Ink refill container

Abstract

The application discloses an ink supplement container which can be connected to an ink tank and capable of supplementing ink into the ink tank, the ink supplement container comprises a container main body part, an ink outlet flow path part and a valve part, the ink outlet flow path part is provided with a first flow path part and a second flow path part at an end part away from the container main body part; the first flow path part has a first flow path with a first end opening to the inside and a second end opening to the outside; the second flow path part has a second flow path with a third end opening to the inside and a fourth end opening to the outside; the first flow path part is inserted into a communication port to communicate with an inner cavity of the ink tank, a tank side pipe is inserted into the second flow path part to communicate with the container main body part, and the second end and the fourth end are flush, so that the ink supplement container can be matched with the ink tank, the two can be quickly connected or separated, the ink supplement container can stably supplement ink into the ink tank, and ink leakage is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more particularly to an ink refill container. Background Technology

[0002] Ink cartridges are a component of printers; they are used to hold ink.

[0003] Currently, a printer on the market has an ink inlet on its ink tank that connects to an ink refill container. This ink inlet is angled on the upper surface of the ink tank, and contains a side tube and a connecting port. The side tube protrudes and is angled within the ink inlet, connecting the inside and outside of the ink tank. The connecting port is an opening at the bottom of the ink inlet, also connecting the inside and outside of the ink tank. This allows the ink refill container to enter the ink tank through its interaction with the ink inlet. By exchanging gas and liquid between the ink refill container and the ink tank, ink is refilled into the ink tank.

[0004] However, due to the structural design of the ink inlet on the aforementioned ink canister, existing ink refill containers cannot be inserted into the ink canister with the aforementioned structure, which in turn affects ink filling, may lead to ink leakage, and pollute the external environment. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides an ink refill container that can be adapted to the above-mentioned ink canister to achieve stable ink filling and avoid ink leakage.

[0006] This application provides an ink refill container that can be connected to an ink tank and can refill the ink tank with ink. The ink tank has an ink inlet, a side tube and a connecting port on the ink inlet. The side tube protrudes and is inclined. The connecting port is an opening at the bottom of the ink inlet. Both the side tube and the connecting port connect the inside and outside of the ink tank. The ink refill container includes: a container body, an ink outlet flow path and a valve component. The container body is used to store ink; the ink outlet flow path is connected to the container body, and the ink outlet flow path has a first flow path and a second flow path protruding from the end away from the container body; the valve component is disposed in the ink outlet flow path and is used to open or close the first flow path and the second flow path. The first flow path section has a first flow path, the first flow path having a first end opening into the interior of the container body and a second end opening into the exterior of the ink replenishment container; the second flow path section has a second flow path, the second flow path having a third end opening into the interior of the container body and a fourth end opening into the exterior of the ink replenishment container; The first flow path is inserted into the communication port and communicates with the inside of the ink can. The can side tube is inserted into the second flow path from the fourth end and communicates with the container body. The second end and the fourth end are flush along the height direction of the container body.

[0007] Optionally, the ink outlet flow path includes a connecting portion and a protrusion; The connecting part is connected to the open end of the container body, and the protrusion protrudes from the end of the connecting part away from the container body. The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are respectively protruding and disposed on the protruding portion.

[0008] Optionally, the protrusion is provided with a bottle-side first tube and a bottle-side second tube, both extending in a direction away from the connecting portion; The inner cavity of the bottle-side first tube is formed as at least a portion of the first flow path, and the end of the bottle-side first tube away from the connecting portion is formed as the second end; The inner cavity of the second tube on the bottle side is formed as at least a portion of the second flow path, and the end of the second tube on the bottle side away from the connecting portion is formed as the fourth end.

[0009] Optionally, the outer side wall of the first tube on the bottle side and the outer side wall of the second tube on the bottle side are connected to form an integral structure; And / or, the materials of the first tube on the bottle side and the second tube on the bottle side are different from the material of the connecting part.

[0010] Optionally, the first tube on the bottle side and / or the second tube on the bottle side are flexible tubes.

[0011] Optionally, a color-coded slot is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion; And / or, the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0012] Optionally, the inner diameter of the first flow path is smaller than the inner diameter of the second flow path.

[0013] Optionally, the outer diameter of the tank-side pipe is equal to the inner diameter of the second flow path.

[0014] Optionally, the ink refill container further includes a cap component for closing with the ink outlet flow path.

[0015] Optionally, the cover component has a first engaging portion, and the ink outlet flow path has a second engaging portion that can be matched and engaged with the first engaging portion.

[0016] Optionally, the container body has an external thread, and the ink outlet flow path is provided with a third engaging part that can engage with the external thread.

[0017] The ink refill container provided in this application embodiment comprises a container body, an ink outlet flow path, and a valve component. A first flow path and a second flow path protrude from the end of the ink outlet flow path furthest from the container body. The first flow path has a first end opening inward and a second end opening outward, and is inserted into the ink tank's communication port. The second flow path has a third end opening inward and a fourth end opening outward. A canister-side tube is inserted into the second flow path, with the second and fourth ends flush. When ink is filled into the ink tank, the communication port of the first flow path connects with the inner cavity of the ink tank, forming an ink flow path. The canister-side tube of the ink tank is inserted into the second flow path and connects with the container body, forming an air flow path. This achieves ink flow from the container body to the ink tank and compensated air flow from the ink tank to the container body, thus achieving compatibility between the ink refill container and the ink tank. The ink refill container stably replenishes ink into the ink tank.

