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 bottle side pipe at an end part away from the container main body part, the bottle side pipe communicates the inside and outside of the container main body part; the inside of the bottle side pipe away from the container main body part is provided with a bottle side communication port, the bottle side communication port communicates with the bottle side pipe, and the bottle side communication port communicates with a tank side pipe to form a gas flow path; other regions of the bottle side pipe except the bottle side communication port communicate with the tank side communication port to form a liquid flow path; the valve part is arranged in the ink outlet flow path part and used for opening or closing the bottle side pipe, so that the ink supplement container is matched with the ink tank, ink is steadily filled into the ink tank through the ink supplement container, 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 tank-side tube and a tank-side communication port. The tank-side tube is protruding and inclined. The tank-side communication port is an opening at the bottom of the ink inlet. Both the tank-side tube and the tank-side communication 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 bottle side tube protruding from the end away from the container body, the bottle side tube connecting the inside and outside of the container body. The bottle-side tube is provided with a bottle-side communication port on the inner side away from the container body. The bottle-side communication port is connected to the bottle-side tube and the can-side tube to form a gas flow path. Other areas of the bottle-side tube, except for the bottle-side communication port, are connected to the can-side communication port to form a liquid flow path. The valve component is disposed within the ink outlet flow path and is used to open or close the bottle side tube.

[0007] Optionally, a rib is provided extending from a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the bottle-side tube, and the rib includes at least one rib segment to enclose and form the bottle-side communication opening.

[0008] Optionally, the rib includes two rib segments, which are arranged opposite to each other and together enclose at least a portion of the bottle-side communication opening.

[0009] Optionally, the rib segment is arc-shaped.

[0010] Optionally, at least one end of the rib away from the container body is provided with a notch; And / or, the end of the rib away from the container body is flush with the end of the bottle side tube away from the container body.

[0011] Optionally, the material of the bottle-side tube is different from the material of the ink outlet flow path. The bottle side tube is a flexible tube.

[0012] Optionally, a sealing component is provided on the bottle side tube.

[0013] Optionally, the sealing component includes a sealing portion; The sealing part is located at the end of the bottle-side communication port away from the container body, and the sealing part has a cutout. The can-side tube passes through the cutout to be inserted into the bottle-side communication port, and the sealing part covers the outside of the can-side tube.

[0014] Optionally, the central axis of the bottle side tube is coaxial with the central axis of the inner circumferential surface of the opening end of the container body.

[0015] 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 bottle side tube protrudes from the protrusion. And / or, The valve component includes a valve body, a valve seat, and an elastic element; The valve body is located below the end of the bottle-side tube facing the main body of the container. The valve seat is fixed relative to the main body of the container. The elastic element is connected between the valve body and the valve seat so that the valve body can move towards the main body of the container under the action of an external force to open the bottle-side tube, or move towards the bottle-side tube under the action of the elastic element to close the bottle-side tube.

[0016] The ink refill container provided in this application embodiment comprises a container body, an ink outlet flow path, and a valve component. A bottle-side tube protrudes from the end of the ink outlet flow path furthest from the container body, connecting the interior and exterior of the container body. A bottle-side connection port is provided on the inner side of the bottle-side tube, furthest from the container body, and connects to the can-side tube to form a gas flow path. Other areas of the bottle-side tube, except for the bottle-side connection port, connect to the can-side connection port to form a liquid flow path. Thus, when filling the ink can with ink, only the ink refill container needs to be... The bottle-side tube connects to the ink inlet of the ink canister. A portion of the bottle-side tube is inserted through the bottle-side connector, communicating with the main body of the container to form a gas flow path. The remaining portion of the bottle-side tube connects to the canister-side connector, forming an ink flow path. This design ensures smooth ink flow from the main body of the container to the ink canister, and compensates for air flow from the ink canister to the main body of the container. This achieves a proper fit between the ink refill container and the ink canister, allowing for stable ink replenishment and preventing gas or ink leakage to the outside, thus avoiding contamination of the user and the surrounding environment. Furthermore, this design facilitates quick and easy connection and disconnection of the ink refill container and the ink canister, simplifying operation and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 an exploded view of the ink refill container in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the container body in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container valve component when it is closed in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the valve seat in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 8 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 9 This is a schematic diagram of the ink refill container in Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink refill container in Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the ink refill container in Embodiment 3 of this utility model; Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink replenishment container in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0019] 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; 220. Ink outlet flow path; 220a. Ink outlet; 220b. Connecting part; 222. Protrusion; 222a. Internal space; 224. Bottle side tube; 224a. Fifth connecting port; 224b. Sixth connecting port; 225. Bottle side connecting port; 226. Rib; 2261. Rib section; 227. Notch; 230. Valve component; 230a. Valve body; 230b. Valve seat; 230c. Elastic element; 231. Support column; 232. Connecting hole; 300. Sealing component; 301. Sealing part; 301a. Cutout. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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 it. 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.

