Ink path circulation system and printing device

Abstract

The application discloses an ink path circulation system and a printing device, wherein the ink path circulation system comprises an ink box, an ink capsule and a first negative pressure mechanism, the ink box is used for storing ink, the ink box has an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the ink capsule is connected with the outlet, the outlet of the ink capsule is used for connecting a nozzle, the ink capsule is used for supplying ink to the nozzle, the outlet of the ink capsule is also connected with the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism, the outlet of the first negative pressure mechanism is connected with the inlet, and the ink box, the ink capsule and the first negative pressure mechanism form a circulation loop. In the example of the application, the first negative pressure mechanism arranged between the ink capsule and the ink box generates negative pressure, so that the ink in the ink capsule flows into the ink box under the action of the negative pressure, a circulation loop is formed among the ink box, the ink capsule and the first negative pressure mechanism, the ink in the ink capsule is circulated, the residence time of the ink in the ink capsule is shortened, the problem of particle deposition caused by the static ink is reduced, and the possibility of blockage in the ink capsule is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and in particular to an ink circulation system and printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The ink used in printers mainly consists of pigment particles, which are the solid components of the ink and the color-developing substances. They are generally water-insoluble pigments. The saturation, tinting strength, and transparency of the ink color are closely related to the properties of the pigments. When particulate matter in the ink enters the ink sac, it is prone to sedimentation and stratification in a static state, which can easily cause ink sac clogging. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an ink circulation system and printing device, which aims to improve the problem of clogging caused by particulate matter remaining in the ink cartridge.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, one technical solution adopted in this application is: providing an ink circulation system for supplying ink to the printhead, the ink circulation system comprising:

[0005] Ink cartridges are used to store ink; ink cartridges have an inlet and an outlet.

[0006] The ink sac has an inlet connected to the outlet and an outlet connected to the printhead. The ink sac is used to supply ink to the printhead.

[0007] The first negative pressure mechanism has an outlet connected to the inlet of the ink cartridge and an outlet connected to the liquid inlet. The ink cartridge, ink sac, and first negative pressure mechanism form a circulation loop. The first negative pressure mechanism is used to generate negative pressure so that at least part of the ink in the ink cartridge circulates through the circulation loop.

[0008] In this application example, a negative pressure is generated by a first negative pressure mechanism set between the ink sac and the ink cartridge, so that the ink in the ink sac flows into the ink cartridge under the action of negative pressure, forming a circulation loop between the ink cartridge, the ink sac, and the first negative pressure mechanism. By circulating the ink in the ink sac, the residence time of the ink in the ink sac can be shortened, reducing the problem of particulate matter precipitation caused by ink settling, thereby reducing the possibility of blockage in the ink sac.

[0009] This application also proposes a printing apparatus, comprising:

[0010] spray nozzle;

[0011] As described above, in an ink circulation system, the outlet of the ink cartridge in the ink circulation system is connected to the printhead.

[0012] Ink pad, used to support the printhead; and

[0013] Ink stack, ink pad is placed inside the ink stack;

[0014] When the printhead is printing ink, the ink cartridge of the ink circulation system supplies ink to the printhead through the ink sac; when the printhead stops printing ink, the printhead can be placed on the ink pad. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying 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.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the ink circulation system of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another example of the ink circulation system of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another example of the ink circulation system of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the printing device of this application;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control module of an example of the printing device of this application.

[0021] Among them: 100, printing device;

[0022] 10. Ink circulation system; 11. Ink cartridge; 111. Ink inlet; 112. Ink outlet; 113. Stirring mechanism; 12. Ink bladder; 13. First negative pressure mechanism;

[0023] 20. Spray nozzle;

[0024] 30. Ink pad;

[0025] 40. Ink Stack;

[0026] 50. First liquid storage tank; 51. Second negative pressure mechanism; 52. Metering tank; 53. Control valve;

[0027] 60. Second liquid storage tank

[0028] 70. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" in this application description should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this document based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this application. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0032] Printer inks contain particulate matter. Taking white ink printers as an example, white ink printers are characterized by non-fading printing, scratch resistance, water resistance, environmental friendliness, and clear printing results. White ink is mainly composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and water-based or solvent-based carriers. The titanium dioxide particles in high-quality white ink are typically 3-5 micrometers in diameter, while the particles in low-quality white ink are relatively larger. Due to the larger particle size and insolubility in water, white ink is prone to stratification and sedimentation when left to stand, easily forming "dead zones" of sediment accumulation inside the ink bladder, which can easily lead to ink bladder clogging.

