A vertically distributed ink bag type pipeline shunt

Abstract

The utility model relates to printer technical field, specifically disclose a vertically distributed ink sac type pipeline shunt, including the shunt main body in the lower part and the liquid storage main body in the upper part of shunt main body, be equipped with at least one liquid storage cavity in the liquid storage main body, every liquid storage cavity is linked with at least one liquid inlet connector and at least two liquid outlet connector setting in the outside of shunt main body respectively, the liquid storage cavity is enclosed by rigid cavity wall and at least partial flexible diaphragm, the flexible diaphragm can produce deformation according to the pressure difference between the inside and outside atmospheric pressure of liquid storage cavity, to adaptively adjust the internal fluid pressure of liquid storage cavity. In the above scheme, based on the dynamic pressure regulating mechanism of flexible diaphragm, ensure that the ink pressure that distributes to every liquid outlet connector remains highly stable, fundamentally solves the ink jet inconsistency problem caused by cavity pressure fluctuation in the prior art, thereby significantly improve the precision and uniformity of high speed printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer technology, especially inkjet printers, and specifically to an ink bladder type flow divider with vertically distributed ink cartridges for use in inkjet printers. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of high-speed inkjet printing technology, the market demand for printing efficiency is constantly increasing. To achieve higher printing speeds, the current mainstream solution is to integrate multiple inkjet printheads into a single device for collaborative operation. In color inkjet printing systems, multiple colors of ink, such as CMYK, are typically required. Each color needs an independent ink supply path, connecting from an ink reservoir fixed to the rack to the corresponding color channel on each printhead. Because the printhead is mounted on a reciprocating printhead carriage, while the ink reservoir is stationary, all ink tubes between them must be dynamically deployed via cable chains.

[0003] With the continuous increase in printing speed, integrating more printheads has become a key way to improve productivity. However, this directly leads to a significant increase in the number of ink tubes in the cable chain, which not only complicates wiring and makes maintenance difficult, but also significantly increases the load on moving parts, affecting the stability and reliability of system operation. Therefore, how to optimize the ink path layout and reduce the number of moving end tubes has become an important issue for improving the performance of high-speed color inkjet equipment. To this end, the industry has proposed using an integrated ink path splitter (similar to a "HUB") placed near the ink carriage end of the cable chain to achieve centralized splitting of ink supply from a single ink supply line to multiple printheads, thereby effectively reducing the number of ink tubes in the cable chain.

[0004] Currently, there are existing technical solutions dedicated to addressing the aforementioned problems. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN220298132U discloses a multi-color path distributor, which features an ink distribution assembly above the printhead. This assembly includes an ink distribution block with an opening in the receiving cavity, and multiple ink supply holes at the bottom of the cavity, thereby achieving the distribution of multi-color ink paths. However, this structure still has significant shortcomings in practical applications: due to the differences in ink ejection speed among the printheads during actual operation, it is difficult to maintain a real-time balance of the inlet and outlet ink flow rates within the receiving cavity, resulting in continuous pressure fluctuations within the cavity. This, in turn, affects the consistency of ink ejection from the printheads, making it difficult to meet the stability requirements of high-precision, high-speed printing.

[0005] In summary, while existing ink distribution schemes have integrated the piping to some extent, they have failed to effectively solve the problem of dynamic pressure balancing when multiple printheads work together, thus hindering further improvements in print quality and system performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that the ink path distribution scheme in the prior art fails to effectively solve the problem of dynamic pressure balance when multiple printheads work together.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a vertically distributed ink-bag type pipeline diverter, comprising a diverting body located below and a liquid storage body located above the diverting body. The liquid storage body is provided with at least one liquid storage chamber. Each liquid storage chamber is connected to at least one inlet connector and at least two outlet connectors disposed outside the diverting body. The liquid storage chamber is surrounded by a rigid cavity wall and at least a portion of a flexible diaphragm. The flexible diaphragm can deform according to the pressure difference between the inside of the liquid storage chamber and the external atmospheric pressure to adaptively adjust the internal fluid pressure of the liquid storage chamber.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible diaphragm has a pre-defined arched structure that protrudes toward the outside or inside of the reservoir.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid outlet connector is installed at a height lower than the lowest point of the liquid storage chamber, and is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage chamber via a liquid outlet channel inside the diversion body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid storage chamber is provided with a vent, which is connected to the top of the liquid storage chamber.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, a normally closed one-way valve is installed at the vent.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid inlet connector is disposed on the diversion body and is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage chamber via a liquid inlet channel connecting the diversion body and the liquid storage body.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a filter is further provided within the diversion body between the inlet connector and the inlet channel.

