Ink circulation system and printer

Abstract

The utility model relates to printer ink supply technical field discloses an ink circulation system and printer. Ink circulation system includes: ink supply ink box, and the communication with the nozzle, main ink barrel, and the communication with ink supply ink box, circulation ink box, and the communication with ink supply ink box and nozzle, drive equipment, and the communication with ink supply ink box and circulation ink box, to make the ink flow between ink supply ink box, nozzle and circulation ink box. The printer includes the nozzle and ink circulation system, and the nozzle is communicated with ink supply ink box and circulation ink box. The utility model discloses the technical scheme to solve the technical problem of the printing broken line and the uneven color of the printer in the related art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer ink supply technology, and in particular to an ink circulation system and a printer. Background Technology

[0002] A printer quickly and accurately converts digital information such as electronic documents and images into visual paper copies. It can output clear black-and-white or color text and charts, as well as reproduce photos and complex images with high quality, meeting a variety of needs from everyday office documents to professional design drafts.

[0003] Existing printer ink supply systems, especially non-circulating systems, often face problems such as printhead clogging caused by ink sedimentation and air bubbles mixed in the ink path, resulting in broken lines and uneven colors. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application discloses an ink circulation system and a printer to solve the technical problems of broken printing lines and uneven color in printers in the related art.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this application discloses an ink recycling system, comprising: The ink cartridge is connected to the printhead. The main ink tank is connected to the ink supply cartridge; The circulating ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the printhead. The drive unit is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the recirculation cartridge to allow ink to flow between the ink supply cartridge, the printhead, and the recirculation cartridge.

[0006] In some solutions, the driving device includes a negative pressure device and a recirculation device. The negative pressure device is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the circulating cartridge, and creates a negative pressure difference between the ink supply cartridge and the circulating cartridge to make ink flow from the ink supply cartridge to the circulating cartridge. The recirculation device is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the recirculation cartridge to allow ink to flow from the recirculation cartridge to the ink supply cartridge.

[0007] In some solutions, the negative pressure device includes a first negative pressure mechanism and a second negative pressure mechanism. The first negative pressure mechanism is connected to the ink supply cartridge, and the second negative pressure mechanism is connected to the circulation cartridge. The first negative pressure mechanism and the second negative pressure mechanism respectively create negative pressure in the ink supply cartridge and the circulation cartridge, and have a negative pressure difference. And / or, the recirculation device includes a circulation pump, through which the circulation cartridge is connected to the ink supply cartridge to allow ink to flow from the circulation cartridge to the ink supply cartridge; And / or, the main ink tank is connected to the ink supply cartridge via an ink supply pump; And / or, the ink circulation system also includes an air pump connected to the ink supply cartridge.

[0008] In some solutions, the first negative pressure mechanism includes a first vacuum pump and a first solenoid valve, with the first vacuum pump connected to the ink supply cartridge via the first solenoid valve. And / or, the second negative pressure mechanism includes a second vacuum pump and a second solenoid valve, the second vacuum pump being connected to the circulating ink cartridge via the second solenoid valve.

[0009] In some designs, the first negative pressure mechanism also includes a first air tank, and the first vacuum pump is connected to the ink supply cartridge through the first air tank and the first solenoid valve. And / or, the second negative pressure mechanism also includes a second air tank, and the second vacuum pump is connected to the circulating ink cartridge through the second air tank and the second solenoid valve.

[0010] In some designs, the first negative pressure mechanism also includes a first safety bottle, and the first vacuum pump is connected to the ink supply cartridge via a first gas storage tank, the first safety bottle, and a first solenoid valve. And / or, the second negative pressure mechanism also includes a second safety bottle, and the second vacuum pump is connected to the circulating ink cartridge through the second gas storage tank, the second safety bottle and the second solenoid valve.

[0011] In some solutions, the recirculation device also includes a filter, and the circulating ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply cartridge via a circulation pump and the filter; And / or, the recirculation device also includes a damper, and the circulating ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply cartridge via the circulating pump and the damper; And / or, the reflux device is also equipped with a one-way valve, which is connected to the circulating ink cartridge.

