Print head and printing device with movable protection device

Abstract

A print head with a movable protective device and a printing device, comprising a housing, an inkjet device, and a protective device; the inkjet device and the protective device are arranged side by side in the housing, the housing is provided with a lower opening, the inkjet device extends out of the lower opening of the housing to perform printing, and the inkjet device is retracted into the housing to contact the protective device. The nozzle protection device and the inkjet device are integrated together, and work with each other without affecting each other. After the print head completes the inkjet action, the print head quickly retracts to the protective device. The protective device can effectively solve the current nozzle nozzle blockage problem and protect the print head in time, thereby greatly improving the life of the equipment print head and the printing accuracy of the equipment, and can provide a relatively large guarantee for the continuity of the equipment operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of additive manufacturing, and in particular to a printing head with a movable protection device and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] For 3DP type printers, it is necessary to first spread a layer of powder granular material on the work platform with a powder spreader, and then use laser sintering or spraying adhesive to form and solidify only the area covered by the surface of the workpiece slice in this layer of powder. In this way, the required workpiece is printed layer by layer and accumulated.

[0003] When a 3DP printer is working, the print head sprays liquid intermittently, and it needs to wait for the powder spreader to complete laying before it can start moving and spraying. During this waiting time, if the time is too long, or an accident causes the equipment to shut down, the print head is in the air and does not spray ink for a long time, the dust in the air will enter the print head's nozzle, or the liquid in the nozzle will solidify and dry up. Both of these situations will clog the nozzle, affect the continuity of printing, and have a great impact on the life of the print head.

[0004] The prior art is to have a print head protection position on one side of the device. When the print head finishes working, it stops at this position to protect the print head. However, in actual applications, it is found that the print head often dries up or gets clogged, so the existing protection position cannot play a good protective role. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a print head and a printing device with a movable protection device. One aspect of the present invention solves a technical problem of better protecting the print head so that the print head will not be affected in service life due to dust blockage or drying.

[0006] A technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0007] A printing head with a movable protective device comprises a shell, an inkjet device and a protective device; the inkjet device and the protective device are arranged side by side in the shell, the shell is provided with a lower opening, the inkjet device extends out of the lower opening of the shell to perform printing, and the inkjet device is retracted into the shell to contact the protective device.

[0008] The lower part of the inkjet device is the print head. The inkjet device and the protective device are integrated in the housing to protect the inkjet device in time so that the print head of the inkjet device will not dry up and become clogged. At the same time, the protective device is isolated from the external dust environment and placed in the clean environment of the housing, so that the inkjet device can be better cleaned and protected. When in working state, the inkjet device extends from the only opening on the housing to perform inkjet work. When not working or stopped working, the inkjet device retracts into the housing and contacts with the protective device. The protective device keeps the inkjet device moisturized so that it will not dry up and clog the nozzle hole.

[0009] Preferably, the lower opening of the housing matches the inkjet device, the inkjet device extends from the inkjet port, and the lowest horizontal plane of the inkjet device when extended is higher than the lowest horizontal plane of the lower opening.

[0010] Because the distance between the shell and the printing surface is only a few millimeters, the lowest horizontal plane of the inkjet device is the plane where the nozzle nozzle is located. When the inkjet device protrudes from the lower opening of the shell, the nozzle will be contaminated with more dust, which is easy to cause blockage. In addition, as the shell moves at high speed, the ink sprayed by the protruding nozzle will also have a certain degree of deviation, affecting the printing effect. The inkjet device is designed to be concave inward. Generally, the lowest horizontal plane of the inkjet device when extended is 1 to 2 mm higher than the lowest horizontal plane of the lower opening. On the one hand, it can play a dust-proof effect, and on the other hand, it can reduce the impact of airflow on ink.

[0011] Preferably, the bottom surface of the shell includes an inclined surface and a horizontal surface arranged along the long axis, the inclined surface is arranged on both sides of the horizontal surface, the horizontal surface is located at the plane where the lowest point of the inclined surface is located, and the lower opening of the shell is arranged on the horizontal plane.

