An ink cartridge convenient to clean

Abstract

The utility model relates to printer consumables technical field especially, it relates to a ink box convenient to wash, including ink box and connecting plate etc., the bottom of ink box is provided with the powder outlet, the right side of ink box is provided with contact terminal, the top of ink box both sides are connected with track, the both ends of connecting plate are slidably connected in track, the right end of connecting plate is rotatably connected with the cover plate, and both ends of the pivot of cover plate and connecting plate connection all are equipped with torsional spring, one end of torsional spring is connected with the cover plate, the other end is connected with connecting plate, the length of cover plate is greater than the distance between contact terminal and the top surface of ink box, the side of cover plate close to contact terminal is provided with the buffer assembly for protection. Through the coordinated movement of cover plate and buffer assembly, make buffer plate and contact terminal fit, cooperate the sustained resilience of reset spring, form self -adaptation sealing structure, realize the overall shielding of contact terminal in the cleaning process, prevent the splashing of cleaning fluid and pollute contact area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer consumables technology, and in particular to an ink cartridge that is easy to clean. Background Technology

[0002] As an indispensable image output device in modern offices and homes, printers' core function is to achieve high-precision reproduction of text and images through the collaboration of precision mechanical structures and consumables. Taking inkjet printers as an example, their working principle relies on liquid ink stored in ink cartridges being ejected onto the substrate surface through a micron-level nozzle array. High-resolution color output is achieved by controlling the ink droplet volume and ejection frequency. Ink cartridges, as key consumables, are typically designed as separate or integrated units, internally integrating an ink storage chamber, ink supply channel, and filtration system. Their performance directly affects print quality and operating costs.

[0003] In existing technologies, the problem of toner cartridge outlet clogging is particularly prominent. Due to ink solvent evaporation or impurity deposition, the nozzle orifice is prone to clogging, leading to defects such as broken lines and white spots. To solve this problem, the industry generally adopts ultrasonic cleaning solutions: high-frequency vibration generates a cavitation effect, causing the blockage to detach from the nozzle surface. However, the existing structure has a significant drawback: the cartridge surface integrates multiple sets of metal contacts for electrical signal transmission with the printer's main control board. During ultrasonic cleaning, the cleaning fluid tends to rise along the cartridge surface during vibration, causing the contact area to be contaminated by the solution.

[0004] While existing solutions can temporarily restore nozzle function, the limited cleaning fluid volume to reduce contact contamination prevents thorough removal of deep blockages. Furthermore, the attenuation effect of ultrasonic vibration energy reduces cleaning efficiency in nozzle areas far from the liquid surface, and residual solution forms an electrolyte layer on the contact surface, accelerating gold plating corrosion. These drawbacks force users to frequently replace ink cartridges or manually wipe the contacts, significantly increasing operating costs and complexity. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the drawback of easy contamination of the contacts, this invention provides an ink cartridge that is easy to clean, aiming to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings.

[0006] An easy-to-clean ink cartridge includes an ink cartridge and a connecting plate. The ink cartridge has a toner outlet at the bottom and a contact terminal on the right side. The top of the ink cartridge has rails connected to both the front and rear sides. The two ends of the connecting plate are slidably connected to the rails. A cover plate is rotatably connected to the right end of the connecting plate. Both ends of the pivot connecting the cover plate and the connecting plate are fitted with torsion springs. One end of the torsion spring is connected to the cover plate, and the other end is connected to the connecting plate. The length of the cover plate is greater than the distance between the contact terminal and the top surface of the ink cartridge. A buffer assembly for protection is provided on the side of the cover plate near the contact terminal.

[0007] In one embodiment, the buffer assembly includes a buffer plate, and the cover plate is slidably connected to a plurality of guide rods. The ends of the guide rods near the contact terminals are all connected to the buffer plate. Each guide rod is fitted with a reset spring, one end of which is connected to the guide rod and the other end of which is connected to the cover plate.

[0008] In one embodiment, a sealing gasket is attached to the side of the buffer plate near the contact terminal.

[0009] In one embodiment, a handle is attached to the top of the connecting plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, a magnet is connected to the left end of the track, the connecting plate is made of magnetic metal, and the magnet is magnetically connected to the connecting plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, a roller is rotatably connected to the right side of the top surface of the ink cartridge, and the sealing gasket is rotatably connected to the roller.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0013] 1. Through the coordinated movement of the cover plate and the buffer assembly, the buffer plate is brought into contact with the contact terminal. With the continuous rebound force of the return spring, an adaptive sealing structure is formed, which can fully shield the contact terminal during the cleaning process and prevent the cleaning fluid from splashing and contaminating the contact area.