[0012] In some solutions, the ink circulation system also includes a control device, which includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller; The first sensor is used to detect the ink level of the ink cartridge. When the ink level is lower than the first preset level, the controller controls the ink pump to start. When the ink level is higher than the first preset level, the controller controls the ink pump to stop. The second sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the circulating ink cartridge. When the liquid level is higher than the second preset liquid level, the controller controls the circulating pump to start. When the liquid level is higher than the second preset liquid level, the controller controls the circulating pump to shut down.

[0013] In some solutions, the ink cartridge is equipped with a first float ball, and a first sensor is used to detect the position of the first float ball in order to determine whether the liquid level exceeds a first preset liquid level. And / or, the circulating ink cartridge is equipped with a second float ball, and a second sensor is used to detect the position of the second float ball in order to determine whether the liquid level exceeds the second preset liquid level.

[0014] Secondly, this application also discloses a printer, including a printhead and the ink circulation system described in the first aspect, wherein the printhead is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the circulation cartridge.

[0015] The technical solution adopted in this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects: The ink circulation system of this application connects the printhead inlet to the ink supply cartridge to obtain a continuous, constant-pressure printing ink supply, while the outlet connects to the circulation cartridge, together forming a forced ink path that runs through the printhead. Driven by a negative pressure difference, ink not used for printing continuously flows from the ink supply cartridge through the internal cavity of the printhead and the vicinity of the nozzles, eventually flowing into the circulation cartridge, forming an uninterrupted circulation through the printhead. The flowing ink completely prevents pigment particles from settling and condensing around the nozzles, fundamentally preventing clogging. At the same time, it can carry away tiny air bubbles that attempt to remain at the nozzles and form airlocks, eliminating the causes of defects such as broken lines and uneven color. Attached Figure Description

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

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer structure disclosed in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first negative pressure mechanism disclosed in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second negative pressure mechanism disclosed in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reflux device disclosed in some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the main ink tank and the ink supply cartridge disclosed in some embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the control device disclosed in some embodiments of this application.

[0018] In the picture: 100-Ink circulation system, 110-Main ink tank, 111-Ink supply pump, 120-Ink supply cartridge, 121-First float, 130-Circulation cartridge, 131-Second float, 140-Drive device, 141-Negative pressure device, 142-Recirculation device, 1421-Circulation pump, 1422-Damper, 1423-One-way valve, 1424-Filter, 143-First negative pressure mechanism, 1431-First vacuum pump, 1432-First solenoid valve, 1433-First air tank, 1434-First safety bottle, 144-Second negative pressure mechanism, 1441-Second vacuum pump, 1442-Second solenoid valve, 1443-Second air tank, 1444-Second safety bottle, 150-Air pump, 160-Control device, 161-First sensor, 162-Second sensor, 163-Controller; 200 - Printer, 210 - Printhead. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0021] During their research on printers, the inventors discovered that most existing printers use non-circulating ink supply systems, where ink remains relatively stagnant for extended periods. This causes pigment particles to precipitate and clump due to gravity, clogging the precision printhead. Simultaneously, the system cannot effectively eliminate air bubbles that enter the ink path due to temperature changes, improper operation, or microscopic leaks. These bubbles form airlocks at the nozzles, and their compressible nature causes them to absorb jet energy, resulting in intermittent or complete nozzle failure. Both factors contribute to defects such as broken lines, uneven color, and horizontal streaks in printing. Furthermore, the system can only provide inefficient remediation through post-printing cleaning procedures that waste a significant amount of ink, failing to address the root causes of these problems.