[0018] Because the side tube of the ink can is inserted into the second flow path section and the first flow path section is inserted into the connecting port, it facilitates the quick matching and engagement or disengagement of the ink refill container and the ink can. This simplifies operation, improves the user experience, and enhances the separation effect of the gas and liquid flow paths. This ensures that ink is smoothly replenished into the ink can and gas is smoothly replenished into the main body of the container, preventing gas or liquid from leaking to the outside. This improves the filling speed and avoids contaminating the user and the surrounding environment.

[0019] Meanwhile, by aligning the second end of the first flow path with the fourth end of the second flow path, the insertion fit between the first flow path and the connecting port, as well as the insertion fit between the second flow path and the can side tube, can be guaranteed simultaneously. This improves the sealing between the ink refill container and the corresponding interface of the ink can to a certain extent, thereby further improving the smoothness of gas-liquid exchange, increasing the filling speed and stability, and preventing gas or ink leakage that could contaminate the user and the surrounding environment. Attached Figure Description

[0020] 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an ink reservoir; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink can; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ink refill container in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ink refill container after the cap is removed in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the ink refill container after the cap is removed in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container after removing the cap in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container valve component in Embodiment 1 of this utility model when it is open; Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the sixth and eighth connecting ports symmetrical about the reference axis A1 in the left-right direction in a virtual cross-section perpendicular to the reference axis A1 in Embodiment 1 of this utility model. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ink outlet flow path in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink outlet flow path in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the container body in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the cover component in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover component in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100M, Ink Can; 101, Front Wall; 102, Right Wall; 103, Left Wall; 104, Top Wall; 104A, Rear Top Wall; 104B, Middle Top Wall; 104C, Front Top Wall; 105, Lower Wall; 106, Rear Wall; 111, Ink Chamber; 112, Vent; 113, Upper Protrusion; 114, First Connecting Port; 115, Can Side Tube; 115A, Tube Shaft; 116, Second Connecting Port; 117, Pressing Surface; 118, Horizontal Surface; 119, Third Connecting Port; 120, Connecting Tube; 121, Fourth Connecting Port; 122, Cover Part; 124, Outflow Tube; 125, Outlet; 126, Connecting Port; 127, Ink Cartridge Cover; 200. Ink refill container; 210. Container body; 211. Ink storage chamber; 211a. Open end; 2111. Opening; 212. External thread; 220. Ink outlet flow path; 220a. Ink outlet; 220b. Connecting part; 222. Protrusion; 222a. Internal space; 223. Upper wall; 224. Bottle side first tube; 224a. Fifth connecting port; 224b. Sixth connecting port; 225. Bottle side second tube; 225a. Seventh connecting port; 225b. Eighth connecting port; 226. Third engaging part; 227. Color holder; 228. Reinforcing rib; 229. Second engaging part; 230. Valve component; 230a. Valve body; 230b. Valve seat; 230c. Helical spring; 240. Cap component; 241. First engaging part. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the application and not intended to limit its scope. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present application, not the entire structure.

[0024] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The concepts of "first," "second," etc., used in this application are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not intended to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies. It should be noted that the modifications "a" or "a plurality of" used in this application are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless explicitly stated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0025] The ink refill container provided by this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0026] An inkjet printer (not shown in the figure) includes an ink tank that contains ink and is connected to the ink tubes of the printer. This allows ink to be supplied from the ink tank to the print head, enabling inkjet printing on a recording medium (such as paper). The ink tank can be located externally or internally to the inkjet printer. There can be one or multiple ink tanks, which can be arranged along the width. Multiple ink tanks can each contain inks of different colors; for example, multiple ink tanks can each contain black, yellow, magenta, and cyan inks. Alternatively, multiple ink tanks can also contain inks of the same color.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the ink tank 100M has an ink inlet, which has a side tube 115 and a connecting port (hereinafter specifically referred to as the third connecting port 119). The side tube 115 is protruding and inclined, connecting the interior and exterior of the ink tank 100M. The third connecting port 119 is an opening at the bottom of the ink inlet, which also connects the interior and exterior of the ink tank 100M.

[0028] For example, the ink can 100M has a generally rectangular shape. Specifically, the ink can 100M includes: a front wall 101, a right wall 102, a left wall 103, a top wall 104, a lower wall 105, a rear wall 106, a cover 122, and an outlet tube 124. The front wall 101, right wall 102, left wall 103, top wall 104, lower wall 105, and rear wall 106 define an ink chamber 111 for storing ink. The ink can 100M can be integrally molded, for example, by injection molding of a resin material.

[0029] The outer wall of the ink can 100M, for example, the lower wall 105, can be a separately molded product. The front wall 101, right wall 102, left wall 103, top wall 104, lower wall 105 and rear wall 106 are translucent, so that the ink level inside the ink can 100M can be seen from the outside of the ink can 100M.

[0030] The ink inlet is located on the top wall 104. The upper surface of the top wall 104 is a horizontal plane extending in both the front-back and left-right directions. The top wall 104 has a rear top wall 104A, a middle top wall 104B, and a front top wall 104C. The top surface of the rear top wall 104A is located at a higher position than the top surfaces of the middle top wall 104B and the front top wall 104C. The rear top wall 104A has a vent 112 that connects the ink chamber 111 to the outside. The vent 112 penetrates the rear top wall 104A in the vertical direction.