[0014] The vertically distributed ink-bag type pipe diverter of this utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0015] (1) The wall of the liquid storage chamber is at least partially composed of a flexible diaphragm, which can deform in real time according to the internal and external pressure difference, adaptively absorbing and compensating for flow fluctuations caused by differences in ink jet speed among the printheads. This dynamic pressure regulation mechanism ensures that the ink pressure distributed to each liquid outlet remains highly stable, fundamentally solving the problem of inconsistent ink jetting caused by chamber pressure fluctuations in the prior art, thereby significantly improving the accuracy and uniformity of high-speed printing.

[0016] (2) The vertically distributed ink bladder-type tubing distributor efficiently distributes ink from a single inlet line to multiple outlet lines. By placing it near one end of the moving printhead, the number of ink tubes that need to pass through the cable chain can be significantly reduced. This not only greatly simplifies the tubing layout, reduces the inertia and load of moving parts, and improves the stability and reliability of high-speed scanning of the printhead, but also reduces the risk of entanglement, wear and leakage caused by numerous tubing, making system maintenance easier. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the vertically distributed ink-bag type pipeline diverter shown in the first embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Left view of the vertically distributed ink-bag type pipe splitter shown. Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the state of ink in the reservoir of a vertically distributed ink sac-type tubing distributor. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the vertically distributed ink-bag type pipeline diverter shown in the second embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the vertically distributed ink-bag type pipeline diverter shown in the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an integral connection, or a detachable connection; they can refer to the internal connection of two components; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] The first embodiment of this utility model features a vertically distributed ink-bag type pipe diverter, such as... Figures 1-3As shown, the system includes a lower distribution body 100 and an upper liquid storage body 200, wherein the liquid storage body 200 has at least one liquid storage chamber 2. It should be noted that although this embodiment only illustrates one liquid storage chamber 2, suitable for storing single-color ink, for applications requiring multi-color ink, two or more liquid storage chambers 2 can be provided, each storing ink of a different color.

[0021] In this embodiment, each of the liquid storage chambers 2 is connected to an inlet connector 3 and two or more outlet connectors 5 located outside the diversion body 100.

[0022] The vertically distributed ink sac-type tubing distributor in this embodiment efficiently distributes ink from a single inlet line to multiple outlet lines. Positioning it near one end of the moving printhead significantly reduces the number of ink tubes that need to pass through the cable chain. This not only greatly simplifies the tubing layout, reduces the inertia and load on moving parts, and improves the stability and reliability of high-speed printing, but also reduces the risks of tangling, wear, and leakage caused by numerous tubing lines, making system maintenance much easier.

[0023] Those skilled in the art should understand that although only one inlet connector 3 is provided in this embodiment, in actual use, the number of inlet connectors 3 can be appropriately increased according to needs to provide a larger inlet flow rate.

[0024] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the cavity wall of the liquid storage chamber 2 is composed of a rigid cavity wall 1 and at least a portion of a flexible diaphragm 7. Wherein, Figure 2 In the diagram shown, there is no ink in the reservoir. Figure 3 The diagram shows that the liquid storage chamber contains ink.

[0025] In this embodiment, the flexible diaphragm 7 can deform according to the pressure difference between the inside of the liquid storage chamber 2 and the external atmospheric pressure, thereby adaptively adjusting the internal fluid pressure of the liquid storage chamber 2. Because the flexible diaphragm 7 can deform in real time according to the internal and external pressure difference, it adaptively absorbs and compensates for flow fluctuations caused by differences in inkjet speeds among the printheads. This dynamic pressure regulation mechanism ensures that the ink pressure distributed to each ink outlet 5 remains highly stable, fundamentally solving the problem of inconsistent inkjet printing caused by chamber pressure fluctuations in the prior art, thus significantly improving the accuracy and uniformity of high-speed printing.

[0026] As a preferred option, such as Figures 2-3As shown, the flexible diaphragm 7 has a pre-designed arched structure that protrudes towards the outside or inside of the liquid storage chamber 2. The pre-designed arched structure of the flexible diaphragm 7 provides superior deformation sensitivity and pressure response characteristics, enabling it to more quickly mitigate pressure shocks caused by instantaneous flow rate changes. The entire distributor structure is compact and easily integrated into the space-constrained moving end, making it particularly suitable for high-speed scanning multi-head color inkjet printing equipment with extremely high requirements for printing speed, accuracy, and system reliability.

