Cartridge for inkjet printing and photo printer comprising the same

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of ink cartridge for ink-jet printing and photo printer including it, ink cartridge for ink-jet printing includes box body, printing head and electric contact portion electrically connected to each other, the electric contact portion is also used to be electrically connected with the control unit of printer, the printing head covers the ink jet spout of the box body, the electric contact portion is set on the one side outer surface of the box body, and the extension surface of the printing head and the extension surface of the electric contact portion are set to be on same projection plane.Photo printer includes the ink cartridge as above.The ink cartridge is by being set to be on same projection plane with printing head and electric contact portion, that is, even printing head and electric contact portion are located the same side of box body.When printing head and electric contact portion are integrated in same plane, all core functional components are compressed to a two-dimensional plane layer, thereby reducing the size of ink cartridge in height direction, to adapt to the compact fuselage internal space of photo printer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer technology, and in particular to an ink cartridge for inkjet printing and a photo printer including the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread adoption of digital imaging, the demand for family photo printing is increasing, giving rise to compact photo printers specifically designed for photo output. To meet the requirements of portability and ease of operation, most photo printers on the market today use thermal technology, with ZINK (inkless) technology being a prime example. This type of technology embeds crystals within the photo paper beforehand. The printer precisely controls the temperature of the thermal printhead to allow the crystals to develop colors and create an image, achieving miniaturization and high integration of the device structure.

[0003] However, this type of thermal printing technology has significant drawbacks. First, the cost of its specialized photographic paper is high, resulting in a significantly higher cost per print compared to traditional inkjet printing. Second, its color reproduction and long-term durability are often inferior to professional inkjet photographic paper. Furthermore, thermal printing technology struggles to achieve high-speed printing at high resolutions, creating a bottleneck when pursuing high-quality photo output. These factors limit the widespread adoption of this technology among users who prioritize both cost and quality.

[0004] In contrast, in the traditional A4 printing field, inkjet printing technologies such as thermal inkjet printing are very mature, offering low printing costs and excellent color performance. However, directly applying existing thermal inkjet ink cartridges to small photo printers faces significant obstacles. This is because their cartridge structure typically includes a separate ink reservoir, printhead, and complex ink delivery piping, requiring large external electrical contact points for communication with the printer. Conventional printheads and electrical contact points are located on two perpendicular sides, allowing for a more dispersed printing circuitry and facilitating large-scale, low-cost production. However, the length of the electrical contact area in conventional inkjet cartridges exceeds the height of the cartridge, resulting in a three-dimensional distribution of the printhead and electrical contact points, leading to a bulky and less compact structure. This inherent structural design makes it difficult to directly integrate mature and low-cost traditional inkjet cartridges into the body of a small photo printer. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome the shortcomings of existing inkjet printing ink cartridges, which are too large to fit into photo printers, and to provide an inkjet printing ink cartridge and a photo printer including the inkjet printing ink cartridge.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0007] This utility model provides an ink cartridge for inkjet printing. The ink cartridge includes a cartridge body, a print head and an electrical contact portion that are electrically connected to each other. The electrical contact portion is also used for electrical connection with the control unit of the printer. The print head covers the ink nozzle of the cartridge body. The electrical contact portion is disposed on one outer surface of the cartridge body, and the extended surface of the print head and the extended surface of the electrical contact portion are disposed on the same projection plane.

[0008] In this design, the inkjet printing cartridge places the printhead and electrical contacts on the same projection plane, meaning they are located on the same side of the cartridge body. Compared to the traditional three-dimensional design where the printhead is at the bottom and the electrical contacts are on the side or rear, this inkjet printing cartridge integrates the printhead and electrical contacts on the same plane, compressing all core functional components onto a two-dimensional planar layer. This significantly reduces the cartridge's height, making the entire cartridge as "compressed" as possible and thus thinner. Because this inkjet printing cartridge reduces its overall thickness and height to fit within the compact internal space of a photo printer, it allows for the inclusion of an inkjet printing cartridge in a photo printer, thereby reducing the cost of photo printing.

