Adapter and ink cartridge assembly

Abstract

An adapter and ink cartridge assembly, the adapter is used to mount ink cartridges, the adapter is provided with a plurality of mounting positions, each ink cartridge can be mounted to each mounting position in a separately detachable manner, the adapter can be detachably mounted to a printing device in an integral manner together with the ink cartridges mounted thereon; the mounting positions are arranged to be upwardly open, and the ink cartridges can be mounted into or detached from the mounting positions from above the mounting positions. The ink cartridges of the present application form a set of ink cartridge assembly with the adapter, the relative positions and layout modes between ink cartridges of different colors are fixed, thereby effectively solving the confusion in ink cartridge color recognition and management, avoiding the risk of single ink cartridge misinstallation, when the ink of a certain color is used up, the corresponding ink cartridge can be replaced alone, while the remaining parts of the ink cartridge assembly can still be used, reducing resource waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and more specifically to an adapter and ink cartridge assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Multicolor printers typically come with multiple ink cartridges of different colors, each with its own independent chip for electrical connection to the printer. However, current technology, which sells and installs individual cartridges, can easily lead to incorrect installation positions and inconvenient resource management. When multiple cartridges share a single chip, the inability to maintain a relatively fixed cartridge position can also cause difficulties in cartridge management. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, the main objective of this application is to provide an adapter and ink cartridge assembly that facilitates the identification and management of different color ink cartridges.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application specifically adopts the following technical solution: An adapter for mounting ink cartridges has multiple mounting positions, each ink cartridge being individually and removably mounted to each mounting position, the adapter being integrally and removably mounted to a printing device along with the ink cartridges mounted thereon; the mounting positions are configured to open upwards, allowing the ink cartridges to be mounted into or removed from the mounting positions from above.

[0005] This application features multiple mounting positions on the adapter, allowing each ink cartridge to be individually and detachably installed into each position. This means each ink cartridge can be removed, installed, or replaced from its corresponding position. The adapter, along with the ink cartridges mounted on it, can be detachably installed into the printing device as a single unit. Because the ink cartridges and adapter form a complete ink cartridge assembly, the relative positions and layout of different color ink cartridges are fixed, effectively solving the confusion in ink cartridge color identification and management. This integrated design also allows users to simply install the entire ink cartridge assembly into the printer during subsequent replacements, fundamentally avoiding the risk of incorrect installation of individual ink cartridges. Furthermore, since the ink cartridges are individually and detachably installed on the adapter, when a particular color ink runs out, only the corresponding ink cartridge can be replaced, while the remaining components of the ink cartridge assembly can continue to be used, reducing resource waste.

[0006] In some embodiments, the front end of the mounting position has an ink outlet receiving portion that can accommodate the ink outlet of the ink cartridge through which it passes. The adapter has a spacer between adjacent mounting positions, and in the width direction, the spacer is located between adjacent ink outlet receiving portions.

[0007] In some implementations, the spacer extends vertically and serves to guide the adapter installation during the process of installing the adapter into the printing device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the spacer has a guide portion and a clearance portion. The guide portion includes a first part and a second part. The clearance portion, the first part and the second part are distributed from top to bottom. The dimensions of the clearance portion, the first part and the second part increase sequentially in the width direction. The clearance portion and the first part, as well as the first part and the second part, are transitioned by guide ramps.

[0009] In some embodiments, the spacer is provided on the front and rear sides of the mounting position.

[0010] In some implementations, adjacent mounting positions are separated by a partition; the adapter has a baffle on one side in the left-right direction, and the height of the baffle is higher than that of the partition in the up-down direction.

[0011] In some implementations, the inner side of the front end of the adapter has a protrusion for guiding the ink cartridge into the adapter.

[0012] This utility model also provides an ink cartridge assembly, which is detachably installed to a printing device to supply ink to the printing device, comprising: Chip board; Such as the adapters mentioned above; At least two ink cartridges, which are detachably installed in the mounting position, and each cartridge has an ink outlet and an ink reservoir.

[0013] In some implementations, the chip board has multiple data terminals, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, a power supply terminal, and a ground terminal.

