WO2025228425A1 - Ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

An ink cartridge (D100), configured to be inserted into a housing (D10) of a printer. The housing is provided with an ink cartridge accommodating cavity (D11); the lower side of the ink cartridge accommodating cavity is provided with an ink suction needle (D12); the front side of the ink cartridge accommodating cavity is provided with a locking member (D15) that slides up and down in the height direction of the housing; an ink receiving portion (D18) is arranged on the lower side of the ink suction needle; the ink receiving portion is configured to swing between a first position and a second position; the ink receiving portion is farther from the end portion of the ink suction needle in the second position than in the first position; when being located at the upper stop position, the locking member locks the ink receiving portion at the first position; the ink cartridge comprises: a main body (D110) provided with a chamber (D111) for storing ink; a supply port (D113) located at the front side of the main body and used for supplying ink in the chamber to the ink suction needle; and an unlocking mechanism (D150) provided at the front side of the main body; and in the process of mounting the ink cartridge into the housing, the unlocking mechanism abuts against the upper side of the ink receiving portion, overcoming the acting force of the locking member to unlock the ink receiving portion. The design can simplify the structure of the ink cartridge accommodating cavity.

Description

ink cartridge Technical Field

This invention relates to ink cartridges for inkjet printing equipment.

Background Technology

Inkjet printers are devices that use printheads to spray ink onto printing media such as paper for recording. Generally, inkjet printers have an ink cartridge housing. The ink cartridges that store and supply ink are usually installed in the ink cartridge housing in a removable manner. The ink cartridge housing is equipped with ink suction needles, and the ink cartridges are equipped with ink dispensing parts for cooperating with the ink suction needles. Through the cooperation of the ink suction needles and the ink dispensing parts, the ink in the ink cartridges is supplied to the inkjet printer.

An existing inkjet printer has an ink receiving part that is movable relative to the ink suction needle. Before the ink cartridge is installed, the ink receiving part is close to the ink suction needle. As the ink cartridge is installed, the ink receiving part moves away from the ink suction needle, allowing the ink cartridge to be installed smoothly. To enable the ink receiving part to move, the inkjet printer needs to have a moving part to control the movement of the ink receiving part. To enable the ink suction needle to move away from the ink suction needle, the moving part needs to be triggered during the ink cartridge installation process. After the ink cartridge is removed, the moving part needs to be able to reset. This makes the structure of the ink cartridge receiving cavity relatively complex.

Summary of the Invention

The ink cartridge of the present invention adopts the following technical solution to simplify the structure of the ink cartridge housing cavity. In order to achieve the above objective, the present invention specifically adopts the following technical solution:

An ink cartridge is configured to be inserted into a printer housing along a first direction. The housing has an ink cartridge receiving cavity, and the lower side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity has an ink-absorbing needle for receiving and delivering ink. The front side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity has a locking member that slides up and down along the height direction of the housing. Below the ink-absorbing needle is an ink-receiving portion that can swing about an axis extending along the width direction of the ink cartridge. The ink-receiving portion is configured to swing between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the distance between the ink-receiving portion and the end of the ink-absorbing needle is greater than in the first position. When the locking member is in the upper stop position, the locking member locks the ink-receiving portion in the first position. The ink cartridge includes: a main body having a chamber for storing ink; a supply port located on the front side of the main body for supplying ink from the chamber to the ink-absorbing needle; and an unlocking mechanism located on the front side of the main body. During the installation of the ink cartridge into the housing, the unlocking mechanism abuts against the upper side of the ink-receiving portion, causing the ink-receiving portion to overcome the force of the locking member and unlock.

Attached Figure Description

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention after it has been installed into the ink cartridge receiving cavity.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention after it has been installed into the ink cartridge receiving cavity, cut along the AA direction in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB direction in Figure 2 during the process of installing the ink cartridge into the ink cartridge receiving cavity according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention after it has been installed into the ink cartridge receiving cavity, cut along the BB direction in Figure 2.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction in Figure 2 during the process of installing the ink cartridge into the ink cartridge receiving cavity according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention after it has been installed into the ink cartridge receiving cavity, cut along the AA direction in Figure 2.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the printer housing used to install ink cartridges.

Figure 10 is another perspective view of the printer housing for installing ink cartridges.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge without a cover plate according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, further omitting a sub-swing arm, a sub-key component, a sub-reset component, and a partition.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge installed on the printer housing according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a top view of Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a D-D sectional view of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is the E-E sectional view of Figure 15.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge installed on the printer housing according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a top view of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is the F-F sectional view of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view along line G-G of Figure 20.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the printer housing for mounting ink cartridges.

Figure 24 is a stereoscopic view of Figure 23 from another perspective.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Figure 26 is another perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge installed on the printer housing according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of Figure 27.

Figure 29 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Figure 30 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge installed on the printer housing according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

Figure 31 is a B-B sectional view of Figure 30.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge installed on the printer housing according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

Figure 33 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

Figure 34 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge with a cover plate omitted according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

Figure 35 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge inserted into the printer housing according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

Figure 37 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the housing used to install ink cartridges in a printer.

Figure 38 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

Figure 39 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge before it is installed into the printer housing according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

Figure 40 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge after it is installed in the printer housing according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

Figure 41 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

Figure 42 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge before it is installed into the printer housing according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

Figure 43 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge after it is installed in the printer housing according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

Figure 44 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

Figure 45 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge before it is installed into the printer housing according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

Figure 46 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge after it is installed in the printer housing according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

Figure 47 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

Figure 48 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge before it is installed into the printer housing according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

Figure 49 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge after it is installed in the printer housing according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

Figure 50 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

Figure 51 is another perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

Figure 52 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge before it is installed into the printer housing according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

Figure 53 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge after it is installed in the printer housing according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

Figure 54 is another perspective cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge before it is installed into the printer housing according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

Figure 55 is another perspective cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge after it is installed in the printer housing according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

Figure 56 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge involved in Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

Figure 57 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge before it is installed into the printer housing according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

Figure 58 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the process of inserting the ink cartridge into the printer housing according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

Figure 59 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge after it is installed in the printer housing according to Embodiment 15 of the invention.

Figure 60 is a schematic diagram of Figure 57 from another perspective.

Figure 61 is a schematic diagram of Figure 59 from another perspective.

Detailed Implementation

The following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, further illustrates the structure of the ink cartridge and other aspects of the present invention.

Example 1

As shown in Figures 1-3, the following will describe Embodiment 1 of this application. The ink cartridge A10 is detachably installed in the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 of the inkjet printer. The ink cartridge A10 includes an outer shell A11, an ink outlet A12 for conveying ink to the inkjet printer, and a cover A13 connected to the outer shell. The cavity of the outer shell A11 can directly form an ink storage cavity, or a flexible ink bag or inner shell can be additionally provided within the cavity of the outer shell A11 to form the ink storage cavity. The cover A13 is connected to the outer shell A11 and located on the front side of the outer shell A11, defining the location of the cover A13. One side is the front, and the side where the outer casing A11 is located is the rear; the side where the cover A13 is located is the top, and the side where the ink outlet A12 is located is the bottom. The ink outlet A12 is located below the cover A13, and the direction that intersects with both the front-back direction and the up-down direction is the left-right direction; the ink cartridge A10 is also provided with a key component A18, which has the function of detecting whether the ink cartridge A10 is installed in place and the ink level, and also has the function of color recognition. The key component A18 in different color ink cartridges A10 is at a different distance from the left or right side wall of the outer casing A11 in the left-right direction.