[0012] The bottom surface of the shell is designed to have a trapezoidal cross-section, which conforms to fluid mechanics and makes the airflow acting on the ink more stable, thereby reducing ink deviation. A number of parallel guide plates can also be arranged on the inclined surface. The guide plates are parallel to the movement direction of the print head, so that the airflow passing through the horizontal plane, that is, the airflow acting on the inkjet device to spray ink droplets, is more stable.

[0013] Preferably, the shell is closed, preferably sealed, and a sealing ring is provided on the inner wall of the lower opening of the shell, and the sealing ring is in sealing contact with the inkjet device. The shell also includes a closing plate, which is used to close or open the lower opening of the shell.

[0014] The overall sealing of the shell can ensure the cleanliness of the interior. The sealing ring ensures that dust does not enter the shell during the high-speed reciprocating motion of the print head. When the inkjet device is retracted into the shell and contacts the protective device, a closing plate is used to close the lower opening of the shell that connects to the outside world. This ensures that the interior of the shell is sealed from beginning to end. This sealing also protects the inkjet device, because the inkjet device is a precision component, and the boards and control cards installed on it require a clean working environment to ensure normal and stable operation.

[0015] Preferably, the driving device is also included, wherein the driving device drives the inkjet device to move to the protective device so that the inkjet device contacts the protective device; or the driving device drives the protective device to move to the inkjet device so that the protective device contacts the inkjet device.

[0016] The driving device has a separate power supply device, so that when the equipment is shut down or the power is cut off, the inkjet device can still be driven to contact the protection device, thereby achieving the purpose of protecting the inkjet device.

[0017] Preferably, the driving device includes a protection device driving component and an inkjet device driving component, the protection device driving component includes a driving member and a guide member, the protection device is connected to the guide member, the driving member drives the guide member to drive the protection device to move in the horizontal direction; the inkjet device driving component includes a driving part and a moving part, the driving part is connected to the moving part, the moving part is connected to the inkjet device, and the driving part drives the moving part to drive the inkjet device to move in the vertical direction.

[0018] The protective device and the inkjet device are driven separately, wherein the inkjet device only moves in the vertical direction, while the protective device moves in the horizontal direction, so that the inkjet device retracted into the shell is first lifted to a certain height, and then the matching protective device is translated to the bottom of the inkjet device, and then the inkjet device moves downward to contact with the protective device.

[0019] Preferably, the inkjet device driving assembly further comprises a guide post and a slider, wherein the guide post is arranged on the bottom surface of the shell, the guide post matches the slider, and the slider slides along the guide post, and the slider is connected to the inkjet device.

[0020] Because the inkjet device is long in the long axis direction, which may exceed one meter, guide posts and sliders are set at intervals along the extended axis to limit and ensure the synchronization of both ends of the inkjet device, prevent deviation, and ensure the stability of vertical movement.

[0021] Preferably, the driving device includes an inkjet device driving component, and the inkjet device driving component includes a mounting frame, a vertical driving block, and a horizontal driving block. The vertical driving block is connected to the inkjet device and drives the inkjet device to move in a vertical direction. The vertical driving block is arranged on the mounting frame, and the horizontal driving block is connected to the mounting frame and drives the mounting frame to move in a horizontal direction.

[0022] As another embodiment of the driving device, the protection device is fixedly arranged in the housing, and the inkjet device is driven to move to the protection device, so that the movement of the protection device is reduced, and only the inkjet device can be moved to complete the work. In this case, a closing plate is required to close the lower opening of the housing.

[0023] Preferably, the inkjet device driving assembly further includes a guide block and a sliding block, wherein the guide block is vertically arranged on the mounting frame, the sliding block matches the guide block, and the sliding block slides along the guide block, and the sliding block is connected to the inkjet device.

[0024] Preferably, the protective device includes a receiving groove, a moisturizing strip and a wiping strip, the moisturizing strip is arranged in the receiving groove, the wiping strip is arranged on both sides of the receiving groove and along the long axis, the length of the moisturizing strip matches the length of the inkjet device, and the length of the wiping strip matches the length of the inkjet device; the moisturizing strip is made of at least one material selected from sponge, felt or cotton cloth.

