A printer printhead with heated circulating ink and an ink supply method

Abstract

This invention discloses a printer printhead capable of heating and circulating ink, and an ink supply method thereof. The printer printhead includes a printhead body and a circulating heating block. The circulating heating block has multiple circulating ink channels, with the ink inlet and outlet of each channel located at the top of the heating block. The bottom of the heating block has multiple sets of insertion holes, each corresponding to one of the circulating ink channels. Each insertion hole set includes two holes, which communicate with their respective circulating ink channels. The top of the printhead body has an ink inlet tube for insertion into the insertion hole at a position corresponding to the tube. The bottom of the printhead body has nozzles corresponding to the ink inlet tubes, which communicate with their respective inlet tubes. The circulating heating block also includes a circulating water channel, with the inlet and outlet of the water channel located at the top of the heating block. This invention has both ink circulation and ink heating functions, making it suitable for inks with different temperature requirements and achieving optimal printing performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printer printhead technology, and more particularly to a printer printhead capable of heating and circulating ink and an ink supply method. Background Technology

[0002] Inkjet printers spray colored liquid ink into tiny particles through nozzles onto printing paper. Some inkjet printers have multiple printheads so that they can print different types of documents.

[0003] Existing inkjet printers use ink supply devices to directly supply ink to the printhead, lacking ink circulation and heating functions, making them unsuitable for inks with temperature requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a printer printhead and ink supply method with heatable circulating ink, which has ink circulation function and ink heating function, and is suitable for inks with different temperature requirements to achieve the best printing state.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The present invention discloses a printer printhead capable of heating circulating ink, comprising a printhead body and a circulating heating block. The circulating heating block has multiple circulating ink channels, with the ink inlet and outlet of each channel located at the top of the circulating heating block. The bottom of the circulating heating block has multiple sets of insertion holes, each set corresponding to a circulating ink channel. Each set of insertion holes includes two insertion holes, which are connected to the corresponding circulating ink channel. The top of the printhead body has an ink inlet tube for insertion into the insertion hole at a position corresponding to the insertion hole. The bottom of the printhead body has nozzles corresponding to the ink inlet tubes, which are connected to the corresponding ink inlet tubes. The circulating heating block also has a circulating water channel, with the inlet and outlet of the circulating water channel located at the top of the circulating heating block.

[0007] In this solution, during use, the ink inlet tube on the top of the printhead body is inserted into the corresponding socket. Each circulating ink channel is connected to two corresponding ink inlet tubes. The nozzles corresponding to the two ink inlet tubes connected to the same circulating ink channel are used to spray ink of the same color. The inlet of the circulating water channel is connected to the outlet of the hot water supply device, and the outlet of the circulating water channel is connected to the inlet of the hot water supply device. The inlet of the circulating ink channel is connected to the outlet of the corresponding color ink on the ink supply device, and the outlet of the circulating ink channel is connected to the inlet of the corresponding color ink on the ink supply device.

[0008] The hot water supply device supplies hot water to the circulating water channel. The hot water enters through the inlet, passes through the circulating water channel, and returns to the hot water supply device through the outlet. The hot water heats the circulating heating block. The temperature detection module monitors the temperature of the circulating heating block. When the temperature of the circulating heating block reaches the set range, the ink supply device supplies ink of the specified color to each circulating ink channel. The ink enters through the ink inlet, passes through the circulating ink channel, and enters the ink inlet pipe. Excess ink returns to the ink supply device through the ink outlet. The ink in the circulating ink channel is heated by the circulating heating block. When the printhead body is working, the ink is forced into the printhead body through the ink inlet pipe.

[0009] This solution utilizes the heat transfer of water to continuously circulate the water, thereby heating or cooling the ink and controlling its temperature. It is applicable to a wider range of inks with temperature requirements, achieving optimal printing performance.

[0010] Preferably, the circulating ink channel includes a horizontal ink channel arranged horizontally and two vertical ink channels arranged vertically. The top ends of the two vertical ink channels are connected to the ink inlet and the ink outlet, respectively. The two ends of the horizontal ink channel are connected to the bottom ends of the two vertical ink channels, respectively. The two ends of the horizontal ink channel are also connected to the top ends of two corresponding sockets, respectively.

[0011] In existing printers, the ink inlet tubes of the printhead are not interconnected; each inlet tube is connected to an independent ink channel. This can lead to insufficient ink supply when using a high-speed UV flatbed printer for continuous high-volume printing. In this solution, the ink in each circulating ink channel converges in a horizontal ink channel before entering the corresponding two inlet tubes. That is, the inlet tubes corresponding to the two nozzles spraying the same color ink are connected to the same horizontal ink channel, increasing the ink supply to the inlet tubes and making it more suitable for equipment with high-volume continuous printing.