[0021] 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".

[0022] The ink refill container provided by this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0023] 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.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the ink tank 100M has an ink inlet, which has a tank-side tube 115 and a tank-side connecting port (hereinafter specifically referred to as the third connecting port 119). The tank-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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 bottle-side 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Example 1 like Figures 3 to 8 As shown, this embodiment 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.

[0037] The ink refill container 200 can be an ink bottle, ink bag, ink container, etc. An ink bottle will be used as an example to illustrate the ink refill container 200.

[0038] 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 5 As shown, one end of the bottle body has an open end 211a, 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.

[0039] The ink outlet flow path 220 is connected to the container body 210. Specifically, the ink outlet flow path 220 is provided 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.

[0040] The ink outlet flow path 220 has a bottle side tube 224 protruding from the end away from the container body 210, and the bottle side tube 224 connects the inside and outside of the container body 210.

[0041] The bottle-side tube 224 has a bottle-side connecting port 225 on its inner side away from the container body 210. The bottle-side connecting port 225 is connected to the bottle-side tube 224 and also to the can-side tube 115 to form a gas flow path. The other areas of the bottle-side tube 224, except for the bottle-side connecting port 225, are connected to the can-side connecting port (i.e., the third connecting port 119) to form a liquid flow path, i.e., an ink flow path. A valve component 230 is provided in the ink outlet flow path section 220 for opening or closing the bottle-side tube 224.

[0042] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, specifically, the bottle-side tube 224 has a fifth connecting port 224a and a sixth connecting port 224b. The lower end of the bottle-side 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 tube 224 extends into the exterior of the container body 210 through the sixth connecting port 224b, which is the upper end of the bottle-side tube 224. For example, the fifth connecting port 224a and the sixth connecting port 224b are circular. The bottle-side tube 224 is a circular tube extending upward from the fifth connecting port 224a to the sixth connecting port 224b.

[0043] For example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, for example, the left part of the bottle-side connecting port 225 corresponds to the radial left part of the sixth connecting port 224b, and the right part of the sixth connecting port 224b is connected to the third connecting port 119.

[0044] Understandably, when the ink refill container 200 is connected to the ink can 100M, the can side tube 115 is inserted into a portion of the bottle side tube 224 to communicate with the container body 210, forming a gas flow path. The remaining portion of the bottle side tube 224 will communicate with the can side connection port (i.e., the third connection port 119), and then with the interior of the ink can 100M, forming an ink flow path.

[0045] Combination Figures 1 to 8 As shown, when it is necessary to refill the ink can 100M with ink, Figure 6The ink refill container 200 is tilted so that the bottle-side tube 224 is inserted into the ink inlet. The canister-side tube 115 of the ink canister 100M is inserted into a portion of the bottle-side tube 224 through the bottle-side communication port 225. The valve component 230 is opened. At the same time, the other areas of the bottle-side tube 224 are connected to the third communication port 119. Since the upper end of the bottle-side tube 224 (i.e., the end where the sixth communication port 224b is located) is at a low position corresponding to the ink flow path, after the ink refill container 200 is inserted into the ink canister 100M, the ink flows into the ink canister 100M along the other areas of the bottle-side tube 224 under the action of gravity, forming an ink flow path. Simultaneously, air flows from the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100M through the side tube 115 into the container body 210, forming an airflow path. This achieves the flow of ink from the container body 210 to the ink tank 100M and the compensating flow of air from the ink tank 100M to the container body 210, thereby achieving the adaptation between the ink replenishment container 200 and the ink tank 100M. The ink replenishment container 200 stably replenishes ink to the ink tank 100M, preventing ink leakage.