[0025] The protective device utilizes the moisturizing strip in the receiving groove to contact the inkjet hole of the inkjet device, so as to play a moisturizing role. When the inkjet device needs to work, the nozzle leaves the moisturizing strip, passes through the wiping strip, wipes the ink on the nozzle clean, and then performs subsequent printing work.

[0026] Preferably, the protection device comprises a receiving groove and a sealing strip, the upper opening of the receiving groove matches the inkjet device, a circle of the sealing strip is arranged on the upper opening of the receiving groove, and the sealing strip is in sealing contact with the inkjet device.

[0027] As another implementation of the protection device, liquid is placed in the receiving groove, and the inkjet device is in sealing contact with the protection device, thereby achieving a sealing and moisturizing effect.

[0028] Preferably, the protection device further includes at least one of a negative pressure device and an atomization device, the negative pressure device is communicated with the receiving tank, and the atomization device is arranged in the receiving tank.

[0029] After the inkjet device is in sealed contact with the protective device, the negative pressure device starts to work for a period of time, sucking out a proper amount of ink from the nozzle of the inkjet device to clean the nozzle. When the inkjet device needs to work, the nozzle leaves the receiving tank, passes through the wiping bar, and wipes the ink on the nozzle clean, and then performs subsequent printing work. Alternatively, an atomizing device is set in the receiving tank. After the inkjet device is in sealed contact with the protective device, the atomizing device starts to work for a set time, so that the enclosed space maintains a suitable humidity, thereby protecting the nozzle nozzle. When the inkjet device needs to work, the nozzle leaves the receiving tank, passes through the wiping bar, and wipes the ink on the nozzle clean, and then performs subsequent printing work.

[0030] Preferably, the protection device further comprises a splash plate, which is arranged in the receiving groove and used to close the opening of the receiving groove, and a through hole is arranged on the splash plate.

[0031] Because there is liquid in the receiving tank and the print head moves at high speed when working, in some cases, the protective device also moves, so at least one layer of splash guard can be set to prevent the liquid in the receiving tank from splashing out. At the same time, the receiving tank also has an ink discharge hole. When the liquid level exceeds the set height, it will be discharged, and the discharge port is lower than the splash guard.

[0032] A printing device comprises any one of the above-mentioned print heads with a movable protection device.

[0033] It can be seen from the above technical scheme that one beneficial effect brought about by one aspect disclosed by the present invention is that the nozzle protection device and the inkjet device are integrated together, and they work with each other without affecting each other. After the print head completes the inkjet action, the print head quickly retracts to the protection device. The protection device can effectively solve the current nozzle nozzle blockage problem and protect the print head in time, thereby greatly improving the life of the equipment print head and the printing accuracy of the equipment, and can provide relatively large guarantees for the continuity of the equipment operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Attached Figure 1 The figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of a print head with a movable protection device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present invention.

[0035] Attached Figure 2 The present invention is a schematic diagram of a structure of a print head with a movable protection device after a portion of the outer shell is removed according to an embodiment disclosed in the present invention, and an inkjet device extends out of the lower opening of the outer shell to perform printing.

[0036] Attached Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a print head with a movable protection device after a part of the shell is removed according to an embodiment disclosed by the present invention, and the inkjet device extends out of the lower opening of the shell to perform printing work from another angle.

[0037] Attached Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a print head with a movable protective device according to an embodiment disclosed in the present invention after a portion of the shell is removed, and the inkjet device is retracted into the shell and contacts the protective device.

[0038] Attached Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a print head with a movable protection device according to another embodiment disclosed in the present invention after a portion of the shell is removed, and the inkjet device extends out of the lower opening of the shell to perform printing.

[0039] Attached Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a print head with a movable protection device according to another embodiment disclosed by the present invention after a portion of the shell is removed, and the structure of the inkjet device is retracted into the shell.