[0014] In some implementations, a break is provided at the lower end of the chip board, extending in the vertical direction, to avoid interference between the ink cartridge assembly and the printing device during installation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the printing carriage of the printing device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ink cartridge assembly provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the ink cartridge assembly provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the split structure of the ink cartridge assembly provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the adapter provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of the ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the chip provided in this application.

[0025] Figure label: Ink cartridge assembly 001; Print head 1; Ink inlet 11; Print head 12; Stylus holder 13; Device side terminal 131; Sub-control board 14; Ink cartridge group 2; Ink cartridges 21, 22, 23, and 24; Ink outlet 31; contacting part 32; air guide 33; pressure control part 34; diaphragm 35; gripping part 37; inclined surface 38; Adapter 4; Mounting position 41; Partition 411; Round hole 42; Ink outlet receiving part 43; Protrusion 431; Fixing parts 44, 45; Protrusion 46; Engaging protrusion 461; Spacing part 47; Clearance part 471; First part 472; Second part 473; Guide slope 474; Blocking part 48; Baffle 49; Protrusion 401; 5. Chip board; 51. Instrument; 52. Circular hole structure; 53. Break. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0027] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and the term "various types" refers to two or more; the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this embodiment, the following is established: Figure 2 Using the coordinate system shown as a reference, define a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system with X, Y, and Z axes. Specifically, the extension direction of the mounting position, i.e., the vertical extension direction of the ink cartridge and the height direction of the ink cartridge, is set as the Z-axis; the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and pointing from the ink cartridge to the chip board, i.e., the front-to-back extension direction of the ink cartridge and the length direction of the ink cartridge, is the X-axis; and the direction perpendicular to both the Z and X axes is the Y-axis, i.e., the left-to-right extension direction of the ink cartridge and the width direction of the ink cartridge, is the Y-axis. The upward and forward directions in the instruction manual are exemplified by the +Z and +X directions.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the printhead carriage of a printing device provided in this embodiment. The printhead carriage 1 is equipped with an ink inlet 11, a printhead 12, a stylus holder 13, and a sub-control board 14. This embodiment provides an ink cartridge assembly 001, which is detachably installed in the vertical direction onto a printing device, such as a printer, and supplies ink to the printing device. The printing device has a printhead carriage 1, which has space to accommodate the ink cartridge assembly 001 and ink inlet 11 and stylus holder 13 that can be connected to the ink cartridge assembly 001. The number and position of the ink inlet 11 and stylus holder 13 vary depending on the model of the printing device. The stylus holder 13 has a device-side terminal 131 that can be electrically connected to the ink cartridge assembly 001, and the other end of the stylus holder 13 is electrically connected to the CPU unit of the printing device through the sub-control board 14. In this embodiment, the printhead carriage 1 of the printing device can accommodate four different color ink cartridges, each with four ink inlet 11 and stylus holders 13.

[0030] refer to Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge assembly 001 provided in this application embodiment. The ink cartridge assembly 001 consists of an ink cartridge group 2 and an adapter 4. The ink cartridge group 2 includes multiple ink cartridges 21, 22, 23, and 24, which can respectively hold black, cyan, red, and yellow inks. The adapter 4 has multiple mounting positions 41, and the ink cartridge group 2 is detachably installed into the mounting positions 41. A chip board 5 is provided at the front end of the adapter 4. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge group includes four ink cartridges, and the adapter 4 includes four mounting positions 41. However, in other possibilities, the ink cartridge group may also include other numbers of ink cartridges, such as 2 or 6. Similarly, the adapter 4 may include other numbers of mounting positions, such as 2 or 6.

[0031] When adapter 4 has only two mounting positions, and the printhead carriage needs to accommodate four different color ink cartridges, two ink cartridge assemblies 001 can be installed into the printhead carriage to meet the needs of the printing equipment.