[0033] This application addresses the aforementioned problems by proposing an ink circulation system for supplying ink to a printhead. The ink circulation system can be connected to the printhead inlet to deliver ink to the printhead. The ink circulation system includes an ink cartridge, an ink sac, and a first negative pressure mechanism. The ink cartridge stores ink and has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the ink sac is connected to the outlet, and its outlet is connected to the printhead, supplying ink to the printhead. The outlet of the ink sac is also connected to the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism, and the outlet of the first negative pressure mechanism is connected to the inlet. The ink cartridge, ink sac, and first negative pressure mechanism form a circulation loop. The first negative pressure mechanism generates negative pressure to circulate at least a portion of the ink in the ink cartridge through the circulation loop. In this application example, by using an ink cartridge, ink sac, and first negative pressure mechanism to form an ink loop, the ink in the ink cartridge circulates through the ink sac, thereby reducing the possibility of particulate matter in the ink accumulating in the sac and forming dead zones, thus reducing the problem of ink sac clogging.

[0034] The ink circulation system in this application can be used in a printing device, which can be a white ink printer or other devices that use ink for printing.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This application discloses an ink circulation system 10 for supplying ink to a printhead 20. The ink circulation system 10 includes an ink cartridge 11, an ink sac 12, and a first negative pressure mechanism 13. The ink cartridge 11 is used to store ink and has an inlet 111 and an outlet 112. The inlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the outlet 112, and the outlet of the ink sac 12 is used to connect to the printhead 20. The ink sac 11 is used to supply ink to the printhead 20. The outlet of the ink sac 12 is also connected to the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13, and the outlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 is connected to the inlet 111. The ink cartridge 11, the ink sac 12, and the first negative pressure mechanism 13 form a circulation loop. The first negative pressure mechanism 13 is used to generate negative pressure so that at least a portion of the ink in the ink cartridge 11 circulates through the circulation loop.

[0036] The ink cartridge 11 is used to store ink. For ease of description, this application example uses the storage of white ink in the ink cartridge 11 as an example. The ink cartridge 11 is at least partially hollow, forming a storage space for storing white ink. The ink cartridge 11 has an inlet 111 and an outlet 112 connecting the storage space. Ink can be output to the ink sac 12 through the outlet 112, and white ink circulating back from the ink sac 12 can enter the ink sac 12 through the inlet 111.

[0037] The ink sac 12 is connected to the ink outlet 112 of the ink cartridge 11. The ink sac 12 stores white ink and is used to output white ink to the printhead 20. The ink sac 12 has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the ink outlet 112 of the ink cartridge 11, and the outlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the printhead 20, so that the white ink in the ink cartridge 11 can be output to the printhead 20 via the ink sac 12. In this example, when the printhead 20 needs to perform inkjet printing, the white ink in the ink sac 12 can be output to the printhead. The specific control method for the printhead 20 to perform inkjet printing can refer to the prior art.

[0038] The first negative pressure mechanism 13 is used to generate negative pressure. In this example, the first negative pressure mechanism 13 can be a negative pressure pump. The inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 is connected to the ink sac 12, and the outlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 is connected to the inlet 111 of the ink cartridge 11. In this example, the ink sac 12 can have multiple outlets. At least one outlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the printhead 20, and at least one outlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13. When the first negative pressure mechanism 13 is running, it can generate negative pressure on the outlet of the ink sac 12, so that the white ink in the ink sac 12 flows through the first negative pressure mechanism 13 to the inlet 111, and the white ink circulates in the loop formed by the ink cartridge 11, the ink sac 12, and the first negative pressure mechanism 13.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in this example, the outlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the inlet of the printhead 20, and the inlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the outlet 112 of the ink cartridge 11. The white ink in the ink cartridge 11 can be delivered to the ink sac 12, and the white ink in the ink sac 12 can be delivered to the printhead 20 for printing. Optionally, when the printhead 20 is printing ink, the first negative pressure mechanism 13 can be in a closed or standby state.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, in this example, the outlet of the ink sac 12 is also connected to the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13. The inlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the ink outlet 112 of the ink cartridge 11. The ink in the ink cartridge 11 can be output to the ink sac 12 through the ink outlet 112. The first negative pressure mechanism 13 generates negative pressure on the outlet of the ink sac 12, allowing the ink in the ink sac 12 to flow to the ink inlet 111 of the ink cartridge 11 through the first negative pressure mechanism 13, thus circulating the ink. At this time, the printhead 20 can be in a closed or standby state.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, in this example, the outlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the inlet of the printhead 20, and the inlet of the ink sac 12 is connected to the outlet 112 of the ink cartridge 11. The white ink in the ink cartridge 11 can be delivered to the ink sac 12, and the white ink in the ink sac 12 can be delivered to the printhead 20 for printing. At the same time, the outlet of the ink sac 12 is also connected to the first negative pressure mechanism 13. The first negative pressure mechanism 13 extracts part of the white ink in the ink sac 12 so that the white ink circulates into the ink cartridge 11, thereby accelerating the flow of white ink between the ink cartridge 11 and the ink sac 12.