The cover A13 is movably disposed relative to the outer shell A11, and a moving guide structure is provided between the two. Specifically, the left and right side walls of the outer shell A11 are respectively provided with protrusions A111, and the left and right side walls of the cover A13 are respectively provided with sliding grooves A131. The protrusions A111 and the sliding grooves A131 form a slidingly engaged moving guide structure to guide the cover A13 to move up and down relative to the outer shell A11 and to limit the movable range of the cover A13. In some embodiments, protrusions A111 may also be provided on the left and right side walls of the cover A13, and sliding grooves A131 may also be provided on the left and right side walls of the outer shell A11. Furthermore, the cover A13 may also be configured to displace in the up-down and back-forward directions relative to the outer shell A11. For example, the sliding grooves A131 may be set to be arc-shaped or inclined, so that the cover A13 can displace in the up-down and back-forward directions.

In this embodiment, the ink cartridge A10 also includes a chip A16 that stores information related to the ink cartridge A10. The chip A16 can be matched and set at different positions of the ink cartridge A10 according to the position of the connection terminal A102 in the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 of different models of inkjet printers. Furthermore, the chip A16 can be set on one of the top wall, front wall, side wall and bottom wall of the outer shell A11, or on one of the top wall, front wall, side wall and bottom wall of the cover A13, so as to be electrically connected to the connection terminal A102 in the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100.

In some embodiments, chip A16 can be fixedly disposed on one of housing A11 and cover A13, as shown in FIG3. Chip A16 is fixedly disposed on housing A11. When ink cartridge A10 is installed into the mounting position A110 of ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, the electrical contacts of chip A16 are reliably electrically connected to the connection terminal A102 fixedly disposed in ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, thereby enabling inkjet printer to read the relevant information of ink cartridge A10 stored in chip A16.

In some embodiments, chip A16 can be movably disposed on one of housing A11 and cover A13. Taking chip A16 disposed on the top wall of housing A11 as an example, specifically, ink cartridge A10 is provided with a trigger part, and ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 is provided with a force-applying part that abuts against the trigger part. When ink cartridge A10 is installed in the mounting position A110, the force-applying part abuts against the trigger part and applies force to the trigger part. The trigger part drives chip A16 to move in a translational manner. Specifically, chip A16 extends in the vertical direction or obliquely upward direction, so that the electrical contacts of chip A16 are reliably electrically connected to the connection terminal A102 of ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, enabling inkjet printer to stably read the relevant information of ink cartridge A10 stored in chip A16.

In some embodiments, chip A16 can be oscillatingly mounted on one of the housing A11 and the cover A13. Taking chip A16 mounted on the top wall of housing A11 as an example, specifically, ink cartridge A10 is provided with a trigger part and a chip holder with a rotating shaft. Chip A16 is installed in the chip holder. The ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 is provided with a force-applying part. When ink cartridge A10 is installed in the mounting position A110, the force-applying part abuts against the trigger part and applies force to the trigger part. The trigger part drives the chip holder to rotate and move in the direction of the connection terminal A102, so that the electrical contacts of chip A16 are reliably electrically connected to the connection terminal A102 of ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, enabling the inkjet printer to stably read the relevant information of ink cartridge A10 stored in chip A16. Preferably, rotating shafts can also be provided on both sides of the substrate of chip A16.

In some embodiments, chip A16 can be displaced simultaneously in the front-back direction and the up-down direction. Specifically, ink cartridge A10 is provided with a chip holder for mounting chip A16. The chip holder is provided with a sliding part and an arc-shaped groove. The arc-shaped groove is located below the chip holder. The ink cartridge is also provided with a protrusion that cooperates with the arc-shaped groove and a guide groove that cooperates with the sliding part. When ink cartridge A10 is installed in the mounting position A110, the chip holder abuts against the components in the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 and applies force to the chip holder, causing the chip holder to move in the up-down direction through the cooperation of the arc-shaped groove and the protrusion, and to move in the front-back direction in the guide groove while rotating around the sliding part. Thus, the electrical contacts of chip A16 are reliably electrically connected to the connection terminal A102 of ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, enabling the inkjet printer to stably read the relevant information of ink cartridge A10 stored in chip A16.

Example 2

As shown in Figure 4, the following will introduce Embodiment 2 of this application. The parts that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will not be repeated in this embodiment. The following will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

In this embodiment, ink cartridge A10 includes an air vent A22 and an air inlet valve assembly for sealing the air vent A22. The air inlet valve assembly includes an abutment portion A221 for abutting against the inner wall of the inkjet printer and a sealing portion A222 for sealing the air vent A22. The abutment portion A221 is located above the sealing portion A222. When ink cartridge A10 is not installed into the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 in the inkjet printer, as shown in Figure 5, the sealing portion A222 seals the air vent A22 to prevent ink in the ink storage cavity A113 from flowing out and contaminating ink cartridge A10. When ink cartridge A10 is installed into the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, as shown in Figure 6, the abutment portion A221 and the sealing portion A222 seal the air vent A22. When the inner wall of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 abuts against and presses the sealing part A222 downwards, the sealing part A222 no longer seals the air vent A22. When the inkjet printer draws ink from the ink outlet A12, the air pressure in the ink storage cavity A113 decreases, and external air is replenished to the ink storage cavity A113 through the air vent A22, so that the air pressure in the ink storage cavity A113 is restored. The air pressure in the ink storage cavity A113 remains stable. With this design, the operator does not need to open the air vent A22 before using the ink cartridge A10, and at the same time, it avoids the operator forgetting to open the air vent A22, which would prevent the ink outlet A12 from stably supplying ink to the inkjet printer, causing the inkjet printer to malfunction.

In some embodiments, the air intake valve assembly further includes a first elastic element A223, which abuts against a sealing portion A222. When the ink cartridge A10 is installed in the mounting position A110 of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, the abutting portion A221 abuts against the inner wall of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, forcing the first elastic element A223 to undergo elastic deformation, causing the sealing portion A222 to move downward, thereby releasing the seal of the sealing portion A222 on the air vent A22. When the abutting portion A221 no longer forces the first elastic element A223 to undergo elastic deformation, the sealing portion A222 returns to its initial position under the elastic force released by the first elastic element A223, resealing the air vent A22. Thus, when the ink cartridge A10 is removed, residual ink in the ink storage cavity A113 can be prevented from flowing out of the air vent A22.

In some embodiments, the sealing part A222 is configured as a flexible component, that is, the sealing part A222 itself can undergo elastic deformation. When the ink cartridge A10 is not installed into the mounting position A110 of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, the sealing part A222 abuts against the inner or outer wall of the air vent, thereby sealing the air vent A22. When the ink cartridge A10 is installed into the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, the abutting part A221 abuts against the inside of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 and presses the sealing part A222, thereby releasing the seal of the sealing part A222 on the air vent A22. When the ink cartridge A10 is removed, the abutting part A221 no longer abuts against the inside of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100. At this time, the sealing part A222 reseals the air vent A22 under its own elastic force.

The sealing part A222 is made of a flexible element to improve the sealing performance. Preferably, the flexible element can be made of rubber.

Example 3

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the following will introduce Embodiment 3 of this application. The parts that are the same as those in Embodiments 1-2 above will not be repeated in this embodiment. The following will focus on the differences from the above embodiments.