[0032] This application provides multiple mounting positions 41 on the adapter 4, and each ink cartridge can be individually and detachably installed into each mounting position 41. That is, each ink cartridge can be removed, installed, or replaced from its corresponding mounting position 41. The adapter 4, along with the ink cartridges mounted on it, can be detachably installed into the printing device as a single unit. During the factory manufacturing stage, the ink cartridges and adapter 4 are pre-installed as a complete ink cartridge assembly 001, supplied to the user as a whole. Because the ink cartridges and adapter 4 form a set of ink cartridge assembly 001, the relative positions and layout of ink cartridges of different colors are fixed, effectively solving the confusion in ink cartridge color identification and management. Furthermore, this integrated design allows users to simply install the entire ink cartridge assembly 001 into the printer during subsequent replacements, fundamentally avoiding the risk of incorrect installation of individual ink cartridges. Simultaneously, since the ink cartridges are individually and detachably installed on the adapter 4, when a certain color ink runs out, the corresponding ink cartridge can be replaced individually, while the remaining components of the ink cartridge assembly 001 can continue to be used, reducing resource waste.

[0033] Furthermore, the mounting position 41 is configured to open upwards, allowing the ink cartridge to be installed into or removed from the mounting position 41 from above, making it easier for users to replace the ink cartridge.

[0034] like Figure 2-3 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the ink cartridge assembly 001 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge assembly 001 provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle. The chip board 5 is mounted on the front end of the adapter 4, and the front end of the adapter 4 is provided with multiple protrusions 401 (see...). Figure 2 ) and the circular hole structure 52 on the chip board 5 (see Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is used to fix the position of chip board 5.

[0035] The chip board 5 has a substrate 54, multiple connection terminals, multiple devices 51, and multiple wirings. The substrate 54 can be made of a rigid material or a flexible material. The number of devices 51 is the same as the number of ink cartridges. Each device 51 has a processor and a memory. The processor can be a CPU, and the memory stores information related to the ink cartridge, such as the ink color and the ink cartridge's manufacturing information. Preferably, the devices 51 are located at the front end of the ink cartridge storing the corresponding information. The connection terminals are made of conductive material and include multiple data terminals, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal. The number of data terminals is the same as the number of ink cartridges. In this embodiment, the number of data terminals is 4. The reset terminal, clock terminal, power terminal, and ground terminal need to transmit information to four devices 51, while the data terminals only transmit information to their corresponding devices 51.

[0036] When a low ink signal is detected for a specific color in the printing equipment, the user removes the ink cartridge assembly 001, replaces the low-ink cartridge, and reinstalls the ink cartridge assembly 001 onto the print carriage 1. The reset terminal then sends a reset signal to the corresponding device 51. Preferably, the data terminal is located near the corresponding device 51. Other terminals (i.e., the reset terminal, clock terminal, power terminal, and ground terminal) are not limited in location, as long as they can be electrically connected to the print-side terminals (terminals on the printing equipment). The connection terminals and device 51 are connected via wires, as described above. Figure 9-10 As shown, the wires are represented by dashed lines. The data terminals are individually connected to the corresponding device 51, while the other terminals can be connected to the four devices 51 respectively, or they can be connected to the devices 51 through a parallel circuit.

[0037] The ink cartridge assembly of this application integrates a single shared chip (i.e., chip board 5), which not only avoids the resource waste caused by multiple chips but also simplifies data management. Furthermore, through the mounting position 41 of the adapter 4, the layout and position of multiple ink cartridges of different colors are relatively determined. This application further sets up the chip configuration for multiple ink cartridges using a single chip board 5, with each device 51 corresponding one-to-one with the number and position of ink cartridges, making ink cartridge management more convenient.

[0038] The upper end of the board material 54 of the chip board 5 is continuous to ensure that the wiring is not exposed and affects the performance of the chip board 5. The lower end is interrupted to form a break 53, which extends in the vertical direction to avoid interference between the ink cartridge assembly 001 and the protrusions inside the printhead during installation.

[0039] The chip board 5 has multiple circular holes 52 on its substrate 54 to facilitate positioning and fixed connection with the protrusions on the adapter 4. In other possible cases, the chip board 5 can also be located at the front end of the ink cartridge assembly, i.e., at the front opening of the adapter 4, with a portion of the ink cartridge assembly protruding from the front opening of the adapter 4. The front end of the ink cartridge assembly is located further forward of the front end of the adapter 4. The ink cartridge assembly is connected to the adapter 4 to fix its position, and the chip board 5 directly engages with the protrusions on the ink cartridge assembly for fixation.

