An ink cartridge

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of printing equipment, and particularly provides an ink cartridge, which comprises a cartridge body, an ink channel and a sealing piece, an ink storage cavity is arranged in the cartridge body, the ink channel is arranged at the bottom of the cartridge body and communicates with the ink storage cavity, one end of the ink channel is provided with a channel opening, and the sealing piece is arranged at the channel opening; wherein the channel opening is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating an adhesive, the accommodation space is located between the sealing piece and the channel opening, and the adhesive seals and connects the sealing piece and the channel opening. The present disclosure sets the accommodation space for accommodating the adhesive at the channel opening of the ink channel, so that the adhesive completely fills the gap between the sealing piece and the channel opening, ensures the sealed connection between the sealing piece and the channel opening, and effectively avoids ink leakage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and in particular to an ink cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printers typically use ink cartridges to supply ink. The ink cartridge contains main components such as an ink tank, printhead assembly, and chip. Driven by a printing signal, ink is ejected through the printhead onto recording media such as paper to form characters or graphics. Common inkjet printers include piezoelectric inkjet printers and thermal inkjet printers.

[0003] In existing ink cartridges, the liquid storage component is sealed with a sealant using adhesive to form a closed liquid storage chamber. If the sealant and the storage component do not seal properly, ink leakage will occur, which will contaminate the printer and shorten the life of the ink cartridge, resulting in a poor user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems. This disclosure provides an ink cartridge.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an ink cartridge is provided, comprising: The box body has an ink storage cavity inside. An ink channel is provided at the bottom of the housing and communicates with the ink storage cavity, and one end of the ink channel is provided with a channel opening; A sealing element disposed at the channel opening; The channel opening is provided with a receiving space for accommodating adhesive. The receiving space is located between the seal and the channel opening, and the adhesive seals the seal and the channel opening together.

[0006] Optionally, a protrusion is provided between the channel opening and the seal, the protrusion being used to support the seal, so that there is a gap between the seal and the channel opening, thereby forming the receiving space.

[0007] Optionally, the length and width of the channel opening are greater than the length and width of the ink channel.

[0008] Optionally, the channel opening has a first inner wall and a second inner wall, the first inner wall being connected to the outer wall of the box body, the second inner wall being connected to the ink channel, and the protrusion being disposed at the position where the first inner wall, or the second inner wall, or the first inner wall and the second inner wall are connected.

[0009] Optionally, the seal includes: An end plate, the end plate being used to close the channel opening; At least two connecting arms are provided on one side of the end plate for extending into and connecting to the ink channel.

[0010] Optionally, the protrusion is provided on the end face where the end plate connects to the connecting arm.

[0011] Optionally, at least two of the connecting arms are spaced apart with a gap between them.

[0012] Optionally, the maximum width of the outer side of at least two of the connecting arms is not greater than the width of the ink channel.

[0013] Optionally, a first mounting position is provided at the bottom of the ink channel, the first mounting position being used to mount an inkjet head, and the first mounting position being connected to the ink channel.

[0014] Optionally, the ink storage cavity includes multiple spaced chambers, each of which is connected to the ink channel.

[0015] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, an ink cartridge has an accommodating space provided in the channel opening of the ink channel for accommodating adhesive. This provides an accommodating position for the adhesive, preventing it from being squeezed out and ensuring the thickness of the adhesive. This allows the adhesive to completely fill the gap between the seal and the channel opening, ensuring a sealed connection between the seal and the channel opening. The sealing structure is more stable, effectively preventing ink leakage, ensuring the ink cartridge's lifespan, and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a bottom view of an ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view of section A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a top view of the box body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the box body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A magnified view of a portion of the text; Figure 9 This is a left-side view of the housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a sealing element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Ink cartridge 100, cartridge body 101, ink storage chamber 111, ink channel 112, side ink channel 121, middle ink channel 122, channel opening 113, protrusion 114, accommodating space 115, first mounting position 116, second mounting position 117, first inner wall 118, second inner wall 119, cartridge cover 102, sealing element 103, end plate 131, connecting arm 132. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0020] This disclosure provides an ink cartridge that provides an accommodating space in the ink channel opening to accommodate adhesive, ensuring that the adhesive completely fills the gap between the seal and the channel opening, thereby guaranteeing a sealed connection between the seal and the channel opening and effectively preventing ink leakage.