[0046] The ink refill container 200 provided in this embodiment of the application comprises a container body 210, an ink outlet flow path 220, and a valve component 230. A bottle-side tube 224 protrudes from the end of the ink outlet flow path 220 away from the container body 210, connecting the interior and exterior of the container body 210. A bottle-side connection port 225, communicating with the bottle-side tube 224, is provided on the inner side of the bottle-side tube 224 away from the container body 210. The bottle-side connection port 225 communicates with the can-side tube 115 to form a gas flow path. The other areas of the bottle-side tube 224, except for the bottle-side connection port 225, communicate with the can-side connection port to form an ink flow path. Thus, when filling the ink can 100M with ink, only the bottle-side tube needs to be opened. The tube 224 is inserted into the ink inlet of the ink tank 100M. The canister-side tube 115 is inserted into a portion of the bottle-side tube 224 through the bottle-side connection port 225, communicating with the container body 210 to form a gas flow path. The remaining portion of the bottle-side tube 224 communicates with the canister-side connection port of the ink tank 100M, forming an ink flow path. This allows for smooth ink flow from the container body 210 to the ink tank 100M and compensated air flow from the ink tank 100M to the container body 210, thus achieving compatibility between the ink replenishment container 200 and the ink tank 100M. The ink replenishment container 200 stably replenishes ink to the ink tank 100M, preventing gas or ink leakage to the outside and avoiding pollution of the user and the surrounding environment. Furthermore, this facilitates quick and easy connection or disconnection between the ink replenishment container 200 and the ink tank 100M, simplifying operation and improving the user experience.

[0047] 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 container body portion 210, the protrusion 222 protrudes from one end of the connecting portion 220b away from the container body portion 210, and the bottle side tube 224 protrudes from the protrusion 222. Specifically, the protrusion 222 has an internal space 222a for accommodating the bottle side tube 224.

[0048] In this way, the ink outlet flow path 220 is connected to the container body 210 through the connecting part 220b, and the gas and liquid flow is realized through the bottle side tube 224 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 ensures the smooth flow of gas and liquid, and makes the overall structure easier to manufacture.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Specifically, such as Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the ink outlet flow path 220 is specifically connected to the opening end 211a of the container body 210 via a connecting part 220b. For example, the connecting part 220b and the container body 210 are connected by welding, such as spot welding.

[0051] Alternatively, the ink outlet flow path 220 and the container body 210 can be connected by welding, snap-fit ​​connection, threaded connection, adhesive bonding, or even be a one-piece molded structure.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figures 4 to 8 As shown, the end of the connecting portion 220b furthest from the container body 210 has an ink outlet portion 220a, meaning that 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.

[0053] Specifically, the protrusion 222 is located at the end of the ink outlet 220a away from the container body 210. In some embodiments, color slots may be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the protrusion 222. Different color slots may be provided on different ink refill containers to facilitate user insertion and prevent accidental filling. However, in this embodiment, the color slots are omitted to facilitate the universality of the ink refill container.

[0054] In this embodiment, the bottle side tube 224 is integrally formed and protrudes from the protrusion 222. That is, the end of the bottle side tube 224 away from the container body 210 extends in the vertical direction, and the other end of the bottle side tube 224 near the container body 210 abuts against the connection between the protrusion 222 and the ink outflow portion 220a.

[0055] In some other embodiments, the bottle side tube 224 may also be a non-protruding structure, i.e., formed by a connecting port that connects the interior and exterior of the ink replenishment container 200.

[0056] In some embodiments, the material used for the bottle side tube 224 may be different from the material used for the ink outlet flow path 220.