[0009] Preferably, the cartridge includes multiple ink troughs for containing ink of different colors and a dispensing groove for dispensing ink of different colors. A portion of the ink troughs are provided with the dispensing groove. The outer surface of the dispensing groove has a first mounting surface where the ink nozzle is located. The outer surface of the remaining portion of the ink troughs is a second mounting surface. The main body of the electrical contact portion is disposed on the second mounting surface. The height of the first mounting surface is higher than that of the second mounting surface.

[0010] In this solution, the above-described setup allows for the distribution of inks of various colors through the dispensing slots, creating a wider range of colors to cover the color spectrum required for photo printing. Furthermore, since the printhead's function is to ensure precise ink droplet delivery onto the paper, it needs to be in close contact with both the ink and paper. The electrical contacts, on the other hand, are responsible for establishing a stable and reliable electrical connection with the printer to ensure power and signal transmission; therefore, they need to be kept away from the ink to minimize ink contamination. Placing the printhead and electrical contacts on planes of different heights reduces the likelihood of ink contamination of the electrical contacts. Additionally, raising the printhead allows for closer ink application.

[0011] Preferably, a ramp is provided between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, the ramp serving as a transition between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, and the main body of the electrical contact extends from the ramp to the first mounting surface to electrically connect with the printhead.

[0012] In this solution, by setting a ramp transition between the first setting surface and the second setting surface, the electrical connection can be prevented from being broken due to excessive bending angle of the electrical contact, thereby improving the stability of the electrical connection between the print head and the electrical contact.

[0013] Preferably, the slope of the ramp is between 45 and 60 degrees.

[0014] In this design, if the slope is too shallow, the slope will be longer, increasing the overall length of the cartridge and hindering the reduction of the overall size of the ink cartridge by simplifying the structure. Therefore, a slope between 45 and 60 degrees can shorten the slope length while avoiding excessive bending angles.

[0015] Preferably, the ink cartridge for inkjet printing further includes a first limiting member, and the cartridge body further includes a first side surface. The first side surface extends along the length direction of the cartridge body and is perpendicular to the outer surface on which the electrical contact portion is provided. The first limiting member is disposed on the first side surface and extends at least along the width direction of the cartridge body. The first limiting member is used to restrict the movement of the cartridge body along the length direction of the cartridge body.

[0016] In this solution, by providing a first limiting member extending in the width direction on the first side of the cartridge body in the length direction, the cartridge body can be prevented from sliding along its length direction, thereby improving the overall stability of the ink cartridge used for inkjet printing.

[0017] Preferably, the number of the first limiting members is at least two, the box body includes two first sides, the two first sides are respectively disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the box body along the length direction of the box body, and the two first limiting members are respectively disposed on the two first sides.

[0018] In this solution, the above-mentioned settings further improve the overall stability of the ink cartridge used for inkjet printing.

[0019] Preferably, the ink cartridge for inkjet printing further includes a second limiting member, and the cartridge body further includes a second side surface. The second side surface extends along the width direction of the cartridge body and is perpendicular to both the outer surface on which the electrical contact portion is provided and the first side surface. The second limiting member is disposed on the second side surface and extends at least along the length direction of the cartridge body. The second limiting member is used to restrict the movement of the cartridge body along the width direction of the cartridge body.

[0020] In this solution, by providing a second limiting member extending in the length direction on the second side of the cartridge in the width direction, the cartridge can be prevented from sliding along its width direction, thereby improving the overall stability of the ink cartridge used for inkjet printing.

[0021] Preferably, the electrical contact portion is an FPC circuit board.

[0022] Preferably, the electrical contact portion includes a plurality of electrical contact points for electrical connection with the control unit of the printer, and the plurality of electrical contact points are arranged in an array.

[0023] In this solution, the above settings enable high-density, high-reliability, multi-functional electrical connections within a very small space, thereby reducing the length and width of ink cartridges used for inkjet printing, and further reducing the volume of ink cartridges used for inkjet printing, allowing for better placement of ink cartridges in the photo printer.

[0024] This invention also provides a photo printer, which includes an ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described above.