[0040] The ink cartridge is installed onto the adapter 4 from the extension direction of the mounting position 41 to form an ink cartridge assembly 001. The ink cartridge assembly 001 is installed onto the print carriage 1 and connected to the printing device via hydraulic and electrical connections. Figure 7-8 As shown, Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the ink cartridge provided in an embodiment of this application from another angle. The ink cartridge is provided with an ink outlet 31, an abutment protrusion 32, an air vent 33, a pressure control component 34, a membrane 35, a rib 36, and a gripping part 37.

[0041] The ink cartridge's ink storage chamber is sealed by the cartridge frame and membrane 35. When the cartridge assembly 001 is installed in the printing device, it connects to the ink inlet 11 through the ink outlet 31 to replenish ink to the printing device. The ink replenishment process is made smooth by setting the air vent 33 and the pressure control component 34. When the cartridge runs out of ink and needs to be replaced, the user can hold the grip part 37 and the abutment part 32 to remove the cartridge from the adapter 4. The grip part 37 is composed of multiple ribs extending in the width direction of the cartridge to increase the friction when the user abuts.

[0042] The front end of the ink cartridge is also provided with a bevel 38 so that the ink cartridge is guided by the bevel 38 during the installation of the adapter 4 so that it can smoothly reach the correct position.

[0043] See Figure 4-6 The adapter 4 has multiple mounting positions 41. In this embodiment, the adapter 4 has four mounting positions 41. A partition 411 is provided inside the adapter 4 between the mounting positions to separate them.

[0044] See Figure 6The adapter 4 has a spacer 47 between adjacent mounting positions 41. Further, in the width direction, the spacer 47 is located between adjacent ink outlet receiving portions 43. Further, the spacer 47 is located on the front and rear circumferential sides (i.e., the front and rear sides of the adapter 4) near the partition 411. In the front-rear direction, the spacer 47 is located on both the front and rear sides of the mounting position 41; in the left-right direction, the spacer 47 is located on the same side of the mounting position 41. The spacer 47 makes the front and rear faces of the adapter 4 discontinuous in the left-right direction, allowing a protruding structure to exist on the print head 1 at the position corresponding to the spacer 47. The spacer 47 extends vertically through the adapter 4 on the front face. By providing the spacer 47 between the ink outlet receiving portions 43, interference between the ink cartridge assembly 001 and the internal structure of the print head is avoided during installation into the print head, ensuring correct positioning of the adapter and the printing settings.

[0045] Further, see Figure 3 The spacer 47 has a guide portion and a clearance portion 471. The guide portion includes a first part 472 and a second part 473. The clearance portion 471, the first part 472 and the second part 473 are distributed from top to bottom. The dimensions of the clearance portion 471, the first part 472 and the second part 473 increase sequentially in the width direction. The clearance portion 471 and the first part 472, as well as the first part 472 and the second part 473, are connected by a guide slope 474.

[0046] When the ink cartridge assembly is in use, the ink outlet 31 interacts with the printer ink supply needles and receives force and vibration from the printing equipment. This may lead to deformation due to prolonged use. By placing the spacer 47 between the ink outlet receiving portions 43, and the spacer 47 cooperating with the structure on the printhead, the adapter 4 is subjected to force from the printing equipment at the position of the spacer 47. This force is evenly distributed to the adapter 4 through the arrangement of multiple spacers 47. This design disperses concentrated stress and significantly enhances the overall rigidity of the adapter 4, thereby effectively resisting fatigue deformation that may occur during long-term use.

[0047] Correspondingly, the position of the spacer 47 in the left-right direction corresponds to the position of the break 53 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction), the width of the break 53 is greater than or equal to the width of the spacer 47. In other embodiments, the spacer 47 is not limited to being located near the partition 411; depending on the printing device model, the spacer 47 can be located in other positions. When the front end of the adapter 4 is located at the rear end of the ink cartridge in the front-rear direction, the spacer can be a gap between the ink cartridges, for example, a gap extending in the front-rear direction at the bottom of the adapter 4, using the space between the ink cartridges to avoid interference with the structure of the printhead 1.