[0022] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 6 The ink circulation system 100 and printer 200 provided in this application will be described in detail through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0023] Some embodiments of this application provide an ink circulation system 100, including a main ink tank 110, an ink supply pump 111, an ink supply cartridge 120, a circulating ink cartridge 130, a drive device 140, an air pump 150, and a control device 160.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the ink supply cartridge 120 is connected to the printhead 210, the circulating ink cartridge 130 is connected to both the ink supply cartridge 120 and the printhead 210, and the main ink tank 110 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120. The main ink tank 110 serves as the main ink reservoir, continuously supplying ink to the ink supply cartridge 120; the ink supply cartridge 120 is responsible for maintaining a stable ink pressure delivered to the printhead nozzles; the circulating ink cartridge 130 is connected to both the ink supply cartridge 120 and the printhead, enabling it to actively recover, filter, and re-deliver ink not used for printing at the end of the ink supply path, achieving continuous ink flow and effectively preventing the sedimentation and agglomeration of pigment particles, thus eliminating blockages caused by sedimentation; simultaneously, the circulating flow carries tiny air bubbles mixed in with the pipeline to the circulating ink cartridge 130 for centralized removal, preventing air bubbles from forming airlocks at the nozzles, fundamentally preventing defects such as broken lines and uneven color, and significantly reducing maintenance needs and ink waste.

[0025] It should be noted that the printhead 210 in this embodiment is the common printhead 210 of existing printers 200, and its structure is not an improvement of this embodiment. Its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive device 140 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulation cartridge 130 to allow ink to flow between the ink supply cartridge 120, the printhead 210, and the circulation cartridge 130. The drive device 140 constructs a controlled active circulation system, realizing active management of the ink path fluid state. By driving the ink to flow continuously and directionally between the ink supply cartridge 120, the printhead 210, and the circulation cartridge 130, ink stagnation areas are fundamentally eliminated, making it difficult for pigment particles to settle, thereby actively preventing printhead clogging caused by condensation. At the same time, this forced flow can continuously sweep away air bubbles that have separated or mixed in the ink path to the circulation cartridge 130 for efficient removal, completely eliminating the occurrence of air blockage, ensuring the absolute reliability of nozzle jet energy, fundamentally avoiding print line breaks and uneven color, and improving printing stability and ink utilization.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, the drive device 140 includes a negative pressure device 141, which is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulation cartridge 130. The negative pressure device 141 creates a negative pressure difference between the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulation cartridge 130, causing ink to flow from the ink supply cartridge 120 to the circulation cartridge 130. The introduction of the negative pressure device 141 establishes an independent and stable flow path controlled by a precise negative pressure difference, outside the main ink supply path (from the ink supply cartridge 120 to the printhead 210). This negative pressure difference drives the ink to flow directionally and smoothly from the ink supply cartridge 120 to the circulation cartridge 130, not only continuously flushing the ink path and effectively preventing pigment sedimentation, but also drawing potential micro-air bubbles away from critical areas near the printhead 210 and draining them into the circulation cartridge 130, thereby completely eliminating the risk of air clogging. Compared to active pumping, this method avoids the interference of pressure pulsation on the jet, achieving excellent circulation while greatly ensuring the stability of printhead 210, thus ensuring reliable print quality from the fluid control level.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the drive device 140 also includes a return device 142, which is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulating ink cartridge 130 to allow ink to flow from the circulating ink cartridge 130 to the ink supply cartridge 120. The introduction of the return device 142, in conjunction with the negative pressure device 141, constructs a complete, closed ink self-circulation system, enabling continuous ink circulation in a complete loop through the ink supply cartridge 120, printhead 210, circulating ink cartridge 130, and back to the ink supply cartridge 120. This design allows clean ink, filtered and degassed by the circulating ink cartridge 130, to return to the ink supply cartridge 120, significantly reducing the system's reliance on replenishing the main ink tank 110 and minimizing the risk of contamination and air bubbles introduced by external replenishment. This provides unparalleled stability and self-sustaining capability for the entire printing system during long-term operation, ensuring highly consistent print quality.