[0021] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, this disclosure provides an ink cartridge 100 for an inkjet printer, including: a cartridge body 101, an ink channel 112, and a seal 103; The box body 101 is nearly rectangular in shape and can be made of plastic. Inside the box body 101 is an ink storage chamber 111 for storing ink. The top of the box body 101 has a large opening, and the bottom protrudes downward at the position where the inkjet head is installed. The ink channel 112 is the channel through which ink is transported from the ink storage chamber 111 to the inkjet head. The ink channel 112 is located at the bottom of the housing 101 and communicates with the ink storage chamber 111. Specifically, it is located in the downward protruding structure at the bottom of the housing 101 and communicates with the ink storage chamber 111 upward through a pipe. One end of the ink channel 112 is provided with a channel opening 113, which faces the side wall of the housing 101 and is approximately rectangular. The seal 103 is disposed at the channel opening 113 to close the channel opening 113, so that the ink channel 112 forms a complete channel; like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the channel opening 113 is provided with a receiving space 115 for receiving adhesive. The receiving space 115 is located between the seal 103 and the channel opening 113. The adhesive seals the seal 103 and the channel opening 113.

[0023] The ink cartridge 100 of this embodiment provides a receiving space 115 in the channel opening 113 of the ink channel 112 to receive adhesive. This provides a receiving position for the adhesive, preventing it from being squeezed and lost, and also ensuring the thickness of the adhesive so that it completely fills the gap between the seal 103 and the channel opening 113. This ensures a sealed connection between the seal 103 and the channel opening 113, making the sealing structure more stable and effectively preventing ink leakage.

[0024] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 also includes a cover 102. The length and width of the cover 102 are slightly larger than the cartridge body 101. The material can be plastic. The cover 102 covers the top of the cartridge body 101. The cover 102 and the cartridge body 101 can be snapped together for easy assembly.

[0025] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, a protrusion 114 is provided between the channel opening 113 and the seal 103. At least one protrusion is provided, for example, one, two, three, four, or more, preferably four. The protrusion 114 supports the seal 103, creating a gap between the seal 103 and the channel opening 113 to form a receiving space 115. If multiple protrusions 114 are provided, they can be arranged circumferentially along the channel opening 113 to provide balanced support for the seal 103. One or more protrusions 114 can be provided on each side of the channel opening 113. The protrusion 114 can be circular, rectangular, or other suitable shapes. The protrusion 114 can be provided on the channel opening 113 or on the seal 103; in the figure, the protrusion 114 is provided on the channel opening 113.

[0026] Specifically, in this embodiment, multiple protrusions 114 are spaced apart. When the adhesive is applied, the adhesive will enter between the multiple protrusions 114. After the seal 103 is installed, it is supported by the protrusions 114. There is a gap between the seal 103 and the channel opening 113, which will not squeeze the adhesive excessively, avoid the adhesive being squeezed and lost, and also ensure the thickness of the adhesive.

[0027] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the length and width of the channel opening 113 are greater than the length and width of the ink channel 112. The length is set along the X-axis and the width is set along the Z-axis. The channel opening 113 is nearly rectangular, and the cross-sectional shape of the ink channel 112 is also nearly rectangular, with corresponding length and width. This arrangement facilitates the setting of protrusions 114 in the channel opening 113 and also facilitates the application of adhesive.

[0028] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown, the channel opening 113 has a first inner wall 118 and a second inner wall 119. The first inner wall 118 is connected to the outer wall of the box body 101, and the second inner wall 119 is connected to the ink channel 112. The first inner wall 118 and the second inner wall 119 are perpendicular to each other. A plurality of protrusions 114 are disposed at the position where the first inner wall 118 and the second inner wall 119 are connected. The plurality of protrusions 114 are fixedly connected to both the first inner wall 118 and the second inner wall 119. The protrusions 114, the first inner wall 118 and the second inner wall 119 can be integrally made.

[0029] In some possible implementations, the protrusion 114 may be provided only on the second inner wall 119 and not in contact with the first inner wall 118. Alternatively, the protrusion 114 may be provided only on the first inner wall 118 and not in contact with the second inner wall 119.