[0042] In this example, by creating negative pressure on the ink cartridge 12 through the first negative pressure mechanism 13, the white ink inside the ink cartridge 12 can flow under negative pressure. This shortens the settling time of the white ink in the ink cartridge 12, thereby reducing the possibility of precipitation and clogging caused by titanium dioxide particles. Since the ink cartridge 11, ink cartridge 12, and the first negative pressure mechanism 13 form a circulation loop, the white ink in the ink cartridge 11 can circulate, further reducing titanium dioxide precipitation and clogging. This also helps reduce blockages in the ink cartridge 11 and the connecting tubing between the ink cartridge 11 and the ink cartridge 12. By reducing clogging in the ink cartridge 12, the replacement frequency of the ink cartridge 12 can be reduced, lowering the printer's operating costs.

[0043] In some examples, there are multiple ink sacs 12, with the inlets of the multiple ink sacs 12 connected to the outlets 112, the outlets of the multiple ink sacs 12 connected to the printheads 20, and the outlets of the multiple ink sacs 12 also connected to the inlets of the first negative pressure mechanism 13.

[0044] In this example, the multiple ink sacs 12 can have the same or different structures. The multiple ink sacs 12 are connected in parallel to the ink outlet 112 of the ink cartridge 11, and the outlets of the multiple ink sacs 12 are respectively connected to the printhead 20, so that the multiple ink sacs 12 can be connected in parallel between the printhead 20 and the ink outlet 112. The multiple ink sacs 12 can be used to deliver white ink to the printhead 20. In this example, by setting multiple ink sacs 12, white ink can be output to the printhead 20 through multiple ink sacs 12. On the one hand, this can maintain the ink ejection pressure when the printhead 20 ejects ink; on the other hand, it can make different parts of the printhead 20 have more uniform pressure, which helps to improve print quality.

[0045] The outlets of the multiple ink sacs 12 are also connected to the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13, meaning that the outlets of the multiple ink sacs 12 are also connected in parallel to the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism 13. The first negative pressure mechanism 13 can be used to create negative pressure at the outlets of the multiple ink sacs 12. When the first negative pressure mechanism 13 is running, it can pump the white ink in the multiple ink sacs 12 toward the inlet 111, thereby allowing the white ink in the multiple ink sacs 12 to participate in the white ink circulation at the same time, reducing the possibility of the multiple ink sacs 12 becoming blocked.

[0046] In some examples, there are multiple ink sacs 12, with the inlets of multiple ink sacs 12 connected to the outlets 112, and the outlets of multiple ink sacs 12 connected to the printheads 20; there are multiple first negative pressure mechanisms 13, with the outlet of each ink sac 12 connected to the inlet of at least one first negative pressure mechanism 13, and the outlets of multiple first negative pressure mechanisms 13 connected to the inlets 111.

[0047] In this example, multiple ink sacs 12 are connected in parallel to the ink outlet 112 of the ink cartridge 11, and the outlets of the multiple ink sacs 12 are respectively connected to the printhead 20, so that the multiple ink sacs 12 can be connected in parallel to the printhead 20. The multiple ink sacs 12 can be used to deliver white ink to the printhead 20.