[0057] This allows for greater flexibility in the material selection for the bottle-side tube 224 and the ink outlet flow path 220 during manufacturing. For example, the connecting part 220b of the ink outlet flow path 220 can be made of a harder material to ensure the reliability of the connection between the ink outlet flow path 220 and the container body 210. The material used for the bottle-side tube 224 is softer than that used for the ink outlet flow path 220, allowing the canister-side tube 115 to be inserted more easily and smoothly into a portion of the bottle-side tube 224 when it is connected to the ink inlet of the ink canister 100M. Other areas of the bottle-side tube 224 can be inserted more easily and smoothly into the third connecting port 119. This reduces the dimensional accuracy requirements for the bottle-side tube 224 during manufacturing and improves the sealing effect.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bottle side tube 224 is a flexible tube, and the material used for the bottle side tube 224 may be, for example, plastic or rubber. Alternatively, the material used for the bottle side tube 224 may also be resin or the like.

[0059] The materials of the protrusion 222 of the ink outlet flow path 220, the ink outlet 220a, and the connecting part 220b can be the same or different.

[0060] In addition, in other embodiments, the bottle side tube 224 may be made of the same material as the ink outlet flow path 220, which is not limited here.

[0061] Reference Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve component 230 is located between the bottle side tube 224 and the container body 210.

[0062] The valve component 230 includes a valve body 230a, a valve seat 230b, and an elastic element 230c. The valve body 230a is located below the end of the bottle-side tube 224 facing the container body 210. The valve seat 230b is fixed relative to the container body 210. The elastic element 230c connects the valve body 230a and the valve seat 230b, so that the valve body 230a can move towards the container body 210 under the action of an external force (such as the pressure of the pressing surface 117 of the can-side tube 115 on the valve body 230a) to open the bottle-side tube 224, or the valve body 230a can move towards the bottle-side tube 224 under the action of the elastic element 230c to close the bottle-side tube 224.

[0063] For example, the valve body 230a is circular, with its upper surface abutting against the lower surface of the bottle side tube 224 to close the fifth communication port 224a. The diameter of the valve body 230a is smaller than the inner diameter of the ink outflow portion 220a. The valve body 230a can move vertically along the lower surface of the bottle side tube 224.

[0064] The valve seat 230b is located below the valve body 230a. The valve seat 230b is cylindrical, and its inner diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the valve body 230a. The valve seat 230b is engaged and fixed in the vertical direction at the opening end 211a of the container body 210, which can be used to seal the opening end 211a and prevent ink in the container body 210 from flowing out through the opening 211a. A support post 231 is provided on one end of the valve seat 230b near the container body 210. At least one connecting hole 232 is provided around the support post 231. The ink in the container body 210 communicates with the ink outflow part 220a through the connecting hole 232, that is, the ink in the container body 210 flows out through the connecting hole 232. In some embodiments, four connecting holes 232 can be provided, and the four connecting holes 232 are arranged at intervals around the periphery of the support post 231. Of course, in other embodiments, the connecting hole 232 can also be set to one, two, three, five, etc.

[0065] The elastic element 230c can specifically be a helical spring, located between the valve body 230a and the valve seat 230b. The helical spring is compressible in the vertical direction. The helical spring is sleeved on the support post 231 of the valve seat 230b, and the helical spring biases the valve body 230a upward. As a result, the helical spring presses the upper surface of the valve body 230a against the lower surface of the bottle side tube 224.

[0066] Furthermore, 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 also abut against the bottom or inner peripheral wall of the container body 210, as long as the valve seat 230b is stably fixed in the ink replenishment container 200 and can support the valve body 230a and the coil spring.

[0067] Valve component 230 is movable between a closed position and an open position along the direction in which the bottle-side tube 224 extends. In the closed position, the upper surface of valve body 230a is pressed upward against the lower surface of bottle-side tube 224 by the biasing force of a coil spring (see...). Figure 6 In the closed position, valve body 230a closes the fifth connecting port 224a 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 (see...). Figure 8 When in the open position, valve component 230 defines a gas flow path G2 for air flow and an ink flow path F1 for ink flow through the inner surfaces of valve body 230a and ink outlet 220a, which are respectively connected to ink storage chamber 211 and bottle side tube 224.