[0012] Preferably, the two longitudinal ink channels of the circulating ink channel correspond one-to-one with the two sockets of the corresponding socket group, and the longitudinal ink channels are coaxial with the corresponding sockets. This further increases the ink supply to the ink inlet tube.

[0013] Preferably, the circulating water channel includes a horizontal water channel arranged horizontally and two longitudinal water channels arranged longitudinally. The top ends of the two longitudinal water channels are connected to the inlet and outlet of the water channel, respectively. The two ends of the horizontal water channel are connected to the bottom ends of the two longitudinal water channels, respectively. The horizontal water channel and the horizontal ink channel are located at the same height. This improves the heating efficiency of the ink in the circulating ink channel.

[0014] Preferably, there are 4 circulating ink channels, which are divided into two groups. The spacing between the 4 longitudinal ink channels in each group is equal. The two longitudinal water channels correspond one-to-one with the two groups of circulating ink channels, and the spacing between the longitudinal water channels and the 4 longitudinal ink channels in the corresponding group of circulating ink channels is equal.

[0015] The hot water in the circulating water channel can evenly heat the ink in each circulating ink channel, making the temperature change of the ink in the four circulating ink channels consistent and improving the printing effect.

[0016] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided at the bottom of the socket. The sealing ring serves to seal and prevent ink leakage.

[0017] Preferably, the printer head for heating circulating ink further includes a sealing cover plate. The bottom surface of the circulating heating block is provided with a groove for accommodating the sealing cover plate. The bottom surface of the groove is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating a sealing ring at a position corresponding to the insertion hole. The sealing ring is disposed in the corresponding receiving groove. The sealing cover plate is disposed in the groove. The sealing cover plate is provided with a through hole for the ink inlet tube to pass through at a position corresponding to the insertion hole.

[0018] In use, insert the ink inlet tube from the top of the printhead body through the corresponding through hole. The ink inlet tube then passes through the through hole and the sealing ring before being inserted into the corresponding socket. The sealing cover and the circulating heating block are detachably connected.

[0019] Preferably, the printer head with heatable circulating ink further includes a hot water supply device, wherein the outlet pipe of the hot water supply device is connected to the inlet of the circulating water channel, and the inlet pipe of the hot water supply device is connected to the outlet of the circulating water channel.

[0020] Preferably, the circulating heating block is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the circulating heating block.

[0021] The present invention provides an ink supply method for a printer printhead, used in the aforementioned printer printhead with heatable circulating ink, comprising the following steps:

[0022] The hot water supply device supplies hot water to the circulating water channel. The hot water enters from the inlet, passes through the circulating water channel, and returns to the hot water supply device from the outlet.

[0023] The temperature detection module detects the temperature of the circulating heating block. When the temperature of the circulating heating block reaches the set range, the ink supply device supplies ink of a specified color to each circulating ink channel. The ink enters from the ink inlet, passes through the circulating ink channel and enters the ink inlet pipe. Excess ink returns to the ink supply device from the ink outlet.

[0024] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) It has ink circulation and ink heating functions, and is suitable for inks with different temperature requirements to achieve the best printing state. (2) It increases the ink supply to the ink inlet tube, making it more suitable for equipment with large ink volume continuous printing. (3) It can uniformly heat the ink in each circulating ink channel, so that the temperature change of the ink in each circulating ink channel is consistent, thus improving the printing effect. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is the left view of the circulating heating block;

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Printhead body, 2. Circulating heating block, 3. Insertion hole, 4. Ink inlet tube, 5. Horizontal ink channel, 6. Vertical ink channel, 7. Horizontal water channel, 8. Vertical water channel, 9. Sealing ring, 10. Sealing cover plate, 11. Ink inlet pagoda connector, 12. Ink outlet pagoda connector, 13. Water inlet pagoda connector, 14. Water outlet pagoda connector, 15. Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Example: A printer printhead capable of heating and circulating ink, as described in this example. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the device includes a printhead body 1 and a circulating heating block 2. The circulating heating block 2 has four circulating ink channels. The ink inlet and outlet of the circulating ink channels are located at the top of the circulating heating block 2. The ink inlet is equipped with an ink inlet pagoda connector 11, and the ink outlet is equipped with an ink outlet pagoda connector 12. The bottom of the circulating heating block 2 has four sets of insertion holes, which correspond one-to-one with the circulating ink channels. Each set of insertion holes includes two insertion holes 3, which are connected to the corresponding circulating ink channels. The top of the printhead body 1 is equipped with an ink inlet tube 4 for inserting into the insertion hole 3. The bottom of the printhead body 1 is equipped with nozzles that correspond one-to-one with the ink inlet tubes 4, and the nozzles are connected to the corresponding ink inlet tubes 4. The circulating heating block 2 also has a circulating water channel. The water inlet and outlet of the circulating water channel are located at the top of the circulating heating block 2. The water inlet is equipped with a water inlet pagoda connector 13, and the water outlet is equipped with an water outlet pagoda connector 14.