In this embodiment, a light detection unit is provided in the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 of the inkjet printer. The light detection unit has a light emitting part and a light receiving part. The light receiving part is used to receive the light emitted by the light emitting part. The ink cartridge A10 includes a locking part A183 for locking the ink cartridge A10. The locking part A183 is provided on the cover A13. The locking part A183 has a vertical locking surface A1831 and an inclined pressing surface A1832. Along the installation direction of the ink cartridge A10, the distance between the pressing surface A1832 and the center line of the ink outlet A12 gradually decreases in the vertical direction. The ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 is also provided with a pressing part A130 and a fitting part A140. The outer shell A11 is provided with a support part A112. The ink cartridge A10 is also provided with a second The second elastic element A15 has one end abutting against the support part A112 and the other end abutting against the inner wall of the outer shell A11. During the process of installing the ink cartridge A10 into the mounting position A110 of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, the pressed surface A1832 of the locking part A183 abuts against the pressing part A130 of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100 and forces the second elastic element A15 to undergo elastic deformation. At this time, the locking part A183 and the cover A13 move downward with the elastic deformation of the second elastic element A15. When the pressed surface A1832 is no longer pressed by the pressing part A130, the locking part A183 returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the second elastic element A15 and abuts against the fitting part A140 of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, thereby locking the ink cartridge A10.

The ink cartridge A10 also includes a detection unit A184 with a detection function. The detection unit A184 has at least one of the functions of detecting whether the ink cartridge A10 is properly installed and detecting the remaining ink level. When the ink cartridge A10 is installed in the mounting position A110 of the ink cartridge receiving cavity A100, the detection unit A184 blocks the light emitted by the light emitting unit, preventing the light receiving unit from receiving the light. At this time, it is determined that the ink cartridge A10 is properly installed. Furthermore, the detection unit A184 can also be used to detect the remaining ink level in the ink cartridge A10. In this case, the detection unit A184 is connected to the ink storage cavity A113. The ink reservoir A113 has a buoy A17, and the locking part A183 has open holes on both sides. When the buoy A17 is in the initial position shown in Figure 7, the buoy A17 blocks the light emitted by the light emitting part, so that the light receiving part cannot receive the light emitted by the light emitting part. Thus, the inkjet printer detects that the ink level is sufficient. When the ink level is insufficient, the buoy A17 rotates backward due to gravity and deviates from the initial position. At this time, the light receiving part can receive the light emitted by the light emitting part, and the inkjet printer detects that the ink level is insufficient and issues a prompt to the user.

The following describes another type of ink cartridge and the printer to which it is applicable.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the printer (not shown) has a housing B010 for installing ink cartridges. The housing B010 has an ink cartridge receiving cavity B11. The lower side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity B11 has an ink needle B12 for receiving and conveying ink. The upper side of the housing B010 has multiple fitting parts B013. The fitting part B013 has a backstop working surface B014 near the ink needle B12. The axial direction of the ink needle B12 is parallel to the first direction 01 of ink cartridge insertion. The first direction 01 of ink cartridge insertion is perpendicular to the width direction 02 and the height direction 03 of the ink cartridge.

Example 4

As shown in Figures 11 to 17, the ink cartridge B100 is configured to be inserted into the housing B010 of the printer along the first direction O1, which has multiple fitting parts B013. The ink cartridge B100 includes a body B110, a key component B120, and a reset component B130.

The main body B110 has a chamber B111 for storing ink, an air inlet channel B112, and a supply port B113 located on the front side of the main body B110.

Key component B120 is disposed on the upper side of swing arm B140. Swing arm B140 is swayably mounted on the upper side B101 of main body B110 around the width direction O2 of ink cartridge B100. Swing arm B140 includes sub-swing arm B1401 and sub-swing arm B1402. Key component B120 includes sub-key component B1201 and sub-key component B1202. Each sub-swing arm is provided with a corresponding sub-key component. When ink cartridge B100 is installed into housing B010, at least one of the sub-key components can engage with one of the multiple engaging parts B013 and lock ink cartridge B100 in housing B010. Key component B120 is independent of the color of ink carried by ink cartridge B100.

The reset component B130, installed between the swing arm B140 and the main body B110, provides an upward reset force to the key component B120.

Preferably, the number of sub-swing arms included in the swing arm B140 is not limited to two, but can be more than two.

Specifically, the swing arm B140 is hinged to the main body B110 via the hinge pin B142. Preferably, the cover plate B114 is fixed to the main body B110 by ultrasonic welding or bonding. The reset member 130 is installed in the cavity B115 of the upper side B101 of the main body B110. The spring serving as the reset member B130 abuts against the bottom wall B116 inside the cavity B115 at one end and against the lower side of the swing arm B140 at the other end. Specifically, one end of the spring B1301 abuts against the bottom wall B116 inside the cavity B115 at the other end and against the lower side of the sub-swing arm B1401; one end of the spring B1302 abuts against the bottom wall B116 inside the cavity B115 at the other end and against the lower side of the sub-swing arm B1402.

Specifically, when the key component B120 is engaged with the fitting part B013, the rear wall surface B121 of the key component B120 abuts against the anti-reverse working surface B014.

One end of the swing arm B140 near the rear of the ink cartridge B100 serves as a handle B141. The rear end of the sub-swing arm B1401 is configured as a sub-handle B1411, and the rear end of the sub-swing arm B1402 is configured as a sub-handle B1412. During the process of inserting the ink cartridge B100 into the printer housing B010, a downward force is applied to the handle B141, which overcomes the reset force of the reset member B130 and causes the key member B120 to move down and approach the lower side B102 of the main body B110. When the key member B120 passes the fitting part B013, with the help of the upward reset force of the reset member, at least one sub-key member moves upward and away from the lower side 102 of the main body B110 until the key member is fitted with the fitting part B013 to prevent the ink cartridge B100 from exiting the housing B010 on its own. When a downward force is manually applied to the handle B141 to overcome the resetting force of the reset component B130, causing the aforementioned sub-key component to move downward relative to the main body B110 until the sub-key component disengages from the fitting part B013, the ink cartridge B100 can be pulled out from the housing B010. This operation does not require the ink needle B12 on the housing B010 to serve as a fulcrum; the ink needle B12 does not bear excessive flexural torque and is less prone to damage. The supply part B113 of the ink cartridge B100 is also less likely to be damaged, thus improving reliability. Since the position of the key component B120 is independent of the ink color, there is no need for differentiated design of the key component B120's position. A single mold can be used to produce ink cartridges B100 suitable for all colors, reducing production costs.

Preferably, as another implementation, the swing arm B140 can also be integrally formed onto the main body B110. Preferably, the swing arm B140 relies on its own elasticity to provide itself with an upward restoring force; wherein, in addition to rotational or swinging motion, the swing arm B140 can also adopt linear motion, such as moving up and down under the action of an elastic element.

Preferably, the air intake passage B112 can be closed by a valve or a semi-transparent membrane, as is done in the prior art, to maintain the negative pressure in the chamber B111.

Preferably, a cover B140 is installed on the front side of the main body B110.

Preferably, along the width direction 02 of the ink cartridge B100, the key component B120 has a fixed position relative to the main body B110.

Example 5

As shown in Figures 18 to 22, the ink cartridge B200 is configured to be inserted into a printer (not shown) along a first direction O1 into a housing B010 having multiple fitting portions B013. The ink cartridge B200 includes a body B210, a key component B220, and a reset component B230.

The main body B210 has a chamber B211 for storing ink, an air inlet channel B212, and a supply port B213 located on the front side of the main body.

Key component B220 is slidably mounted on the upper side of body B210 along the height direction 03 of ink cartridge B200. Key component B220 includes at least two sub-key components. When ink cartridge B200 is installed into housing B010, at least one of the sub-key components can engage with fitting part B013 and lock ink cartridge B200 in housing B010. Key component B220 is independent of the color of the printing ink carried by ink cartridge B200.

The reset component B230 is installed between the key component B220 and the body B210, and provides an upward reset force to the key component B220.