[0040] Attached Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a print head with a movable protective device after a portion of the shell is removed according to another embodiment disclosed by the present invention, and the inkjet device is retracted into the shell and contacts the protective device.

[0041] Attached Figure 8 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a protective device with a moving protective device disclosed in the present invention.

[0042] Attached Fig. 9 It is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of a protective device with a movable protective device disclosed in the present invention.

[0043] In the figure: a housing 10, an inclined surface 11, a horizontal surface 12, an inkjet device 20, a protective device 30, a receiving groove 31, a wiping strip 32, a sealing strip 33, a splash plate 34, a driving device 40, a protective device driving assembly 41, a driving member 410, a guide member 411, an inkjet device driving assembly 42, a driving portion 420, a moving portion 421, a guide column 422, a slider 423, an inkjet device driving member 43, a mounting frame 430, a vertical driving block 431, a horizontal driving block 432, a guide block 433, and a sliding block 434. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the present invention, a technical solution of an embodiment of the invention is further elaborated in detail.

[0045] At present, if there is a shutdown during operation, people need to manually move the print head to the protection position. This solution is time-consuming and labor-intensive. If people are not near the equipment, they cannot find and deal with the shutdown problem anytime and anywhere. On the other hand, the print head in this protection position is in a non-inkjetting state while waiting for the next process to be completed. If the next process takes too long, it is impossible to effectively prevent the nozzle from being blocked by floating dust in the air. In addition, the existing protection position is exposed to the air, and dust and powder will fall on it for a long time. The protective effect on the print head is minimal, and it is easy to cause secondary pollution to the nozzle blockage.

[0046] All of the above situations will affect the inkjet device 20, causing the nozzle to be blocked, and thus unable to work normally. The problem can only be discovered during product inspection. Therefore, the inkjet device 20 is not blocked, which has a great impact on normal operation. Protecting the inkjet device 20 in time can improve work efficiency and reduce scrap rate.

[0047] Embodiment 1:

[0048] See attached Figure 1 As shown, a print head with a movable protective device 30 includes a housing 10, an inkjet device 20, and a protective device 30.

[0049] The inkjet device 20 and the protective device 30 are arranged side by side in the housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with a lower opening. The inkjet device 20 extends out of the lower opening of the housing 10 to perform printing work, and the inkjet device 20 is retracted into the housing 10 to contact the protective device 30.

[0050] The housing 10 is closed, and a sealing ring is disposed on the inner wall of the lower opening of the housing 10 . The sealing ring is in sealing contact with the inkjet device 20 . The housing 10 also includes a sealing plate, which is used to close or open the lower opening of the housing 10 .

[0051] The lower opening of the housing 10 matches the inkjet device 20 , and the inkjet device 20 extends out from the inkjet port, and the lowest horizontal plane 12 of the inkjet device 20 when extended is higher than the lowest horizontal plane 12 of the lower opening.

[0052] See attached Figure 2 As shown, the bottom surface of the shell 10 includes an inclined surface 11 and a horizontal surface 12 arranged along the long axis, the inclined surface 11 is arranged on both sides of the horizontal surface 12, the horizontal surface 12 is located at the plane where the lowest point of the inclined surface 11 is located, and the lower opening of the shell 10 is arranged on the level.

[0053] It should be supplemented that the print head described in this solution also needs to be provided with an independent power supply device, so that when the device is shut down or the power is cut off, the inkjet device 20 can still be retracted into the housing 10 and contact the protective device 30, thereby achieving timely protection.

[0054] Embodiment 2:

[0055] A print head with a movable protective device 30 comprises a housing 10, an inkjet device 20, a protective device 30, and a driving device 40; the inkjet device 20 and the protective device 30 are arranged side by side in the housing 10, the housing 10 is provided with a lower opening, the inkjet device 20 extends out of the lower opening of the housing 10 to perform printing, and the inkjet device 20 is retracted into the housing 10 to contact the protective device 30. The driving device 40 drives the inkjet device 20 to move to the protective device 30, so that the inkjet device 20 contacts the protective device 30; or the driving device 40 drives the protective device 30 to move to the inkjet device 20, so that the protective device 30 contacts the inkjet device 20.

