ink reservoir

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of ink storage containers for supplying ink to inkjet printing equipment. Ink storage container includes ink storage chamber and ink outlet part, wherein ink storage chamber is used to store ink, ink outlet part is set in the front side of ink storage container along installation direction, and is communicated with ink storage chamber, ink outlet part includes ink outlet passage and sealing element arranged in ink outlet passage, suction element is arranged in ink outlet passage, at least a part of suction element is set in the front side of sealing element along installation direction. In the embodiment of the utility model, the ink seeping from ink outlet does not cause pollution to inkjet printing equipment.

Description

[0001] This utility model claims priority to a prior art application filed on September 2, 2024, with application number 202422151350.X and entitled "Ink Storage Container," the entire priority of which is cited in this application. Technical Field

[0002] This utility model belongs to the field of inkjet printing technology, specifically relating to an ink storage container for supplying ink to inkjet printing equipment. Background Technology

[0003] An inkjet printer is a device that uses an ink reservoir to supply ink and spray it onto a printing medium such as paper for recording. The ink reservoir typically has an ink chamber and an ink outlet channel. The ink chamber can be a cavity formed inside an ink cartridge or ink bag to store ink. The ink outlet channel communicates with the ink chamber and is fluidly connected to the printhead within the inkjet printer. A seal is installed within the ink outlet channel. When the ink reservoir is not installed in the inkjet printer, it closes the ink outlet. When the ink reservoir is installed, the seal is punctured or pushed open, allowing ink from the ink chamber to be supplied to the inkjet printer via an ink suction device, which has a portion extending into the ink outlet channel.

[0004] When using this type of ink reservoir, ink often leaks or remains around the ink outlet. During use, the ink flows into the ink reservoir mounting part of the inkjet printer through the opening of the ink outlet channel. Alternatively, when the ink reservoir is removed, the ink remaining outside the ink outlet / on the outer wall of the ink suction device falls into the inkjet printer due to inertia, thus causing contamination of the inkjet printer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the main purpose of this utility model is to provide an ink storage container that will not contaminate inkjet printing equipment with residual ink at the ink outlet.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, this utility model provides an ink storage container for supplying ink to an inkjet printer. The ink storage container includes an ink storage chamber and an ink outlet section. The ink storage chamber is used to store ink. The ink outlet section is disposed on the front side of the ink storage container along the installation direction and communicates with the ink storage chamber. The ink outlet section includes an ink outlet channel and a sealing element disposed within the ink outlet channel. An ink-absorbing element is disposed within the ink outlet channel. Along the installation direction, at least a portion of the ink-absorbing element is disposed on the front side of the sealing element.

[0007] As can be seen from the above solutions, by installing an ink-absorbing component in the ink outlet channel, the ink that seeps out of the ink outlet and flows out of the ink storage container through the ink outlet channel is absorbed by the ink-absorbing component and remains inside the ink-absorbing component. It will not flow further into the opening of the ink outlet channel, so it will not contaminate the inkjet printer. When the ink storage container is removed, the ink that may flow out of the ink outlet into the opening of the ink outlet channel will pass through the ink-absorbing component and be absorbed, so it will not splash out.

[0008] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the ink outlet channel is provided with a receiving portion, and the ink-absorbing component is disposed within the receiving portion.

[0009] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the ink outlet includes a main body and a limiting member. The limiting member is used to prevent the ink-absorbing member and the sealing member from falling off from the ink outlet. The limiting member has an mounting portion installed to the outer periphery of the main body and a receiving portion for accommodating the ink-absorbing member.

[0010] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, along the installation direction, at least a portion of the limiting member is located on the front side of the ink-absorbing member.

[0011] According to a specific embodiment of this utility model, the limiting member, the ink-absorbing member, and the sealing member are arranged sequentially along the front-back direction.

[0012] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the ink outlet further includes an abutment and an elastic member. The sealing member has an opening that can be opened to form an ink outlet for supplying ink from the ink supply chamber to the outside. The abutment abuts against the opening of the sealing member under the elastic force of the elastic member and closes the opening.

[0013] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the sealing member relative to the opening of the ink outlet has an extension portion, which can be clamped and fixed by the main body portion and the limiting member.