Therefore, during the process of inserting the ink cartridge B200 into the printer housing B010, a downward force is applied to the key component B220, overcoming the resetting force of the reset component B230, causing the key component B220 to move downward and approach the lower side B202 of the main body B210. When the key component B210 passes the fitting part B013, with the help of the upward resetting force of the reset component B230, at least one sub-key component moves upward and away from the lower side B202 of the main body B210 until the sub-key component engages with one of the fitting parts B013, preventing the ink cartridge B200 from exiting the housing on its own. When a downward force is manually applied to the key component B220 to overcome the resetting force of the reset component B230, causing the aforementioned sub-key component to move downward relative to the main body B210 until the key component B220 disengages from the fitting part B013, the ink cartridge B200 can be pulled out from the housing B010. This operation eliminates the need for the ink needle B12 on the housing B010 to act as a fulcrum. The ink needle B12 does not experience excessive flexural torque, making it less prone to damage. The supply section B213 of the ink cartridge B200 is also less susceptible to damage, thus improving reliability. Since the position of the key component B220 is independent of ink color, there is no need for differentiated design of its position. A single mold can be used to produce ink cartridges suitable for all colors, reducing production costs.

The key component B220 can be forced to disengage from the mating part B013 by manually operating the pin (not shown in the figure) or by using a handle connected to the key component (such as B140 mentioned above). The pin is a common needle in the prior art, and can be a thin and long object such as a steel needle or a toothpick.

Preferably, along the first direction 01, the front side of the top of the key component B220 is provided with a first guide surface B221, and the rear side of the top of the key component B220 is provided with a second guide surface B222. When the ink cartridge B200 is inserted into the housing B010, the first guide surface B221 abuts against the fitting part B013. Under the guidance of the first guide surface B221, the key component B220 is forced to move downward. When the first guide surface B221 passes the fitting part B013, the key component B220 moves upward and the second guide surface B222 abuts against the fitting part B013. When a pulling force opposite to the first direction 01 is applied to ink cartridge B200 to pull it out of housing B010, the second guide surface B222 abuts against the fitting part B013. Guided by the second guide surface B222, the key component B220 is forced to move downward until it disengages from the fitting part B013, allowing ink cartridge B200 to be easily removed from housing B010. This method eliminates the need for manual operation of the dial pin or handle; ink cartridge B200 can be installed and removed simply by pushing it in and pulling it out, making the operation extremely convenient.

Preferably, the cover plate B214 is fixed to the main body B210 by ultrasonic welding or bonding. The reset member B230 is installed in the cavity B215 of the upper side B301 of the main body B210. The spring of the reset member B230 abuts against the bottom wall B216 inside the cavity B215 at one end, and abuts against the lower side of the key member B220 at the other end.

In the above embodiments, the front side of the fitting portion B013 is a cavity B015, which allows the corresponding sub-key component to fit. Sub-key components at non-corresponding positions abut against the bottom surface B016 of the fitting portion B013 without fitting.

Specifically, referring to Figures 16 and 17, the sub-key component B1201 engages with the cavity B015, i.e., with the engaging part B013. At this time, the rear wall surface B1211 of the sub-key component B1201 abuts against the anti-retraction working surface B014. The sub-key component B1202 fails to engage with the cavity B015; its top surface B1222 abuts against its bottom surface B016, acting as a reset spring B1302.

Specifically, referring to Figures 21 and 22, the key component B220 includes sub-key components B2201 and B2202, and the reset component B230 includes sub-reset components B2301 and B2302. The upper end of the sub-reset component B2301 abuts against the lower side of the sub-key component B2201, and the lower end abuts against the bottom wall B216 inside the cavity B215; the upper end of the sub-reset component B2302 abuts against the lower side of the sub-key component B2202, and the lower end abuts against the bottom wall B216 inside the cavity B215.

Ink cartridge B200 includes ink cartridge B2001 for storing a first color and ink cartridge B2002 for storing a second color. Specifically, the key component B2201 of ink cartridge B2001 engages with the upper cavity BB015 of the corresponding ink cartridge receiving cavity B11, while the key component B2202 of ink cartridge B2001 abuts against but is not engaged with the bottom surface B016 of the corresponding ink cartridge receiving cavity B11. Similarly, the key component B2202 of ink cartridge B2002 engages with the upper cavity B015 of the corresponding ink cartridge receiving cavity B11, while the key component B2201 of ink cartridge B2002 abuts against but is not engaged with the bottom surface B016 of the corresponding ink cartridge receiving cavity B11.

The embodiments of this application are not limited to those adapted to the housings in Figures 9 and 10, but can also be adapted to the housing B10 described in Figures 23 and 24. Specifically, the bonding portions in embodiments 4 and 5 can engage with the fitting portion BB13, that is, the rear wall surface of the bonding portion can abut against the anti-retraction working surface B14 to prevent the ink cartridge B200 from exiting the printer housing B10.

In the above embodiments, the key components configured in the ink cartridge have a uniform structure that can adapt to different fitting parts on the printer housing. Therefore, the ink cartridge of this application has color universality and can be used to store multiple predetermined colors and installed in the ink cartridge receiving cavity B11 corresponding to the printer housing.

In the above embodiments, the reset element is not limited to a spring, but can also be a sponge, rubber, silicone, etc.

In the above printer housing embodiments, the mating portion B013 protruding downwards from the top wall of the ink cartridge receiving cavity B11 covers the upper side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity B11 along the width direction 02. In other printer housing embodiments, the mating portion B013 protruding downwards from the top wall of the ink cartridge receiving cavity B11 does not cover the upper side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity B11 along the width direction 02. That is, the mating portions B013 of at least two ink cartridge receiving cavities B11 have different positions in the width direction 02. Obviously, it is also possible that the mating portions B013 of each ink cartridge receiving cavity B11 have different positions in the width direction 02. All ink cartridge embodiments of this application are also applicable to the aforementioned other printer housing embodiments.

The following describes another type of ink cartridge and the printer to which it is applicable.

Example 6

As shown in Figures 25 to 28, the ink cartridge C100 is configured to be inserted into the printer housing C10, which has multiple fitting portions C13, along a first direction O1. The ink cartridge C100 includes a body C110, a key component C120, and a resilient arm C130.

The main body C110 has a chamber C111 for storing ink, an air inlet channel C112, and a supply port C113 located on the front side of the main body.

The key component C120 is fixed to the upper side of the main body C110. When the ink cartridge C100 is installed into the housing C10, it can engage with one of the multiple engaging parts C13 and lock the ink cartridge C100 inside the housing C10. The key component C120 is independent of the color of the ink carried by the ink cartridge C100.

The flexible arm C130, located on the lower side of the main body C110, can abut against the lower side C11 of the housing C10 when the ink cartridge C100 is installed into the housing C10, providing an upward restoring force for the main body C110.

Specifically, when the key component C120 abuts against the fitting part C13, the rear wall surface C121 of the key component C120 abuts against the anti-retraction working surface C14.

During the process of inserting ink cartridge C100 into printer housing C10, key component C120, together with the main body C110, is forced to move downward under the pressure of fitting part C13 in housing C10. Elastic arm C130 is forced to deform. When key component C120 passes the fitting part C13, with the help of the upward restoring force of elastic arm C130, the main body C110 and key component C120 move upward until key component C120 is fitted with fitting part C13, preventing ink cartridge C100 from exiting housing C10 on its own. When a downward force is manually applied to the main body C110 to overcome the restoring force of elastic arm C130, causing the main body C110 and key component C120 to move downward until key component C120 disengages from fitting part C13, ink cartridge C100 can be pulled out from housing C10. This operation eliminates the need for the ink needle C12 on the housing C10 to act as a fulcrum. The ink needle C12 does not experience excessive flexural torque, making it less prone to damage. The supply section C113 of the ink cartridge C100 is also less susceptible to damage, thus improving reliability. Since the key component C120 is independent of ink color, there is no need for differentiated design of its position. A single mold can be used to produce ink cartridges C100 suitable for all colors, reducing production costs.