[0032] The printer head also includes a hot water supply device, whose outlet pipe is connected to the inlet pagoda connector, and whose inlet pipe is connected to the outlet pagoda connector. The circulating heating block 2 is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the circulating heating block.

[0033] The bottom of the socket 3 is provided with a sealing ring 9. The printer head also includes a sealing cover plate 10. The bottom surface of the circulating heating block 2 is provided with a groove for accommodating the sealing cover plate 10. The socket 3 communicates with the groove. The bottom surface of the groove is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the sealing ring 9 at a position corresponding to the socket 3. The sealing ring 9 is placed in the corresponding receiving groove. The sealing cover plate 10 is placed in the groove. The sealing cover plate 10 is provided with a through hole 15 for the ink inlet tube 4 to pass through at a position corresponding to the socket 3. The sealing cover plate 10 and the circulating heating block 2 are detachably connected.

[0034] In this design, during use, the ink inlet tube on the top of the printhead body is inserted through the corresponding through hole. The ink inlet tube passes through the through hole and the sealing ring in sequence before being inserted into the corresponding insertion hole. The sealing ring acts as a seal to prevent ink leakage. Each circulating ink channel is connected to two corresponding ink inlet tubes. The nozzles corresponding to the two ink inlet tubes connected to the same circulating ink channel are used to spray ink of the same color. The ink inlet pagoda connector of the circulating ink channel is connected to the ink outlet of the corresponding color ink on the ink supply device, and the ink outlet pagoda connector of the circulating ink channel is connected to the ink inlet of the corresponding color ink on the ink supply device.

[0035] The hot water supply device supplies hot water to the circulating water channel. The hot water enters through the inlet pagoda connector, passes through the circulating water channel, and returns to the hot water supply device through the outlet pagoda connector. The hot water heats the circulating heating block. The temperature detection module monitors the temperature of the circulating heating block. When the temperature of the circulating heating block reaches the set range, the ink supply device supplies ink of the specified color to each circulating ink channel. The ink enters through the ink inlet pagoda connector, passes through the circulating ink channel, and enters the ink inlet pipe. Excess ink returns to the ink supply device through the ink outlet pagoda connector. The ink in the circulating ink channel is heated by the circulating heating block. When the printhead body is working, the ink is forced into the printhead body through the ink inlet pipe.

[0036] This solution utilizes the heat transfer of water to continuously circulate the water, thereby heating or cooling the ink and controlling its temperature. It is applicable to a wider range of inks with temperature requirements, achieving optimal printing performance.

[0037] The circulating ink path includes a horizontal ink path 5 arranged horizontally and two vertical ink paths 6 arranged vertically. The top ends of the two vertical ink paths 6 are connected to the ink inlet and ink outlet respectively. The two ends of the horizontal ink path 5 are connected to the bottom ends of the two vertical ink paths 6 respectively. The two ends of the horizontal ink path 5 are also connected to the top ends of the corresponding two sockets 3 respectively. The two vertical ink paths 6 of the circulating ink path correspond one-to-one with the two sockets 3 of the corresponding socket group. The vertical ink path 6 and the corresponding socket 3 are coaxial.

[0038] In existing printers, the ink inlet tubes of the printhead are not interconnected; each inlet tube is connected to an independent ink channel. This can lead to insufficient ink supply when using a high-speed UV flatbed printer for continuous high-volume printing. In this solution, the ink in each circulating ink channel converges in a horizontal ink channel before entering the corresponding two inlet tubes. This means that the inlet tubes corresponding to the two nozzles spraying the same color ink are connected to the same horizontal ink channel, increasing the ink supply to the inlet tubes. This makes it more suitable for equipment with high-volume continuous printing and effectively prevents printhead clogging.

[0039] The circulating water channel includes a horizontal water channel 7 and two longitudinal water channels 8. The top ends of the two longitudinal water channels 8 are connected to the inlet and outlet, respectively. The two ends of the horizontal water channel 7 are connected to the bottom ends of the two longitudinal water channels 8, respectively. The horizontal water channel 7 and the horizontal ink channel 5 are at the same height. The four circulating ink channels are divided into two groups. The spacing between the four longitudinal ink channels 6 in each group is equal. The two longitudinal water channels 8 correspond one-to-one with the two groups of circulating ink channels, and the spacing between the longitudinal water channels 8 and the four longitudinal ink channels 6 in the corresponding group of circulating ink channels is equal.