[0014] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the ink outlet is provided with an annular groove, the ink suction element is disposed in the annular groove, and the inner wall of the annular groove has an opening communicating with the ink outlet channel.

[0015] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, a protective cover is provided outside the ink outlet section to seal the ink outlet channel. The protective cover is removed before the ink storage container is installed into the inkjet printing device.

[0016] According to one specific embodiment of this utility model, the ink-absorbing element is felt.

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the above-mentioned objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective cover in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with the protective cover removed;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of part B in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a partially exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the exploded structure of the limiting member and the main body;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view of part of C;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a partially exploded view of embodiment 2 of this utility model, showing the exploded structure of the limiting member and the main body.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of part of D;

[0031] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the EE. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, other possible implementations that can be obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described herein are all within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the ink storage container 100 can be an ink cartridge, including a main body 101 that is generally rectangular in shape. The main body has an ink storage cavity for holding ink. An ink outlet is located at one end of the ink cartridge. A protective cover 11 can be fitted onto the ink outlet to prevent damage to the ink outlet from affecting the ink supply.

[0035] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of a protective cover. It is understood that in other embodiments, the structure of the protective cover may not be the same, as long as it serves to protect the ink outlet section. Different protective covers with different structures may also be used depending on the structure of the ink outlet section.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the protective cover 11 has a protective plug 111 that can extend into the ink channel and close the ink channel opening, an outer edge 113 connected to the outer periphery of the ink outlet section 120, and a handle 114. A mating part 112 can be provided on the outer edge 113 to engage with a protrusion 1201 provided on the outer periphery of the ink outlet section 120, thereby detachably fixing the protective cover 11 to the outside of the ink outlet section 120. The installation and removal of the protective cover 11 relative to the ink outlet section 120 can be performed by operating the handle 114; simply hold the handle 114 and rotate the protective cover 11 in the installation or removal direction. After removing the protective cover 11, the ink reservoir can be installed into the inkjet printer in the installation direction A, with the ink outlet section 120 located at the front.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the ink storage container has an ink storage cavity 130 and a box body 1101 forming the ink storage cavity 130. The ink storage cavity 130 may include multiple interconnected ink storage parts, or may have only one cavity. The ink storage cavity 130 is connected to the ink supply cavity 131, and the front end of the ink supply cavity 131 is the ink outlet part 120. The ink outlet section 120 may have an ink outlet channel 1202 and a main body portion 1012. The limiting member 121 may be connected to the main body portion 1012. The ink suction member 122 is located in the receiving portion of the limiting member 121. The sealing member 123 is installed in the main body portion 1012. The abutting member 124 abuts against the opening of the sealing member 123 under the elastic force of the elastic member 125 and closes the opening. When the abutting member 124 is subjected to external force and overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 125 and moves in the direction toward the interior of the ink storage container, the opening of the sealing member 123 is opened to form an ink outlet for supplying ink from the ink supply chamber to the outside. The sealing member 123 and the inner hole of the ink suction member 122 form the ink outlet channel 1202. Ink flows from the ink supply chamber 131 into the ink suction device portion of the inkjet printer that extends into the ink outlet channel 1202 and is further supplied to the print head of the inkjet printer. Ink that seeps out of the ink outlet into the ink outlet channel 1202 flows through the seal 123 to the ink absorber 122 and is absorbed by the ink absorber 122. The limiting member 121 is used to prevent the ink absorber 122 and the seal 123 from falling off from the ink outlet. Along the installation direction, at least a portion of the limiting member 121 is located on the front side of the ink absorber 122. That is, the limiting member 121, the ink absorber 122, and the seal 123 are arranged sequentially in the front-back direction.

[0038] Preferably, the seal 123 may have one or more annular protruding ribs 1231, so that the seal 123 is installed in the ink outlet channel 1202 with an interference fit to the main body portion 1012. Preferably, a protrusion is provided in the main body portion 1012 to limit further installation of the seal 123 into the ink supply chamber 131. Preferably, the portion of the seal 123 opposite to the opening of the ink outlet portion 120 has an extension 1232, which can be clamped and fixed by the main body portion 1012 and the limiting member 121, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the extension 1232 is held by the end face of the main body and the abutment surface 1214 of the limiting member 121.