Preferably, the air intake passage C112 can be closed by a valve or a semi-transparent membrane, as is done in the prior art, to maintain the negative pressure in the chamber C111.

Preferably, a cover C140 is installed on the front side of the main body C110.

Preferably, along the width direction 02 of the ink cartridge C100, the key component C120 has a fixed position relative to the main body C110.

Preferably, the elastic arm C130 is integrally formed with the main body C110.

Example 7

As shown in Figures 29 to 31, the ink cartridge C200 is configured to be inserted into a printer (not shown) along a first direction O1 into a housing C10 having multiple fitting portions C13. The ink cartridge C200 includes a body C210, a key component C220, and a reset component C230.

The main body C210 has a chamber C211 for storing ink, an air inlet C212, and a supply port C213 located on the front side of the main body.

The key component C220 is slidably mounted on the upper side of the main body C210 along the height direction O3 of the ink cartridge C200. When the ink cartridge C200 is installed into the housing C10, it can engage with one of the multiple fitting parts C13 and lock the ink cartridge C200 inside the housing C10. The key component C220 is independent of the color of the ink carried by the ink cartridge C200.

The reset component C230 is installed between the key component C220 and the body C210, and provides an upward reset force to the key component C220.

Therefore, during the process of inserting the ink cartridge C200 into the printer housing C10, a downward force is applied to the key component C220, overcoming the resetting force of the reset component C230. This causes the key component C220 to move downward and approach the lower side C202 of the main body C210. When the key component C210 passes the fitting part C13, with the help of the upward resetting force of the reset component C230, the key component C220 moves upward and away from the lower side C202 of the main body C210 until the key component C220 engages with the fitting part C13, preventing the ink cartridge C200 from exiting the housing on its own. When a downward force is manually applied to the key component C220 to overcome the resetting force of the reset component C230, causing the key component C220 to move downward relative to the main body C210 until the key component C220 disengages from the fitting part C13, the ink cartridge C200 can be pulled out from the housing C10. This operation eliminates the need for the ink needle C12 on the housing C10 to act as a fulcrum. The ink needle C12 does not experience excessive flexural torque, making it less prone to damage. The supply section C213 of the ink cartridge C200 is also less susceptible to damage, thus improving reliability. Since the position of the key component C220 is independent of ink color, there is no need for differentiated design of its position. A single mold can be used to produce ink cartridges suitable for all colors, reducing production costs.

Preferably, along the first direction 01, the front side of the top of the key component C220 is provided with a first guide surface C221, and the rear side of the top of the key component C220 is provided with a second guide surface C222. When the ink cartridge C200 is inserted into the housing C10, the first guide surface C221 abuts against the fitting part C13. Under the guidance of the first guide surface C221, the key component C220 is forced to move downward. When the first guide surface C221 passes the fitting part C13, the key component C220 moves upward and the second guide surface C222 abuts against the fitting part C13. When a pulling force opposite to the first direction 01 is applied to the ink cartridge C200 to pull it out of the housing C10, the second guide surface C222 abuts against the fitting part C13. Guided by the second guide surface C222, the key component C220 is forced to move downward until it disengages from the fitting part C13, and the ink cartridge C200 can be smoothly removed from the housing C10. This method eliminates the need for manual operation of the dial pin or handle; the ink cartridge C200 can be installed and removed simply by pushing it in and pulling it out, making the operation extremely convenient.

Preferably, the cover plate C214 is fixed to the main body C210 by ultrasonic welding or bonding. The reset component C230 is installed in the cavity C215 of the upper side C301 of the main body C210. The spring of the reset component C230 abuts against the bottom wall C216 inside the cavity C215 at one end, and abuts against the lower side of the key component C220 at the other end.

Example 8

Referring to Figures 32 to 34, the ink cartridge C300 is configured to be inserted into the printer housing C10, which has multiple fitting portions C13, along a first direction O1. The ink cartridge C300 includes a body C310, a key component C320, and a reset component C330.

The main body C310 has a chamber C311 for storing ink, an air inlet C312, and a supply port C313 located on the front side of the main body C310.

Key component C320 is disposed on the upper side of swing arm C340. Swing arm C340 is swayably mounted on the upper side C301 of main body C310 around ink cartridge C300 in the width direction O2. When ink cartridge C300 is installed into housing C10, key component C320 can engage with one of multiple engaging parts C13 and lock ink cartridge C300 in housing C10. Key component C320 is independent of the color of ink carried by ink cartridge C300.

The reset component C330 is installed between the swing arm C340 and the main body C310, providing an upward reset force to the key component C320.

Specifically, the swing arm C340 is hinged to the main body C310 via the hinge pin C342. Preferably, the cover plate C314 is fixed to the main body C310 by ultrasonic welding or bonding. The reset component C330 is installed in the cavity C315 of the upper side C301 of the main body C310. The spring serving as the reset component C330 abuts against the bottom wall C316 inside the cavity C315 at one end, and against the lower side of the swing arm C340 at the other end.

As another implementation, the swing arm C340 can also be integrally formed on the main body C310. Preferably, the swing arm C340 relies on its own elasticity to provide itself with an upward restoring force. In addition to rotational or swinging motion, the swing arm C340 can also adopt linear motion, such as moving up and down under the action of an elastic element.

Specifically, when the key component C320 abuts against the fitting part C13, the rear wall surface C321 of the key component C320 abuts against the anti-retraction working surface C14.

The end of the swing arm C340 near the rear of the ink cartridge C300 serves as a handle C341. During the insertion of the ink cartridge C300 into the printer housing C10, a downward force is applied to the handle C341, overcoming the resetting force of the reset member C330. This causes the key component C320 to move downwards and closer to the lower side C302 of the main body C310. When the key component C320 passes the fitting part C13, the upward resetting force of the reset member causes the key component C320 to move upwards and away from the lower side C302 of the main body C310 until the key component C320 engages with the fitting part C13, preventing the ink cartridge C300 from automatically exiting the housing C10. When a downward force is manually applied to the handle C341 to overcome the resetting force of the reset member C330, causing the key component C320 to move downwards relative to the main body C310 until the key component C320 disengages from the fitting part C13, the ink cartridge C300 can be pulled out of the housing C10. This operation eliminates the need for the ink needle C12 on the housing C10 to act as a fulcrum. The ink needle C12 does not experience excessive flexural torque, making it less prone to damage. The supply section C313 of the ink cartridge C300 is also less susceptible to damage, thus improving reliability. Since the position of the key component C320 is independent of ink color, there is no need for differentiated design of its position. A single mold can be used to produce ink cartridges C300 suitable for all colors, reducing production costs.

Example 9

As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the ink cartridge C400 is configured to be inserted into the printer housing C10, which has multiple fitting portions C13, along a first direction O1. The ink cartridge C400 has a body C410.

The main body C410 has a chamber C411 for storing ink, an air inlet channel C412 and a C supply port 413 located on the front side of the main body, and a rear wall C414 extending along the height direction 03 of the ink cartridge C400.

The upper end of the rear wall C414 serves as a key component C420. When the ink cartridge C400 is installed into the housing C10, it can engage with one of the multiple fitting parts C13 and lock the ink cartridge C400 inside the housing C10. The key component C420 is independent of the color of the ink carried by the ink cartridge C400.