[0029] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the negative pressure device 141 includes a first negative pressure mechanism 143 and a second negative pressure mechanism 144. The first negative pressure mechanism 143 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120, and the second negative pressure mechanism 144 is connected to the circulation cartridge 130. The first negative pressure mechanism 143 and the second negative pressure mechanism 144 respectively apply negative pressure to the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulation cartridge 130, creating a negative pressure difference. Through the coordinated operation of the first negative pressure mechanism 143 and the second negative pressure mechanism 144, precisely controlled negative pressure is applied independently to the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulation cartridge 130, ensuring that the absolute value of the negative pressure in the circulation cartridge 130 is always higher than that in the ink supply cartridge 120, thus forming a stable and adjustable negative pressure difference between them. This pressure difference becomes the main driving force of the system, driving ink from the ink supply cartridge 120 with higher negative pressure, through the printhead, and finally to the circulation cartridge 130 with even higher negative pressure, forming a controlled directional flow cycle. By independently controlling the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulating ink cartridge 130 through the first negative pressure mechanism 143 and the second negative pressure mechanism 144, the ink circulation power and the printhead ink supply pressure are decoupled and precisely managed. This ensures that the ink flows continuously and smoothly through a stable negative pressure difference, effectively preventing pigment sedimentation and removing air bubbles. It also directly and precisely maintains the stability of the printhead 210 by independently adjusting the first negative pressure mechanism 143, completely avoiding the interference of pressure fluctuations that may be caused by a single pump source on the jetting, and ensuring the reliability of printing.

[0030] In this preferred embodiment, the negative pressure of the circulating ink cartridge 130 is -6 kPa to -7 kPa, and the negative pressure of the ink supply cartridge 120 is -3 kPa to -4 kPa, with the negative pressure difference maintained at 3 kPa. By precisely maintaining the negative pressure of the circulating ink cartridge 130 at -6 kPa to -7 kPa and the negative pressure of the ink supply cartridge 120 at -3 kPa to -4 kPa, the critical negative pressure difference of the system is stabilized at 3 kPa. This stable pressure difference of 3 kPa provides sufficient and gentle constant driving force for ink circulation, ensuring continuous ink flow to effectively suppress pigment sedimentation and carry away air bubbles, while also avoiding excessive flow rate impacting the printhead 210.