[0056] Embodiment 3:

[0057] See attached Figures 2 to 4 As shown, on the basis of Example 1 or Example 2, the driving device 40 includes a protection device driving component 41 and an inkjet device driving component 42, the protection device driving component 41 includes a driving member 410 and a guide member 411, the protection device 30 is connected to the guide member 411, the driving member 410 drives the guide member 411 to drive the protection device 30 to move in the horizontal direction; the inkjet device driving component 42 includes a driving part 420, a moving part 421, a guide column 422 and a slider 423, the driving part 420 is connected to the moving part 421, the moving part 421 is connected to the inkjet device 20, the driving part 420 drives the moving part 421 to drive the inkjet device 20 to move in the vertical direction. The guide column 422 is arranged on the bottom surface of the housing 10, the guide column 422 and the slider 423 match, and the slider 423 slides along the guide column 422, and the slider 423 is connected to the inkjet device 20.

[0058] Embodiment 4:

[0059] See attached Figures 5 to 7As shown, on the basis of Example 1 or Example 2, the driving device 40 includes an inkjet device driving member 43, and the inkjet device driving member 43 includes a mounting frame 430, a vertical driving block 431, a horizontal driving block 432, a guide block 433 and a sliding block 434. The vertical driving block 431 is connected to the inkjet device 20 and drives the inkjet device 20 to move in the vertical direction. The vertical driving block 431 is arranged on the mounting frame 430, and the horizontal driving block 432 is connected to the mounting frame 430 and drives the mounting frame 430 to move in the horizontal direction. The guide block 433 is vertically arranged on the mounting frame 430, and the sliding block 434 matches the guide block 433, and the sliding block 434 slides along the guide block 433, and the sliding block 434 is connected to the inkjet device 20.

[0060] Embodiment 5:

[0061] Based on any one of the above embodiments 1 to 4, the protective device 30 includes a receiving groove 31, a moisturizing strip, and a wiping strip 32, wherein the moisturizing strip is arranged in the receiving groove 31, and the wiping strip 32 is arranged on both sides of the receiving groove 31 and along the long axis, the length of the moisturizing strip matches the length of the inkjet device 20, and the length of the wiping strip 32 matches the length of the inkjet device 20; the moisturizing strip is made of at least one material selected from sponge, felt or cotton cloth.

[0062] Embodiment 6:

[0063] Based on any one of the above embodiments 1 to 4, Fig. 9 As shown, the protection device 30 includes a receiving groove 31, a sealing strip 33, and a wiping strip 32. The upper opening of the receiving groove 31 matches the inkjet device 20. A circle of the sealing strip 33 is arranged at the upper opening of the receiving groove 31. The sealing strip 33 is in sealing contact with the inkjet device 20. The wiping strip 32 is arranged on both sides of the receiving groove 31 and along the long axis. The length of the wiping strip 32 matches the length of the inkjet device 20.

[0064] Embodiment 7;

[0065] Based on any one of the above embodiments 1 to 4, Figure 8As shown, the protection device 30 includes a receiving groove 31, a sealing strip 33, a wiping strip 32, and a splash plate 34. The upper opening of the receiving groove 31 matches the inkjet device 20. A circle of the sealing strip 33 is arranged at the upper opening of the receiving groove 31, and the sealing strip 33 is in sealing contact with the inkjet device 20. The wiping strip 32 is arranged on both sides of the receiving groove 31 and arranged along the long axis. The length of the wiping strip 32 matches the length of the inkjet device 20. The splash plate 34 is arranged in the receiving groove 31 and is used to close the opening of the receiving groove 31. The splash plate 34 is provided with a through hole.

[0066] Embodiment 8:

[0067] On the basis of any one of the above-mentioned embodiments 6 to 7, the protection device 30 further includes a negative pressure device, which is connected to the containing groove 31 and sucks out the ink in the nozzle hole when working, thereby preventing the nozzle hole from being blocked.