[0040] Improved heating efficiency of ink in the circulating ink channels. The hot water in the circulating channels can evenly heat the ink in each channel, ensuring consistent temperature changes across all four channels and improving print quality.

[0041] This embodiment provides an ink supply method for a printer printhead, used in the aforementioned printer printhead with heatable circulating ink, comprising the following steps:

[0042] The hot water supply device supplies hot water to the circulating water channel. The hot water enters from the inlet, passes through the circulating water channel, and returns to the hot water supply device from the outlet.

[0043] The temperature detection module detects the temperature of the circulating heating block. When the temperature of the circulating heating block reaches the set range, the ink supply device supplies ink of a specified color to each circulating ink channel. The ink enters from the ink inlet, passes through the circulating ink channel and enters the ink inlet pipe. Excess ink returns to the ink supply device from the ink outlet.

Claims

1. A printer printhead capable of heating and circulating ink, characterized in that, The device includes a printhead body (1) and a circulating heating block (2). The circulating heating block (2) is provided with multiple circulating ink channels. The ink inlet and outlet of the circulating ink channels are located on the top of the circulating heating block (2). The bottom of the circulating heating block (2) is provided with multiple sets of insertion holes. Each set of insertion holes corresponds to a circulating ink channel. Each set of insertion holes includes two insertion holes (3). Each insertion hole (3) is connected to the corresponding circulating ink channel. The top of the printhead body (1) is provided with an ink inlet pipe (4) for inserting into the insertion hole (3). The bottom of the printhead body (1) is provided with a nozzle that corresponds to the ink inlet pipe (4). The nozzle is connected to the corresponding ink inlet pipe (4). The circulating heating block (2) is also provided with a circulating water channel. The inlet and outlet of the circulating water channel are located on the top of the circulating heating block (2). The circulating ink channel includes a horizontal ink channel (5) arranged horizontally and two vertical ink channels (6) arranged vertically. The top ends of the two vertical ink channels (6) are connected to the ink inlet and the ink outlet, respectively. The two ends of the horizontal ink channel (5) are connected to the bottom ends of the two vertical ink channels (6), and the two ends of the horizontal ink channel (5) are also connected to the top ends of the corresponding two sockets (3). The two longitudinal ink channels (6) of the circulating ink channel correspond one-to-one with the two sockets (3) of the corresponding socket group, and the longitudinal ink channels (6) and the corresponding sockets (3) are coaxial; The circulating waterway includes a horizontal waterway (7) arranged horizontally and two longitudinal waterways (8) arranged longitudinally. The top ends of the two longitudinal waterways (8) are connected to the inlet and outlet respectively. The two ends of the horizontal waterway (7) are connected to the bottom ends of the two longitudinal waterways (8) respectively. The horizontal waterway (7) and the horizontal ink channel (5) are located at the same height. There are 4 circulating ink channels, which are divided into two groups. The spacing between the 4 longitudinal ink channels (6) in each group is equal. The two longitudinal water channels (8) correspond one-to-one with the two groups of circulating ink channels. The spacing between the longitudinal water channels (8) and the 4 longitudinal ink channels (6) in the corresponding group of circulating ink channels is equal.

2. The printer printhead with heatable circulating ink according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the insertion hole (3) is provided with a sealing ring (9).

3. A printer printhead capable of heating and circulating ink according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing cover plate (10). The bottom surface of the circulating heating block (2) is provided with a groove for accommodating the sealing cover plate (10). The bottom surface of the groove is provided with a receiving groove for accommodating the sealing ring (9) at the corresponding position of the insertion hole (3). The sealing ring (9) is set in the corresponding receiving groove. The sealing cover plate (10) is set in the groove. The sealing cover plate (10) is provided with a through hole (15) for the ink inlet tube (4) to pass through at the corresponding position of the insertion hole (3).

4. A printer printhead capable of heating and circulating ink according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a hot water supply device, wherein the outlet pipe of the hot water supply device is connected to the inlet of the circulating water channel, and the inlet pipe of the hot water supply device is connected to the outlet of the circulating water channel.

5. A printer printhead with heatable circulating ink according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that, The circulating heating block (2) is equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the circulating heating block.

6. A method for supplying ink to a printer printhead, used in a printer printhead with heatable circulating ink as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The hot water supply device supplies hot water to the circulating water channel. The hot water enters from the inlet, passes through the circulating water channel, and returns to the hot water supply device from the outlet. The temperature detection module detects the temperature of the circulating heating block. When the temperature of the circulating heating block reaches the set range, the ink supply device supplies ink of a specified color to each circulating ink channel. The ink enters from the ink inlet, passes through the circulating ink channel and enters the ink inlet pipe. Excess ink returns to the ink supply device from the ink outlet.

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