[0039] Preferably, the ink-absorbing element 122 can be made of materials such as felt, or other porous materials with absorption functions such as sponge or other porous resins. Preferably, the limiting member 121 includes a threaded portion 1212 with internal threads and a receiving portion for accommodating the ink-absorbing element 122, and is installed onto the main body portion 1012 by the threaded portion 1212 engaging with the external threads 1013 provided on the main body portion 1012. In other embodiments, the limiting member 121 and the main body portion 1012 can also be engaged by other snap-fit ​​methods. Preferably, a protrusion 1014 with a guide slope 1016 and an abutment surface 1015 can also be provided on the outer side of the main body portion 1012 to cooperate with the guide opening 1213 on the limiting member 121, thereby guiding the installation of the limiting member 121 and preventing the limiting member 121 from rotating in the disassembly direction, such as... Figure 6 As shown.

[0040] In other embodiments, the seal may not have an extension, the ink-absorbing element may directly abut against the end face of the main body, the limiting element may not have an abutment surface, and so on.

[0041] In this embodiment, the protective cover 11 is removed and installed onto the inkjet printer along the installation direction A. During or after installation, the ink suction device of the inkjet printer extends through the ink outlet channel 1202 to abut against the contact member 124, pushing the contact member 124 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 125 and move further into the ink supply chamber 131. The ink outlet opens, and ink enters the printhead of the inkjet printer through the ink suction device. During operation, ink seeping through the gap between the ink outlet and the ink suction device flows through the seal 123 to the opening of the ink outlet section 120. As it flows through the ink suction member 122, it is absorbed by the ink suction member 122, preventing further contamination within the inkjet printer. Meanwhile, the ink suction component 122 can also abut against the outer wall of the ink suction device. When the ink cartridge is removed, a certain amount of ink will adhere to the outer wall when the ink suction device detaches from the ink suction component 122. The ink suction component 122 contacts and absorbs the ink adhering to the outside of the ink suction device, preventing the ink adhering to the outside of the ink suction device from causing pollution inside the inkjet printer. If ink drips into the inkjet printer, it will contaminate the ink cartridge again when the ink cartridge is installed next time.

[0042] In this embodiment, when disassembled from the inkjet printer, the ink suction device moves out of the ink outlet channel 1202, and the abutment 124 closes the opening of the seal 123 under the elastic force of the elastic member 125, thereby sealing the ink outlet. The ink flowing out of the ink outlet flows through the seal to the ink suction member 122 and is absorbed by the ink suction member 122, so that there will be no residual ink contaminating the inkjet printer.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] like Figure 7As shown, the ink storage container 200 can be an ink cartridge, including a main body 201 that is generally rectangular in shape, with an ink storage cavity inside the main body for holding ink, and an ink outlet 220 disposed at one end of the ink cartridge. The ink storage container 200 can be installed into an inkjet printer along the installation direction A, with the ink outlet 220 located on the front side.

[0045] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the ink storage container has an ink storage cavity 230 and a box body 2101 forming the ink storage cavity 230. The ink storage cavity 230 may include multiple interconnected ink storage parts, or it may have only one cavity and be connected to the ink supply cavity 231. The front end of the ink supply cavity 231 is the ink outlet part 220. The ink outlet section 220 may have an ink outlet channel 2202 and a main body portion 2012. A limiting member 221 may be connected to the main body portion 2012. The ink-absorbing member 222 is located within the limiting member 221. A sealing member 223 is installed within the main body portion 2012 and has an inner wall 2232 that seals the opening of the sealing member 223. When the inner wall 2232 is punctured by external force, an ink outlet is formed, supplying ink from the ink supply chamber to the outside. The sealing member 223 and the inner hole of the ink-absorbing member 124 form the ink outlet channel 2202. Ink flows from the ink supply chamber 231 into the ink-absorbing device portion of the inkjet printer that extends into the ink outlet channel 2202, and is further supplied to the printhead of the inkjet printer. Ink that seeps out through the ink outlet into the ink outlet channel 2202 flows through the sealing member 223 to the ink-absorbing member 222 and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 222.