[0031] The middle top wall 104B is located between the rear top wall 104A and the front top wall 104C in the front-rear direction. The middle top wall 104B is located approximately at the center of the top wall 104 in the front-rear direction. The middle top wall 104B has a cylindrical upper protrusion 113 extending upward from its upper surface. The upper protrusion 113 is located at the front end of the middle top wall 104B. The upper end of the upper protrusion 113 is closed. The internal space of the upper protrusion 113 opens downward. The upper protrusion 113 has a first connecting opening 114 that connects the internal space to the outside. The first connecting opening 114 is circular. The first connecting opening 114 is an example of a first opening located in the ink chamber 111.

[0032] A can-side tube 115 is connected to the first connecting port 114. Exemplarily, the can-side tube 115 is a circular tube extending obliquely upward from the first connecting port 114 along an extension direction intersecting the direction of gravity and the horizontal direction. The first connecting port 114 can be considered as the bottom opening of the can-side tube 115. Viewed from the tube axis, the can-side tube 115 is circular. The top end of the can-side tube 115 has a second connecting port 116. The second connecting port 116 is circular. The second connecting port 116 is an example of a second opening located outside the ink chamber 111. The can-side tube 115 defines a gas flow path G1 connecting the first connecting port 114 and the second connecting port 116.

[0033] The tip of the can-side tube 115 has a pressing surface 117 and a horizontal surface 118. The pressing surface 117 is a surface parallel to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the tube axis 115A (an example of a centerline) of the can-side tube 115. The pressing surface 117 is located below the tip of the can-side tube 115. The pressing surface 117 is the surface that presses the valve component 230 of the ink refill container 200 when it is connected to the ink can 100M, as described below. The horizontal surface 118 is located above the tip of the can-side tube 115. The second communication port 116 opens upwards. The horizontal surface 118 can be a horizontal plane or slightly inclined relative to a horizontal plane.

[0034] The front top wall 104C is located between the front end of the top wall 104 and the front end of the middle top wall 104B. The top surface of the front top wall 104C is lower than the top surface of the rear top wall 104A and higher than the top surface of the middle top wall 104B. A third connecting opening 119 (an example of a third opening) is provided in the top surface of the front top wall 104C, connecting the ink chamber 111 to the outside. The third connecting opening 119 extends vertically through the front top wall 104C. The third connecting opening 119 is adjacent to the front of the upper protrusion 113. The third connecting opening 119 is located at the rear end of the front top wall 104C. The third connecting opening 119 is circular.

[0035] Connecting tube 120 is connected to third communication port 119. Connecting tube 120 is a circular tube extending downward in the direction of gravity from third communication port 119 through ink chamber 111. The inner diameter of connecting tube 120 is larger than the inner diameter of can-side tube 115. Connecting tube 120 has a fourth communication port 121 (an example of a fourth opening) opening downward at its lower end. Fourth communication port 121 is located below first communication port 114. Fourth communication port 121 is circular. Connecting tube 120 is the tube that communicates with the bottle-side first tube 224 of ink refill container 200 when ink refill container 200 is connected to ink can 100M as described below. Connecting tube 120 defines auxiliary ink flow path S1.

[0036] The upper surface of the front top wall 104C is provided with a cylindrical cover 122 to cover the area around the can side pipe 115 and the third connecting port 119. The cover 122 extends upward from the front top wall 104C and the upper protrusion 113 along an extension direction intersecting the direction of gravity and the horizontal direction, and is parallel to the can side pipe 115. The can side pipe 115 protrudes upward beyond the top of the cover 122.

[0037] A removable cartridge cover 127 is provided on the cover portion 122. Note that... Figure 1 The image shows the cartridge cover 127 removed from the cover 122. The cartridge cover 127 is, for example, a cylindrical component closed at one end. Pressing the cartridge cover 127 into the top of the cover 122 closes the second communication port 116 and the third communication port 119 of the can-side tube 115. This prevents foreign objects such as dust from entering the ink can 100M through the can-side tube 115 and the third communication port 119, and prevents ink from leaking from the ink can 100M. The outflow tube 124 has an outlet 125 and a connection port 126. The outflow tube 124 is located inside the top wall 104B, approximately at the center of the top wall 104B in the front-back direction. The outflow tube 124 is a circular tube extending in the vertical direction and penetrates the top wall 104B. The lower end of the outflow tube 124 is located near the upper surface of the lower wall 105, and the opening at the lower end of the outflow tube 124 is the outlet 125. The upper end of the outflow tube 124 is located outside the ink chamber 111, and the opening at the upper end of the outflow tube 124 is the connection port 126, which is used to connect the ink tube of the printer.

[0038] During printing, the ink in the ink chamber 111 is supplied to the recording head through the outflow pipe 124 and the ink tube. When the ink is ejected from the recording head and the ink in the ink chamber 111 is consumed, air flows into the ink chamber 111 through the vent 112.

[0039] like Figures 3 to 13 As shown, this application provides an ink replenishment container 200 for replenishing ink to an ink canister 100M. The ink replenishment container 200 includes a container body 210, an ink outlet flow path 220, and a valve component 230.

[0040] The ink refill container 200 can be an ink bottle, ink bag, ink canister, etc.; an ink bottle will be used as an example of an ink refill container 200 for illustration.