[0048] See Figure 4 The adapter 4 has a baffle 49 at its +Z or -Z end that is higher than other partitions 411. This higher baffle 49 allows the user to grip it and remove the ink cartridge assembly 001 from the printhead 1. The bottom surface of the mounting position 41 has a circular hole 42 and an ink outlet receiving portion 43. The shape and position of the circular hole 42 correspond to the prism structure, shape, and position on the ink cartridge, and the shape and position of the ink outlet receiving portion 43 correspond to the shape and position of the ink outlet 31 on the ink cartridge. When the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting position 41, the ink outlet 31 of the ink cartridge is exposed through the ink outlet receiving portion 43 and connected to the printing device. The front and rear sides of the ink outlet receiving portion 43 also have downwardly protruding protrusions 431 to enhance the strength around the ink outlet receiving portion 43. These protrusions 431 can abut against the printhead 1 before the mounting position, thus providing support and extending the service life of the adapter 4.

[0049] By setting a circular hole 42, the sensor for printing settings can cooperate with the prism at the corresponding position on the ink cartridge to complete the detection of the ink cartridge.

[0050] See Figure 4 The adapter 4 is also provided with fixing parts 44 and 45. When the ink cartridge is installed in the mounting position 41, the fixing part 44 and the rib 36 of the ink cartridge overlap in the vertical direction, making it difficult for the ink cartridge to fall off from the mounting position.

[0051] See Figure 4 The front end of the adapter 4 is also provided with a blocking part 48. When the ink cartridge is installed on the adapter 4, the blocking part 48 abuts against the abutting protrusion 32 in the vertical direction to limit the position of the ink cartridge in the vertical direction. The blocking part 48 is located behind the chip board 5 in the front-back direction to prevent the ink cartridge assembly 001 from interfering with the structure of the printhead during the installation process.

[0052] See Figure 5 The adapter 4 is also provided with a protrusion 46 so that the ink cartridge is guided by the inclined surface 38 of the ink cartridge during the process of installing the ink cartridge into the adapter 4, so that the ink cartridge can smoothly reach the correct position.

[0053] See Figure 6 The front end of the mounting position 41 is also provided with a locking protrusion 461. The locking protrusion 461 is located on one side of the front end of the adapter 4 and extends from the front end of the adapter 4 into the interior of the mounting position 41. The locking protrusion 461 can restrict the movement of the ink cartridge in the left and right directions. Correspondingly, a groove is provided on the ink cartridge at the position corresponding to the locking protrusion. The groove and the locking protrusion 461 cooperate to guide the ink cartridge to be smoothly installed into the mounting position 41.

[0054] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An adapter for installing ink cartridges, characterized in that: The adapter has multiple mounting positions, and each ink cartridge can be individually and detachably installed into each mounting position. The adapter, together with the ink cartridges mounted thereon, can be detachably and integrally installed into the printing device. The mounting position is configured to open upwards, allowing the ink cartridge to be installed into or removed from the mounting position from above.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the mounting position has an ink outlet receiving portion, which can accommodate the ink outlet of the ink cartridge. The adapter has a spacer between adjacent mounting positions, and the spacer is located between adjacent ink outlet receiving portions in the width direction.

3. The adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spacer extends vertically and guides the adapter during installation into the printing device.

4. The adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The interval has a guide portion and a clearance portion. The guide portion includes a first part and a second part. The clearance portion, the first part and the second part are distributed from top to bottom. The dimensions of the clearance portion, the first part and the second part increase sequentially in the width direction. The clearance portion and the first part, as well as the first part and the second part, are connected by guide slopes.

5. The adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spacer is located on the front and rear sides of the mounting position.

6. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjacent mounting positions are separated by a partition; the adapter has a baffle on one side in the left-right direction, and the height of the baffle is higher than the partition in the up-down direction.

7. The adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter has a protrusion on the inner side of its front end for guiding the ink cartridge into the adapter.

8. An ink cartridge assembly, detachably mounted to a printing device to supply ink to the printing device, characterized in that, include: Chip board; The adapter as described in any one of claims 1-7; At least two ink cartridges are detachably installed in the mounting position, each ink cartridge having an ink outlet and an ink reservoir.

9. The ink cartridge assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The chip board has multiple data terminals, a reset terminal, a clock terminal, a power terminal, and a ground terminal.

10. The ink cartridge assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower end of the chip board is provided with a break that extends in the vertical direction to avoid interference between the ink cartridge assembly and the printing device during installation.

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