[0046] Preferably, the seal 223 may have one or more annular protruding ribs 2231, so that the seal 223 is interference-fitted with the main body 2012 within the ink outlet channel 2202. Preferably, the main body 2012 is provided with a stepped surface 2013 to limit further installation of the seal 123 into the ink supply chamber 231. Preferably, a protective cover may also be fitted onto the ink outlet portion 220. In other embodiments, a sealing film may also be covered over the ink outlet portion 220.

[0047] Preferably, the ink-absorbing element 222 can be made of materials such as felt, or it can be made of porous materials with absorption functions such as sponge or other porous resins. Preferably, the limiting element 221 includes a connecting part with a hook 2211 and a receiving part for accommodating the ink-absorbing element 222, and is installed onto the main body 2012 by the hook 2211 engaging with the slot 2014 provided on the main body 2012. Figure 10 As shown.

[0048] In other embodiments, the limiting member 121 and the main body portion 1012 may also engage through other snap-fit ​​methods, such as the threaded engagement of Embodiment 1.

[0049] In this embodiment, the inkjet printer is installed along installation direction A. During or after installation, the ink suction device of the inkjet printer extends through the ink outlet channel 1202 to abut against the inner wall 2232 of the seal 223 and further pierces the inner wall 2232, moving forward. The ink outlet opens, and ink enters the printhead of the inkjet printer through the ink suction device. During operation, ink seeping through the gap between the ink outlet and the ink suction device flows through the seal 223 towards the opening of the ink outlet section 220. As it flows through the ink suction device 222, it is absorbed by the ink suction device, thus preventing further contamination within the inkjet printer.

[0050] In this embodiment, when disassembled from the inkjet printer, the ink suction device is removed from the ink outlet channel 2202, and the inner wall 3232 of the seal 323 closes the opening under its own elastic force, thereby sealing the ink outlet. The ink flowing out of the ink outlet flows through the seal to the ink suction device 222 and is absorbed by the ink suction device 222, so that there will be no residual ink contaminating the inkjet printer.

[0051] Example 3

[0052] like Figure 11 As shown, the ink storage container 300 can be an ink bag, including a main body 301. The main body has an ink storage cavity for holding ink, and an ink outlet 320 is located at one end of the ink cartridge. The ink storage container 300 can be installed into the inkjet printer along the installation direction A, wherein the ink outlet 320 is located on the front side.

[0053] like Figures 11 to 14As shown, the ink storage container has an ink storage cavity 330, which is connected to an ink supply cavity 331. The front end of the ink supply cavity 331 is an ink outlet section 320. The ink outlet section 320 may have an ink outlet channel 3202 and a main body 3012. A sealing film 321 closes the opening of the ink outlet channel 3202. The main body 3012 is provided with an inner cylinder 3013, which forms a receiving groove for accommodating the ink-absorbing component 322. The sealing component 323 is installed in the main body 3012 and has an opening. The abutment component 324 that closes the opening is provided in the ink supply chamber 331. Under the action of the elastic force of the elastic component 325, it abuts against the opening of the sealing component 323 and closes the opening. When the abutment component 324 is subjected to external force and overcomes the elastic force of the elastic component 325 and moves in the direction toward the inside of the ink storage container, the opening of the sealing component 323 is opened to form an ink outlet for supplying ink from the ink supply chamber 331 to the outside. The sealing component 323 and the inner hole of the ink-absorbing component 324 form an ink outlet channel 3202. The ink flows from the ink supply chamber 331 into the ink-absorbing device portion of the inkjet printer that extends into the ink outlet channel 3202, and is further supplied to the print head of the inkjet printer. The ink that seeps out of the ink outlet into the ink outlet channel 3202 flows through the seal 323 to the inner cylinder 3013, and enters the ink-absorbing component 322 through the opening 3014 on the inner cylinder 3013 and is absorbed by the ink-absorbing component 322.