[0041] The container body 210 has an internal space forming an ink storage chamber 211 for storing ink. Taking an ink bottle as an example, the container body 210 is the bottle body, which is generally cylindrical, but can also be other shapes such as a square prism. The bottle body can be made of a flexible material that can be deformed by compression, or it can be made of other materials that cannot be deformed by compression. Figure 11The bottle body has an open end 211a at one end, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the bottle body. The end of the open end 211a away from the bottle body has an opening 2111, through which the ink inside the bottle body flows out.

[0042] The ink outlet flow path 220 is connected to the container body 210. Specifically, the ink outlet flow path 220 is located at the opening end 211a of the container body 210 (bottle body) and communicates with the container body 210 through the opening 2111. The ink in the container body 210 flows out through the ink outlet flow path 220.

[0043] The ink outlet flow path 220 has a first flow path and a second flow path protruding from the end away from the container body 210. A valve component 230 is provided inside the ink outlet flow path 220 for opening or closing the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0044] Reference Figures 4 to 10 As shown, the first flow path section has a first flow path, which has a first end opening into the interior of the container body section 210 and a second end opening into the exterior of the ink replenishment container 200. (Refer to...) Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, for example, the first end can be the end of the first flow path with the fifth connection port 224a (inner end), and the second end can be the end of the first flow path with the sixth connection port 224b (outer end).

[0045] The second flow path section has a second flow path, which has a third end opening into the interior of the container body 210 and a fourth end opening into the exterior of the ink replenishment container 200. (See reference...) Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, for example, the third end can specifically be one end (inner end) of the second flow path with the seventh connection port 225a, and the fourth end can specifically be one end (outer end) of the second flow path with the eighth connection port 225b.

[0046] The first flow path section is inserted into the third communication port 119 of the ink tank 100M to communicate with the interior of the ink tank 100M. The tank side tube 115 is inserted into the second flow path section to communicate with the container body 210, and is positioned along the height direction of the container body 210 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 On the vertical direction, the second and fourth ends are flush.

[0047] Specifically, when it is necessary to refill the ink canister 100M with ink, for example, by... Figure 4The ink refill container 200 shown is tilted so that the first flow path section is inserted into the third connecting port 119 of the ink tank 100M and communicates with the inner cavity of the ink tank, and the side tube 115 of the ink tank 100M is inserted into the second flow path section and communicates with the container body 210. Since the second end of the first flow path section is in a low position, when the first flow path section is inserted into the third connecting port 119, the ink flows into the ink tank 100M along the first flow path section under the action of gravity, forming an ink flow path. When the canister side tube 115 is inserted, the two ends of the second flow path are connected to the ink chamber 111 of the ink canister 100M and the inner cavity of the container body 210, respectively. Air flows from the ink chamber 111 of the ink canister 100M into the second flow path through the canister side tube 115, and then replenishes the container body 210, filling the space after the ink flows out, forming an air flow path. That is, the flow of ink from the container body 210 to the ink canister 100M and the compensating flow of air from the ink canister 100M to the container body 210 are realized, thereby realizing the adaptation of the ink replenishment container 200 and the ink canister 100M, and stably replenishing ink to the ink canister 100M through the ink replenishment container 200.

[0048] This embodiment of the application, through the above-described configuration, enables the ink refill container to be compatible with the ink tank 100M, stably replenishing ink to the ink tank 100M and preventing ink leakage. Since the side tube 115 is inserted into the second flow path section and the first flow path section is inserted into the third connecting port 119, this facilitates quick matching and disconnection between the ink refill container 200 and the ink tank 100M, simplifying operation and improving user experience. Furthermore, this configuration enhances the separation effect of the gas-liquid flow paths, ensuring smooth ink replenishment into the ink tank 100M and smooth gas replenishment into the container body 210, preventing gas or liquid leakage to the outside, thereby increasing the filling speed and avoiding contamination of the user and the surrounding environment.

[0049] Meanwhile, by aligning the second end of the first flow path with the fourth end of the second flow path, the insertion fit between the first flow path and the third connecting port 119, as well as the insertion fit between the second flow path and the can side tube 115, can be guaranteed to a certain extent. This improves the sealing between the ink replenishment container 200 and the corresponding interface of the ink can 100M, thereby further improving the smoothness of gas-liquid exchange, increasing the filling speed and stability, and preventing gas or ink leakage from polluting the user and the surrounding environment.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figures 3 to 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the ink outlet flow path 220 includes a connecting portion 220b and a protrusion 222, wherein the connecting portion 220b is connected to the opening end 211a of the container body portion 210, and the protrusion 222 protrudes from the end of the connecting portion 220b away from the container body portion 210. The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion each protrude from the protrusion 222.

[0051] In this way, the ink outlet flow path 220 is connected to the container body 210 through the connecting part 220b, and the gas-liquid flow is realized through the first flow path and the second flow path on the protrusion 222. This not only makes the connection between the ink outlet flow path 220 and the container body 210 more convenient and reliable, but also makes the manufacture of the first flow path and the second flow path easier.

[0052] Furthermore, since the protrusion 222 is located at the end of the connecting part 220b away from the container body part 210, the protrusion 222 can play a certain guiding role for gas and liquid, improve the gas-liquid exchange efficiency, and thus improve the ink filling speed.

[0053] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, the ink outlet flow path 220 is provided with a third engaging part 226, and the container body 210 has an external thread 212. The third engaging part 226 can be matched and connected with the external thread 212, thereby connecting the ink outlet flow path 220 to the container body 210.