[0030] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the seal 103 includes: an end plate 131 and at least two connecting arms 132; The shape of the end plate 131 is similar to that of the channel opening 113, for example, it is rectangular, and its length and width are slightly smaller than those of the channel opening 113. The end plate 131 is used to close the channel opening 113. At least two connecting arms 132 are provided on one side of the end plate 131 for extending into the ink channel 112, occupying the internal space of the ink channel 112, forming the required ink delivery channel, avoiding the presence of too much air in the ink channel 112, reducing the generation of air bubbles in the ink, and connecting arms 132 are connected to the ink channel 112 and also play a role in fixing the seal 103.

[0031] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, when the protrusion 114 is provided on the channel opening 113 and the seal 103 is installed in the channel opening 113, the end face of the end plate 131 abuts against the end face of the protrusion 114, so that there is a gap between the end plate 131 and the second inner wall 119, thereby forming a receiving space 115, which provides a receiving position for the adhesive.

[0032] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, when the protrusion 114 is disposed on the sealing member 103, the protrusion 114 is disposed on the end face where the end plate 131 is connected to the connecting arm 132. After the sealing member 103 is installed in the channel opening 113, the end face of the protrusion 114 abuts against the second inner wall 119, so that there is a gap between the end plate 131 and the second inner wall 119, thereby forming a receiving space 115, providing a receiving position for the adhesive.

[0033] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, at least two connecting arms 132 are spaced apart with a gap between them, and at least two connecting arms 132 can be elastically deformed, especially along the width direction of the ink channel 112, to adapt to the internal structure of the ink channel 112.

[0034] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11As shown, the maximum outer width of at least two connecting arms 132 is not greater than the width of the ink channel 112, which facilitates the installation of the seal 103 into the channel opening 113 and the ink channel 112. In particular, the maximum outer width of the ends of at least two connecting arms 132 is smaller than the width of the ink channel 112, which facilitates the entry of the connecting arms 132 into the ink channel 112.

[0035] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a first mounting position 116 is provided at the bottom of the ink channel 112, specifically located at the bottom of the downwardly protruding structure of the housing 101. The first mounting position 116 is used to mount the inkjet head and is connected to the ink channel 112. Specifically, a through hole can be provided in the first mounting position 116, allowing ink to be delivered to the inkjet head through the first mounting position 116. The inkjet head is provided with an ejection port, and when ejecting ink, the ink is ejected when the inkjet head is close to the printing medium.

[0036] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a second mounting position 117 is provided on the side of the housing 101. The second mounting position 117 is used to mount the chip and is located near the channel opening 113. The chip is electrically connected to the inkjet head and is used to record information such as ink usage and serial number.

[0037] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the ink reservoir 111 includes multiple spaced chambers, each of which is directly connected to the ink channel 112, or some chambers are directly connected to the ink channel 112 while the others are indirectly connected. The multiple chambers can be filled with different colors of ink, allowing the printer to perform color printing using only one ink cartridge 100.

[0038] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 As shown, an independent intermediate ink channel 122 is also provided in the ink channel 112. The intermediate ink channel 122 is spaced apart from the ink channel 112. When the seal 103 is installed in the ink channel 112, the independent intermediate ink channel 122 separates the ink channel 112. That is, the independent intermediate ink channel 122 is located between the two connecting arms 132, which facilitates the separation of the ink channel 112 and forms two non-interconnected side ink channels 121 to prevent ink mixing and thus prevent misprinting.

[0039] In some possible implementations, a filter chamber is provided at the location where the chamber communicates with the ink channel 112. The filter chamber is equipped with a filter (not shown, such as a sponge). The filter can capture foreign objects, such as dust or impurities in the ink. The ink in the ink storage chamber 111 is supplied to the inkjet head through the filter and the filter chamber, ensuring that the inkjet head is not blocked and can spray ink smoothly.

[0040] Each chamber is equipped with an absorber (not shown, such as a sponge) to hold liquid. The liquid held by the absorber is supplied to the ejection port of the inkjet head via a filter chamber that communicates with the ink reservoir 111. The absorber is inserted into the ink reservoir 111 as a negative pressure generator to hold the liquid. Alternatively, a negative pressure generator, such as a pressure controller or a circulator, can also be used to hold the liquid.

[0041] In some possible implementations, the ink of the same color may be provided with at least two chambers that are interconnected. For example, adjacent chambers may be connected by a connecting hole at the bottom. At least one of these chambers is connected to a filter chamber, and the chamber connected to the filter chamber is provided with an absorbent (not shown, such as a sponge) to hold the liquid. The other chambers may not be provided with an absorbent to hold the liquid, which can increase the amount of ink of the corresponding color and achieve capacity expansion.