During the insertion of ink cartridge C40 into printer housing C10, a downward force is applied to the rear side C415 of the main body C410, causing the key component C420 to move downward relative to the fitting part C13. When the key component C420 passes the fitting part C13, the rear side C415 of the main body C410 is lifted upward, causing the main body C410 and the key component C420 to move upward until the key component C420 engages with the fitting part C13, preventing ink cartridge C400 from unilaterally exiting housing C10. When it is necessary to remove ink cartridge C400, a downward force is applied to the rear side C415 of the main body C410, causing the key component C420 to move downward relative to the fitting part C13. When the key component C420 disengages from the fitting part C13, ink cartridge C400 can be pulled out from housing C10. Since the position of the key component C420 is independent of the ink color, there is no need to differentiate the position of the key component C420. A single mold can be used to produce ink cartridges C400 suitable for all colors, reducing production costs.

The following describes another type of ink cartridge and the printer to which it is applicable.

As shown in Figure 37, the printer (not shown) has a housing D10 for installing ink cartridges. The housing D10 has an ink cartridge receiving cavity D11, and the lower side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity D11 has ink needles D12 for receiving and conveying ink. The ink needles D12 are ink-absorbing needles. When the ink cartridge is inserted into the ink cartridge receiving cavity D11, the height, width, and length directions of the housing D10 and the ink cartridge are aligned.

The upper side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity D11 is provided with a fitting part D13, and the fitting part D13 is provided with a backstop working surface D14 near the ink needle D12. The axial direction of the ink needle D12 is parallel to the first direction O1 of ink cartridge insertion. The first direction O1 of ink cartridge insertion is perpendicular to the width direction O2 and the height direction O3 of the ink cartridge.

The front side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity D11 is provided with a locking member D15 that slides up and down along the height direction 03 of the housing D10, and the lower side of the locking member D15 is provided with a cantilever D015 that extends along the straight line of the height direction 03.

On the ink cartridge receiving cavity D11, below the ink needle D12, there is an ink receiving part D18 that can swing around an axis D19. The axis D19 extends along the width direction O2. The ink receiving part D18 can swing between a first position and a second position.

As shown in Figure 37, the locking member D15 is in the upper stop position under the restoring force of the spring D16. The lower end D016 of the cantilever D015 abuts against the end D1801 of the ink receiving part D18, locking the ink receiving part D18 in the first position shown in the figure to prevent the ink receiving part D18 from swinging down. At this time, the ink receiving part D18 is close to the end D1201 of the ink needle D12.

When the locking member D15 is subjected to a downward external force that overcomes the restoring force of the spring D16, it slides downward, and the lower end of the cantilever D015 moves away from the end D1801 of the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 is unlocked and swings down to the second position. Obviously, when the ink receiving part D18 is in the second position, the distance between the ink receiving part D18 and the end D1201 of the ink needle D12 is farther than in the first position.

Example 10

As shown in Figures 38 to 40, the ink cartridge D100 of this application is configured to be inserted into the printer housing D10 for installing the ink cartridge D100 along the first direction 01. The front side of the ink cartridge receiving cavity D11 of the housing D10 is provided with a locking member D15 that slides up and down along the height direction 03 of the housing. The locking member D15 cannot slide back and forth along the first direction 01. The lower side of the ink needle D12 on the housing D10 is provided with an ink receiving part D18 that can swing around the axis where the width direction 02 is located. The ink cartridge D100 includes a main body D110, which has a chamber D111 for storing ink, an air inlet channel D112, and a supply port D113 located on the front side of the main body D110; an unlocking mechanism D150 is provided on the front side of the main body D110, including a lever D151 and a friction part D152 located at the front end of the lever D151; when the ink cartridge D100 is installed into the housing D10, the friction part D152 abuts against the side D019 of the locking member D15 facing the ink cartridge D100. As the ink cartridge D100 is further installed into the housing D10, the front end of the lever D151 is forced to move downward, and the friction part D152 drives the locking member D15 to slide downward through friction and unlock the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

Therefore, the unlocking mechanism D150 is a movable swinging component, which offers better reliability, is less prone to damage, and has a longer lifespan compared to the slender cantilever fixed to the surface of the ink cartridge D100. Even if the swing arm D151 of the unlocking mechanism D150 is damaged, it is easy to replace and maintain.

Specifically, the swing arm D151 is oscillatingly mounted on the main body D110 via a shaft D1511, which extends along the width direction O2. The swing arm D151 can remain in the initial position shown in Figure 39 by the friction between it and the shaft D1511, with the ink receiving part D18 in the first position.

Preferably, the rocker arm D151 can also be positioned by an elastic element D1512 disposed between it and the main body D110. The elastic element D1512 provides a restoring force for the rocker arm D151. The elastic element D1512 is not limited to a spring, but can be an elastomer such as rubber or sponge.

Preferably, the friction part D152 is a sheet of rubber, and is fixed to the base D1522 by integral molding, bonding, or snap-fitting. The base D1522 is hinged to the front end of the swing arm D151 via a shaft D1521. The shaft D1521 extends along the width direction O2, and the base D1522 can remain in the initial position shown in Figure 39 by the friction between itself and the shaft D1521. The friction part D152 is not limited to being made of rubber, but can also be made of materials with a high coefficient of friction such as silicone or double-sided tape. In other embodiments, the friction part can also be a rubber cap fitted onto the front end of the swing arm D151.

Preferably, the air intake passage D112 can be closed by a valve, a semi-permeable membrane (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot), or a sponge, etc., in the prior art to maintain the negative pressure of the chamber D111.

Preferably, a cover D140 is installed on the front side of the main body D110.

The ink cartridge D100 can be locked in place by abutting the key component D120 of the ink cartridge with the fitting portion D13 on the housing D10. Applying a downward force to the rear side D115 of the main body D110 causes the key component D120 to move downward relative to the fitting portion D13. When the key component D120 disengages from the fitting portion D13, the ink cartridge D100 is unlocked and can be pulled out of the housing D10. The elastic element D1512 forces the lever D151 to reset to its initial position, and the locking element D15 slides upward along the height direction O3 to reset. The ink receiving portion 18 returns to its first position and is held thereafter.

Example 11

As shown in Figures 41 to 43, the ink cartridge D200 of this application is configured to be inserted into the housing D10 of the printer along the first direction O1 for installing the ink cartridge D200. The ink cartridge receiving cavity ink cartridge D200 includes a body D210, having a chamber D211 for storing ink, an air inlet channel D212, and a supply port D213 located on the front side of the body D210. The unlocking mechanism D250 is located on the front side of the main body D210 and is a plug D251 extending along the first direction O1. The front end of the plug D251 has a guide surface D252. When the ink cartridge D200 is installed into the housing D10, the guide surface D252 abuts against the lower side D0180 of the clearance hole D018 of the locking member D15. As the ink cartridge D200 is further inserted into the housing D10, the locking member D15 is forced to move down under the guidance of the guide surface D252 and unlocks the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

It can be seen that the insertion rod D251 cooperates with the clearance hole D018 to unlock the ink receiving part D18. The dimension of the locking part D15 along the height direction can be reduced, that is, the locking part D15 can be manufactured shorter, saving materials and reducing the manufacturing cost of the printer.

Preferably, the air intake passage D212 can be closed by a valve, a semi-permeable membrane (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot), or a sponge, etc., in the prior art to maintain the negative pressure of the chamber D211.

Preferably, a cover D240 is installed on the front side of the main body D210.