[0054] Combination Figures 4 to 11 As shown, the ink outlet flow path 220 is specifically connected to the opening end 211a of the container body 210 via the connecting part 220b. Specifically, the third engaging part 226 is provided inside the connecting part 220b, and the external thread 212 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the opening end 211a of the container body 210. The connecting part 220b and the container body 210 are engaged and connected via the third engaging part 226 and the external thread 212.

[0055] Specifically, the third engaging portion 226 is disposed within the connecting portion 220b at one end near the container body portion 210. For example, multiple third engaging portions 226 may be provided, such as two, three, four, five, or more, to facilitate a stable connection between the connecting portion 220b and the container body portion 210. Alternatively, the container body portion 210 may not have external threads, and only a engaged portion that engages with the third engaging portion 226 may be provided.

[0056] Alternatively, the ink outlet flow path 220 and the container body 210 can be connected by snap-fit, threaded connection, bonding, welding (spot welding), or an integral molding structure.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figures 3 to 10 As shown, the ink outlet flow path 220 has an ink outlet portion 220a, which is located at the end of the connecting portion 220b furthest from the container body 210. That is, the connecting portion 220b is closer to the container body 210 than the ink outlet portion 220a. The interior of the ink outlet portion 220a is an ink channel communicating with the container body 210.

[0058] Specifically, the protrusion 222 is provided at the end of the ink outlet 220a that is away from the container body 210.

[0059] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 As shown, a color card slot 227 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion 222. The color card slots on the ink refill containers 200 of different colors can be set differently to facilitate user insertion and prevent accidental filling.

[0060] In some embodiments, a reinforcing rib 228 is also provided on the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion 222 to support the protrusion 222 and prevent it from deforming.

[0061] However, in some other embodiments, the color slot 227 and reinforcing rib 228 may be omitted to improve the versatility of the ink refill container 200.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figures 4 to 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the protrusion 222 is provided with a bottle-side first tube 224 and a bottle-side second tube 225, both of which extend in a direction away from the connecting portion 220b.

[0063] The inner cavity of the bottle-side first tube 224 forms at least a portion of the first flow path, and the end of the bottle-side first tube 224 away from the connecting portion 220b forms the aforementioned second end. The inner cavity of the bottle-side second tube 225 forms at least a portion of the second flow path, and the end of the bottle-side second tube 225 away from the connecting portion 220b forms the aforementioned fourth end.

[0064] In other words, when the ink replenishment container 200 fills the ink tank 100M with ink, the first tube 224 on the bottle side is inserted into the third connecting port 119 and connected to the ink chamber 111 to form an ink flow path, while the can side tube 115 is inserted into the second tube 225 on the bottle side. Air is discharged from the can side tube 115 into the container body 210 to form an air flow path. This arrangement makes the insertion operation between the ink replenishment container 200 and the ink tank 100M more convenient and can improve the gas-liquid separation effect to a certain extent, further improve the smoothness of gas-liquid exchange, thereby further increasing the filling speed and avoiding ink leakage.

[0065] Moreover, this design makes the production of the first and second flow paths more convenient.

[0066] Reference Figures 6 to 10 As shown, the protrusion 222 has an upper end wall 223 that separates the internal space 222a of the protrusion 222 from the outside. The bottle-side first tube 224 and the bottle-side second tube 225 are specifically provided on the upper end wall 223.

[0067] The bottle-side first tube 224 connects the internal space 222a of the protrusion 222 with the outside of the container body 210. The bottle-side first tube 224 has a fifth connecting port 224a and a sixth connecting port 224b. The lower end of the bottle-side first tube 224 extends into the interior of the container body 210 through the fifth connecting port 224a, and the upper end of the bottle-side first tube 224 extends into the outside of the container body 210 through the sixth connecting port 224b, which is the upper end of the bottle-side first tube 224.

[0068] The second tube 225 on the bottle side also connects the internal space 222a of the protrusion 222 to the outside of the container body 210. The second tube 225 on the bottle side has a seventh connecting port 225a and an eighth connecting port 225b. The lower end of the second tube 225 on the bottle side leads to the interior of the container body 210 through the seventh connecting port 225a, and the upper end of the second tube 225 on the bottle side leads to the outside of the container body 210 through the eighth connecting port 225b, which is the upper end of the second tube 225 on the bottle side.

[0069] For example, the fifth connecting port 224a, the sixth connecting port 224b, the seventh connecting port 225a, and the eighth connecting port 225b are circular. The sixth connecting port 224b and the eighth connecting port 225b are located on the left and right sides of the center of the protrusion 222 in the left-right direction, and their distances to the upper end wall 223 in the up-down direction are equal, that is, the heights of the sixth connecting port 224b and the eighth connecting port 225b are flush.

[0070] For example, the first tube 224 on the bottle side is a circular tube extending upward from the fifth connecting port 224a to the sixth connecting port 224b, and the second tube 225 on the bottle side is a circular tube extending upward from the seventh connecting port 225a to the eighth connecting port 225b. The upper end wall 223 is perpendicular to the direction of extension of the two bottle side tubes.

[0071] The first tube 224 on the bottle side defines an ink flow path F1 connecting the fifth connecting port 224a and the sixth connecting port 224b. The second tube 225 on the bottle side defines a gas flow path G2 connecting the seventh connecting port 225a and the eighth connecting port 225b. The diameter of the ink flow path F1 does not need to be equal to the diameter of the gas flow path G2.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first tube 224 and the second tube 225 on the bottle side are protruding from the protrusion 222, that is, they extend in the vertical direction away from the container body 210.