[0031] like Figure 4As shown, the reflux device 142 includes a circulation pump 1421. The circulating ink cartridge 130 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 via the circulation pump 1421, allowing ink to flow from the circulating ink cartridge 130 to the ink supply cartridge 120. The introduction of the circulation pump 1421 provides an active, controllable, and efficient closed-loop power for the entire circulation system, precisely controlling the ink flow rate returning from the circulating ink cartridge 130 to the ink supply cartridge 120. This works in perfect coordination with the first negative pressure mechanism 143 and the second negative pressure mechanism 144 to jointly construct an efficient and stable dynamic balance. By rapidly replenishing the ink level in the ink supply cartridge 120 through reflux, and cooperating with the negative pressure system, an extremely stable fluid environment is maintained in the entire closed-loop pipeline, fundamentally eliminating pressure fluctuations and ensuring continuous and stable ink supply to the printhead.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, the main ink tank 110 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 via the ink supply pump 111. The introduction of the ink supply pump 111 enables the main ink tank 110 to actively and on-demand replenish the ink supply cartridge 120, working in conjunction with the drive device 140 to maintain the stability of the ink volume and level in the ink supply cartridge 120, ensuring that the ink supply cartridge 120 can always provide a continuous supply of ink to the printhead 210.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air pump 150 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120. When the printhead 210 needs cleaning, the ink in the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulating ink cartridge 130 is emptied, and the air pump 150 injects controllable clean gas into the ink supply cartridge 120. By utilizing the micro-disturbance and piston effect generated by the gas in the ink path, the pigment particles deposited near the printhead 210 can be effectively peeled off, thereby effectively cleaning the printhead 210.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first negative pressure mechanism 143 includes a first vacuum pump 1431 and a first solenoid valve 1432. The first vacuum pump 1431 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 through the first solenoid valve 1432. The first solenoid valve 1432 acts as a quick switch for the air circuit, enabling the immediate establishment or disconnection of the connection between the first vacuum pump 1431 and the ink supply cartridge 120. This allows for the activation and deactivation of the negative pressure, avoiding continuous operation of the vacuum pump to reduce energy consumption and wear. Furthermore, the rapid on / off switching allows for precise adjustment and maintenance of the stable negative pressure within the ink supply cartridge 120.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the first negative pressure mechanism 143 also includes a first air storage tank 1433. The first vacuum pump 1431 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 through the first air storage tank 1433 and the first solenoid valve 1432. As a large air volume unit, the first air storage tank 1433 can effectively smooth out the small pressure fluctuations that may be generated when the first vacuum pump 1431 starts or stops or the first solenoid valve 1432 operates, making the negative pressure supplied to the ink supply cartridge 120 extremely stable.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first negative pressure mechanism 143 also includes a first safety bottle 1434. The first vacuum pump 1431 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 through the first gas storage tank 1433, the first safety bottle 1434, and the first solenoid valve 1432. The first safety bottle 1434 is placed at the end of the gas path, and its charging effectively prevents ink from being drawn back into the first gas storage tank 1433 and the first vacuum pump 1431 due to accidental situations (such as loss of control of the ink level in the ink supply cartridge 120), thereby avoiding the risk of ink contamination or even damage to the core negative pressure generating component and greatly improving the safety of the system.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second negative pressure mechanism 144 includes a second vacuum pump 1441 and a second solenoid valve 1442. The second vacuum pump 1441 is connected to the circulating ink cartridge 130 through the second solenoid valve 1442. The second solenoid valve 1442 acts as a quick switch for the air circuit, enabling the connection between the second vacuum pump 1441 and the ink supply cartridge 120 to be established or disconnected in real time. This allows for the activation and deactivation of the negative pressure, avoiding continuous operation of the vacuum pump to reduce energy consumption and wear. Furthermore, the rapid on / off switching allows for precise adjustment and maintenance of the stable negative pressure within the ink supply cartridge 120.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second negative pressure mechanism 144 also includes a second air tank 1443. The second vacuum pump 1441 is connected to the circulating ink cartridge 130 through the second air tank 1443 and the second solenoid valve 1442. As a large air volume unit, the second air tank 1443 can effectively smooth out the slight pressure fluctuations that may occur when the second vacuum pump 1441 starts or stops or the second solenoid valve 1442 operates, making the negative pressure supplied to the ink cartridge 120 extremely stable.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the second negative pressure mechanism 144 also includes a second safety bottle 1444. The second vacuum pump 1441 is connected to the circulating ink cartridge 130 through the second gas storage tank 1443, the second safety bottle 1444, and the second solenoid valve 1442. The second safety bottle 1444 is placed at the end of the gas path, and its charging effectively prevents ink from being drawn back into the second gas storage tank 1443 and the second vacuum pump 1441 due to unexpected situations (such as loss of control of the liquid level in the circulating ink cartridge 130), thereby avoiding the risk of ink contamination or even damage to the core negative pressure generating component and greatly improving the safety of the system.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the recirculation device 142 also includes a filter 1424. The circulating ink cartridge 130 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 via the circulating pump 1421 and the filter 1424. The filter 1424 is located after the circulating pump 1421 and can effectively trap and remove pigment agglomerates, impurities, or fibers collected from the printhead and circulation lines, ensuring that the ink finally returned to the ink supply cartridge 120 has extremely high cleanliness.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the recirculation device 142 also includes a damper 1422. The circulating ink cartridge 130 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 via the circulating pump 1421 and the damper 1422. Adding the damper 1422 suppresses fluid pulsations and pressure fluctuations generated by the circulating pump 1421. As a flexible buffer element, the damper 1422 absorbs periodic pressure peaks during pumping, converting them into a smooth laminar flow. This ensures extremely stable ink flow back to the ink supply cartridge 120, minimizing the interference of pressure fluctuations on the printhead 210, thus guaranteeing accurate ejection even during dynamic circulation.