[0048] Multiple first negative pressure mechanisms 13 are arranged in parallel, and the outlets of the multiple first negative pressure mechanisms 13 are respectively connected to the inlet 111 of the ink cartridge 11; the outlet of each ink sac 12 is respectively connected to at least one first negative pressure mechanism 13. For a specific ink sac 12, at least one first negative pressure mechanism 13 can generate negative pressure for that specific ink sac 12, thereby accelerating the circulation of white ink in that specific ink sac 12 and reducing the possibility of clogging of that specific ink sac 12. Optionally, in this example, the first negative pressure mechanism 13 and the ink sac 12 can be set one-to-one.

[0049] In some examples, the ink circulation system 10 also includes a stirring mechanism 113, which is located inside the ink cartridge 11 and used to stir the ink within the cartridge 11. When the stirring mechanism 113 is in operation, it stirs the white ink within the cartridge 11 to accelerate ink flow. This reduces titanium dioxide precipitation in the ink within the cartridge 11 and improves the uniformity of the white ink output to the ink sac 12, helping to reduce clogging caused by titanium dioxide buildup in the ink sac 12. Furthermore, it improves the uniformity of the white ink output to the printhead 20, thus enhancing print quality. In this example, the stirring mechanism 113 can be one or more. When multiple stirring mechanisms 113 are provided, they can be spaced apart within the cartridge 11. Optionally, the stirring mechanism 113 can be a stirring blade.

[0050] In some examples, a stirring mechanism 113 is provided inside the ink cartridge 11 near the ink outlet 112. The stirring mechanism 113 is used to stir the white ink near the ink outlet 112 to reduce the problem of uneven white ink output to the ink sac 12. In this example, the stirring mechanism 113 can be suspended at the ink outlet 112.

[0051] In some examples, a stirring mechanism 113 is provided inside the ink cartridge 11 near the liquid inlet 111. The stirring mechanism 113 is used to stir the white ink near the liquid inlet 111 to reduce the problem of titanium dioxide deposition at the liquid inlet 111 caused by the white ink input into the ink cartridge 11. In this example, the stirring mechanism 113 can be suspended at the liquid inlet 111.

[0052] In some examples, a stirring mechanism 113 is provided inside the ink cartridge 11 near the ink outlet 112, and another stirring mechanism 113 is provided inside the ink cartridge 11 near the ink inlet 111. In this example, stirring mechanisms 113 are provided inside the ink cartridge 11 at positions corresponding to the ink inlet 111 and the ink outlet 112, which helps to improve the uniformity of white ink inside the ink cartridge 11. On the one hand, this can reduce the problem of titanium dioxide deposition inside the ink cartridge 11, and on the other hand, it can improve the uniformity of the output white ink.

[0053] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 This application also provides an example of a printing apparatus 100, which includes a printhead 20 and an ink circulation system 10 as in any of the above examples, wherein the outlet of the ink sac 12 of the ink circulation system 10 is connected to the printhead 20, and the ink circulation system 10 is used to deliver ink to the printhead 20.

[0054] The printhead 20 is used for inkjet printing, and the ink circulation system 10 is used to supply ink to the printhead 20. In this example, the outlet of the ink sac 12 of the ink circulation system 10 is connected to the printhead 20 so that the white ink output from the ink sac 12 can be delivered to the printhead 20. In this example, the ink circulation system 10 can be positioned adjacent to the printhead 20 so that the outlet of the ink sac 12 can be connected to the printhead 20 nearby. Optionally, the outlet of the ink sac 12 can also be connected to the printhead 20 via a conduit.

[0055] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some examples, the printing device 100 also includes a controller 70, with the first negative pressure mechanism 13 and the printhead 20 electrically connected to the controller 70 respectively. The controller 70 is used to control the printhead 20 to operate in a first time period and to control the printhead 20 to operate in a second time period, wherein the first time period and the second time period do not overlap at least partially.

[0056] The controller 70 is electrically connected to the first negative pressure mechanism 13 and the nozzle 20 respectively, which means that the controller 70 can transmit electrical signals to the first negative pressure mechanism 13 and the nozzle 20 respectively. The controller 70 can be used to send working signals to the first negative pressure mechanism 13 and the nozzle 20 to control the working mode of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 and the nozzle 20. The working mode includes working time, power or other operating parameters.

[0057] The controller 70 is used to control the printhead 20 to work in the first time period, which means that the printhead 20 can be used for inkjet printing during the first time period.

[0058] The controller 70 is used to control the operation of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 during the second time period, meaning that the first negative pressure mechanism 13 is in operation during the second time period. It can be understood that the controller 70 can also be used to control parameters such as the power of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 during the second time period. In this example, the controller 70 can be connected to the nozzle 20 and the first negative pressure mechanism 13 via wired or wireless means.