[0073] In some other embodiments, the bottle-side first tube 224 and the bottle-side second tube 225 may also be non-protruding structures, that is, formed by two connecting ports respectively, which connect the interior and exterior of the ink replenishment container 200.

[0074] Among them, the upper wall 223 is an example of a wall. The bottle-side first tube 224 is an example of a first flow path section, and the bottle-side second tube 225 is an example of a second flow path section. The fifth connecting port 224a is an example of a fifth opening and a first end, the sixth connecting port 224b is an example of a sixth opening and a second end, the seventh connecting port 225a is an example of a seventh opening and a third end, the eighth connecting port 225b is an example of an eighth opening and a fourth end, the ink flow path F1 is an example of a first flow path section, and the gas flow path G2 is an example of a second flow path section.

[0075] Reference Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the outer wall of the first tube 224 on the bottle side and the outer wall of the second tube 225 on the bottle side are connected to form an integral structure, that is, the first tube 224 on the bottle side and the second tube 225 on the bottle side are an integral structure.

[0076] By making the first tube 224 and the second tube 225 on the bottle side into an integrated structure, not only is the insertion efficiency of the ink refill container 200 and the ink canister 100M improved, enhancing the user experience, but it also makes manufacturing more convenient. Furthermore, it increases the overall structural strength of the first tube 224 and the second tube 225 on the bottle side, thereby increasing the structural strength of the end of the ink refill container 200, reducing the probability of damage to the end of the ink refill container 200 from impacts, and extending the service life of the ink refill container 200.

[0077] In some embodiments, the materials used for the bottle-side first tube 224 and the bottle-side second tube 225 may be different from those used for the connecting portion 220b.

[0078] This allows for greater flexibility in the material selection for the bottle-side tubes and connecting parts 220b during manufacturing. For example, the connecting parts 220b can be made of a harder material to ensure reliable connection between the connecting parts 220b and the container body 210. The materials used for the bottle-side first tube 224 and bottle-side second tube 225 are softer than those used for the connecting parts 220b, making it easier to insert the bottle-side first tube 224 into the third connecting port 119 and the can-side tube 115 into the bottle-side second tube 225, and also improving the sealing effect.

[0079] For example, the first tube 224 and the second tube 225 on the bottle side are specifically flexible tubes, and the materials used for the first tube 224 and the second tube 225 on the bottle side can be resin, plastic or rubber, etc.

[0080] In some embodiments, the material of the protrusion 222 and the ink outflow portion 220a may be the same as or different from the material of the connecting portion 220b.

[0081] In addition, in other embodiments, the bottle-side first tube 224 and bottle-side second tube 225 may also be made of the same material as components such as the connecting part 220b, and are not limited here.

[0082] Reference Figures 5 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve component 230 is located in the internal space 222a of the protrusion 222. In some embodiments, the valve component 230 has a valve body 230a, a valve seat 230b, and a coil spring 230c.

[0083] For example, the valve body 230a is flat and extends in both the front-back and left-right directions. When viewed from above, the valve body 230a is approximately elliptical along the inner surface of the protrusion 222. The upper surface of the valve body 230a abuts against the lower surface of the upper end wall 223 of the protrusion 222. The length of the valve body 230a in the left-right direction is the dimension for closing the fifth communication port 224a and the seventh communication port 225a. The length of the valve body 230a in the left-right direction is less than the inner diameter of the protrusion 222. The length of the valve body 230a in the front-back direction is the length by which the front and rear ends of the valve body 230a slightly contact the inner surface of the protrusion 222. The valve body 230a is movable in the up-down direction along the upper end wall 223 of the protrusion 222.

[0084] The valve seat 230b is located below the valve body 230a. Exemplarily, the valve seat 230b is flat and extends in both the front-back and left-right directions. The valve seat 230b is fixed to the inner surface of the protrusion 222 in the front-back direction. The valve seat 230b is engaged and fixed in the vertical direction at the connection between the container body 210 and the ink outlet flow path 220, thus both fixing the movement of the valve seat 230b and sealing the opening to prevent ink from flowing out of the container body.

[0085] A helical spring 230c is located between the valve body 230a and the valve seat 230b. The helical spring 230c is compressible in the vertical direction. The helical spring 230c is supported on the upper surface of the valve seat 230b. The helical spring 230c biases the valve body 230a upward. As a result, the helical spring 230c presses the upper surface of the valve body 230a against the lower surface of the upper end wall 223 of the protrusion 222.

[0086] The structure of the valve seat 230b is not limited. In some other embodiments, the end of the valve seat 230b away from the valve body 230a can abut against the bottom or inner peripheral wall of the container body 210, or can be fixedly connected to the inner peripheral surface of the opening end 211a, or other parts, to ensure that the valve seat 230b is stably fixed in the ink replenishment container 200 and can support the valve body 230a and the helical spring 230c.

[0087] Specifically, valve component 230 is movable between a closed position and an open position along the vertical direction of the bottle side tube. In the closed position, the upper surface of valve body 230a is pressed upward against the lower surface of the upper end wall 223 of protrusion 222 by the biasing force of coil spring 230c (see...). Figure 6 In the closed position, valve body 230a closes the fifth connecting port 224a and the seventh connecting port 225a of the bottle side tube. In the open position, valve body 230a moves downward from the closed position against the biasing force of the coil spring 230c (see...). Figure 7 When in the open position, valve component 230 defines a gas flow path G3 for airflow through the left end face of valve body 230a and the inner surface of connecting portion 220b. Gas flow path G3 connects the ink storage chamber 211 and the internal space 222a of protrusion 222. When valve component 230 is in the open position, the right end face of valve body 230a and the inner surface of connecting portion 220b define an ink flow path F2 for ink flow. Ink flow path F2 connects the ink storage chamber 211 and the internal space 222a of protrusion 222.