[0068] Of course, in other embodiments, the elastic element 230c can also be other elastic structures such as elastic strips.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In addition to the structure shown above, in other embodiments, the valve component 230 may also be a sealing film disposed within the ink outlet flow path 220, for example, the sealing film may be affixed to the fifth connecting port 224a. When the ink refill container 200 is not inserted into the ink tank 100M, the sealing film seals the fifth connecting port 224a. When the ink refill container 200 is matched and inserted into the ink tank 100M, the can-side tube 115 inserts into a portion of the bottle-side tube 224, for example, by piercing the sealing film through the pressing surface 117 of the can-side tube 115, thereby opening the fifth connecting port 224a, that is, opening the bottle-side tube 224.

[0071] In some embodiments, the central axis of the bottle side tube 224 is coaxially arranged with the central axis of the inner circumferential surface of the opening end 211a of the container body 210. That is, the central straight line (axis) of the circle described by the inner circumferential surface of the opening end 211a of the container body 210 coincides with the central axis of the bottle side tube 224, i.e., the bottle side tube 224 and the opening end 211a of the container body 210 are coaxially arranged. This makes the overall structure of the ink refill container 200 more balanced and the force distributed more evenly.

[0072] Furthermore, the ink refill container 200 may also include a cap component connected to the ink outlet flow path 220 to seal the bottle side tube 224 and prevent ink leakage.

[0073] In some other embodiments, the cover component may be omitted, and other sealing methods may be used, such as using adhesive sealing film.

[0074] When the ink refill container 200 is connected to the ink tank 100M, the second connecting port 116 of the tank-side tube 115 is inserted into the bottle-side tube 224, and the valve component 230 is in the open position, forming a gas flow path G2 and an ink flow path F1 connecting the ink storage chamber 211 and the bottle-side tube 224. Thus, the container body 210 of the ink refill container 200 is connected to the ink chamber 111 of the ink tank 100M through the ink flow path F1, the auxiliary ink flow path S1, the gas flow path G2, and the gas flow path G1. Therefore, the ink stored in the container body 210 flows to the ink chamber 111 via the ink flow path F1 and the auxiliary ink flow path S1. Furthermore, when the ink flows, air enters the ink chamber 111 from the vent 112 and flows into the container body 210 via the gas flow path G1 and the gas flow path G2. At this point, 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 constitutes a so-called gas-liquid displacement, 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 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 onto the cover 122 of the ink tank 100M.

[0075] In this embodiment, by setting the above-mentioned bottle side tube 224 structure, the ink refill container 200 can be inserted into the ink tank 100M in any way, which improves the versatility of the ink refill container.

[0076] Example 2 Reference Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that: a rib 226 is provided on a portion of the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, and the rib 226 includes at least one rib segment 2261 to enclose and form the above-mentioned bottle side communication port 225.

[0077] By providing ribs 226, the side tube 115 can be guided during insertion, ensuring proper assembly of components and improving assembly efficiency. Furthermore, the ribs 226, in conjunction with the side tube 115, enhance the stability of the side tube after insertion, thereby improving the stability of the fit between the ink refill container 200 and the ink canister 100M, further ensuring stable ink filling and preventing leakage. In addition, the ribs 226 also strengthen the structural strength of the side tube 224 to some extent, extending its service life.

[0078] In some embodiments, the rib segment 2261 is arc-shaped.

[0079] This design ensures that the shape of the bottle-side connecting opening 225 formed by the rib section 2261 matches the shape of the can-side tube 115. This not only better guides the insertion of the can-side tube 115, but also further improves the stability of the fit between the can-side tube 115 and the bottle-side tube 224, enhances the sealing performance, further prevents ink leakage, and reduces the stress on the rib section 2261, thereby improving its structural strength.

[0080] Furthermore, since the area on the side of the rib section 2261 away from the tank side tube 115 is the ink flow path, by making the rib section 2261 arc-shaped, the inner contour of the ink flow path is made smoother, avoiding the occurrence of eddies during ink flow, thereby improving the stability and flow rate of ink flow.