[0042] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the cover 102 is provided with at least one filling hole corresponding to the ink storage cavity 111. The filling hole is used to replenish ink to the ink storage cavity 111. When the ink in the ink storage cavity 111 is used up, ink can be replenished to the ink storage cavity 111 through the filling hole, and the ink cartridge 100 can continue to be used, reducing waste and lowering printing costs. The cover 102 is provided with at least one air vent corresponding to the ink storage chamber 111. The air vent is used to connect the ink storage chamber 111 to the outside atmosphere. During the use of the ink cartridge 100, ink consumption will change the air pressure inside the ink storage chamber 111. By providing air vents, the air pressure inside the ink storage chamber 111 is kept stable, the ink output is more stable, and the printing quality is guaranteed.

[0043] In some possible implementations, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, both the filling hole and the vent hole are equipped with sealing components. The sealing component of the filling hole can be opened when ink is added to the ink storage chamber 111, and the sealing component of the vent hole can be removed when the ink cartridge 100 is in use. During transportation or when the ink cartridge 100 is not in use, the sealing components can prevent ink from leaking from the filling hole and the vent hole, thus ensuring the product quality of the ink cartridge 100.

[0044] The filling hole uses a sealing plug, such as a rubber stopper, as the sealing component. The sealing plug can be opened when adding ink to the ink reservoir 111, and closed after adding ink to continue sealing the filling hole. The vent hole uses a sealing film as the sealing component. The sealing film is adhered to the cartridge cover 102. The sealing film can be removed when using the ink cartridge 100, and the vent hole is in a connected state.

[0045] In some other possible implementations, the sealing components used for the filling hole and the vent hole can be sealing plugs; or the sealing components used for the filling hole and the vent hole can be sealing membranes; or the sealing component used for the filling hole is a sealing membrane, and the sealing component used for the vent hole is a sealing plug, etc.

[0046] The ink cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, and has the following advantages: By setting a receiving space in the ink channel opening to accommodate the adhesive, a receiving position is provided for the adhesive, preventing it from being squeezed out and ensuring the thickness of the adhesive. This allows the adhesive to completely fill the gap between the seal and the channel opening, ensuring a sealed connection between the seal and the channel opening. The sealing structure is more stable, effectively preventing ink leakage, ensuring the ink cartridge's lifespan, and improving the user experience.

[0047] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0048] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0049] Additionally, as used herein, the "or" used in a list of items beginning with "at least one" indicates a separate list, such that a list of, for example, "at least one of A, B, or C" means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the word "exemplary" does not imply that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

[0050] It should also be noted that in the systems and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0051] Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the technology described herein without departing from the teachings defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims of this disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects of the processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, and actions described above. Currently existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described herein can be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims include such processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions within their scope.

[0052] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0053] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge, characterized in that, include: The box body has an ink storage cavity inside. An ink channel is provided at the bottom of the housing and communicates with the ink storage cavity, and one end of the ink channel is provided with a channel opening; A sealing element disposed at the channel opening; The channel opening is provided with a receiving space for accommodating adhesive. The receiving space is located between the seal and the channel opening, and the adhesive seals the seal and the channel opening together.

2. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, A protrusion is provided between the channel opening and the seal, the protrusion being used to support the seal, so that there is a gap between the seal and the channel opening, thereby forming the receiving space.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The length and width of the channel opening are greater than the length and width of the ink channel.

4. An ink cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The channel opening has a first inner wall and a second inner wall. The first inner wall is connected to the outer wall of the box body, and the second inner wall is connected to the ink channel. The protrusion is disposed at the position where the first inner wall, or the second inner wall, or the first inner wall and the second inner wall are connected.

5. An ink cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing element includes: An end plate, the end plate being used to close the channel opening; At least two connecting arms are provided on one side of the end plate for extending into and connecting to the ink channel.

6. An ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion is located on the end face where the end plate connects to the connecting arm.

7. An ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, At least two of the connecting arms are spaced apart with a gap between them.

8. An ink cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maximum width of the outer side of at least two of the connecting arms is not greater than the width of the ink channel.

9. An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The bottom of the ink channel is provided with a first mounting position, which is used to install the inkjet head and is connected to the ink channel.

10. An ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The ink storage chamber includes multiple spaced chambers, each of which is connected to the ink channel.

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