[0059] The first time period and the second time period do not overlap at least partially, meaning that the working times of the nozzle 20 and the first negative pressure mechanism 13 do not overlap at least partially. Optionally, such as Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the first and second time periods do not overlap at all; that is, the working time of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 is completely staggered from the working time of the printhead 20, which helps to maintain the ink pressure when the printhead 20 is working. Optionally, as Figure 3 As shown, the first time period and the second time period partially overlap. While the printhead 20 is printing ink, the first negative pressure mechanism 13 accelerates the circulation of white ink to improve the uniformity of white ink.

[0060] In this example, since the working time of the first negative pressure mechanism 13 and the printhead 20 do not completely overlap, when the printhead 20 is not printing ink, the first negative pressure mechanism 13 can generate negative pressure on the ink sac 12, thereby causing the white ink in the ink sac 12 to circulate, shortening the static time of the white ink in the ink sac 12, thereby reducing the possibility of titanium dioxide deposition in the ink sac 12 and reducing the problem of ink sac 12 blockage caused by titanium dioxide deposition.

[0061] In some examples, the printing device 100 also includes an ink pad 30 and an ink stack 40, the ink pad 30 being used to support the printhead 20; the ink pad 30 is disposed within the ink stack 40, and the printhead 20 can be placed on the ink pad 30 when the printhead 20 stops spraying ink.

[0062] The ink pad 30 is used to support the printhead 20, meaning that the printhead 20 can be placed on the ink pad 30, and the ink pad 30 can absorb the printhead 20 to reduce the curing of white ink on the printhead 20.

[0063] The ink stack 40 is used to support the ink pad 30, which is installed inside the ink stack 40. When the printhead 20 finishes printing, it can move to the ink pad 30 and place itself on the ink pad 30.

[0064] In some examples, the printing device 100 also includes a first reservoir 50 and a second negative pressure mechanism 51. The first reservoir 50 is used to store cleaning fluid. The inlet of the second negative pressure mechanism 51 is connected to the first reservoir 50, and the outlet of the second negative pressure mechanism 51 is connected to the printhead 20. The second negative pressure mechanism 51 is used to pump the cleaning fluid in the first reservoir 50 to the printhead 20 when the printhead 20 is placed on the ink pad 30 to clean the printhead 20.

[0065] The first reservoir 50 stores the cleaning fluid for cleaning the nozzle 20. The inlet of the second negative pressure mechanism 51 is connected to the first reservoir 50 to extract the cleaning fluid from the first reservoir 50, and the outlet of the second negative pressure mechanism 51 is connected to the nozzle 20 so that the cleaning fluid can be delivered to the nozzle 20. In this example, the second negative pressure mechanism 51 can be a vacuum pump. In this example, by setting up the first reservoir 50 and the second negative pressure mechanism 51, the nozzle 20 can be cleaned when needed. In some examples, a one-way valve can be installed between the outlet of the second negative pressure mechanism 51 and the nozzle 20. The one-way valve can be a solenoid valve, which can control the flow rate and velocity of the cleaning fluid output to the nozzle 20. In some examples, the second negative pressure mechanism 51 can be connected to the controller 70 in any of the above examples via wired or wireless means. The controller 70 can be used to control the operation of the second negative pressure mechanism 51.

[0066] In some examples, the amount of cleaning fluid required for a single cleaning of the printhead 20 is a first unit. The printing device 100 also includes a metering tank 52, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the second negative pressure mechanism 51, and the outlet of which is connected to the printhead 20. The capacity of the metering tank 52 is not less than the first unit.

[0067] The metering tank 52 is used to store the cleaning fluid. Optionally, in this example, the effective capacity of the metering tank 52 can be equal to the first unit of cleaning fluid required for a single cleaning cycle by the nozzle 20. When the cleaning fluid in the metering tank 52 is completely discharged, the nozzle 20 completes one cleaning operation. In some examples, the outlet of the metering tank 52 can be connected to the nozzle 20 through multiple pipelines to improve the uniformity of the distribution of the cleaning fluid delivered to the nozzle 20. Optionally, a one-way valve can be installed on each pipeline between each metering tank 52 and the nozzle 20 to control the flow rate of the cleaning fluid delivered through each pipeline.