The ink cartridge D200 can be locked in place by abutting the key component D220 on the housing D10 with the fitting portion D13. Applying a downward force to the rear side D215 of the main body D210 causes the key component D220 to move downward relative to the fitting portion D13. When the key component D220 disengages from the fitting portion D13, the ink cartridge D200 is unlocked and can be pulled out of the housing D10, and the ink receiving part D18 returns from the second position to the first position.

Example 12

As shown in Figures 44 to 46, the ink cartridge D400 of this application is configured to be inserted into the printer housing D10 for mounting the ink cartridge D400 along a first direction O1. The ink cartridge receiving cavity of the ink cartridge D400 includes a main body D410, having a chamber D411 for storing ink, an air inlet channel D412, and a supply port D413 located on the front side of the main body D410. The ink cartridge D400 also includes an unlocking mechanism D450 disposed on the front side of the main body D410, the unlocking mechanism D450 being a push rod D451 extending along the first direction O1.

Preferably, a pair of push rods D451 are provided on the front side of the main body D410.

When the ink cartridge D400 is installed into the housing D10, the push rod D451 abuts against the cantilever D015 of the locking member D15. As the ink cartridge D400 is further inserted into the housing D10, the push rod D451 overcomes the elastic deformation force of the cantilever D015 and forces the cantilever D015 to bend, causing the lower end D016 of the cantilever D015 to disengage from the end D1801 of the ink receiving part D18, thus unlocking the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 can then move from the first position to the second position.

The ink cartridge D400 can be locked in place by abutting the key component D420 of the ink cartridge with the fitting portion D13 on the housing D10. Applying a downward force to the rear side D415 of the main body D410 causes the key component D420 to move downward relative to the fitting portion D13. When the key component D420 disengages from the fitting portion D13, the ink cartridge D400 is unlocked and can be pulled out of the housing D10, and the ink receiving portion D18 returns from the second position to the first position.

Preferably, the air intake passage D412 can be closed by a valve, a semi-permeable membrane (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot), or a sponge, etc., in the prior art to maintain the negative pressure of the chamber D411.

Preferably, a cover D440 is installed on the front side of the main body D410.

Example 13

As shown in Figures 447 to 49, the ink cartridge D500 of this application is configured to be inserted into the printer housing D10 for mounting the ink cartridge D500 along a first direction O1. The ink cartridge receiving cavity of the ink cartridge D500 includes a body D510, having a chamber D511 for storing ink, an air inlet channel D512, and a supply port D513 located on the front side of the body D510. The ink cartridge D500 also includes an unlocking mechanism D550 disposed on the front side of the body D510.

When the ink cartridge D500 is installed into the housing D10, the unlocking mechanism D550 can abut against the upper side D017 of the ink receiving part D18. As the ink cartridge D500 is further inserted into the housing D10, the unlocking mechanism D550 forces the ink receiving part D18 to overcome the force of the locking member D15 and swing downward to complete the unlocking of the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

Therefore, the unlocking mechanism D550 can unlock the ink receiving part D18 without contacting the upper end D0151 of the locking part D15. The size of the locking part D15 along the height direction 03 can be reduced, that is, the locking part D15 can be manufactured shorter, saving materials and reducing the manufacturing cost of the printer.

Preferably, the unlocking mechanism D550 is a push rod D551 extending along the first direction 01.

Preferably, a pair of push rods D551 are provided on the front side of the main body D510.

Preferably, the front end of the push rod D551 is provided with a guide surface D552.

When the ink cartridge D500 is installed into the housing D10, the guide surface D552 can abut against the upper side D017 of the ink receiving part D18. As the ink cartridge D500 is further inserted into the housing D10, the guide surface D552 forces the ink receiving part D18 to overcome the force of the locking member D15 and swing downward to unlock the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, the air intake passage D512 can be closed by a valve, a semi-permeable membrane (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot), or a sponge, etc., in the prior art to maintain the negative pressure of the chamber D511.

Preferably, a cover D540 is installed on the front side of the main body D510.

The ink cartridge D500 can be locked in place by abutting the key component D520 of the ink cartridge with the fitting portion D13 on the housing D10. Applying a downward force to the rear side D515 of the main body D510 causes the key component D520 to move downward relative to the fitting portion D13. When the key component D520 disengages from the fitting portion D13, the ink cartridge D100 is unlocked, and the ink cartridge D500 can be pulled out of the housing D10. The ink receiving portion D18 returns from the second position to the first position.

Example 14

As shown in Figures 50 and 55, the ink cartridge D600 of this application is configured to be inserted into the printer housing D10 for mounting the ink cartridge D600 along a first direction O1. The ink cartridge receiving cavity of the ink cartridge D600 includes a body D610, having a chamber D611 for storing ink, an air inlet channel D612, and a supply port D613 located on the front side of the body D610. The ink cartridge D600 also includes an unlocking mechanism D650 disposed on the front side of the body D610.

When the ink cartridge D600 is installed into the housing D10, the unlocking mechanism D650 can abut against the upper side D017 of the ink receiving part D18. As the ink cartridge D600 is further inserted into the housing D10, the unlocking mechanism D650 forces the ink receiving part D18 to overcome the force of the locking member D15 and swing downward to complete the unlocking of the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

Therefore, the unlocking mechanism D650 can unlock the ink receiving part D18 without contacting the upper end D0151 of the locking part D15. The size of the locking part D15 along the height direction 03 can be reduced, that is, the locking part D15 can be manufactured to be shorter, saving materials and reducing the manufacturing cost of the printer.

Specifically, the unlocking mechanism D650 includes a slide bar D630 that can slide back and forth along the first direction 01 and a slider D660 that can slide up and down along the height direction 02. The rear end of the slide bar D630 is provided with a guide surface D631, which can abut against the upper end of the slider D660.

When the ink cartridge D600 is installed into the housing D10, the slide bar D630 abuts against the locking member D15, and the lower end of the slider D660 can contact the upper side D017 of the ink receiving part D18. As the ink cartridge D600 is further inserted into the housing D10, the guide surface D631 pushes the slider D660 downward. The slider D660 forces the ink receiving part D18 to overcome the force of the locking member D15 and swing downward, thus unlocking the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, the upper end of the slider D660 is provided with a guide surface D661 that mates with the guide surface D631.

Preferably, the slider D660 has guide blocks D662 on both sides along the width direction O2, and the main body D610 has a guide groove D614 extending along the height direction O3 on the front side. The slider D660 is slidably mounted on the main body D610 through the guide blocks D662 and the guide groove D614.

Preferably, the air intake passage D612 can be closed by a valve, a semi-permeable membrane (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot), or a sponge, etc., in the prior art to maintain the negative pressure of the chamber D611.

Preferably, a cover D640 is installed on the front side of the main body D610.

In other embodiments, a guide surface D661 that mates with the slide bar D630 may be provided only at the upper end of the slider D660, and the guide surface D631 may not be provided at the rear end of the slide bar D630.

The ink cartridge D600 can be locked in place by abutting the key component D620 of the ink cartridge with the fitting portion D13 on the housing D10. Applying a downward force to the rear side D415 of the main body D610 causes the key component D620 to move downward relative to the fitting portion D13. When the key component D620 disengages from the fitting portion D13, the ink cartridge D600 is unlocked and can be pulled out of the housing D10, and the ink receiving portion D18 returns from the second position to the first position.