[0088] In some embodiments, the ink flow path F2 is smaller than the gas flow path G3 in the left-right direction. In other words, the space defined by the gas flow path G3 through the left end face of the valve body 230a and the inner surface of the connecting portion 220b is larger than the space defined by the ink flow path F2 through the right end face of the valve body 230a and the inner surface of the connecting portion 220b.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the structure of the valve component 230 is not limited and can be other shapes. For example, the valve body 230a and valve seat 230b can be circular, or square, rectangular or rhomboid, etc.

[0090] Of course, in addition to the structure shown above, in other embodiments, the valve component 230 may also be a sealing film disposed in the ink outlet flow path 220, for example, the sealing film may be affixed to the fifth connecting port 224a and the seventh connecting port 225a. When the ink refill container 200 is not inserted into the ink tank 100M, the sealing film seals the fifth connecting port 224a and the seventh connecting port 225a. When the ink refill container 200 is matched and inserted into the ink tank 100M, the tank-side tube 115 is inserted into the bottle-side second tube 225, for example, by piercing the sealing film through the pressing surface 117 of the tank-side tube 115, thereby opening the fifth connecting port 224a and the seventh connecting port 225a.

[0091] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the can-side pipe 115 may be equal to the inner diameter of the second flow path. Specifically, the outer diameter of the can-side pipe 115 may be equal to the inner diameter of the bottle-side second pipe 225.

[0092] This allows the tank-side pipe 115 to form an interference fit with the second flow path, ensuring that the tank-side pipe 115 can be easily inserted into the second flow path, improving the reliability of the connection between the two, and improving the sealing between the tank-side pipe 115 and the second flow path, improving the smoothness of gas-liquid exchange, thereby improving the filling efficiency, and avoiding gas leakage that could affect the user or the surrounding environment.

[0093] For example, when the second tube 225 on the bottle side is a flexible tube, the outer diameter of the can-side tube 115 is equal to the inner diameter of the second tube 225 on the bottle side. When the can-side tube 115 is inserted, the second tube 225 on the bottle side will expand outward under the squeezing action of the can-side tube 115, so that the can-side tube 115 can be smoothly inserted into the second tube 225 on the bottle side. After insertion, the second tube 225 on the bottle side will firmly cover the can-side tube 115 under its own flexible restoring force, which improves the sealing and insertion reliability between the two.

[0094] Of course, the outer diameter of the tank side pipe 115 can also be smaller than the inner diameter of the second flow path.

[0095] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first flow path is smaller than the inner diameter of the second flow path. Specifically, the inner diameter of the bottle-side first tube 224 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the bottle-side second tube 225, meaning the opening of the bottle-side second tube 225 is larger.

[0096] Since the first flow path is the ink flow path and the second flow path is the air flow path, by making the inner diameter of the first flow path smaller than the inner diameter of the second flow path, the smaller inner diameter of the first flow path helps to form a stable ink flow, avoiding flow interruption or air bubbles due to the flow path being too thick. The larger inner diameter of the second flow path can significantly reduce the resistance to air flow, avoiding the formation of negative pressure in the ink filling container due to the air flow resistance being greater than the ink flow resistance, which would inhibit ink flow and lead to slow filling or even interruption.

[0097] In other words, by making the gas flow path G2 wider than the ink flow path F1, air can easily enter the container body 210, making way for the smooth flow of ink, thereby achieving efficient and rapid ink filling.

[0098] Of course, in other embodiments, the inner diameter of the first tube 224 on the bottle side may also be equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the second tube 225 on the bottle side.

[0099] The reference axis A1 is defined as the center line of the circle described by the inner circumferential surface of the opening end 211a of the container body 210. In some embodiments, the distance from the center of the first flow path to the reference axis A1 can be equal to the distance from the center of the second flow path to the reference axis A1. That is, the center of the line segment formed by connecting the centers of the imaginary circles containing the first and second flow paths coincides with the reference axis A1.

[0100] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, the distance from the center of the first flow path to the reference axis A1 can be specifically the distance L1 between the center C2 of the sixth connecting port 224b and the reference axis A1 in the left-right direction. The distance from the center of the second flow path to the reference axis A1 can be specifically the distance L2 between the center C1 of the eighth connecting port 225b and the reference axis A1 in the left-right direction. The sixth connecting port 224b is located to the right of the reference axis A1, and the eighth connecting port 225b is located to the left of the reference axis A1.

[0101] Additionally, refer to Figure 9 As shown, the thickness of the peripheral wall of the connecting part 220b is different in the left and right directions. The thickness on the same side as the sixth communication port 224b is less than the thickness on the same side as the eighth communication port 225b. Even so, when the connecting part 220b is connected to the opening end of the container body part 210, it can be ensured that the inner peripheral wall of the connecting part 220b and the outer peripheral wall of the opening end of the container body part 210 can be stably engaged and abutted.

[0102] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, the ink refill container 200 also includes a cover component 240, which is used to cover the ink outlet flow path 220.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cover component 240 is provided with a first engaging portion 241, and the ink outlet flow path portion 220 has a second engaging portion 229 that can be matched and engaged with the first engaging portion 241.