[0025] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0026] This invention provides an inkjet printing cartridge and a photo printer including the same. The inkjet printing cartridge places the printhead and electrical contacts on the same projection plane, meaning they are located on the same side of the cartridge body. Compared to the traditional three-dimensional structure where the printhead is located at the bottom of the cartridge and the electrical contacts are on the side or rear, this inkjet printing cartridge integrates the printhead and electrical contacts on the same plane, compressing all core functional components onto a two-dimensional planar layer. This significantly reduces the cartridge's height, making the entire cartridge as "compressed" as possible and thus thinner. Because this inkjet printing cartridge reduces the overall thickness and height to fit within the compact internal space of a photo printer, it allows for the inclusion of an inkjet printing cartridge in a photo printer, thereby reducing the cost of photo printing. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an ink cartridge for inkjet printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is one of the cross-sectional views of an ink cartridge for inkjet printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a second cross-sectional view of an ink cartridge for inkjet printing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the electrical contact portion of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] Figure 5This is an exploded view of the plug and ink cartridge used for inkjet printing in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0033] 1000 ink cartridges for inkjet printing

[0034] Box 1

[0035] Printhead 2

[0036] Electrical contact part 3

[0037] Ink sink 4

[0038] Ink nozzle 5

[0039] Spray Channel 6

[0040] Electrical contact point 7

[0041] Square hole 8

[0042] 9-piece boss

[0043] Distribution slot 10

[0044] First setting surface 11

[0045] Second setting surface 12

[0046] Slope 13

[0047] Opening 14

[0048] Plug 15

[0049] First limiting component 16

[0050] First side view 17

[0051] Second limiting component 18

[0052] Second side 19 Detailed Implementation

[0053] The present invention will be described more clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings, using a preferred embodiment.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides an ink cartridge 1000 for inkjet printing. The ink cartridge 1000 includes a cartridge body 1, a print head 2 electrically connected to each other, and an electrical contact part 3. The cartridge body 1 is rectangular, hollow inside, and has several ink troughs 4 disposed within the cavity for holding ink. Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, there are three ink tanks 4, each used to hold red, blue, and yellow inks respectively. Since red, blue, and yellow are primary colors, they can be combined in different proportions to create more color combinations to meet the needs of photo printing. In other embodiments, there can be four ink tanks 4, adding black ink for printing black and white photos, and further increasing the number of ink tanks 4 to accommodate more colors and create more color combinations. One outer surface of the cartridge 1 has an ink nozzle 5 connecting the three ink tanks 4. The ink nozzle 5 includes three mutually separated spray channels 6, each connected to one ink tank 4. The printhead 2 is a chip structure integrating multiple sensors and resistors, covering the ink nozzle 5 to control the ink output of each spray channel 6. The specific structure and function of the printhead 2 are prior art and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the electrical contact 3 is a sheet-like FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) circuit board. One end of its surface has several electrical contact points 7 for electrical connection to the printer's control unit. The other end extends towards the print head 2 and has a square hole 8 for mounting the print head 2. Circuitry is etched on the circuit board, connecting the electrical contact points 7 and the print head 2. In other embodiments, the hole for mounting the print head 2 can also be of other shapes. Figure 1 As shown, several electrical contact points 7 are arranged in an array. This arrangement enables high-density, high-reliability, multi-functional electrical connections within a very small space, thereby reducing the length and width of the ink cartridge 1000 used for inkjet printing, and further reducing its volume, allowing for better placement of the ink cartridge 1000 in a photo printer. The electrical contact 3 is closely attached to the outer surface of the cartridge 1 on the same side where the ink nozzle 5 is located, and the extension surface of the printhead 2 and the extension surface of the electrical contact 3 are positioned on the same projection plane. In other words, the printhead 2 and the electrical contact 3 are located on the same side of the cartridge 1.