[0081] Of course, in other embodiments, the rib segment 2261 can also be a straight line segment or a broken line segment, etc.

[0082] Continue to refer to Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the rib 226 may specifically include two rib segments 2261, which are disposed opposite to each other and together enclose at least a portion of the bottle-side communication opening 225.

[0083] In other words, by extending two rib segments 2261 on part of the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, the cooperation of the two rib segments 2261 can better guide the insertion of the can side tube 115 from both sides, further improving the stability of the cooperation between the can side tube 115 and the bottle side tube 224, and this setting makes manufacturing more convenient.

[0084] In other embodiments, the rib 226 may also include only one rib segment 2261.

[0085] When the rib 226 includes a rib segment 2261, specifically: one end of the rib segment 2261 is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, and the other end of the rib segment 2261 is not connected to the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, that is, there is a gap between the other end of the rib segment 2261 and the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, so that the entire rib segment 2261 and the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224 together enclose and form the aforementioned bottle side communication opening 225; or, both ends of the rib segment 2261 may be connected to the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224 respectively to enclose and form the aforementioned bottle side communication opening 225.

[0086] Continue to refer to Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, at least one end of the rib 226 away from the container body 210 is provided with a notch 227.

[0087] By providing a notch 227, the rib 226 can undergo slight expansion deformation when the can-side tube 115 is inserted into the bottle-side tube 224 through the bottle-side connection port 225, making it easier for the can-side tube 115 to be inserted into the bottle-side connection port 225. Moreover, the notch 227 can absorb and compensate for the manufacturing tolerances between the can-side tube 115 and the bottle-side tube 224, improving the smoothness of the fit. In addition, this also allows the notch 227 to play a stress-relieving role, reducing the stress at the end of the rib 226, avoiding damage to the rib 226, and improving the overall service life.

[0088] In some embodiments, when the rib 226 includes a rib segment 2261, for example, when both ends of the rib segment 2261 are connected to the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, a notch 227 can be provided at the end of the rib segment 2261 away from the container body 210. Alternatively, when one end of the rib segment 2261 is connected to the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, and the other end of the rib segment 2261 is not connected to the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224, the gap between the other end of the rib segment 2261 and the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube 224 is formed as the aforementioned notch 227.

[0089] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 9 As shown, when the rib 226 includes the two oppositely arranged rib segments 2261, the two rib segments 2261 may not be fully connected, and the gap 227 is formed between the opposite ends of the two rib segments 2261. The gap 227 extends from the end of the rib 226 away from the container body 210 to the end of the rib 226 near the container body 210.

[0090] Of course, in some other embodiments, the two rib segments 2261 can also be completely connected. When the two rib segments 2261 are completely connected, a notch 227 can be provided in only one of the rib segments 2261, or a notch 227 can be provided in both rib segments 2261. The notch 227 can be provided at the end away from the container body 210, or it can extend from the end of the rib segment 2261 away from the container body 210 to the end of the rib segment 2261 close to the container body 210.

[0091] Combination Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the end of the rib 226 away from the container body 210 is flush with the end of the bottle side tube 224 away from the container body 210.

[0092] This design improves the flatness of the end of the bottle side tube 224 and enhances its structural strength.

[0093] For example, two arc-shaped rib segments 2261 form a bottle-side communication opening 225. The bottle-side communication opening 225 is similar in shape to the sixth communication opening 224b in the above embodiment, and is flush with the sixth communication opening 224b in the vertical direction. That is, when viewed from the vertical direction, the bottle-side tube 224 includes a circular opening and a crescent-shaped opening, similar to the shape of a large opening containing a small opening. The large opening and the small opening are connected by a notch 227.

[0094] When the ink refill container 200 is connected to the ink can 100M, the second connecting port 116 of the can side tube 115 is inserted into the area where the bottle side connecting port 225 is located, and the valve component 230 is opened, forming a gas flow path G2 connecting the ink storage chamber 211 and the bottle side tube.

[0095] The remaining structures and implementation principles are the same as those in the above embodiments and can achieve the same or similar technical effects. They will not be described in detail here, but can be referred to the description of the above embodiments for specific details.