[0054] In this embodiment, along the outward extension direction of the ink outlet channel 3202, the length of the main body portion 3012 is greater than or equal to the length of the ink-absorbing member 322, which is greater than or equal to the length of the inner cylinder portion 3013, which is greater than or equal to the length of the sealing member 323. Therefore, the ink that seeps out of the ink outlet into the ink outlet channel 3202 will flow onto the stepped surface formed by the length difference between the main body portion 3012 and the inner cylinder portion 3013, and then be absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 322, thereby preventing the ink from flowing out of the main body portion 3012. In addition, since the inner cylinder portion 3013 is provided with an opening 3014, the ink that seeps out of the ink outlet will be absorbed by the ink-absorbing member 322 when it flows through the opening 3014, thus further preventing the ink from flowing out of the main body portion.

[0055] Preferably, the ink-absorbing element 322 can be made of materials such as felt, or it can be made of porous materials with absorption function such as sponge or other porous resins.

[0056] In this embodiment, the inkjet printer is installed along installation direction A into the inkjet printer or placed inside the ink reservoir of the inkjet printer. During or after installation, the ink suction device of the inkjet printer punctures the sealing film 321 and extends through the ink outlet channel 3202 to abut against the contact member 324. This pushes the contact member 324 against the elastic force of the elastic member 325, causing it to move further into the ink supply chamber 331. The ink outlet opens, and ink enters the printhead of the inkjet printer through the ink suction device. During operation, ink seeping through the gap between the ink outlet and the ink suction device flows through the sealing member 323 to the opening of the ink outlet section 320. As it flows through the ink suction member 322, it is absorbed by the ink suction member 322, preventing further contamination within the inkjet printer.

[0057] In this embodiment, when disassembled from the inkjet printer, the ink suction device moves out of the ink outlet channel 3202, and the abutment 324 closes the opening of the seal 323 under the elastic force of the elastic member 325, thereby sealing the ink outlet. The ink flowing out of the ink outlet flows through the seal 323 to the ink suction member 322 and is absorbed by the ink suction member 322, so that there will be no residual ink contaminating the inkjet printer.

[0058] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any person skilled in the art may make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention; all variations or modifications made in accordance with the present invention shall be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ink reservoir for supplying ink to an inkjet printer, the ink reservoir comprising an ink storage chamber and an ink outlet, wherein the ink storage chamber is used to store ink, the ink outlet is disposed on the front side of the ink reservoir along an installation direction and communicates with the ink storage chamber, the ink outlet comprising an ink outlet channel and a sealing element disposed within the ink outlet channel, characterized in that: An ink-absorbing component is provided in the ink outlet channel, and at least a portion of the ink-absorbing component is located on the front side of the seal along the installation direction.

2. The ink reservoir container of claim 1, wherein: The ink outlet channel is provided with a receiving portion, and the ink-absorbing component is disposed within the receiving portion.

3. The ink storage container according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ink outlet section includes a main body and a limiting member. The limiting member is used to prevent the ink-absorbing element and the sealing element from falling off from the ink outlet section. The limiting member has a mounting portion that is installed to the outer periphery of the main body and a receiving portion that accommodates the ink-absorbing element.

4. The ink storage container according to claim 3, characterized in that: Along the installation direction, at least a portion of the limiting member is located on the front side of the ink-absorbing member.

5. The ink storage container according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting component, ink-absorbing component, and sealing component are arranged sequentially along the front-to-back direction.

6. The ink storage container according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ink outlet section further includes an abutment and an elastic member. The sealing member has an opening that can be opened to form an ink outlet for supplying ink from the ink supply chamber to the outside. The abutment abuts against the opening of the sealing member under the elastic force of the elastic member and closes the opening.

7. The ink storage container according to claim 3, characterized in that: The portion of the seal relative to the ink outlet opening has an extension, which can be clamped and fixed by the main body and the limiting member.

8. The ink storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ink outlet section is provided with an annular groove, the ink suction element is disposed in the annular groove, and the inner wall of the annular groove has an opening that communicates with the ink outlet channel.

9. The ink storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The ink outlet section is provided with a protective cover that seals the ink outlet channel. The protective cover is removed before the ink storage container is installed into the inkjet printing device.

10. The ink storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The ink-absorbing component is felt.

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