[0068] In some examples, the printing device 100 also includes a control valve 53, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the second negative pressure mechanism 51, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the metering tank 52.

[0069] Control valve 53 is connected between the second negative pressure mechanism 51 and the metering tank 52 to control the flow rate and velocity of the cleaning fluid input to the metering tank 52. Control valve 53 can be a solenoid valve. In some examples, control valve 53 can be electrically connected to controller 70 in any of the foregoing examples, which can be used to control the operation of the solenoid valve.

[0070] In some examples, the printing apparatus also includes a second reservoir 60, and the ink stack 40 is also used to hold waste liquid for cleaning the printhead 20; the inlet of the second reservoir 60 is connected to the ink stack 40; the second reservoir 60 is used to store waste liquid. At this time, cleaning fluid can be output to the printhead 20 through the second negative pressure mechanism 51 to clean the printhead 20.

[0071] The wastewater generated after cleaning can be temporarily stored in the ink stack 40. The inlet of the second storage tank 60 is connected to the ink stack 40, meaning that the wastewater in the ink stack 40 can enter the second storage tank 60. Optionally, a water pump can be installed between the inlet of the second storage tank 60 and the ink stack 40 to accelerate the pumping of wastewater from the ink stack 40 to the second storage tank 60.

[0072] The above are merely embodiments of this application and do not limit the scope of this patent application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the scope of patent protection of this application.

Claims

1. An ink circulation system for supplying ink to a printhead, characterized in that, include: An ink cartridge for storing ink, the ink cartridge having an inlet and an outlet; The ink sac has an inlet connected to the outlet and an outlet connected to the printhead, and is used to supply ink to the printhead. The first negative pressure mechanism, the outlet of the ink sac is also connected to the inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism, the outlet of the first negative pressure mechanism is connected to the liquid inlet, the ink cartridge, the ink sac and the first negative pressure mechanism form a circulation loop, the first negative pressure mechanism is used to generate negative pressure so that at least part of the ink in the ink cartridge circulates through the circulation loop.

2. The ink circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ink sacs are multiple, with the inlets of the multiple ink sacs respectively connected to the liquid outlets, the outlets of the multiple ink sacs respectively connected to the printheads, and the outlets of the multiple ink sacs also respectively connected to the inlets of the first negative pressure mechanism.

3. The ink circulation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of ink sacs is multiple, the inlets of the multiple ink sacs are respectively connected to the liquid outlet, and the outlets of the multiple ink sacs are respectively used to connect to the printhead; the number of first negative pressure mechanisms is multiple, the outlet of each ink sac is respectively connected to at least one inlet of the first negative pressure mechanism, and the outlets of the multiple first negative pressure mechanisms are respectively connected to the liquid inlet.

4. The ink circulation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The ink circulation system also includes: A stirring mechanism is located inside the ink cartridge and is used to stir the ink inside the ink cartridge.

5. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, include: spray nozzle; The ink circulation system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet of the ink sac of the ink circulation system is connected to the printhead; Ink pad, for supporting the printhead; and Ink stack, wherein the ink pad is disposed within the ink stack; When the printhead is printing ink, the ink cartridge of the ink circulation system supplies ink to the printhead through the ink sac; when the printhead stops printing ink, the printhead can be placed on the ink pad.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The printing device further includes: The controller is electrically connected to the first negative pressure mechanism and the nozzle, respectively. The controller is used to control the nozzle to work in a first time period and to control the nozzle to work in a second time period, wherein the first time period and the second time period do not overlap at least partially.

7. The printing apparatus as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The printing device further includes: The first storage tank is used to store the cleaning solution; and The second negative pressure mechanism has an inlet connected to the first liquid storage tank and an outlet connected to the printhead. The second negative pressure mechanism is used to pump the cleaning fluid in the first liquid storage tank to the printhead when the printhead is placed on the ink pad, so as to clean the printhead.

8. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The amount of cleaning fluid required for a single cleaning of the nozzle is the first unit; The printing device further includes: A metering tank, the outlet of which is connected to the nozzle, and the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the second negative pressure mechanism; The capacity of the metering container is not less than that of the first unit.

9. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The printing device further includes: A control valve, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the second negative pressure mechanism, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the metering tank.

10. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The ink stack is also used to hold waste liquid used for cleaning the printhead; the printing device further includes: The second liquid storage tank has its inlet connected to the ink stack; the second liquid storage tank is used to store the waste liquid.

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