Example 15

As shown in Figures 56 to 61, the ink cartridge D700 of this application is configured to be inserted into the printer housing D10 for mounting the ink cartridge D700 along a first direction O1. The ink cartridge housing D700 includes a main body D710, having a chamber D711 for storing ink, an air inlet channel D712, and a supply port D713 located on the front side of the main body D710. The supply port D713 is used to engage with the ink needle D12, so that the ink in the chamber D711 is supplied to the ink needle D12 through the supply port D713. The ink cartridge D700 also includes an unlocking mechanism D750 disposed on the front side of the main body D710.

When the ink cartridge D700 is installed into the housing D10, the unlocking mechanism D750 can abut against the upper side D017 of the ink receiving part D18. As the ink cartridge D700 is further inserted into the housing D10, the unlocking mechanism D750 forces the ink receiving part D18 to overcome the force of the locking member D15 and swing downward to complete the unlocking of the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

Therefore, the unlocking mechanism D750 can unlock the ink receiving part D18 without contacting the upper end D0151 of the locking part D15. The size of the locking part D15 along the height direction 03 can be reduced, that is, the locking part D15 can be manufactured to be shorter, saving materials and reducing the manufacturing cost of the printer.

Specifically, the unlocking mechanism D750 includes a rack D730, a transmission gear D740, and a cam D760 that can slide back and forth along a first direction O1. The rack D730 transmits power to the cam D760 through the transmission gear D740. The transmission gear D740 includes a first transmission gear D741, a second transmission gear D742, and a third transmission gear D743, with the second transmission gear D742 meshing with both the first transmission gear D741 and the third transmission gear D743.

Preferably, the first transmission gear D741 is a double gear including gears D7411 and D7412, and its rotation axis extends along the width direction O2; the second transmission gear D742 is a double gear including gears D7421 and D7422, and its rotation axis extends along the first direction O1; the third transmission gear D743 is formed on the cam D760, and the rotation axis of the third transmission gear D743 coincides with the rotation axis of the cam D760, and the rotation axis of the cam D760 extends along the first direction O1.

Preferably, both gears D7412 and D7421 are bevel gears, which facilitates changing the direction of power transmission and improves the design freedom of the ink cartridge.

The first transmission gear D741 is rotatably mounted on the front side of the main body D710 via shaft D7410, the second transmission gear D742 is rotatably mounted on the front side of the main body D710 via shaft D7412, and the cam D760 is rotatably mounted on the front side of the main body D710 via hollow shaft D7600.

When the ink cartridge D700 is installed into the housing D10, the front end D731 of the rack D730 abuts against the locking member D15 on the side D019 facing the ink cartridge D700. As the ink cartridge D700 is further inserted into the housing D10, the main body D710 drives the shaft D7410 to move further forward along the first direction O1. The gear D7411 rolls on the rack D730, which in turn drives the gear D7421 to rotate through the gear D7412. The gear D7422 drives the cam D760 to rotate through the drive gear D743. The front end D761 of the cam D760 first abuts against the upper side D017 of the ink receiving part D18. As the ink cartridge D700 is further inserted into the housing D10, the cam D760 continues to rotate, forcing the ink receiving part D18 to overcome the force of the locking member D15 and swing downward, thus unlocking the ink receiving part D18. The ink receiving part D18 moves from the first position to the second position.

Preferably, the rack D730 is slidably mounted on the front side of the main body D710 via the guide groove D732.

Preferably, the air intake passage D712 can be closed by a valve, a semi-permeable membrane (gas can pass through, but liquid cannot), or a sponge, etc., in the prior art to maintain the negative pressure of the chamber D711.

Preferably, a cover D740 is installed on the front side of the main body D710.

The ink cartridge D700 can be locked in place by abutting the key component D720 of the ink cartridge with the fitting portion D13 on the housing D10. Applying a downward force to the rear side D715 of the main body D710 causes the key component D770 to move downward relative to the fitting portion D13. When the key component D720 disengages from the fitting portion D13, the ink cartridge D100 is unlocked, and the ink cartridge D700 can be pulled out of the housing D10. The ink receiving portion D18 returns from the second position to the first position.

The gear of the present invention is not limited to moving back and forth along the first direction 01. In other embodiments, the rack can also be slidably mounted on the ink cartridge along the height direction 03. During the process of inserting the ink cartridge into the housing, the rack can move up or down under the pressure of the guide surface of the bottom wall or top wall inside the housing D10 to drive the gear that cooperates with the rack to rotate.

Claims (12)

The ink cartridge is configured to be inserted into the printer housing in a first direction. The housing has an ink cartridge receiving cavity, the lower side of which is provided with an ink-absorbing needle for receiving and delivering ink, and the front side of which is provided with a locking member that slides up and down along the height direction of the housing. An ink receiving part that can swing around an axis is provided on the lower side of the ink needle. The axis extends along the width direction of the ink cartridge. The ink receiving part is configured to swing between a first position and a second position. When the ink receiving part is in the second position, the distance between the ink receiving part and the end of the ink needle is farther than that in the first position. When the locking member is in the upper stop position, the locking member locks the ink receiving part in the first position. The ink cartridge is characterized by comprising: The main body has a chamber for storing ink; The supply port, located on the front side of the main body, is used to supply ink from the chamber to the ink-absorbing needle; The unlocking mechanism is located on the front side of the main body; During the process of installing the ink cartridge into the housing, the unlocking mechanism abuts against the upper side of the ink receiving part, and the unlocking mechanism causes the ink receiving part to overcome the force of the locking part and complete the unlocking. According to claim 1, the ink cartridge is characterized in that, after being abutted by the unlocking mechanism, the ink receiving part swings downward and moves from the first position to the second position. The ink cartridge according to claim 1 is characterized in that the unlocking mechanism is a push rod extending along a first direction. According to claim 3, the ink cartridge is characterized in that the front end of the push rod is provided with a guide surface, and during the process of installing the ink cartridge into the housing, the guide surface abuts against the upper side of the ink receiving part. The ink cartridge according to claim 3 is characterized in that two push rods are provided. According to claim 1, the ink cartridge is characterized in that the unlocking mechanism includes a slide bar that can slide back and forth along a first direction and a slider that can slide up and down along a height direction. During the process of installing the ink cartridge into the housing, the slide bar abuts against the locking member, and the slider contacts the upper side of the ink receiving part. The ink cartridge according to claim 6 is characterized in that the upper end of the slider is provided with a guide surface for cooperating with the slider rod. According to claim 1, the ink cartridge is characterized in that the unlocking mechanism includes a rack, a transmission gear and a cam, wherein the rack is configured to slide back and forth and transmits power to the cam through the transmission gear. During the process of installing the ink cartridge into the housing, the cam is driven to rotate and abuts against the upper side of the ink receiving part. The ink cartridge according to claim 8 is characterized in that the rotation axis of the cam extends along a first direction. According to claim 8, the ink cartridge is characterized in that the cam is rotatably mounted on the front side of the main body via a hollow shaft. According to claim 8, the ink cartridge is characterized in that the transmission gear includes a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear and a third transmission gear, the second transmission gear meshes with both the first transmission gear and the third transmission gear, and the rotation axis of the third transmission gear coincides with the rotation axis of the cam. During the process of installing the ink cartridge into the housing, the front end of the rack abuts against the locking component, the first drive gear rolls on the rack, driving the second drive gear to rotate, and then the second drive gear drives the third drive gear to rotate. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 1-11 is characterized in that a fitting part is provided on the upper side of the ink cartridge receiving part, and a backstop working surface is provided on the side of the fitting part near the ink suction needle. The ink cartridge also includes a key component provided on the main body, and the ink cartridge is locked by the key component abutting against the fitting part. When a downward force is applied to the rear of the main body, the key component moves down relative to the mating part. When the key component disengages from the mating part, the ink cartridge is unlocked, and the ink receiving part returns from the second position to the first position.