[0068] Embodiment 9:

[0069] On the basis of any one of the above-mentioned embodiments 6 to 7, the protection device 30 further includes an atomizing device, which is arranged in the containing groove 31 and is used to maintain appropriate humidity in the sealed environment.

[0070] Embodiment 10:

[0071] A printing device is provided with a printing head with a movable protection device 30 in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 9.

Claims

1. A print head with a movable protection device, used for 3D printing, characterized in that: Including a housing, an inkjet device, and a protective device; The inkjet device and the protective device are arranged side by side in the housing, the housing is provided with a lower opening, the inkjet device extends out of the lower opening of the housing to perform printing, and the inkjet device is retracted into the housing to contact the protective device; The lower opening of the housing matches the inkjet device, the inkjet device extends out of the lower opening, and the lowest horizontal plane of the inkjet device when extended is higher than the lowest horizontal plane of the lower opening.

2. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the shell includes an inclined surface and a horizontal surface arranged along the long axis, the inclined surface is arranged on both sides of the horizontal surface, the horizontal surface is located at the plane where the lowest point of the inclined surface is located, and the lower opening of the shell is arranged on the horizontal plane.

3. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell is closed, and a sealing ring is arranged on the inner wall of the lower opening of the shell. The sealing ring is in sealing contact with the inkjet device. The shell also includes a sealing plate, which is used to close or open the lower opening of the shell.

4. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a driving device, which drives the inkjet device to move to the protective device so that the inkjet device contacts the protective device; or the driving device drives the protective device to move to the inkjet device so that the protective device contacts the inkjet device.

5. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving device includes a protection device driving component and an inkjet device driving component, the protection device driving component includes a driving member and a guide member, the protection device is connected to the guide member, the driving member drives the guide member to drive the protection device to move in the horizontal direction; the inkjet device driving component includes a driving part and a moving part, the driving part is connected to the moving part, the moving part is connected to the inkjet device, and the driving part drives the moving part to drive the inkjet device to move in the vertical direction.

6. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inkjet device driving assembly also includes a guide column and a slider, wherein the guide column is arranged on the bottom surface of the shell, the guide column matches the slider, and the slider slides along the guide column, and the slider is connected to the inkjet device.

7. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving device includes an inkjet device driving component, and the inkjet device driving component includes a mounting frame, a vertical driving block, and a horizontal driving block. The vertical driving block is connected to the inkjet device and drives the inkjet device to move in the vertical direction. The vertical driving block is arranged on the mounting frame, and the horizontal driving block is connected to the mounting frame and drives the mounting frame to move in the horizontal direction.

8. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inkjet device driving assembly also includes a guide block and a sliding block, wherein the guide block is vertically arranged on the mounting frame, the sliding block matches the guide block, and the sliding block slides along the guide block, and the sliding block is connected to the inkjet device.

9. The print head with a movement protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The protective device includes a receiving groove, a moisturizing strip, and a wiping strip. The moisturizing strip is arranged in the receiving groove, and the wiping strip is arranged on both sides of the receiving groove and along the long axis. The length of the moisturizing strip matches the length of the inkjet device, and the length of the wiping strip matches the length of the inkjet device; the moisturizing strip is made of at least one material selected from sponge, felt or cotton cloth.

10. The print head with a movement protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The protection device comprises a receiving groove and a sealing strip. The upper opening of the receiving groove matches the inkjet device. The upper opening of the receiving groove is provided with a circle of the sealing strip, and the sealing strip is in sealing contact with the inkjet device.

11. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The protection device further includes at least one of a negative pressure device and an atomization device, wherein the negative pressure device is communicated with the receiving groove, and the atomization device is disposed in the receiving groove.

12. The print head with a moving protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The protection device further comprises a splash plate, which is arranged in the receiving groove and used to close the opening of the receiving groove, and a through hole is arranged on the splash plate.

13. A printing device, characterized in that: A print head with a movement protection device comprising any one of claims 1 to 12.

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