[0042] It should be noted that the damper 1422 is a common device in printer 200 and is not an improvement in this embodiment. Its specific structure will not be described in detail here.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the reflux device 142 is also equipped with a one-way valve 1423, which is connected to the circulating ink cartridge 130. The one-way valve 1423 is installed at the reflux inlet of the circulating ink cartridge 130 to ensure that ink can only flow from the circulating ink cartridge 130 to the ink supply cartridge 120, thus preventing the ink with higher pressure in the ink supply cartridge 120 from back-contaminating the purified circulating ink cartridge 130 when the circulating pump 1421 stops or the system pressure is abnormal.

[0044] like Figure 6As shown, the control device 160 includes a first sensor 161, a second sensor 162, and a controller 163. The first sensor 161 is used to detect the liquid level of the ink supply cartridge 120. When the liquid level is lower than a first preset liquid level, the controller 163 controls the ink supply pump 111 to start. When the liquid level is higher than the first preset liquid level, the controller 163 controls the ink supply pump 111 to stop. The second sensor 162 is used to detect the liquid level of the circulating ink cartridge 130. When the liquid level is higher than the second preset liquid level, the controller 163 controls the circulating pump 1421 to start. When the liquid level is higher than the second preset liquid level, the controller 163 controls the circulating pump 1421 to stop. The control device 160 monitors the ink levels of the ink supply cartridge 120 and the circulating ink cartridge 130 in real time through the first sensor 161 and the second sensor 162, respectively. The controller 163 makes closed-loop decisions based on preset values: when the ink level of the ink supply cartridge 120 is lower than the preset value, the ink supply pump 111 is activated to replenish the ink; when it is higher, the pump stops, thus maintaining a constant ink level and negative pressure. At the same time, when the ink level of the circulating ink cartridge 130 is higher than the preset value, the circulating pump 1421 is activated to empty the ink; when it is lower, the pump stops, ensuring effective collection and temporary storage of returned ink. This achieves a dynamic, automated, and precise balance between ink supply and circulation, ensuring that the printhead 210 continuously receives a stable pressure of ink supply. It also ensures the efficient and on-demand operation of the circulation and purification function. This significantly enhances the automation and reliability of the system while improving the consistency of print quality, fundamentally avoiding risks such as ink overflow, pump dry running, or pressure fluctuations that may be caused by uncontrolled ink levels.

[0045] It should be noted that the electrical connections between the controller 163 and the first sensor 161, the second sensor 162, the circulation pump 1421 and the ink supply pump 111, as well as the structure of the controller 163, are all existing technologies and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the ink cartridge 120 is equipped with a first float 121, and a first sensor 161 is used to detect the position of the first float 121 to determine whether the liquid level exceeds a first preset liquid level. The physical position of the first float 121 as the liquid level changes provides an intuitive and stable detection signal, so that the first sensor 161 does not need to directly contact the ink, but only needs to detect the position of the first float 121 to determine the liquid level. This provides the most reliable basis for the liquid replenishment decision of the controller 163, and greatly improves the stability and reliability of the system in long-term operation.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the circulating ink cartridge 130 is equipped with a second float 131, and a second sensor 162 is used to detect the position of the second float 131 to determine whether the ink level exceeds a second preset level. The physical position of the second float 131 as the ink level changes provides an intuitive and stable detection signal, allowing the second sensor 162 to determine the ink level simply by detecting the position of the second float 131 without direct contact with the ink. This provides the most reliable basis for the ink replenishment decision of the controller 163, greatly improving the stability and reliability of the system during long-term operation.

[0048] Some embodiments of this application also provide a printer 200, including a printhead 210 and an ink circulation system 100.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the printhead 210 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 and the recirculation cartridge 130. The inlet of the printhead 210 is connected to the ink supply cartridge 120 to obtain a continuous, constant-pressure printing ink supply, while the outlet is connected to the recirculation cartridge 130, together forming a forced ink path that runs through the printhead 210. Driven by the negative pressure difference, ink not used for printing continuously flows from the ink supply cartridge 120, through the internal cavity of the printhead 210 and near the nozzles, and finally flows into the recirculation cartridge 130, forming an uninterrupted circulation that flows through the printhead 210. The flowing ink completely prevents pigment particles from settling and condensing around the nozzles, fundamentally preventing clogging; at the same time, it can carry away tiny air bubbles that attempt to remain at the nozzles and form airlocks, eliminating the causes of defects such as broken lines and uneven colors.