[0104] When the cover component 240 is closed onto the ink outlet flow path 220, the first engaging portion 241 on the cover component 240 can engage with the second engaging portion 229 on the ink outlet flow path 220, thereby achieving a stable connection between the cover component 240 and the ink outlet flow path 220, and sealing the second end and the fourth end to prevent ink leakage.

[0105] For example, the first engaging portion 241 may be provided on the inner peripheral wall away from the top of the cover member 240. For example, the first engaging portions 241 may be spaced out in multiples, such as two, three, four or more. The second engaging portion 229 may be specifically provided at the connection between the ink outlet portion 220a and the connecting portion 220b, and the arrangement of the second engaging portion 229 matches that of the first engaging portion 241.

[0106] In some other embodiments, the cover component 240 may be omitted, and other sealing methods may be used, such as using an adhesive sealing film.

[0107] When the ink refill container 200 is connected to the ink tank 100M, the sixth connecting port 224b of the bottle-side first tube 224 is located inside the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100M, while the second connecting port 116 of the tank-side tube 115 is located inside the internal space 222a of the protrusion 222 of the ink refill container 200. Furthermore, the valve component 230 is in the open position, forming a gas flow path G3 and an ink flow path F2 connecting the ink storage chamber 211 and the internal space 222a of the protrusion 222. Thus, the container body 210 of the ink refill container 200 is connected to the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100M via the ink flow path F2, the ink flow path F1, the auxiliary ink flow path S1, the gas flow path G3, the gas flow path G2, and the gas flow path G1. Consequently, the ink stored in the container body 210 flows to the ink chamber 111 via the ink flow path F2, the ink flow path F1, and the auxiliary ink flow path S1. Furthermore, when the ink flows, air flows into the container body 210 via gas flow path G1, gas flow path G2, and gas flow path G3. At this time, the volume of ink flowing from the container body 210 to the ink chamber 111 is approximately the same as the volume of air flowing from the ink chamber 111 to the container body 210. This performs a so-called gas-liquid displacement, thus achieving ink filling. When all the ink in the container body 210 of the ink replenishment container 200 has flowed into the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100M, the gas-liquid displacement ends, and the ink filling is complete. Finally, the ink replenishment container 200 is removed from the ink tank 100M, and the ink cartridge cover 127 is installed on the cover 122 of the ink tank 100M.

[0108] In some other embodiments, the ink refill container 200 can be connected to the ink tank 100M in any way, such as by inserting it in the left-right direction or the front-back direction, as long as the ink can be filled normally.

[0109] In some other embodiments, the structure of the second tube 225 on the bottle side can be changed, that is, the outer diameter of the second tube 225 on the bottle side can be reduced so that it can be inserted into the can side tube 115 when connected to the can side tube 115 on the ink can 100M to realize gas flow.

[0110] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of disclosure in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. An ink refill container, connectable to an ink canister and capable of refilling the ink canister with ink, the ink canister having an ink inlet, the ink inlet having a canister side tube and a connecting port, the canister side tube being protruding and inclined, the connecting port being an opening at the bottom of the ink inlet, the canister side tube and the connecting port both communicating with the interior and exterior of the ink canister, characterized in that, The ink refill container includes: a container body, an ink outlet flow path, and a valve component; The container body is used to store ink; the ink outlet flow path is connected to the container body, and the ink outlet flow path has a first flow path and a second flow path protruding from the end away from the container body; the valve component is disposed in the ink outlet flow path and is used to open or close the first flow path and the second flow path. The first flow path section has a first flow path, the first flow path having a first end opening into the interior of the container body and a second end opening into the exterior of the ink replenishment container; the second flow path section has a second flow path, the second flow path having a third end opening into the interior of the container body and a fourth end opening into the exterior of the ink replenishment container; The first flow path is inserted into the communication port and communicates with the inside of the ink can. The can side tube is inserted into the second flow path and communicates with the container body. The second end and the fourth end are flush with each other along the height direction of the container body.

2. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ink outlet flow path includes a connecting part and a protrusion; The connecting part is connected to the open end of the container body, and the protrusion protrudes from the end of the connecting part away from the container body. The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are respectively protruding and disposed on the protruding portion.

3. The ink refill container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusion is provided with a bottle-side first tube and a bottle-side second tube, both extending in a direction away from the connecting part; The inner cavity of the bottle-side first tube is formed as at least a portion of the first flow path, and the end of the bottle-side first tube away from the connecting portion is formed as the second end; The inner cavity of the second tube on the bottle side is formed as at least a portion of the second flow path, and the end of the second tube on the bottle side away from the connecting portion is formed as the fourth end.

4. The ink refill container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first tube on the bottle side and the outer wall of the second tube on the bottle side are connected to form an integral structure; And / or, the materials of the first tube on the bottle side and the second tube on the bottle side are different from the material of the connecting part.

5. The ink refill container according to claim 2, characterized in that, Color slots are provided on the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion; And / or, the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion is provided with reinforcing ribs.

6. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the first flow path is smaller than the inner diameter of the second flow path.

7. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the tank-side pipe is equal to the inner diameter of the second flow path.

8. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The ink refill container also includes a cap component for closing with the ink outlet flow path.

9. The ink refill container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cover component has a first engaging portion, and the ink outlet flow path has a second engaging portion that can be matched and engaged with the first engaging portion.

10. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The container body has an external thread, and the ink outlet flow path is provided with a third engaging part that can engage with the external thread.

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