[0027] In this embodiment, it should be understood that the flexible diaphragm is made of existing mature materials, and this embodiment does not limit its specific material or the way it is connected to the rigid cavity wall 1.

[0028] A preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the installation height of the liquid outlet connector 5 is lower than the lowest point of the liquid storage chamber 2, and it is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 2 via the liquid outlet channel 6 inside the diversion body 100. In this solution, by placing the liquid outlet connector below the lowest point of the liquid storage chamber and connecting it to the bottom, gravity is fully utilized to achieve natural ink supply, which helps to empty the chamber and prevent ink residue or gas accumulation, ensuring rapid and continuous ink supply response.

[0029] A preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the inlet connector 3 is disposed on the diversion body 100 and is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage chamber 2 via the inlet channel 4 connecting the diversion body 100 and the liquid storage body 200. Specifically, in this embodiment, the inlet connector 3 is disposed near the bottom of the diversion body 100, and its installation height is lower than the lowest point of the liquid storage chamber 2. The advantage of this arrangement is that when the ink enters the liquid storage chamber 2, it flows naturally downwards, while any air bubbles that may be carried in it tend to rise and accumulate at the top of the chamber due to their low density. This structural design effectively achieves preliminary gas-liquid separation, preventing air bubbles from directly entering the outlet channel with the ink, thereby reducing the risk of air blockage in the printhead nozzle and ensuring the continuity and stability of inkjet printing. At the same time, this upper inlet method can cooperate with the outlet structure at the lower end of the chamber to form a smooth fluid replacement path, which is beneficial to maintaining the flow and renewal of ink in the liquid storage chamber and reducing local ink retention or sedimentation.

[0030] The second embodiment of this utility model features a vertically distributed ink-bag type pipe diverter, such as... Figure 4As shown, the difference from the first embodiment is that a vent 10 is provided at the upper part of the liquid storage chamber 2, and a normally closed one-way valve 8 is installed at the vent 10, through which the gas inside the liquid storage chamber can be discharged. The purpose of this arrangement is to allow the gas inside the liquid storage chamber to be discharged when ink is initially added, so that more ink can be added to the liquid storage chamber. Of course, as an equivalent embodiment, the vent 10 can also be located in other positions, as long as it is connected to the top of the liquid storage chamber through an airflow channel; its specific location is not limited here.

[0031] The third embodiment of this utility model features a vertically distributed ink-bag type pipe diverter, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the difference from the first embodiment is that a filter 9 is provided inside the diversion body 100. The filter 9 is located between the liquid inlet connector 3 and the liquid inlet channel 4. The ink entering from the liquid inlet connector 3 passes through the filter 9 and then enters the liquid storage chamber 2 through the liquid inlet channel 4. By setting the filter 9, impurities in the ink can be effectively filtered out, further protecting the printhead and maintaining fluid cleanliness.

[0032] In this embodiment, there are no restrictions on the specific structure, filter material, or filtration method of the filter; a mature ink filter in the field can be used.

[0033] In summary, 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 and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A vertically distributed ink-bag type pipe distributor, comprising a distributor body located below and a liquid storage body located above the distributor body, wherein the liquid storage body has at least one liquid storage chamber, and each liquid storage chamber is respectively connected to at least one inlet connector and at least two outlet connectors disposed outside the distributor body, characterized in that, The liquid storage chamber is enclosed by a rigid cavity wall and at least a flexible diaphragm. The flexible diaphragm can deform according to the pressure difference between the inside of the liquid storage chamber and the external atmospheric pressure to adaptively adjust the internal fluid pressure of the liquid storage chamber.

2. The ink-bag type pipeline diverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible diaphragm has a pre-designed arched structure that protrudes towards the outside or inside of the liquid storage cavity.

3. The ink-bag type pipeline diverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid outlet connector is installed at a height lower than the lowest point of the liquid storage chamber, and is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage chamber via a liquid outlet channel inside the diversion body.

4. The ink-bag type pipeline diverter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage chamber is provided with a vent, which is connected to the top of the liquid storage chamber.

5. The ink-filled pipe diverter according to claim 4, characterized in that, A normally closed one-way valve is installed at the vent.

6. The ink-filled pipe diverter according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The liquid inlet connector is disposed on the diversion body and is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage chamber via the liquid inlet channel connecting the diversion body and the liquid storage body.

7. The ink-bag type pipeline diverter according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a filter disposed within the diversion body between the inlet connector and the inlet channel.

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