[0056] Thus, by placing the printhead 2 and the electrical contact 3 on the same projection plane, the ink cartridge 1000 for inkjet printing is located on the same side of the cartridge body 1. Compared to the traditional three-dimensional structure where the printhead 2 is located at the bottom of the cartridge and the electrical contact 7 is located on the side or rear, the ink cartridge 1000 integrates the printhead 2 and the electrical contact 3 on the same plane, compressing all core functional components onto a two-dimensional planar layer. This significantly reduces the height of the cartridge, making the entire cartridge as "compressed" as possible in the height direction, resulting in a thinner overall cartridge. Because the ink cartridge 1000 reduces the overall thickness and height of the cartridge to fit within the compact internal space of a photo printer, it allows the ink cartridge 1000 to be placed in a photo printer, thereby reducing the cost of photo printing.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the housing 1 also includes a boss 9, which is disposed on the side surface where the ink nozzle 5 and the electrical contact part 3 are located, as shown. Figure 3 As shown, the boss 9 is hollow inside, and a distribution groove 10 is provided in the cavity. The distribution groove 10 is connected to three ink tanks 4 respectively, and is used to distribute ink of different colors. The top surface of the boss 9 (i.e., the outer surface of the distribution groove 10) is the first setting surface 11, and the ink nozzle 5 is set on the first setting surface 11. In this embodiment, the distribution groove 10 is set above one of the three ink tanks 4. In other embodiments, the distribution groove 10 can be set above multiple ink tanks 4 at the same time. However, since the function of the distribution groove 10 is to distribute ink, the required cavity volume is not large. Therefore, when the distribution groove 10 is set on multiple ink tanks 4 at the same time, it will result in the distribution groove 10 being too large, which is not conducive to reducing the overall volume of the ink cartridge. Figure 1 As shown, the outer surface of the remaining part of the ink tank 4, which is the side surface of the ink nozzle 5 and the electrical contact part 3 away from the boss 9, is the second mounting surface 12. The main body of the electrical contact part 3 is mounted on the second mounting surface 12, and the height of the first mounting surface 11 is higher than that of the second mounting surface 12.

[0058] Thus, through the above setup, inks of various colors can be distributed through the dispensing slot 10 to form a wider range of colors, thereby covering the color range required for photo printing. Furthermore, since the function of the printhead 2 is to ensure that ink droplets are accurately ejected onto the paper, the printhead 2 needs to be in close contact with both the ink and the paper. The electrical contact part 3, on the other hand, is responsible for establishing a stable and reliable electrical connection with the printer to ensure the transmission of power and signals, so it needs to be kept away from the ink to minimize ink contamination. By placing the printhead 2 and the electrical contact part 3 on planes of different heights, the possibility of ink contamination of the electrical contact part 3 can be reduced. Simultaneously, raising the printhead 2 allows it to spray ink more closely.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a ramp 13 is provided between the first mounting surface 11 and the second mounting surface 12. The ramp 13 serves as a transition between the first mounting surface 11 and the second mounting surface 12. One end of the electrical contact portion 3 without an electrical contact point 7 extends from the ramp 13 to the first mounting surface 11 and is electrically connected to the print head 2. Thus, by providing a ramp 13 between the first mounting surface 11 and the second mounting surface 12, excessive bending angle of the electrical contact portion 3 can be avoided, preventing electrical connection breakage. Specifically, excessive bending of the circuit board can be avoided, thus improving the stability of the electrical connection between the print head 2 and the electrical contact portion 3. In this embodiment, to facilitate the molding of the boss 9, an opening 14 is provided on the surface of the boss 9 opposite to the ramp 13 for easy demolding. To prevent ink leakage from the opening 14 during use, a plug 15 is provided at the opening 14. The plug 15 covers the opening 14 and forms a seal.

[0060] Furthermore, the slope of ramp 13 is between 45 and 60 degrees. If the slope of ramp 13 is too small, its length will be longer, increasing the overall length of cartridge 1 and hindering the reduction of the overall size of the cartridge through structural simplification. Therefore, a slope of 45 to 60 degrees for ramp 13 shortens its length while avoiding excessive bending angles.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the ink cartridge 1000 for inkjet printing also includes a first limiting member 16, and the cartridge body 1 also includes a first side surface 17. The first side surface 17 extends along the length direction of the cartridge body 1 and is perpendicular to the outer surface where the electrical contact portion 3 is provided. The first limiting member 16 is disposed on the first side surface 17 and extends at least along the width direction of the cartridge body 1. The first limiting member 16 is used to restrict the movement of the cartridge body 1 along the length direction of the cartridge body 1. A snap-fit ​​groove is provided at the position where the ink cartridge is installed inside the printer. Since the first limiting member 16 has at least a component in the width direction of the cartridge body 1, it can be snapped into the inside of the printer. In this embodiment, the first limiting member 16 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first side surface 17, that is, parallel to the width direction of the cartridge body 1. Thus, by providing a first limiting member 16 extending in the width direction on the first side surface 17 in the length direction of the cartridge body 1, the sliding of the cartridge body 1 along its length direction can be prevented, thereby improving the overall stability of the ink cartridge 1000 for inkjet printing.