[0014] 2. By using the rolling contact design between the sealing gasket and the roller, the bottom surface of the sealing gasket rolls against the roller when it moves, replacing the traditional sliding friction method. Combined with the micro-concave vacuum adsorption characteristics of corrosion-resistant rubber, a low-wear and high-sealing protective layer is formed, which reduces the wear of the sealing components and enhances the liquid barrier effect. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of the handle and cover plate of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation structure of the torsion spring and connecting plate of this utility model.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation structure of the reset spring and guide rod of this utility model.

[0019] The markings in the diagram are: 1-Ink cartridge, 101-Contact terminal, 2-Railway, 3-Connecting plate, 4-Cover plate, 5-Torsion spring, 6-Buffer plate, 7-Guide rod, 8-Reset spring, 9-Sealing gasket, 10-Handle, 11-Magnet, 12-Roller. Detailed Implementation

[0020] First, it should be noted that in different described embodiments, the same components are given the same reference numerals or the same component names. The disclosure contained throughout this specification can be applied semantically to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component names. The location descriptions selected in the specification, such as upper, lower, and lateral, also refer to the directly described and illustrated figures and are semantically applied to the new location when the location changes.

[0021] Example: An easy-to-clean ink cartridge, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes an ink cartridge 1, a contact terminal 101, a track 2, a connecting plate 3, a cover plate 4, a torsion spring 5, and a buffer assembly. The ink cartridge 1 has a toner outlet at its bottom, and the precision aperture structure of the toner outlet directly affects the printing accuracy. The contact terminal 101 is located on the right side of the ink cartridge 1. The surface of the contact terminal 101 is gold-plated and is used to stably transmit ink volume detection and printhead drive signals to the printer's main control board. The top front and rear sides of the ink cartridge 1 are connected to the track 2. The two ends of the connecting plate 3 are slidably connected to the track 2. The track 2 is made of a low-friction coefficient material to ensure uniform resistance when the connecting plate 3 slides, reducing the amount of pushing force required by the operator. The right end of the connecting plate 3 is rotatably connected to the cover plate 4, and both ends of the shaft connecting the cover plate 4 and the connecting plate 3 are fitted with torsion springs 5. The torsion springs 5 ​​store elastic potential energy when the cover plate 4 is horizontal. One end of the torsion spring 5 is connected to the cover plate 4, and the other end is connected to the connecting plate 3. The length of the cover plate 4 is greater than the distance between the contact terminal 101 and the top surface of the ink cartridge 1. A buffer assembly for protection is provided on the side of the cover plate 4 near the contact terminal 101.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the buffer assembly includes a buffer plate 6, guide rods 7 and a return spring 8. Several guide rods 7 are slidably connected to the cover plate 4. The end of the guide rods 7 near the contact terminal 101 is connected to the buffer plate 6. Each guide rod 7 is fitted with a return spring 8. One end of the return spring 8 is connected to the guide rod 7 and the other end is connected to the cover plate 4. The buffer plate 6 is made of flexible silicone.

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, it also includes a sealing gasket 9. The side of the buffer plate 6 near the contact terminal 101 is connected to the sealing gasket 9. The sealing gasket 9 is made of corrosion-resistant rubber and has a micro-concave surface design that can fit tightly against the right side of the ink cartridge 1 to enhance the liquid barrier effect.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, it also includes a handle 10, which is attached to the top of the connecting plate 3.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a magnet 11. The left end of the track 2 is connected to the magnet 11. The connecting plate 3 is a magnetic metal. The magnet 11 is magnetically connected to the connecting plate 3, ensuring that the connecting plate 3 is stable and easy to detach when fixed.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a roller 12. The roller 12 is rotatably connected to the right side of the top surface of the ink cartridge 1. The sealing gasket 9 is rolledly connected to the roller 12. The roller 12 reduces the friction of the moving sealing gasket 9 and prevents liquid penetration caused by edge wear.

