 is relatively large, the strength of the connection structure between the root 312b and the trigger surface 311 is relatively high, and the connection structure between the root 312b and the trigger surface 311 is less prone to breakage. The volume of the top 312a of the blocking protrusion 312 is relatively small, the possibility of a mismatched ink cartridge structure or other foreign objects contacting the top 312a is relatively low, and the top 312a is less likely to be a stress-bearing part, thus making it less likely that the ink cartridge blocking part 31 will be mistakenly triggered to move from the limiting position to the releasing position.

[0067] When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, the protrusion direction T can be parallel to the vertical direction, or the angle between the protrusion direction T and the vertical direction can be in the range of 1° to 10°, and the angle can be 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9° or 10°.

[0068] Additionally, please refer to Figure 15 As shown, the thickness H of the top end 312a satisfies 0mm < H ≤ 1mm. The thickness H of the top end 312a can be 0.1mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm or 1mm.

[0069] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 5-6 As shown, the printer also includes a driven component 4, which is movably connected to the cartridge mounting part 1. The driven component 4 can abut against the blocking component 3, and the driven component 4 can drive the blocking component 3 to move as shown. Figure 5 The limit position shown moves to the position shown. Figure 6 The location of the limit shown.

[0070] The top end of the driven member 4 may include a force-receiving part 41 with an inclined surface, and the bottom end of the driven member 4 may include a force-applying part 42. When a matching ink cartridge moves from rear to front, the ink cartridge can abut against the force-receiving part 41, causing the driven member 4 to slide downward relative to the cartridge mounting part 1. The force-applying part 42 presses down on the rod structure 33 of the ink cartridge blocking member 3, causing the ink cartridge blocking part 31 to move from the limiting position to the releasing position.

[0071] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 5-6 As shown, the blocking member 3 includes a rotatable connecting part 32, which is rotatably connected to the box mounting part 1. The blocking member 3 can be positioned relative to the box mounting part 1 as follows: Figure 5 The positions shown and as Figure 6 It swings between the positions shown.

[0072] The rotating connection part 32 may include a rotating shaft, and the box mounting part 1 may include a rotating shaft hole; or, the box mounting part 1 may include a rotating shaft, and the rotating connection part 32 may include a rotating shaft hole, with the rotating shaft and the rotating shaft hole rotatingly engaged.

[0073] In some other embodiments (not shown in the figures), the blocking member and the cartridge mounting part can be slidably connected, and the blocking member driven by the driven member can slide relative to the cartridge mounting part, thereby moving the cartridge blocking part from the limiting position to the releasing position.

[0074] In some embodiments, the printer may further include an elastic element (not shown in the figure). The blocking element 3 is elastically connected to the cartridge mounting portion 1 via the elastic element. During the process of the blocking element 3 being driven by the driven element 4 to move the cartridge blocking portion 31 from the limiting position to the releasing position, the elastic element elastically deforms and accumulates elastic potential energy. When the blocking element 3 is not driven by the driven element 4, the elastic element releases the elastic potential energy, and under the action of the elastic force, the cartridge blocking portion 31 moves from the releasing position to the limiting position.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the limiting position, most of the structure of the blocking member 3 can be located below the ink supply needle 2, and a portion of the structure of the blocking member 3 can be higher than the bottom of the ink supply needle 2. For example, a portion of the structure of the ink cartridge blocking part 31 can be higher than the bottom of the ink cartridge interface end 21. When the ink cartridge blocking part 31 is in the unlocked position, the overall structure of the blocking member 3 can be located below the ink supply needle 2, and the blocking member 3 and the ink supply needle 2 are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0076] In some embodiments, the printer may include four ink supply needles 2, four blocking members 3 and four driven members 4, with each ink supply needle 2 corresponding to one blocking member 3 and one driven member 4. In this configuration, four ink cartridges can be installed in the receiving cavity 11 of the cartridge mounting section 1.

[0077] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A printer characterized by comprising: The printer includes a cartridge mounting section, ink supply needles, a blocking component, and a shielding structure; The ink supply needle is disposed on the cartridge mounting part, and the ink supply needle includes an ink cartridge interface end; The blocking member is movably connected to the cartridge mounting part, and the blocking member includes a cartridge blocking part, which has a trigger surface; The shielding structure is connected to the ink cartridge interface end, or the shielding structure is connected to the cartridge mounting part; The ink cartridge blocking part can move between a limited position and an unlocked position. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limited position, the ink cartridge blocking part prevents the ink cartridge from being installed in the cartridge mounting part, and the trigger surface is blocked by the blocking structure. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the unlocked position, the ink cartridge interface end can be connected to the ink cartridge.

2. The printer of claim 1, wherein, When the shielding structure is connected to the ink cartridge interface, the ink cartridge interface includes a connected end face and an end sidewall. The end face is provided with an ink inlet, and the end sidewall is integrally formed with the shielding structure.

3. The printer of claim 2, wherein, The shielding structure is located at the bottom of the end sidewall, and the blocking member is located below the ink supply needle.

4. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by When the ink cartridge blocking portion is in the limiting position, the maximum interval distance D between the shielding structure and the triggering surface is set max , satisfying D max ≤2mm.

5. The printer of claim 4, wherein, The shielding structure includes a curved shielding part, and the triggering surface includes a curved triggering part. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, the curved shielding part and the curved triggering part are partially or completely attached.

6. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by The blocking structure includes a recessed portion, and when the ink cartridge blocking portion is in the limiting position, the trigger surface is located within the recessed portion.

7. The printer of claim 6, wherein, The shielding structure includes an auxiliary shielding portion, which is located on the side of the recess away from the cartridge mounting portion in the extending direction of the ink supply needle.

8. A printer characterized by comprising: The printer includes a cartridge mounting section, ink supply needles, and a blocking component; The ink supply needle is disposed on the cartridge mounting part, and the ink supply needle includes an ink cartridge interface end, which includes a connected end sidewall and an end face. The blocking member is movably connected to the cartridge mounting part. The blocking member includes a cartridge blocking part, which includes a trigger surface and a blocking protrusion. The blocking protrusion protrudes relative to the trigger surface. The ink cartridge blocking part can move between a limited position and an unlimited position. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limited position, the trigger surface faces the end sidewall, at least a part of the structure of the end face is blocked by the blocking protrusion, and the space between the end sidewall and the trigger surface is blocked by the blocking protrusion.

9. The printer of claim 8, wherein, The end face is provided with an ink inlet. When the ink cartridge blocking part is in the limiting position, the ink inlet is blocked by the blocking protrusion.

10. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or claims 8 or 9, wherein, The printer further includes a driven component, which is movably connected to the cartridge mounting portion. The driven component abuts against the blocking component, and the blocking component is rotatably connected to the cartridge mounting portion. The driven component is driven by the ink cartridge so that it can move the blocking component from the limiting position to the releasing position.

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