[0062] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, there are two first limiting members 16. The cartridge 1 includes two first side surfaces 17, which are respectively disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the cartridge 1 along its length. The two first limiting members 16 are respectively disposed on the two first side surfaces 17. This arrangement further improves the overall stability of the ink cartridge 1000 used for inkjet printing. In other embodiments, the number of first limiting members 16 can be adjusted according to actual needs; this embodiment does not impose a limitation.

[0063] Based on the first limiting member 16, the ink cartridge 1000 for inkjet printing can also be provided with a second limiting member 18. The cartridge body 1 also includes a second side 19, which extends along the width direction of the cartridge body 1 and is perpendicular to both the outer surface where the electrical contact portion 3 is provided and the first side 17. The second limiting member 18 is provided on the second side 19 and extends at least along the length direction of the cartridge body 1. The second limiting member 18 is used to restrict the movement of the cartridge body 1 along its width direction. Thus, by providing a length-extending second limiting member 18 on the second side 19 in the width direction of the cartridge body 1, sliding of the cartridge body 1 along its width direction can be prevented, thereby improving the overall stability of the ink cartridge 1000 for inkjet printing.

[0064] This embodiment also provides a photo printer, which includes the ink cartridge 1000 for inkjet printing as described above.

[0065] While specific embodiments of this utility model have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge for inkjet printing, characterized in that, The ink cartridge for inkjet printing includes a cartridge body, a print head and an electrical contact portion that are electrically connected to each other. The electrical contact portion is also used for electrical connection with the control unit of the printer. The print head covers the ink nozzle of the cartridge body. The electrical contact portion is disposed on one outer surface of the cartridge body, and the extended surface of the print head and the extended surface of the electrical contact portion are configured to be on the same projection plane.

2. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cartridge includes multiple ink tanks for holding ink of different colors and a dispensing slot for distributing ink of different colors. A portion of the ink tanks are provided with the dispensing slot. The outer surface of the dispensing slot has a first mounting surface where the ink nozzle is located. The outer surface of the remaining portion of the ink tanks is a second mounting surface. The main body of the electrical contact portion is disposed on the second mounting surface. The height of the first mounting surface is higher than that of the second mounting surface.

3. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A ramp is provided between the first setting surface and the second setting surface, the ramp being used for transition between the first setting surface and the second setting surface, and the main body of the electrical contact extends from the ramp to the first setting surface to be electrically connected to the printhead.

4. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The slope of the slope is between 45 and 60 degrees.

5. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ink cartridge for inkjet printing further includes a first limiting member, and the cartridge body further includes a first side surface. The first side surface extends along the length direction of the cartridge body and is perpendicular to the outer surface on which the electrical contact portion is provided. The first limiting member is disposed on the first side surface and extends at least along the width direction of the cartridge body. The first limiting member is used to restrict the movement of the cartridge body along the length direction of the cartridge body.

6. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the first limiting members is at least two, the box body includes two first sides, the two first sides are respectively disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the box body along the length direction of the box body, and the two first limiting members are respectively disposed on the two first sides.

7. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The ink cartridge for inkjet printing also includes a second limiting member, and the cartridge body also includes a second side surface. The second side surface extends along the width direction of the cartridge body and is perpendicular to both the outer surface on which the electrical contact portion is provided and the first side surface. The second limiting member is provided on the second side surface and extends at least along the length direction of the cartridge body. The second limiting member is used to restrict the movement of the cartridge body along the width direction of the cartridge body.

8. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical contacts are made of FPC circuit boards.

9. The ink cartridge for inkjet printing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical contact portion includes a plurality of electrical contact points, which are used to electrically connect with the control unit of the printer, and the plurality of electrical contact points are arranged in an array.

10. A photo printer, characterized in that, It includes ink cartridges for inkjet printing as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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