[0096] Example 3 Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the above embodiment is that a sealing component 300 is provided on the bottle side tube 224.

[0097] The sealing component 300 can seal the end of the bottle side tube 224 away from the container body 210 to prevent ink leakage and to prevent dust and other debris from entering the container body 210 through the bottle side tube 224.

[0098] Continue to refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the sealing member 300 includes a sealing portion 301, which is disposed at the end of the bottle-side communication port 225 away from the container body portion 210, and the sealing portion 301 has a cutout 301a, through which the can-side tube 115 passes to be inserted into the bottle-side communication port 225, and the sealing portion 301 covers the outside of the can-side tube 115.

[0099] Specifically, a sealing part 301 is provided at the opening of the bottle-side communication port 225, separating the inside and outside of the bottle-side communication port 225. When the ink refill container 200 is connected to the ink tank 100M, the second communication port 116 of the tank-side tube 115 passes through the cut 301a on the sealing part 301 and is inserted into the bottle-side communication port 225. The sealing part 301 can cover the outside of the tank-side tube 115, thus preventing ink from flowing out from the outside of the tank-side tube 115.

[0100] The sealing part 301 can be a self-sealing valve or a sealing membrane with slits; these will not be limited to one type here.

[0101] In some other embodiments, the sealing component may also include a sealing cap, which is disposed on the end of the bottle side tube 224 away from the container body 210. When the ink replenishment container 200 needs to fill ink into the ink tank 100M, the sealing cap is removed from the end of the bottle side tube 224, and after filling, the sealing cap is put back on.

[0102] The sealing cap can be attached to the end of the bottle side tube 224 by means of threaded connection, or it can be connected to the bottle side tube 224 by means of snap-fit ​​connection.

[0103] The remaining structures and implementation principles are the same as those in the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here. For details, please refer to the description of the above embodiments.

[0104] 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 canister-side communication port, the canister-side tube being protruding and inclined, the canister-side communication port being an opening at the bottom of the ink inlet, the canister-side tube and the canister-side communication 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 bottle side tube protruding from the end away from the container body, the bottle side tube connecting the inside and outside of the container body. The bottle-side tube is provided with a bottle-side communication port on the inner side away from the container body. The bottle-side communication port is connected to the bottle-side tube and the can-side tube to form a gas flow path. Other areas of the bottle-side tube, except for the bottle-side communication port, are connected to the can-side communication port to form a liquid flow path. The valve component is disposed within the ink outlet flow path and is used to open or close the bottle side tube.

2. The ink refill container according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rib extends from part of the inner peripheral wall of the bottle side tube, and the rib includes at least one rib segment to enclose and form the bottle side communication opening.

3. The ink refill container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rib includes two rib segments, which are arranged opposite to each other and together enclose at least a portion of the bottle-side communication opening.

4. The ink refill container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rib section is arc-shaped.

5. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, At least one end of the rib away from the main body of the container is provided with a notch; And / or, The end of the rib furthest from the container body is flush with the end of the bottle side tube furthest from the container body.

6. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The material of the bottle side tube is different from the material of the ink outlet flow path. The bottle side tube is a flexible tube.

7. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A sealing component is provided on the side tube of the bottle.

8. The ink refill container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sealing component includes a sealing part; The sealing part is located at the end of the bottle-side communication port away from the container body, and the sealing part has a cutout. The can-side tube passes through the cutout to be inserted into the bottle-side communication port, and the sealing part covers the outside of the can-side tube.

9. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The central axis of the bottle side tube is coaxial with the central axis of the inner circumferential surface of the opening end of the container body.

10. The ink refill container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 bottle side tube protrudes from the protrusion. And / or, The valve component includes a valve body, a valve seat, and an elastic element; The valve body is located below the end of the bottle-side tube facing the main body of the container. The valve seat is fixed relative to the main body of the container. The elastic element is connected between the valve body and the valve seat so that the valve body can move towards the main body of the container under the action of an external force to open the bottle-side tube, or move towards the bottle-side tube under the action of the elastic element to close the bottle-side tube.

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