[0050] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatus in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0052] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ink circulation system, characterized in that, include: The ink cartridge is connected to the printhead. The main ink tank is connected to the ink supply cartridge; A circulating ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply ink cartridge and the printhead; A drive device is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the circulation cartridge to allow ink to flow between the ink supply cartridge, the printhead, and the circulation cartridge.

2. The ink circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device includes a negative pressure device and a reflux device. The negative pressure device is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the circulating cartridge, and forms a negative pressure difference between the ink supply cartridge and the circulating cartridge to make ink flow from the ink supply cartridge to the circulating cartridge. The recirculation device is connected to the ink supply cartridge and the circulation cartridge to allow ink to flow from the circulation cartridge to the ink supply cartridge.

3. The ink circulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The negative pressure device includes a first negative pressure mechanism and a second negative pressure mechanism. The first negative pressure mechanism is connected to the ink supply cartridge, and the second negative pressure mechanism is connected to the circulating cartridge. The first negative pressure mechanism and the second negative pressure mechanism respectively cause the ink supply cartridge and the circulating cartridge to be under negative pressure and have a negative pressure difference. And / or, the recirculation device includes a circulation pump, and the circulation cartridge is connected to the ink supply cartridge via the circulation pump to allow ink to flow from the circulation cartridge to the ink supply cartridge; And / or, the main ink tank is connected to the ink supply cartridge via an ink supply pump; And / or, the ink circulation system further includes an air pump connected to the ink supply cartridge.

4. The ink circulation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first negative pressure mechanism includes a first vacuum pump and a first solenoid valve, wherein the first vacuum pump is connected to the ink supply cartridge through the first solenoid valve; And / or, the second negative pressure mechanism includes a second vacuum pump and a second solenoid valve, wherein the second vacuum pump is connected to the circulating ink cartridge through the second solenoid valve.

5. An ink circulation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first negative pressure mechanism also includes a first air storage tank, and the first vacuum pump is connected to the ink supply cartridge through the first air storage tank and the first solenoid valve; And / or, the second negative pressure mechanism further includes a second air tank, and the second vacuum pump is connected to the circulating ink cartridge through the second air tank and the second solenoid valve.

6. An ink circulation system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first negative pressure mechanism also includes a first safety bottle, and the first vacuum pump is connected to the ink supply cartridge through the first gas storage tank, the first safety bottle and the first solenoid valve; And / or, the second negative pressure mechanism further includes a second safety bottle, and the second vacuum pump is connected to the circulating ink cartridge through the second gas storage tank, the second safety bottle and the second solenoid valve.

7. An ink circulation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reflux device further includes a filter, and the circulating ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply ink cartridge through the circulating pump and the filter; And / or, the reflux device further includes a damper, and the circulating ink cartridge is connected to the ink supply cartridge through the circulating pump and the damper; And / or, the reflux device is further provided with a one-way valve, which is connected to the circulating ink cartridge.

8. An ink circulation system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ink circulation system also includes a control device, which includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller; The first sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the ink cartridge. When the liquid level is lower than the first preset liquid level, the controller controls the ink pump to start. When the liquid level is higher than the first preset liquid level, the controller controls the ink pump to stop. The second sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the circulating ink cartridge. When the liquid level is higher than the second preset liquid level, the controller controls the circulating pump to start. When the liquid level is higher than the second preset liquid level, the controller controls the circulating pump to shut down.

9. An ink circulation system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The ink cartridge is equipped with a first float ball, and the first sensor is used to detect the position of the first float ball in order to determine whether the liquid level exceeds the first preset liquid level. And / or, the circulating ink cartridge is equipped with a second float ball, and the second sensor is used to detect the position of the second float ball in order to determine whether the liquid level exceeds the second preset liquid level.

10. A printer, characterized in that, The system includes a printhead and an ink circulation system as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the printhead is in communication with the ink supply cartridge and the circulation cartridge.

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