[0027] During printer operation, if abnormalities such as blurry print quality or unclear lines occur, the operator should first horizontally remove ink cartridge 1 from the printer slot. Then, inject an appropriate amount of dedicated cleaning solvent into the ultrasonic cleaner, ensuring the solvent level is below the contact terminals 101 of ink cartridge 1. The operator holds the handle 10 at the top of the connecting plate 3 with one hand, using the other hand to assist in securing the ink cartridge 1, and pushes the connecting plate 3 to the right at a uniform speed along the track 2. The pushing force must overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnet 11 and the connecting plate 3, the sliding friction between the connecting plate 3 and the track 2, and the static friction between the sealing gasket 9 and the top surface of the ink cartridge 1. During this pushing process, the torsion spring 5, initially in a torsional state, begins to release its stored elastic potential energy. The cover plate 4 and the buffer plate 6 move to the right simultaneously, with the top surface of the buffer plate 6 always maintaining contact with the bottom surface of the cover plate 4. When the sealing gasket 9 moves to the right end of the top surface of the ink cartridge 1, its bottom surface makes rolling contact with the roller 12. The rotation of the roller 12 effectively reduces frictional wear between the edge of the sealing gasket 9 and the right-angled edge of the ink cartridge 1.

[0028] After the cover plate 4 is completely detached from the top surface of the ink cartridge 1, the stretched return spring 8 pushes the buffer plate 6 upward through the guide rod 7, forming a separation gap with the cover plate 4. At the same time, the torsion spring 5 twists back, driving the cover plate 4 to rotate clockwise around the axis. At this time, the sealing gasket 9 quickly adheres to the surface of the contact terminal 101 under the rotational inertia of the cover plate 4. The buffer plate 6 transmits the impact force to the return spring 8 through the guide rod 7, stretching the return spring 8 and forming a secondary stretching buffer. Subsequently, the return spring 8 rebounds, causing the sealing gasket 9 to adhere tightly to the right side of the ink cartridge 1, completely covering the area of ​​the contact terminal 101. The treated ink cartridge 1 is then vertically placed into the cleaning solvent, and the ultrasonic equipment is started for vibration cleaning.

[0029] After cleaning, the operator holds handle 10 and pulls the connecting plate 3 back to the left. As the cover plate 4 moves with the connecting plate 3, it needs to be manually lifted upwards to a horizontal position. The bottom surface of the sealing gasket 9 rolls and contacts the roller 12 again. The guide rod 7 is pushed upwards and stretches the return spring 8. After the cover plate 4 is fully reset, the rebound force of the return spring 8 makes the top surface of the cover plate 4 fit tightly against the lower edge of the track 2 and the bottom surface of the sealing gasket 9 fit tightly against the top surface of the ink cartridge 1. At the same time, the end of the connecting plate 3 is magnetically attracted and fixed to the magnet 11 again to ensure the installation stability of the cover plate 4. Finally, the ink cartridge 1 is installed into the printer.

[0030] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. All equivalent substitutions made within the principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Contents not described in detail in this utility model are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An easy-to-clean ink cartridge, characterized in that: The device includes an ink cartridge (1) and a connecting plate (3). The ink cartridge (1) has a toner outlet at its bottom and a contact terminal (101) on its right side. The top of the ink cartridge (1) is connected to rails (2) on both the front and rear sides. The two ends of the connecting plate (3) are slidably connected to the rails (2). The right end of the connecting plate (3) is rotatably connected to a cover plate (4). Both ends of the shaft connecting the cover plate (4) and the connecting plate (3) are fitted with torsion springs (5). One end of the torsion spring (5) is connected to the cover plate (4), and the other end is connected to the connecting plate (3). The length of the cover plate (4) is greater than the distance between the contact terminal (101) and the top surface of the ink cartridge (1). A buffer assembly for protection is provided on the side of the cover plate (4) near the contact terminal (101).

2. The ink cartridge that is easy to clean according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer assembly includes a buffer plate (6), and the cover plate (4) is slidably connected to a plurality of guide rods (7). The end of the guide rods (7) near the contact terminal (101) is connected to the buffer plate (6). Each guide rod (7) is fitted with a reset spring (8). One end of the reset spring (8) is connected to the guide rod (7), and the other end is connected to the cover plate (4).

3. The ink cartridge that is easy to clean according to claim 2, characterized in that: A sealing gasket (9) is connected to the side of the buffer plate (6) near the contact terminal (101).

4. The ink cartridge that is easy to clean according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the connecting plate (3) is connected to a handle (10).

5. The ink cartridge that is easy to clean according to claim 1, characterized in that: A magnet (11) is connected to the left end of the track (2), and the connecting plate (3) is a magnetic metal. The magnet (11) is magnetically connected to the connecting plate (3).

6. A cleanable ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ink cartridge (1) has a roller (12) rotatably connected to the right side of its top surface, and the sealing gasket (9) is rotatably connected to the roller (12).

Images